Riviera, Sicily & the Greek Isles

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur. La Musée de l’Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l’Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur. La Musée de l’Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l’Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

Amid France’s famed Côte d’Azur stands the charming little town of Sanary-sur-Mer. It’s also one of eight communes in the renowned Bandol wine region. Its picturesque harbor creates that image by strategically docking traditional blue and white fishing boats, known as pointus, and heritage vessels. Stroll around the harbor heading east to find a church dedicated to the town’s namesake, Saint Nazaire, a 19th-century Byzantine-style construct. For explorers seeking aquatic excursions, Portissol beach is the place to go. The crescent-shaped shore offers access to an "underwater trail" where divers and snorkelers can jump in and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

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.

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.

Nestled in the romantic Tyrrhenian Sea, Isola di Ponza is an enchanting gem. The cuisine is an artful blend of fresh, local ingredients and time-honored recipes. Dive into a gastronomic paradise where flavors of the sea dominate the table, like freshly caught seafood, handcrafted pasta, and the island’s beloved zuppa di pesce, fish soup simmered to perfection with local herbs and spices. Visit local vineyards to sample Ponza’s exquisite wines and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions as you enjoy the picturesque surrounding scenery. Beyond the table, the island’s villages are steeped in history, their charming streets echoing the whispers of ancient times. Be sure to explore the intricate architectural tapestry crafted by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines. On Ponza, life is savored slowly. Relish the island’s leisurely ambiance as you sip espresso al fresco, watch the gentle roll of azure waves, and enjoy the sunset’s warm embrace. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a seeker of serenity, Isola di Ponza promises an enriching journey through Italy’s heart and soul.

Perched atop soaring cliffs, Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. A lovely stroll through the historic center will take you to the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Sorrento is the gateway to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, time seems frozen, as you observe the eerie plaster casts of numerous victims who are caught in their final moment of life. Herculaneum, also destroyed by the same eruption, is the smaller sister to Pompeii and offers a closer look at ancient Roman life.

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.

Anchored on the northern coast of Ischia, Casamicciola Terme invites you to immerse yourself in Italy’s celebrated spa culture. Known for its ancient geothermal springs, this coastal retreat is filled with wellness resorts and thermal spas and also offers a serene harborfront where you can sip espresso at local cafés and watch boats glide across the water. Just inland, pine-forested slopes provide scenic hiking routes that lead toward the towering peak of Mount Epomeo. A short journey takes you to nearby Forio, where the meticulously designed botanical landscapes of La Mortella Gardens await your exploration. From the port, you can easily embark on coastal drives or boating excursions to uncover the island’s broader treasures. Discover the medieval Aragonese Castle perched on a volcanic outcrop, indulge in the upscale shopping and thermal parks of Lacco Ameno, or lounge on the beaches of the pastel-colored fishing village of Sant’Angelo.

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.

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.