France, Italy & Maltese Gems

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.

Ibiza, a radiant jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, is synonymous with electrifying nightlife, stunning beaches and a bohemian spirit that enchants all who visit.

Mahón, the charming capital of Menorca, is a hidden Mediterranean gem known for its serene harbour, historic architecture and rich tapestry of cultures.

La Goulette, known in Arabic as Halq al-Wadi, is the port of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. The Kasbah fortress was built in 1535 by Charles I of Spain but was captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1574

Nestled on the western coast of Sicily, Trapani is a captivating harbour town that serves as a gateway to the island's unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

Mġarr, a quaint harbour town on the idyllic island of Gozo, Malta, offers a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life.

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a stunning jewel of the Mediterranean, renowned for its rich history, architectural elegance and vibrant culture.

Lipari, the largest and most vibrant of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history and Mediterranean charm.

Amalfi, a jewel of Italy's Amalfi Coast, exudes timeless beauty and Mediterranean allure.

Rome, the Eternal City, stands as an unparalleled testament to millennia of history, culture and influence.

The Sardinian coastline is serrated by deep-cut coves of sparkling sea, surrounded by rocky prominences and edged in lovely strands of beach. The Aga Khan fell in love with the place, and dubbed it the Costa Smeralda, creating a magnet for the global glitterati. At Golfo Aranci, shining arcs of silvery sand are linked into a larger curve, encircled by a muscular peninsula that looms protectively between the town and the sea. It looks expensive, and it is.

Perched on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calvi beckons with its blend of idyllic beaches and historical allure.

Nestled along the rugged Italian Riviera, Portofino emerges as a quaint jewel among the Mediterranean's coastal treasures.

The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of Riviera chic. This tiny enclave of 370 acres surrounds a sheltered harbor that draws yachts from around the world to enjoy the beautiful scenery, mild weather and elegant casino. Glamorous Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's four quarters, which also include La Condamine, the business district; Monaco-ville, the capital; and Fontvieille, an area built on reclaimed land. Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco has a population of over 32,000, of which about 16 percent are citizens, or Monégasques.

Cavalaire is the southernmost beach resort along the Cote d’Azur, and takes pride in its distinction from nearby St. Tropez. Where the latter is all about glamour and glitz, and notably expensive in season, Cavalaire has a family-friendly atmosphere that mainly exploits its three-mile sandy beach and a wide variety of watersports to be enjoyed in the clear, clean waters. The beach was used by the Allies during the invasion of the Provence coast in 1944, but today it hosts a battalion of tots with sand pails and couples with coolers. Along the coast in both directions are a scattering of the hidden coves with creeks and small sandy beaches that give privacy to those with skills to handle the descents. Others, such as Bonporteau and Le Dattier are more easily accessed. Offshore, the playgrounds of the Iles d’Or beckon, and Porquerolles is a short ferry ride away. In the Massif des Maures behind the town, villages like Collobrieres and La Mole invite a pleasant stroll. The 17-acre Domaine de Rayol contains a variety of the sorts of scenic seaside gardens that are the pride of the Cote d’Azur.

Sète, often hailed as the Venice of Languedoc, is a charming port town in southern France, crisscrossed by a network of canals and bridges.

Nestled on Spain's dazzling Costa Blanca, Alicante is a coastal gem that seamlessly blends history, modernity and Mediterranean charm.

Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, is a Mediterranean gem that entices travellers with its diverse beauty.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.