Located just south of France on the island of Corsica, Ajaccio is rich in history and astonishing views, all set in the sun-drenched Mediterranean climate. Napoleon is Corsica‘s most recognisable historical personality – when you‘re strolling through town, make sure to visit the Maison Bonaparte Napoleon‘s family home and a historical museum. Pop into the beautiful Baroque-style Notre Dame Cathedral, where Napoleon was baptised. Here, you‘ll also find important artwork by Tintoretto and Delacroix. Cruise to Corsica and hop on Le Petit Train, or ‘the little train‘, for a tour of town. For a taste of nature, head out to the Calanques de Piana, a range of dramatic red-rock cliffs.

As you approach this lovely port from the sea, you‘ll marvel at the castles and cathedrals, perched on successive terraces. Originally settled over 2,700 years ago, Cagliari retains much of its original seaside charm. To learn more about this exciting port, please refer to our Port Explorer guide.

Extravagant and vibrant, Palermo invites you into an array of flavours, colours and bustling streets. Set in a peaceful bay surrounded by Sicily‘s fertile basin Conca d‘Oro, named for the golden colour of the orange groves, the city bears traces of historic invasions by the Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Spanish and Normans. Head to La Vucciria market to sample almonds, marzipan, spices, peppercorns and candied fruits. Then, explore the historic centre – visit the Cathedral, which dates back to 600 AD and features Gothic, Moorish and Baroque architectural elements. Then, take the short drive to Mt Pellegrino, where you can trek up the granite cobbled hiking path and take in the refreshing greenery of the natural reserve.

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.

Athens offers a looking glass back in time into Greece‘s powerful ancient civilization. Art lovers, epicureans and history buffs will be delighted by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town. Just 10 minutes from the port, you‘ll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, filled with sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans. Walk to the Zea Harbour to discover how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece‘s naval capacities. Jump onboard an Athens cruise and relax at the small harbor of Mikrolimano, enjoying a meal of grilled octopus and chilled white wine at a small restaurant overlooking the sea.

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.