The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.

Not as famous as other towns along the French Riviera, Toulon is, nevertheless, every bit as enchanting. The laid-back promenade offers a variety of enticing cafes and restaurants to choose from. (The bouillabaisse here is among the best in the world!)

From the port of Livorno, the glories of Italys remarkable region of Tuscany unfold. Whether you opt to visit the renaissance splendours of Florence or the equally stunning city of Pisa, youre guaranteed an unforgettable day. In Florence, its shop-lined Ponte Vecchio, trademark Piazza del Duomo, and striking Signoria Square, are all in walking distance of one another. And in the famous city of Pisa, gaze in awe at the gravity defying Leaning Tower, which for centuries visitors have flocked to see.

Legendary fountains, piazzas, ancient architecture and cathedrals await your discovery in Italys capital. At the Trevi Fountain capture the magic of Romes grandest fountain. Gaze up at the horizon and youll no doubt see St Peters Basilica. Visible from nearly everywhere in the city, it is built on the site where St Peter was martyred and buried. Witness the beautiful paintings of Michelangelo at the magnificent Sistine Chapel. And no visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to its imposing amphitheatre, the Colosseum.

Naples is the perfect gateway to visit picturesque Sorrento and the historical ruins of Pompeii. Sorrento was once a favourite resort to the Romans and evidence of their wealth can be found around every corner. Explore the imposing Duomo with its distinctive 13 th century cloister and the charming flower filled town. For a poignant taste of Roman history visit the ruins of Pompeii, a once prosperous city now frozen in time. Now it is preserved by the very thing that destroyed its flourishing civilisation, the ash of the mighty volcano, Vesuvius.

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.

Nestling on the sparkling Dalmatian coast, the medieval Croatian port of Split, faces the myriad magical islands of the Kornati archipelago which include Brac, Hvar and Vis.

Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era Forum is 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, with religious art dating to the 8th century. There’s also the grand, 12th-century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and the round, 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus.

This beautiful city is situated on the Dalmatian coastline of the Adriatic sea at the southern end of Croatia. Amazingly, most of the war damage has been repaired and Dubrovnik is once again the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.