An Extended Journey Of Historic Landmarks & Sun-kissed Islands

There's more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems. The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Pope's private quarters at the Vatican.

Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon. Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000 year old pool for a wellness experience. An ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.

Pitched between mighty Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic calderas of Phlegraean Fields, history is revealed around every corner of Naples, cradle of Italian culture. Baroque churches, Italian-Renaissance palazzi and Neoclassical opera houses leave you breathless, so ride the funicular up to the top of Castel Sant'Elmo for dreamy views of the Bay of Naples and Sorrento Peninsula beyond, gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Beneath the cobblestone streets lies another Naples, a warren of subterranean tunnels hewn by legions of Roman and Greek settlers. Linger longer to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under the wrath of Mount Vesuvius, or hop over to the idyllic Island of Capri.

A bounteous island of mythical volcanic beauty, Capri leaps from the sea with its sculptural landscapes, enormous sea stacks, and mysterious caves including the renowned Blue Grotto. Citrusy scents of lemon, wafting on a lazy breeze, lead us to the blooming flowers of Villa San Michele in beautiful Anacapri.

Walk into the isle's wild side of nature through bougainvillea-bordered paths to the gardens of Villa Cimbrone. Boat to storied Faraglioni rocks where a kiss under the arch is said to seal eternal love, but keep a vigilant eye out for mermaids as Virgil warned. Or find layers of history in the serpentine streets of Capri town or sip sundowners in Piazza Umberto, watching the world drift by.

Saunter into the sultry, sophisticated stretch of the French Riviera. Bardot and blonde beer shine bright in this playground of international glitterati. Bask in the Mediterranean sun, mingle with movie stars, admire the super yachts and enjoy champagne in effortlessly chic cocktail bars. Then slide away from the jet set to take in breathtaking landscapes and verdant hillsides, all the while feasting on the very best fresh local produce. After all the decadence and glamour that the Cote d'Azur delivers, we continue our journey to somewhere a little calmer.

Corsica's capital, a 16th-century citadel cradled by mountains on the island's west coast, could take its magnetic moniker from its founder, the Greek hero Ajax, or from the word adjaccium, Roman for “place to rest”. This is Napoleon's birthplace, so beeline the old town's charming narrow streets to Maison Bonaparte, the family home and now a museum, and Baroque cathedral where he was baptised in the marble font. Meander markets popular with foodies seeking local winemakers, olive oil, chestnuts and cheeses, and kick back on white sands in the beautiful Bay of Ajaccio with views of the Genoese tower on the Parata Peninsula and rust-coloured Sanguinaire islands beyond.

Sea stacks and fishing boats hail all who arrive on San Pietro's saintly shores, a southern Sardinian Island with a distinctly Ligurian flavour. Sea breezes drift through the cobbled streets of Carloforte, where generations-old restaurants tease flavours from smart sommeliers that uncork Sardinian sunshine and serve world-renowned Bluefin Tuna, which is coveted by acclaimed sushi chefs in Tokyo.

Centuries-old walls and hilltop castles tell tales of pirates and plunder, while pretty piazzas and bustling markets set the stage for unhurried moments. Nature sculpts otherworldly forms along a rugged coast, where seabirds swoop around gorse-covered clifftops and scenic sailings reveal hidden coves and honeycomb caverns. Tap into the island's artistic soul among pink-hued salt pans and powder-soft sands, a blank canvas for your island masterpiece.

Beckon the buzz of a small UNESCO-listed island; proud of producing its own cheese, wine and rather distinguished gin. Sink into a lemon-scented laidback lifestyle that reflects elegant Georgian architecture, Spain's oldest opera house, history, art and a monastery-based museum. Off glittering turquoise shores, visit the Royal Naval hospital, shop for world-renowned shoes, amble amongst butterflies up coastal paths and rest for tapas in harbour-side tavernas. Celebrated yet discreet – unhurried Menorca is the low-key location to go and not to be seen.

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind.

Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you're serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.

Experience the magnetic vibes of Ibiza. Relax as you feel the gentle pull of vibrant island life. Experience Las Salinas salt flats, eat paella, sip sangria, meditate, shop boutiques… do whatever you please. Hidden away are fincas, pine valleys, orange groves, almond trees and lush orchards. Retreat to renowned spas for wellbeing, yoga, massage and healing. Soothe in warm waters at private beach affairs. As darkness falls, cavort in bars and clubs where the world's finest DJ's thrill. Warm and easy-going, nature's elements blend beautifully with island life. It's little wonder that Ibiza has drawn artists, writers, gurus and beatniks for years. Some have never left.

Whitewashed buildings have welcomed seafarers to Tunis, gateway to North Africa, since time immemorial. Elegant mosaics carved wooden doorways and intricately tiled courtyards lurk around every corner of the ancient medina (old town), a warren of labyrinthine souks, white-domed mosques and beautiful madrassas (Islamic schools) with their iconic black and white archways and cool arcades.

French influence is palpable in the Ville Nouveau, where wide boulevards lined with eucalyptus lead to the monumental expanse of St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral. Don't miss the ancient Phoenician ruins and astonishing mosaics of Carthage near the pretty oceanfront town of Sidi Bou Said, muse of artists and poets.

Unearth the Med's master of restoration and renovation behind honey-hued Valetta's fortified walls. Strewn with a mass of well-preserved history - head back in time to hand-carved shelters, a maze of subterranean tombs and stone-age temples. Discover war secrets beneath the limestone streets, skim the Grand Harbour aboard a dghajsa, step into state history and get your fill of art and Fat Ladies in museums. But it's not all ancient history - watch buzzing bars spill out onto limestone alleys, treat yourself to Michelin-starred Maltese cuisine, neighbourhood watch and dive over wrecks. Malta may be Europe's tiniest capital, but she packs a might punch.

Giardini Naxos offers a relaxed sweep of sandy bays and Ionian-blue waters, perfectly placed for exploring Taormina's ancient lanes, café-filled piazzas and its iconic Greek Theatre overlooking sea and volcano. From here, Mt. Etna awaits with crater paths, lava fields and Etna DOC wine estates, while coastal boat trips and seafood trattorias invite a slower, sun-soaked pause. A charming gateway to Sicily's culture, scenery and volcanic soul.

Seductive Greek Sirens still sing from Sorrento's shores and lure us into her astonishing beauty of Vesuvian sites, Amalfi hikes and a wealth of pretty Positano pleasures. Wander maze-like Centro Storico laced with hidden gardens and historic churches then prepare your palate for old-school pizzerias and lemony gelato in picturesque Piazza Tasso.

Peer down into the Valle dei Mulini or venture to Lattari Mountain trails and dig into Italy's most famous sites: ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum. Hop a yacht across the Bay of Naples to chic Capri or round Sorenntina Penisola for ravishing Ravello's terraced gardens. Between sips of luscious limoncello and a wealth of wonders, Sorrento smoulders with eternal dolce vita glamour.

There's more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems. The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Pope's private quarters at the Vatican. Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon. Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000 year old pool for a wellness experience. An ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.