Greek Isles

With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivalled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live ‘la dolce vita’, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy – The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.

Καθώς πλησιάζετε στη Βαλέτα – την πρωτεύουσα της Μάλτας, ενός μικροσκοπικού νησιωτικού κράτους που βρίσκεται στο σταυροδρόμι της Ευρώπης και της Αφρικής – θα δείτε το χρυσαφένιο αστικό της τοπίο να εμφανίζεται στον ορίζοντα, στεφανωμένο από τον επιβλητικό τρούλο της Βασιλικής της Παναγίας του Καρμήλου. Η εκκλησία του 16ου αιώνα είναι μόνο μία από τις πολλές ανακαλύψεις που σας περιμένουν στη Βαλέτα – ολόκληρη η πόλη είναι μνημείο παγκόσμιας κληρονομιάς της UNESCO. Εξερευνήστε τον καθεδρικό ναό του Αγίου Ιωάννη, ένα πλούσια διακοσμημένο μπαρόκ ιερό που αντανακλά τον πρώην πλούτο των Ιπποτών της Μάλτας. Περπατήστε στο Παλάτι του Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου, όπου μπορείτε να δείτε όπλα και πανοπλίες από την εποχή της ιπποσύνης στο οπλοστάσιο του Παλατιού. Απολαύστε τη θέα στον ωκεανό από το Grand Harbor, ένα παραθαλάσσιο φρούριο που χρονολογείται από το 1530.

Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cosy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history amongst excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.

Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses, sparkling blue waters and red-hot nightlife, The Island of the Winds is as colourful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms, or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-beaten-track Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse, and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join in the raucous beach party on Super Paradise’s shimmering sands, or watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna.

With a skyline defined by towering Mount Vesuvis, Naples is a bustling Italian city brimming with beauty. Experience its rich neoclassical architecture at sites like Gesu Nuovo Church, with its lavish interior adorned with detailed frescoes, statues and gold inlay. Go even deeper into history at the San Gennaro catacombs, where Naples’ first bishops were buried in the second century AD. Walk along the Miglio Sacro (‘Holy Mile’) and people-watch your way through the cafes and shops of the Sanita district with a zuccherato (sweetened espresso) in hand. Jump onboard a Naples cruise and take the short bus ride to the base of Mount Vesuvius – it’s an easy 20- to 30-minute hike will take you to the summit – and tour the ruins of Pompeii afterward.

With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivalled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live ‘la dolce vita’, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy – The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.