Lisbon, Portimao, Gibraltar, Bonifacio, Livorno (Florence, Piza), Portoferraio, Civitavecchia (Rome), Amalfi, Taormina, Argostoli/Kefallonia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, on the southwest of the country, has been the main gateway for the rest of the planet for more than 19 centuries. Ships captained by Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, skittered across the globe, hauling treasure home and making Lisbon a global capital. Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies, until 1755, when a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of the city, leaving intact only the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas. Eternally linked to the sea, Lisbon's magnificent harbor is spanned by the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Among the city's landmarks are the iconic Castelo de São Jorge, the World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both built in Lisbon's native Manueline architectural style.

Portimão is the biggest town in the western Algarve and sits on the bank of the Arade river. It is famous for its cosmopolitan air, clear blue sea and golden sand beaches surrounded by rugged cliffs. Portimão is a mix of late 19th, early 20th century buildings in the older part of the town, and high-rise apartment blocks in various pastel shades of blue, pink and coral around it. The town centre is packed full of shops, offering a wide choice of clothes, gifts, souvenirs, electrical goods and general household items. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and café’s where you can sit for a bite to eat or a drink and watch the town carry on around you. Browse one of the busy markets, and don't leave without sampling one of Portimao's most tasty and famous residents - the sardine.

Gibraltar is an amazing co-mingling of past, present and future.The Rock of Gibraltar was considerred by the Ancient Greeks as the pillars of Hercules, marking the end of the world. It is at the Top of the Rock where you begin to understand and appreciate Gibraltar’s strategic geographical location and the important role it has played throughout history. The journey to the top of the Rock rewards you with a truly breathtaking view. From a height of 426m you will see the African coastline, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Mediterranean, Spain’s Costa del Sol and a panoramic view of the City far below, the quays, marinas and bays. Stand on top of the Rock of Gibraltar and you feel as if you were on top of the world.

Bonifacio is located on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the only major port of the Southern Coast of Corsica. The Strait of Bonifacio separates the island from Sardinia. The Citadel of the city is located on the promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Livorno, Tuscany's second-largest city, is the maritime gateway to the Tuscany region and its two most known cities, Florence (to the west) and Pisa (to the north). Among Livorno's main attractions are the Cisternone, an impressive neoclassical building on Viale Giosue Carducci, designed like a Roman bath, the main city square Piazza della Repubblica with Fortezza Nuova (the castle dating back to around 1576) in the background and a number of interesting shops in the city centre that visitors can explore. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is home to the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio. Pisa contains a host of beautiful cathedrals, palaces and bridges over the Arno River, as well as its glorious Leaning Tower, monument to faulty engineering.

Elba is the biggest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and Portoferraio is the first town you see on arrival. The island of Elba is famous around the world for harboring French Emperor Napoleon during his exile. Archaeological findings, impressive fortresses and crystal clear sea make Elba renowned.

Our gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century, boasting a long and venerable history. Its location near the modern city, made it a perfect vacation resort for emperor Trajan, who built a pleasure villa. while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City, the ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2.000 years, is our main reason to be here. YYou can visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, throw a coin in Fontana di Trevi to make sure you return to Rome one day, take a photo in front of the Vatican, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter and enjoy a delicious gelato, in the glamorous area.

The Amalfi Coast is considered one of the most picturesque parts of the Italian coastline. Villages perched on hillsides, steep streets and a great view of the turquoise waters of the ocean. The Amalfi Coast is known for producing the famous limoncello. Lemon orchards are found everywhere along the coast and the smell of lemon pervades the air. It has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site

Taormina is a small town on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. The site of the old town is crowned by a very steep rock, with a Saracen castle situated on its top.

Greece's best-kept secret, Argostoli is the capital and largest town of Kefallonia Island. It is a natural harbour, surrounded by low hills that reach the sea. At the edge of the bay next to Argostoli lies the lagoon of Koutavos, with lush vegetation and a forest with very tall eucalyptus trees. Argostoli's attractions are mostly within walking distance of the port. A couple blocks south of the square is the main shopping street, Lithostroto, which is a pedestrian-only cobble shopping area. There are two nice small museums, the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from Mycenean to Roman times and the Korgialeneio History and Folk Art Museum, which includes many displays showing the island prior to the earthquake. Discover enticing beaches, tasty white wine, visit the fishing village of Fiskardo where you may while away the afternoon schmoozing with the locals.

Fortresses flank your entrance to magnificent Corfu, one of the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. Lose yourself in the Venetian old town or head north of the island, for dramatic seascapes. Explore the legacies of Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires or simply marvel at nature’s treasures that are hidden in this beautiful island, swathed in emerald green, lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with golden sand. The once pastel colours on Venetian buildings may have faded, but the welcoming scent of eucalyptus, fig and lemon trees are fragrant as ever. 

Kotor, which was first settled during the days of ancient Rome, is located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful fjord-like bays. It is a precious gem, with a well preserved urban center, which hosts ample medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage that have designated the town, a UNESCO “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site". Walking along the streets and alleys, you will enjoy a fairy-tale setting, where medieval spires rise dreamily over orange rooftops beside mountainous scenery. 

Dubrovnik, the so rightfully called "Adriatic jewel", is walled all around with ramparts that drop to the sea and enclose a town of closely clustered buildings, mostly attired in white walls and brilliant red rooftops. A walk along its cobblestone streets, where time seems to stand still, will reveal an idyllic small town, with many highlights, such as Roland's Column, the Bell Tower or the Old Port, the Franciscan Monastery/ Old Pharmacy Museum, Rector’s Palace (the most historic monument in Dubrovnik), Sponza Palace and the Dominican Monastery, between the Sponza Palace and the Ploče Gate. Time allowing, take the cable car and enjoy the best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, from the top of the Srd Hill.