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.

Legendary fountains, piazzas, ancient architecture and cathedrals await your discovery in Italy’s capital. At the Trevi Fountain capture the magic of Rome’s grandest fountain. Gaze up at the horizon and you’ll 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.

From the port of Livorno, the glories of Italy’s remarkable region of Tuscany unfold. Whether you opt to visit the renaissance splendours of Florence or the equally stunning city of Pisa, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable day. In Florence, its shop-lined Ponte Vecchio, trademark Piazza del Duomo, and striking Signoria Square, are all in walking distance of one another. And in the famous city of Pisa, gaze in awe at the gravity defying Leaning Tower, which for centuries visitors have flocked to see.

If the French Riviera were only Cannes, it would be enough! The glamorous yachts inhabited by glamorous people. The elegant Boulevard de la Croisette. The stunning Old Town, situated on the hillside overlooking the harbour. The colourful gardens tracing the Gulf of Napoule. The beautiful beaches and the endless profusion of cafes and boutiques make this one of the most delightful spots in the world. Formerly a fishing village, Cannes is the jewel of the Cote D’Azur.

Even on the beautiful island of Corsica, towns don’t come much prettier than Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, where the warmth of Italian Dolce Vita and the style and cuisine of France combine to create an atmosphere that’s quite unique.

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.