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 pedestrianised centre of Split is easy to walk around. Wander around its huddle of alleys and piazzas and then, for a great view, climb the exposed steps to the top of the 200ft-high cathedral bell tower. Sip a drink at one of the many cafés along the seafront Riva or pop into a Konoba (wine cellar) to sample the excellent locally produced reds and whites. Culinary specialities include smoke and wind dried ham, stewed beef with noodles and delicious lamb dishes. Just three miles from Split are the ruins of ancient Salona, once capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.

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’.

Corfu is a beguiling island of wildflowers and cypress groves, Venetian architecture and herb scented mountains. It is also an island where you’ll discover the shallow waters of the Aegean Sea as it laps long stretches of golden sand. In Corfu Town, wander the narrow alleyways of the Venetian old town, explore the two fortresses and gasp in awe at the stunning views. Take a ferry across to the islet known as Mouse Island, which according to legend, is actually a ship turned to stone!

Taranto is a coastal city in southern Italy. It lies between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea) bodies of water. Bridges link the mainland to the old town, on a small island. This is home to the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the Spartan Museum of Taranto, and San Cataldo Basilica, with a baroque facade. The MArTA Archaeological Museum has a collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages

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.