Italian Isles & Riviera Radiance

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city immediately astounds the senses. For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From the grandeur of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the charming canals of La Venezia Nuova (New Venice), which date back to the Medici era, the Italian city of Florence contains much to explore. The port city of Livorno’s colorful building facades rises above the canal waters as a sight to behold. The long and storied history of Lucca call out to curious explorers seeking a mentally stimulating adventure. Cathedrals, art, culture, food, these iconic Italian cities have it all, and Livorno acts as the hub to make your way to each.

The sea along the Italian Riviera is particularly peaceful, as it gently laps the shore. Snuggled in the Ligurian Coast is the village of Portofino, named after dolphins, Portus Delphini, that frolicked in these waters. The Piazza Martiri Dell’Olivetta is the main square of Portofino at the town’s center. Take a stroll along the row of beautiful multicolored buildings and a number of chic cafes and restaurants. Along the way, grab yourself an Italian gelato or sit down and enjoy a pesto dish before continuing your leisure walk toward the harbor. Not far from the coast, you will find beautiful hidden islands, such as San Fruttuoso and Santa Margherita.

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.