Provence (Marseille), France
See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Provenal countryside and explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and see the Papal palace, the famed bridge and the hilltop village of Les Baux.
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 Cote d'Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence - each one a jewel to be savored.
La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy
Head out of town and discover the five stunning, colorful towns clinging to the cliffs along the coast. Hike along the trail connecting them or take a boat tour and see them from the water as ancient seafarers did. Go ashore and explore a picturesque town and its castle. Or visit intriguing Portovenere, another colorful town rising above one end of La Spezia's harbor with breathtaking views and the lovely Church of San Pietro.
Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
Explore the fabled architecture of Renaissance Florence: the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, the Baptistery, Michelangelo's David, the bridge over the Arno and the Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa's superb Field of Miracles and the iconic Leaning Tower. Or lose yourself in the Tuscan countryside and the towns of Siena and San Gimignano.
Bonifacio (Corsica), France
Stroll down the narrow, twisting lanes of this lovely walled cliff-top medieval town past ancient buildings where native son Napoleon walked when he commanded the local garrison in 1793. Visit stunning churches like Ste. Marie-Majeure, a 12th-century structure with a fountain that collects rainwater, and the old market. Or explore the starkly beautiful countryside and Sartne, a traditional Corsican town.
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Spend a day reveling in magnificent monuments from the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica, the Pita and Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely, medieval Castel Gandolfo.
Amalfi/Positano, Italy
Visit enchanting Amalfi and admire the 12th-century Capuchin monastery and see the beautiful 11th-century Cathedral and cloister. Then discover chic Positano with its relaxed, sophisticated air and white Moorish-style houses clinging to steep slopes around a sparkling bay filled with colorful fishing boats.
Taormina (Sicily), Italy
Enjoy magnificent panoramic views on the way up to the town where you can stroll down medieval lanes past stunning palaces. See the famed Greek Theater and its fantastic view of Mt. Etna. Or take a trip to the volcano itself and get a first-hand look at cones, craters and lava streams from previous eruptions and a fantastic view over the Gulf of Catania. Venture into the countryside and its lovely hill towns, one with a Norman Castle built of black lava, and visit beautiful old Catania.
Santorini, Greece
Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira's museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri and visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.
Rhodes, Greece
Enjoy a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master's Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Or drive along the scenic coast to Lindos. Enjoy the whitewashed little town and climb to the ancient acropolis, its temples and wonderful views.
Kusadasi, Turkey
Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or, journey to three monumental cities of antiquity Ð Priene, Miletus and Didyma, renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.
Mitilini (Lesbos), Greece
Explore this bustling city's ancient roots, and visit the huge castle perched on the hill - the beautiful Greek theater that the Romans repaired and then copied back in Rome! See the impressive Cathedral and the Church of St. Nicholas, converted from a mosque. Enjoy the Archaeological Museum or one of the fine art museums. Venture into the old quarter near the waterfront to enjoy the old Turkish mansions or into the countryside and discover quaint villages where time has stopped. |
