Italian Isles and Riviera Radiance

Explore Valletta, where historic buildings and detailed design fill the city. Notice the fortified walls and structured layout as you enter this coastal capital. Recognize filming locations from Game of Thrones, including scenes set in Flea Bottom. Walk beside the Grand Harbor and take in wide views of the Mediterranean. Move through narrow limestone streets lined with bright balconies and residential buildings, and observe daily life in this compact historic center.

Travel from Giardini Naxos to Taormina and pass varied scenery that includes bright sandy shores and coastal views. Visit landmarks such as Palazzo Corvaja and Duomo di San Nicola to see historic structures and local heritage. Walk through the Ancient Greek Theater of Taormina set into the mountainside and observe its original layout and views. Head toward Mount Etna and explore trails across its lower slopes for a hiking experience shaped by volcanic terrain.

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

Perched atop soaring cliffs, Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. A lovely stroll through the historic center will take you to the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Sorrento is the gateway to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, time seems frozen, as you observe the eerie plaster casts of numerous victims who are caught in their final moment of life. Herculaneum, also destroyed by the same eruption, is the smaller sister to Pompeii and offers a closer look at ancient Roman life.

Nestled in the romantic Tyrrhenian Sea, Isola di Ponza is an enchanting gem. The cuisine is an artful blend of fresh, local ingredients and time-honored recipes. Dive into a gastronomic paradise where flavors of the sea dominate the table, like freshly caught seafood, handcrafted pasta, and the island’s beloved zuppa di pesce, fish soup simmered to perfection with local herbs and spices. Visit local vineyards to sample Ponza’s exquisite wines and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions as you enjoy the picturesque surrounding scenery. Beyond the table, the island’s villages are steeped in history, their charming streets echoing the whispers of ancient times. Be sure to explore the intricate architectural tapestry crafted by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines. On Ponza, life is savored slowly. Relish the island’s leisurely ambiance as you sip espresso al fresco, watch the gentle roll of azure waves, and enjoy the sunset’s warm embrace. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a seeker of serenity, Isola di Ponza promises an enriching journey through Italy’s heart and soul.

From the grandeur of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the charming canals of La Venezia Nuova (New Venice), which date back to the Medici era, the Italian city of Florence contains much to explore. The port city of Livorno’s colorful building facades rises above the canal waters as a sight to behold. The long and storied history of Lucca call out to curious explorers seeking a mentally stimulating adventure. Cathedrals, art, culture, food, these iconic Italian cities have it all, and Livorno acts as the hub to make your way to each.

The sea along the Italian Riviera is particularly peaceful, as it gently laps the shore. Snuggled in the Ligurian Coast is the village of Portofino, named after dolphins, Portus Delphini, that frolicked in these waters. The Piazza Martiri Dell’Olivetta is the main square of Portofino at the town’s center. Take a stroll along the row of beautiful multicolored buildings and a number of chic cafes and restaurants. Along the way, grab yourself an Italian gelato or sit down and enjoy a pesto dish before continuing your leisure walk toward the harbor. Not far from the coast, you will find beautiful hidden islands, such as San Fruttuoso and Santa Margherita.

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.