Western Mediterranean

An island with a rare distinction, Malta is the only place to have been awarded the George Cross for valour. Described by Sir Walter Scott as ‘the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen, its capital, Valletta, is a beautifully preserved 16 th century walled city. Today, its imposing Grand Harbour bears witness to the Crusaders and Knights Templar who built here on their way to and from the holy land. For the best views of the city, take to the waterways in a ‘dghajjes or ‘barkloris, a traditional Maltese boat.

Even on the beautiful island of Corsica, towns dont come much prettier than Ajaccio, Napoleons birthplace, where the warmth of Italian Dolce Vita and the style and cuisine of France combine to create an atmosphere thats quite unique.

Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany. Its known for its seafood, Renaissance-era fortifications and modern harbor with a cruise ship port. Its central Terrazza Mascagni, a waterside promenade with checkerboard paving, is the citys main gathering place. The bastions of the 16th-century Fortezza Vecchia face the harbor and open onto Livornos canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter

Legendary fountains, piazzas, ancient architecture and cathedrals await your discovery in Italys capital. At the Trevi Fountain capture the magic of Romes grandest fountain. Gaze up at the horizon and youll no doubt see St Peters Basilica. Visible from nearly everywhere in the city, it is built on the site where St Peter was martyred and buried. Witness the beautiful paintings of Michelangelo at the magnificent Sistine Chapel. And no visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to its imposing amphitheatre, the Colosseum.

Naples is the perfect gateway to visit picturesque Sorrento and the historical ruins of Pompeii. Sorrento was once a favourite resort to the Romans and evidence of their wealth can be found around every corner. Explore the imposing Duomo with its distinctive 13 th century cloister and the charming flower filled town. For a poignant taste of Roman history visit the ruins of Pompeii, a once prosperous city now frozen in time. Now it is preserved by the very thing that destroyed its flourishing civilisation, the ash of the mighty volcano, Vesuvius.

An island with a rare distinction, Malta is the only place to have been awarded the George Cross for valour. Described by Sir Walter Scott as ‘the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen, its capital, Valletta, is a beautifully preserved 16 th century walled city. Today, its imposing Grand Harbour bears witness to the Crusaders and Knights Templar who built here on their way to and from the holy land. For the best views of the city, take to the waterways in a ‘dghajjes or ‘barkloris, a traditional Maltese boat.