from Palma de Mallorca to Fusina (Venice)

Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, has numerous highlights on offer. Take a look at the majestic La Seu cathedral and stroll through the charming old town with its narrow lanes and historic buildings. Visit Bellver Castle with its panoramic views over the city. Or relax on idyllic beaches such as Playa de Palma or Cala Major. Take a walk along the Passeig des Born promenade and discover the lively shopping street Avenida Jaume III. An insider tip is Santa Catalina neighbourhood with its trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife.

On the west coast of Corsica, in the Gulf of Ajaccio, lies the island’s enchanting capital, with a fascinating blend of history and nature: the Genoese fortress, perched on the coast, guards the beautiful bay and tells of times long past. Napoleon I was born in Ajaccio – and you can follow in his footsteps through the narrow streets along the harbour promenade to the house where he was born. A stroll through the old quarter leads to the modern districts, boasting wide boulevards and pretty squares. The surrounding hills offer spectacular views of the city and the deep-blue sea.

On the west coast of Corsica, in the Gulf of Ajaccio, lies the island’s enchanting capital, with a fascinating blend of history and nature: the Genoese fortress, perched on the coast, guards the beautiful bay and tells of times long past. Napoleon I was born in Ajaccio – and you can follow in his footsteps through the narrow streets along the harbour promenade to the house where he was born. A stroll through the old quarter leads to the modern districts, boasting wide boulevards and pretty squares. The surrounding hills offer spectacular views of the city and the deep-blue sea.

Sicily’s third-largest city offers a fascinating blend of history and culture. Also known as the “gateway to Sicily” because of its proximity to the Italian mainland, Messina features impressive architecture, including the imposing cathedral, which houses the largest mechanical clock in the world in its bell tower. The city is also full of magnificent palazzi such as Palazzo Zanca and Palazzo dei Leoni as well as elaborate baroque fountains. The volcanic island of Stromboli, known for its continuous lava fountains, can be seen in the distance and is a spectacular sight when the weather is clear. Messina combines living history with Mediterranean charm and is an ideal starting point to explore the beauty of Sicily.

Dubrovnik is known as the “pearl of the Adriatic” or the “Croatian Athens”. It is a cultural centre and a highlight on the Dalmatian coast. Its old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Mighty fortress walls rise high above the deep-blue sea and protect one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Baroque palaces, churches and Renaissance facades characterise the cityscape, while the narrow streets are partly paved with marble. Fans will recognise the backdrop from the series “Game of Thrones”, which was filmed here. At Gundulic Square, local specialities such as lavender sachets, arancini and liqueurs entice visitors’ senses, showcasing the region’s culinary diversity.

Once named “Black Korcula” after a nymph in Greek mythology because of its thick holm oak and pine forests, Croatia’s sixth-largest island offers an appealing blend of historic charm and picturesque natural scenery. Korcula City, with its symmetrical layout that acts as a natural air-conditioning system, is reminiscent of Dubrovnik with its cobblestone lanes and Renaissance buildings. The island is not only known for its architecture, but also for its wine, especially Posip white wine. The question of whether Marco Polo was born here remains a controversial topic to this day. But Korcula’s true beauty lies in its nature and the relaxed, authentic atmosphere that welcomes every visitor.

Trogir, located on the Dalmatian coast, takes visitors on an exciting journey through various eras: when exploring the old town, you will see buildings dating from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque periods. Special highlights are the Cipiko Palace and the Kamerlengo Fortress from the time of Venetian rule. In addition to its historical buildings, Trogir also invites you to spend a few relaxing hours on its beautiful beaches. Cinema fans may also recognise the city from the last “Winnetou” film of 1965, in which it served as the backdrop for Santa Fe.

On the coast of the upper Adriatic, a city full of contrasts awaits visitors: Trieste, in north-eastern Italy, combines the charm of the Mediterranean with the elegance of central Europe. The magnificent architecture is particularly visible in Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia, the largest square in Europe facing the sea. Trieste features an exciting mix of sights, including its historic centre, an old port and Miramare Castle. The city’s vibrant coffee house culture, with places to relax and enjoy, reflects its unique character – here you can also discover traces of the Irish writer James Joyce, who found a source of literary inspiration in Trieste.

A picturesque coastal town that extends far into the deep-blue Mediterranean – Piran exudes enchanting Italo-Venetian flair. The lively Tartini Square, dating from the 19th century and located directly on the harbour, forms the heart of the city. With its charming alleys, small palazzi and diverse restaurants, it radiates a very special atmosphere further enhanced by the surrounding ring walls. The salt from the salt pans brought prosperity to Piran early on and still makes it one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Slovenia.