Under the Mediterranean Sun - Italy, France & Spain Cruise

Colourful houses on the natural harbour, surrounded by pine, olive and cypress groves – the picturesque fishing village of Portofino is one of the most legendary sights on the Ligurian coast. The Romanesque Church of San Giorgio and Castello Brown, which sits high above the resort, are particularly worth visiting. Although Portofino has been a favourite meeting point of the jet set since the 1950s, it has still maintained its unique atmosphere: luxury yachts, sophisticated shops and first-class hotels fit harmoniously into the overall picture of this charming village.

From the historic canals of the Venezia Nuovo district to the excellent gastronomic scene, Livorno allows you to enjoy the Italian way of life with all your senses. Wander through the bustling port city or set off to explore Florence: famous for its unique cultural richness, the city of the Medici captivates visitors with its cathedral and the sparkling creations of the traditional jewellers on the Ponte Vecchio. Masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci await you in the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia. But Florence also has plenty on offer in terms of culinary indulgence: in one of the city’s numerous cafes and ice cream parlours, you can simply lean back and watch the world go by.

In the north-east of Corsica, Bastia captivates visitors with its lively harbour, which was an important trading post in centuries past. This can still be felt today in elegant districts and characteristic staircase streets that lead up to idyllic squares and churches. From here, you can see the entire diversity of the island, which was already called “Kalliste” – “the most beautiful” – by the Greeks. Corsica’s landscape is breathtaking, with rugged mountain peaks, deep gorges, fragrant maquis and secluded bays. Hiking trails lead through dense forests, past clear mountain streams and waterfalls, offering breathtaking views of the azure-blue sea time and time again.

Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica features a breathtaking location and rich history. The town is perched high atop white limestone cliffs that drop steeply into the sea, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The narrow, winding streets, ancient fortified walls and picturesque Mediterranean-style houses give Bonifacio a unique charm. The historic old town is a fascinating place to stroll through the past, while the surrounding cliffs and coastline are ideal for walks and boat trips. Bonifacio is a real gem for nature lovers, history buffs and anyone looking for a special atmosphere.

Colourful facades welcome you to the harbour of Cagliari, where sailing boats gently bob on the water in the sparkling bay. Perched high on a hill, the old town of Castello invites you to stroll through narrow streets, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria or enjoy the view over the town and sea from the Bastione di Saint Remy. Sardinia reveals its diversity around Cagliari: endless sandy beaches, hidden coves, rugged cliffs and lush nature across hills and in valleys. Walks along the coast or in the nearby wetlands lead to flamingos, herons and other native birds.

Alghero is different from the rest of Sardinia, a kind of island within an island. Follow your spirit of discovery at the foot of the mighty city walls to charming squares where colourful houses and historic buildings conjure up a distinctive atmosphere. Around 400 years of Catalan rule shaped the language, architecture and culture: Catalan Gothic architecture can be found in many of the city’s buildings, such as the Church of San Francesco in the heart of the old town. The surrounding countryside also promises variety. Just a few kilometres away, the Neptune Grotto and the prehistoric Domus de Janas of Anghelu Ruju beckon, while the town’s own beaches and vineyards invite you to go on excursions.

Vast forests and pastures, rolling hills and unspoilt bays for bathing: the natural beauty of Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is captivating. White houses cling to the hillsides above the deep-blue natural harbour – one of the biggest in the world. The scent of tapas wafts through the narrow streets of the old town and people’s laughter rings out from the little bars and marketplaces. The fortress of La Mola stands guard over the harbour like a silent witness to the past. The coastline is inviting with its crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, while the millennia-old caves at Cales Coves will enchant you with their fascinating prehistoric history of the island.