Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory, the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by, the Colosseum, where the real gladiators fought to the death, the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages. Life is not lived if you haven't been to Rome!

Taormina, Sicily
The picturesque Sicilian town of Toarmina is perched on the shoulders of Mt. Etna overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. On his visit to this Mediterranean jewel, Goethe was inspired to remark, “It is the greatest work of art and nature.” Picking up where Goethe left off, take a stroll along the city’s pedestrian only streets or, explore the ruins of an ancient Greek amphitheater and enjoy extraordinary views of Mount Etna.

Valetta, Malta
On September 8, 1565 a four-month siege of Malta by the Turks ended when the Knights of St. John and the citizens of Valetta defeated the invading force in hand-to-hand combat, a feat that many say, spared Western Europe from the conquest of the Moslems. Today, Valetta serves as Malta’s Capital and can best be described as an open-air museum, as in 1980, the entire city was declared a World Heritage site. Rising from the city’s center with its imposing bastions, visit majestic St. John’s Cathedral for photo-ops and, to enjoy its renown collection of priceless paintings. When you’re ready to relax, grab a chair at any number of Valetta’s cafes or quaint wine bars or, head towards the edge of the city for a breath-taking view of Malta’s Grand Harbor. From conflict to renown, Valetta’s history and culture bring the Mediterranean epoch into focus and inspires wonder.

Porto Empedocle, Sicily
Porto Empedocle is located along the coast of the Strait of Sicily. It is the namesake of Empedocles, a Greek Pre-Socratic thinker who pioneered the four-elements view of the cosmos and was a citizen of the city of Agrigentum (present-day Agrigento). While tourism is the primary economic driver of this small Sicilian town, community life is underwritten by fishing and agriculture making for some fabulous Mediterranean fare.

Palermo, Sicily
Palermo's rich history of Byzantine, Arab and Norman rule are reflected in its architecture, culture and local cuisine. Often called the world's most conquered city, sights include the Four Corners of Palermo with their 17th-century Spanish Baroque facades, as well the Fontana Pretoria, often called the Fountain of Shame because its nude Florentine figures shocked the city in 1575. The Palermo Cathedral, the Zisa Castle and the Capuchin Catacombs also entice visitors from around the globe.

Costa Smerelda, Sardinia
Costa Smeralda, “The Emerald Coast” is situated in Northern Sardinia. A mere 34mi. long, more than half of its coast feature white sand beaches, making it no wonder it has become a stopping off point for the jet-set. With a focus on tourism, Costa Smeralda is host to an annual yacht race that draws sailing aficionados from all over the world. Up and down the coast, enjoy the best in shopping and dining or kick back at a quaint cafe to enjoy the Sardinian past-time of people watching, sure to entertain with luminary sightings daily.

Calvi, Corsica
Calvi lies in the Haute-Corse area of France on the island of Corsica. Legend has it, Christopher Columbus was born in Calvi when it was ruled by the Genoese Empire. Calvi boasts a gorgeous port, a towering Citadel, rugged mountains and a five-mile beach. The Port de Plaisance has a friendly marina and is an enjoyable place to watch luxury yachts and bright fishing boats come and go---or to take in the Torra de Calvi, a registered French historical site.

Bandol, France
Bandol, also known as “Ville Tranquille” is a quiet village and has long been the retreat for artists and writers, including and Nobel author Thomas Mann who like many others, found solace and inspiration in this French hide-away. As in generations past, Bandol remains the favorite second home to French families who make the seasonal sojourn to summer homes found throughout the area.

Nice, France
Art-Deco facades, Nice is a destination of destinations in the Mediterranean. On shore, visit the Cours Saleya Flower Market, the Matisse Museum or explore the places where Picasso found renewed inspiration after World War II. When you’re done, take in The Russion Cathedral, the largest Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia which was a a gift the last Czar to the large Russian community in Nice. On the doorstep to Provence, Nice is the perfect port of call to enjoy the varied tastes and delights of Southern France.

Portofino, Italy
One of the most picturesque ports in the Mediterranean, the small Italian fishing village of Portofino is located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The horseshoe shaped harbor boasts uniquely colored buildings, local art, haute-couture and fine dining.

As the longest day of the year comes to a close, take in the sunset and then prepare for a one-of-a-kind Bare Necessities celebration; our first Midsummer festival at sea. As we set sail from Portofino, join with us for a Midsummer celebration featuring great food and revelry on-deck. You simply can’t make memories like this on any other cruise, this celebration is sure to be our best yet!

Lerici, Italy
From Lerici, one can take a ferry boat to the Cinque Terre; a World Heritage site consisting of five villages nestled into the steep hillside of Portovenere. With the entrance to the Gulf of La Spezia guarded by Castle of San Giorgio, take the castle steps and stand vigil over the ancient city. Walking along roads built by the Romans when the city was an important protectorate, visit an olive grove or vinter, or just take in the sights and sounds of Old Italy.

Bastia, Corsica
Corsica’s most successful commercial town, Bastia is full of charm. The old quarter, known as the Terra Vecchia, is made up of a tightly packed network of haphazard streets, flamboyant Baroque churches and lofty tenements with gold-grey exterior walls shimmering against a backdrop of tree covered hills. Above the charming harbor, stroll the historic Terra Nova District, a perfect place to sip a glass of wine, enjoy a gelato, or, both!