Day 1: 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 breathtaking setting high in the mountains.
Day 2: Mahón, Spain
Enjoy delightful Mahon and its charming shops. Then explore the island and savour its dramatic views and landscape, quaint villages, farms and well-preserved taulas of the island’s megalithic civilisation. Perhaps see a castle or a monastery and impressive cliff-top views
Day 3: 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 harbour 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 4: Saint-Tropez, France
Beyond the port, enjoy the exquisite hilly Provençal countryside and its charming villages with their narrow stepped streets, lovely churches and stunning scenic views. Visit a local winery or take a drive along the rugged coast and revel in the wonderful views of the beaches, the landscape, the islands and the magnificent forested ridges of the Massif des Maures.
Day 5: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City; then stroll through this marvelous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don’t forget the Casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the Côte d’Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence – each one a jewel to be savoured.
Day 6: Bastia (Corsica), France
Celebrated as the gateway to Corsica, Bastia brims with architectural treasures, a fascinating history and impressive epicurean offerings. Derived from “bastion,” the ancient port’s name references the Genoese fortress, which was built for protection in the 14th century and now houses the Musée de Bastia. Stroll the narrow lanes of Terra Vecchia, the old quarter of Bastia, for a glimpse into the heart of the city. Take in the baroque beauty of Immaculate Conception chapel and the atmospheric vistas of Old Port, ringed by 18th century buildings and the marina. Pause for coffee or a glass of wine in Place Saint-Nicolas, a 19th century square lined with charming terrace cafés.
Day 7: Porto Torres (Sardinia), Italy
Visit Turris Libisonis to tour some of the island’s best-preserved Roman ruins and the archaeological museum to see artifacts unearthed as the modern city expanded around – and even on top of – the once crucial outpost. Gazing up at Basilica di San Gavino’s wooden ceiling, you’ll understand why one visitor compared it to a poem. Travel into the countryside to sip the island’s signature wines, or find the perfect spot on one of Sardinia’s beautiful beaches and drift off to the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Day 8: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy
Just off the coast of Tuscany, Monte Argentario rises from the sea. On the slopes of the mountain stands Porto Santo Stefano, a town under constant siege by pirates until the 16th century when the Spanish fortified the seaport. The imposing Spanish fortress still dominates the harbour, and a walk along the citadel’s walls and staircases reveals a fascinating history as well as splendid views. For more leisurely pursuits, take the ferry to nearby Giglio Island and relax on one of the quiet beaches lapped by crystal clear waters.
Day 9: Salerno, Italy
Experience the sublime atmosphere of the towns and villages that punctuate the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its quintessentially Mediterranean scenery. Stroll along Salerno’s elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade with far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. From Amalfi’s quaint Piazza Duomo, walk up ancient steps to the stunning Cathedral of Saint Andrew, while in kaleidoscopic Positano, take postcard-worthy photos of houses precariously perched on the shoreside cliffs.
Day 10: Trapani (Sicily), Italy
Perched on a low-lying, palazzi-dotted promontory on Sicily’s western coast, Trapani reveals a hint of its medieval past in its historic core’s tightly knit maze of narrow streets. The rebuilt 14th century Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the grand Sanctuary of the Annunciation, which holds a fascinating regional museum, are nuggets well worth a visit. Wandering the Villa Margherita public gardens makes for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 11: 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 colorful 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.
