Italy, Greece and Adriatic - Barcelona to Rome

With its unforgettable charm, breathtaking architecture, rich history, warm Mediterranean waters and colourful landscapes, Barcelona is an extraordinary place to visit. Allowing you to soak up the sights, sounds and flavours of different cultures, its a must-see destination that offers class, charm and excitement in equal measures.

Sir Walter Scott famously declared Valletta a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen, and the superbly landscaped parks and palaces within its 16th century sandstone fortifications make it clear why. Valettas narrow streets are cool and inviting, and St Johns Co-Cathedral is a catholic masterpiece. In the National War Museum you can see the George Cross awarded for Maltas role in World War II.

Nestled deep in an atmospheric and secluded bay, the fortified city of Kotor in Montenegro is steeped in history. Characterized by winding streets and squares its magic and attraction are undeniable. Kotors ninth-century walls blend into the mountainside by day, but then bathe in light when night falls. Within these dramatic walls lies a town of mazes of walkways and irresistible charm.

A Kotor cruise is just the antidote for those looking to escape and find romance, history and unique beauty. Sail into the bay and admire the mountains that rise up dramatically around you you will soon see why many compare the bay to a fjord.

To learn more about the history of this old city, head to the Maritime Museum of Montenegro. The museum celebrates the historic status of Kotor as a powerful naval force. Inside the beautiful 18th century palace, you will find photographs, paintings, weapons and uniforms, helping to bring the past to life. You may also want to visit the Sea Gate, the main entrance to the town, constructed in 1555 under Venetian rule. There are a few main things to look out for on the gate, such as the date the city was liberated from the Nazis, accompanied by a communist star and quote from Tito. Then there is Venices symbol, the winged lion of St Mark, proudly marked on the surface. Lastly, keep an eye out for the 15th century Madonna and child, next to St. Tryphon and St. Bernard.

Start off your visit to Kotor by having a look at St Tryphons Cathedral, arguably Kotors most impressive building. A catholic cathedral consecrated in the 12th century, it had to be reconstructed after a number of earthquakes left it in ruins. Baroque bell towers were added in 1667, and classic Corinthian columns add a dash of traditional Romanesque architecture. St Tryphons remains now rest in the chapel. There are also a number of churches which reveal facets of Kotors history to explore and admire, such as St Marys Collegiate Church, St Lukes Church and St Nicholas Church.

Moving from the religious to the military, another fascinating sight to see during your visit are the town walls. Kotors fortifications date back to the ninth century, and while a protective loop was completed by the 14th century, the walls continued being developed until the 19th century. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb up 4,000 feet via 1,350 steps until you are 850 feet above sea level. The beautiful views are worth the hard slog just make sure to avoid the hottest parts of the day and take plenty of water. Kotor is a wonderful place to explore by foot, and to just soak up the atmosphere. Stop in any one of the bars for a drink, or to pick up some traditional Montenegrin food. A traditional Montenegrin dish is Japraci a rich beef stew with peppers, spices and rice. When it is time to work off your meal, experience Kotor Bay from the best vantage point possible, the water. Kayaking, swimming and heading out on a catamaran are all great ways to experience the unique atmosphere and stunning views unique to Kotor Bay.

A vast third-century compound, The Palace of Diocletianis is Splits main attraction. Its fortresslike complex houses an arched entrance court, temples, mausoleums, statues and even Egyptian Sphinxes. Gorge on an emperors banquet of delicious local fish and cheeses on Dalmatias coast its a fitting feast after exploring the white Roman palace

Zadar is a historic place, with Roman ruins and medieval churches to explore. Meanwhile, the cosmopolitan cafs and restaurants are great places to relax and enjoy the towns distinct ambience.

A little slice of eternal Italy that sits between Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast. Trieste is a charming destination which has been furnished decorously by grandeur and royalty through the centuries. The heart of the medieval old city and its neo-classical Austrian quarter offer great expressions of this seaports colourful past. The food is divine, the culture vibrant, and ambience quite unique.

The important capital of the Friuli Venezia Guilia region of northeast Italy, Trieste may be small but it has a big story to tell. The Roman theatre built between the first and second century AD now plays host to performances throughout the summer months. From Byzantine times to Germanic, Jewish and Slavic influences, traces of great rulers and regimes gone by live on in todays architecture all around. Take a tour in any direction for a fascinating discovery of the times and tastes of Trieste on your Mediterranean cruise.

Gently cruise into Dubrovnik, a town filled with architectural wonder, crystal clear waters warmed by the Adriatic Sea, sun-baked terracotta rooftops, and slender Baroque streets dotted with charming cafes and bars. The pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik provides the perfect mix of culture-rich experiences, delicious dining, and breathtaking scenery. Not forgetting the opportunity to explore the iconic Old City Walls, which were heavily featured in HBOs multi-award-winning fantasy series, Game of Thrones. Drift into a land of Baroque charm, making memories that will stay with you long after you depart.

With its sun-kissed beaches, incredible history and culture, and delicious Greek cuisine, Corfu is a must-see destination if youre embarking on a cruise of the Greek islands.
Situated above the Adriatic Sea, Corfu is known for its picturesque old fishing villages, warm waters and jaw-dropping coastal roads that will make you feel as though you are a million miles away from home. As the second-largest Ionian island, there is a lot to see from the moment you sail into Corfu.

An authentic, rugged and definitely non-touristy Greek island community, Cephalonias unspoilt and timeless allure is a wonderful setting for a true love story including Captain Corelli's Mandolin. The largest of the Ionian islands, Cephalonia is home to just 30,000 residents, living mainly in the coastal towns and resorts. Others live much as they have done for centuries, in remote mountain villages.

Greek legends, migrating wildlife, and the occasional mirage make a journey through the Strait of Messina a uniquely fascinating voyage. Connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea, between the Eastern tip of Sicily and Western Calabria, the narrow waterway of Italys Strait of Messina provides passage to more than 300 migrating birds and is a hotbed of biodiversity.

Swordfish migrate here annually between May and July, and can regularly be sighted along the waters surface, while storks, flamingos, Egyptian vultures, and record numbers of birds of prey are among the Strait of Messinas regular feathered visitors.
Just 3 kilometres (a little shy of 2 miles) at its narrowest point, and with a naturally occurring whirlpool at its northern tip, the Strait has been linked to the Greek legend of Scylla and Charybdis; two opposing sea monsters believed to have inhabited the waters in ancient times.

Fata Morgana, or mirage, have also been known to appear on the horizon here. Historically thought to be conjured up by sorceresses to lure unsuspecting sailors, these mirages take shape when the atmosphere is just so and have been witnessed when looking towards Sicily from Calabria.
Combined with spectacular coastal scenery, including the mountain ranges of Monte Dinnammare and Peloritani, a sail along the Strait of Messina holds the promise of many magical encounters.

A cruise to Naples begins as soon as you gently sail into the picturesque bay, shadowed by Mount Vesuvius, and nestled away in the heart of the Campania region famed for the most delicious pizza in Italy.
With spectacular views stretching out toward Capri and Ischia islands, the port of Naples is an extraordinary gateway to a magical region.