DAY 1 Valletta, Malta

Discover the myriad of cultural layers of Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colourful fishing village. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns where the Knights of St. John once held sway.

DAY 2 Tunis, Tunisia 

Meander through Tunis’ opulent, historic medina with its winding alleys and souks. Visit the superb Bardo Museum with its spectacular Roman mosaics or the lovely whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Saïd, perched on a cliff above the sea, a charming spot of cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and ornate window grills painted deep blue.

DAY 3 Palermo (Sicily), Italy

Immerse yourself in the glorious history of this ancient city and its magnificent monuments, like the imposing Norman cathedral and the majestic 9th century Arab palace and its breath-taking Palatine Chapel. Admire the marvellous opera house and the artefacts in the archaeological museum.

DAY 4 Naples/Pompeii, Italy

Spend a day exploring the fabulous ruins of ancient Pompeii or Herculaneum with their stunning temples, frescoes and mosaics. Explore fascinating Naples and its famed museums, visit charming Sorrento or take a boat trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri.

DAY 5 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Michelangelo’s Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.

DAY 6 Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy

Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo’s magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa’s superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewellery, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savour the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite variety of breads, cakes and salamis.

DAY 7 Calvi (Corsica), France

Beautiful Calvi on the island of Corsica is a beach town with a medieval past. Stroll through the village and enjoy a café meal adjacent to the distinctive Église Sainte-Marie, a historic pink church. Or traverse the cobblestones a bit further to see the stunning view from the citadel, a 15th-century fortress overlooking the bay. On the way, be sure to keep an eye out for a plaque indicating the home that is said to be Christopher Columbus’s birthplace.

DAY 8 Cannes, France

The quintessential Côte d’Azur resort town, Cannes has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Its epicenter is La Croisette, a boutique-lined boulevard with a legendary seven-mile beach. While it’s easy to spend a day here people-watching, be sure to venture up Susquet Hill and wander the winding streets of the old town. The 12th century Chapel of St. Anne and the eclectic collection of art in the Museum of the Castre will be of interest. The hilltop also affords phenomenal views of Cannes and the Lérins Islands lying just offshore.

DAY 9 Toulon, France 

Lying on a natural harbor on the French Riviera, Toulon is France’s principal naval base, and the waterfront is always full of life. Designed around stately fountains and small squares, the Old City is tucked between the harbor and boulevard de Strasbourg, and its Cathédrale Saint-Marie-Majeure is noteworthy for its Romanesque architecture. The city is also rich in history, much of it on display in the marine museum and the Museum of Toulon, celebrated for its Provençal paintings. For the ultimate view of Toulon, ride the cable car to Mount Faron.

DAY 10 Barcelona, Spain

Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí’s other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona’s famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breath taking setting high in the mountains.

DAY 11 Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Explore this beautiful island beginning with the magnificent Seo Cathedral and Bellver Castle. See the windmills and impressive manor house in the verdant countryside. Discover the amazing natural wonders in the Drach Caves. And for romance, visit the former Carthusian monastery in Valldemosa, where George Sand and Chopin spent a winter.

DAY 12 Cartagena, Spain 

This walled city has always been a major naval port due to its natural harbour and strategic location. Enjoy a hilltop view from Concepción Castle, which served as a fortress for the Carthaginians, Romans and other peoples who once occupied the city. Visit the 1st century B.C. Roman Theatre, the remains of the 13th century Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Naval Museum. For modernist architecture, see the City Hall, Grand Hotel and Casino.

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