FROM PIRaeUS (ATHENs) TO PALMA DE MALLORCA

Set in a picturesque bay, Argostolion, the capital of the Ionian island of Kefalonia, oozes charm and history. The town’s historic Vallianou Square, surrounded by cosy tavernas, is a great place to enjoy life, while the Church of Agios Spyridon is impressive with its richly decorated interior. The lively waterfront promenade invites you to take a relaxing stroll past impressive harbours and bustling markets, affording an insight into the local way of life. One of the highlights of the town is the De Bosset stone bridge, which stretches 690 m (755 yards) across the bay, connecting Argostolion to the opposite coastline. Just a few kilometres away is Makris Gialos beach with its crystal-clear waters – perfect for soaking up the sun and letting your mind drift.

With mighty Mount Etna standing guard over the city, Catania follows its own rhythm of fire and zest for life. Lava rock features in the city’s Baroque facades and Sant’Agata Cathedral stands majestic over the lively piazza. Life is bustling in the narrow streets, the fish market is a spectacle for the senses and the Sicilian sun bathes everything in a warm light. The volcano tells a tale of past wrath, while Catania greets its visitors with warmth, hospitality and a deep love of its own culture.

High above the turquoise sea lies the pearl of Calabria, Tropea, clinging to the clifftop. The old town is enchanting with its narrow streets and squares and the air is filled with the scent of lemons and the smiles of the people. From the church of Santa Maria dell’Isola, visitors have a magnificent view of the endless blue sea surrounding the town. Life in Tropea follows the rhythm of the waves and the sea breeze that rises up into the hills, and is bathed in the warmth of Calabria, which permeates through every corner of the town.

The sun’s rays are reflected in the deep blue sea and local life in Salerno promenades along the Lungomare Trieste. The cathedral, whose bells ring out over the roofs of the old town, dates back to Norman times with its tales of legends. Lemon groves give the city a warm embrace of yellow and green, while the scent of pasta and fresh herbs wafts through the air. The waterfront promenade takes you straight into the heart of southern Italy – a real meeting point between tradition, a zest for life and the eternal appeal of the sea.

Known as the port of Rome, the coastal city of Civitavecchia is the starting point for discovery tours of the region. From here, you can take excursions to Tuscany, Ostia, and of course the Eternal City itself. Rome is enchanting with its impressive cultural treasures and remnants of the Roman Empire: the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum being just some of the highlights. St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, was built over 500 years ago on the burial site of the apostle St Peter. With a capacity for 20,000 people and its dome designed by Michelangelo, St Peter’s Basilica is an impressive landmark that brings the history of Rome to life.

The capital city of the Tuscan province of Livorno bears the same name and offers a fascinating mix of historic heritage and lively harbour atmosphere. The old port, Porto Mediceo, is guarded by the impressive Fortezza Vecchia, a fort built in 1520 by the Medici in the Renaissance style. With its many canals and bridges, the charming old town is reminiscent of the lagoon city of Venice, which is why the area also goes by the name of Venezia Nuova. Its picturesque, maritime charm makes Livorno a wonderful place to discover Tuscany in a very special way.

The Catalan capital Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city after Madrid, impresses with its unique blend of history, culture and modern life. At its centre is the Plaza de Cataluna, from where Roman ruins, the medieval old town and famous modern architecture including Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Mila and Casa Batllo can be reached on foot. The Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, has been drawing visitors under its spell since 1882. One of the most famous streets in the city is Las Ramblas, an avenue stretching 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from the port into the city centre and forming the heart of Barcelona with its flower sellers, newspaper kiosks, street musicians and cafes.

Forests, vineyards, rolling hills and unspoilt bays for bathing: the natural beauty of Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is captivating. White houses cling to the hillsides above the deep blue natural harbour – one of the biggest in the world. The scent of tapas wafts through the narrow streets of the old town and people’s laughter rings out from the little bars and market places. The fortress of La Mola stands guard over the harbour like a silent witness to the past. The coastline is inviting with its crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, while the millennia-old caves at Cales Coves will enchant you with their fascinating prehistoric history of the island.