Flavors Of Sun & Sea

The grand city of Naples beckons with a vibrant waterfront. Within the bay stands Megaride Island, home of the Castel dell’Ovo. Legend has it that the poet Virgil housed a magical egg there that protects it, and the very city, from ruin. A jaunt through the city takes you through a blend of architecture and art. And Neapolitans agree you should take a walk through Via dei Tribunali, "Pizza Alley," for the best slice with signature charred dough. For a look into times past, make your way to Mount Vesuvius. Here you will find the surrounding ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The grand city of Naples beckons with a vibrant waterfront. Within the bay stands Megaride Island, home of the Castel dell’Ovo. Legend has it that the poet Virgil housed a magical egg there that protects it, and the very city, from ruin. A jaunt through the city takes you through a blend of architecture and art. And Neapolitans agree you should take a walk through Via dei Tribunali, "Pizza Alley," for the best slice with signature charred dough. For a look into times past, make your way to Mount Vesuvius. Here you will find the surrounding ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

Experience la dolce vita on the Emerald Coast in Sardinia. Often regarded as the Italian Saint-Tropez, Porto Cervo is known for its luxury boutiques, exquisite restaurants and beautiful marina filled with sleek yachts. Begin your exploration at the Waterfront Costa Smeralda, the glamorous heart of the village, and the Porto Cervo Marina, which hosts some of the most important world regattas. For an unforgettable panorama, take a drive along Cugnana Gulf and the enchanting bay of Cala di Volpe. Take a dip in glorious beaches like Cala Granu or Romazzino, both boasting crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. After a refreshing swim, satiate your appetite with exquisite Sardinian cuisine.

Experience la dolce vita on the Emerald Coast in Sardinia. Often regarded as the Italian Saint-Tropez, Porto Cervo is known for its luxury boutiques, exquisite restaurants and beautiful marina filled with sleek yachts. Begin your exploration at the Waterfront Costa Smeralda, the glamorous heart of the village, and the Porto Cervo Marina, which hosts some of the most important world regattas. For an unforgettable panorama, take a drive along Cugnana Gulf and the enchanting bay of Cala di Volpe. Take a dip in glorious beaches like Cala Granu or Romazzino, both boasting crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. After a refreshing swim, satiate your appetite with exquisite Sardinian cuisine.

Bonifacio is a town near the southernmost tip of Corsica in France, situated directly on the Mediterranean Sea. Separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio, the town offers idyllic beaches for you to enjoy. Among the most popular beaches are those in the bays of Sant’Amanza and Rondinara, in addition to the beach at Petit Sperone. Further afield, take a boat to the Lavezzi Islands. These islands are part of a marine preserve and perfect for snorkeling. These pristine islands are also protected for the preservation of wild birds and fauna and flora that are endemic here.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Off the coast of Sicily you find the volcanic Aeolian Islands, the largest of which is Lipari. But not to worry, as the island’s last eruption took place over 1,000 years ago and the only signs of volcanic activity today are fumaroles and thermal springs. From a place in ancient Greek mythology to UNESCO World Heritage status, the Aeolian Islands and Lipari hold a rich and intriguing history. Seek the ultimate views with an invigorating hike through Monte Rosa. Archaeological excavations within the citadel tell a story dating as far back as the Neolithic era.

The journey from Giardini Naxos on through Taormina holds a diverse landscape that includes white, sandy beaches that call out to you to come and play. Taormina holds a treasure trove, whether it’s the Palazzo Corvaja or Duomo di San Nicola, of ancient atmospheres that entice you to venture deep. As you wander the grounds of the Ancient Greek Theater built directly into the mountains, standing amid such ruins transports you back to ancient live theater. The surrounding peaks of Mount Etna provide an exhilarating environment. Its various foothills and pathways make it the perfect site for hiking.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Its natural wonders, from geological arches lining the coast to enticing caves among cerulean waters, create an unparalleled scene that must be appreciated in person. The island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is an unspoiled paradise along the Ionian Sea. It’s easy to spend a relaxing day getting some sun as you lay on silky white sands along the shore of water that goes from blue to bluer. For the traveling beach bum that likes to go shore hopping, Zakynthos is the perfect destination. Along Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Beach, if you are looking for stories of adventure, you will not be disappointed. Following the paths along the cliffs above the beach will take your breath away as you look upon the unbelievable horizon. The square in Zakynthos town comes alive at all hours, abuzz with activity throughout the day and into the night. Shops, cafes, and restaurants abound, making it the perfect place to grab a helping of spanakopita, spinach pie, while perusing the local wares and trinkets to take home. There is nothing like sitting at a café with a cup of brew in hand while a soothing sea breeze blows by. Zante’s nightlife rivals that of more famous Greek islands Mykonos and Ios. Many establishments that operate as restaurants during the day convert into clubs with drinks and dancing at night. But you can always choose a quieter evening. A midnight stroll under the lights along the port’s walkway, inhaling sea salt, and listening for the lull of water lapping against the ships makes the perfect end to the day.

Its natural wonders, from geological arches lining the coast to enticing caves among cerulean waters, create an unparalleled scene that must be appreciated in person. The island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is an unspoiled paradise along the Ionian Sea. It’s easy to spend a relaxing day getting some sun as you lay on silky white sands along the shore of water that goes from blue to bluer. For the traveling beach bum that likes to go shore hopping, Zakynthos is the perfect destination. Along Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Beach, if you are looking for stories of adventure, you will not be disappointed. Following the paths along the cliffs above the beach will take your breath away as you look upon the unbelievable horizon. The square in Zakynthos town comes alive at all hours, abuzz with activity throughout the day and into the night. Shops, cafes, and restaurants abound, making it the perfect place to grab a helping of spanakopita, spinach pie, while perusing the local wares and trinkets to take home. There is nothing like sitting at a café with a cup of brew in hand while a soothing sea breeze blows by. Zante’s nightlife rivals that of more famous Greek islands Mykonos and Ios. Many establishments that operate as restaurants during the day convert into clubs with drinks and dancing at night. But you can always choose a quieter evening. A midnight stroll under the lights along the port’s walkway, inhaling sea salt, and listening for the lull of water lapping against the ships makes the perfect end to the day.