Black Sea Discovery & Mediterranean Adventure

Malta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.

Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John". Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.

The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.

Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Seen as the place where East meets West, Istanbul has a cultural diversity that's lasted for centuries, stemming from the multitude of rulers it's had in history. 

Among Istanbul's great wealth of monuments and landmarks are the ethereal Blue Mosque, glittering Topkapi Palace (once home of the sultans) vast Kapali Carsi (the world's largest covered bazaar) and the aromatic Egyptian Spice Market. Food is an important part of Istanbul's culture and particular highlights include çay bahçesis (tea gardens) kahvehans (coffeehouses) meyhanes (Turkish taverns) and kebapçıs (kebab restaurants) which the locals will welcome you into readily.

Sochi received global recognition and attention as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games, despite the fact that – thanks to its quite un-Russian warm climate – it’s often called Russia’s ‘Summer Capital’.

Now more popular than ever, this Black Sea city welcomes large numbers of visitors from around the world, who come to enjoy the incredible coastline – complete with tall mountains, rocky coves and shingle beaches, the vibrant nightlife and stunning architecture of the city’s structures, including the colourful St. Vladimir Church, Summer Theatre and Michael Archangel Cathedral to name just a few.

However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t anywhere to enjoy some time on the slopes, and at the nearby Krasnaya Polyana resort – located in the Adler district of the city – you’ll discover the beautiful snow-smothered mountains that were used for the Alpine and Nordic events during the Olympics. A little closer to the city there are other natural delights to enjoy too, including the wonderful waterfalls of the Agura Valley and the dense forests and gorgeous flora of the UNESCO-listed Western Caucasus Biosphere Reserve. 

Batumi is a seaside resort on the Black Sea coast, situated in a sub tropical zone, rich in citrus fruit and tea, with surrounding hills and mountains providing rainfall to make it lush and green, but also the wettest city in Georgia!

The main sights are the oldest historic-architectural monuments, places of culture and a great variety of subtropical plants. The notable seaside Boulevard Park and Old Town have been tastefully restored, and there are many modern high-rise buildings standing alongside classical 19th century edifices. Also worth visiting are the Botanical Gardens and Dancing Fountains.

Odessa has a reputation as a lively artistic and cultural centre, with architectural treasures that include a trio of palaces - and a prestigious 19th century Opera House, where Tchaikovsky performed. Don't miss the shopping arcades - or bargain-price local vodka and caviar!

The famous Potemkin Steps cascade down to the Black Sea, and the intricate facade details of the many buildings and onion-domed churches are breath-taking. With almost year-round warmth, it's a popular holiday destination for many and is becoming more so as times goes on.

Situated at the crossroads of several commercial routes, Constanta lies on the western coast of the Black Sea. Recalled by several Byzantine writers under the name of Constantia or Constanta.

Today, Constanta has a superb archaeological museum, while Trajan’s victory monument is at Adamklissi. Landmarks include the Ovidiu’s Square, Roman Mosaics and the Genoese Lighthouse, which only stands at a height of 16 metres. Dating from the middle of the 19th century, it's octagonal shape makes it popular for it's construction; and it now stands as a enchanting tourist point in the city.

The port city of Piraeus has a vast, interesting history that extends back to the Ancient Greeks. From its beginnings in the 5th Century BC handling the country’s growing import trade to one of the most important passenger ports in Europe today, Piraeus has long served as a gateway to Athens.

The biggest port in the Mediterranean, the most attractive quarter of Piraeus lies around Zea Marina and Mikrolimano harbour. The latter is lined with welcoming cafes, restaurants and bars. Most visitors’ experience of the port, however, is when briefly passing through for the Greek capital.

Athens – one of the world’s oldest cities, is mystical and engrossing, a city that’s steeped in ancient history and antiquity. Over 3000 years old, the city serves as the world centre for archaeological research. Its ancient alleyways and winding streets lead to an impressive array of must-visit museums, ancient churches and some the world’s most significant historic sites.

Athen’s landmarks include the Acropolis, the hilltop citadel stood proudly above the city and topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon Temple. This iconic temple was built in dedication to the Greek goddess of strategy and tactics, Athena, and is over 2500 years old. The National Archaeological and Acropolis Museums preserve priceless sculptures, vases and jewellery from the site.

Below, in the heart of the city, lies the ancient Plaka District. A popular tourist spot, Plaka is home to some fine examples of neoclassical architecture, pretty pedestrianised streets and charming shops and cafes. There are also a number of historic Roman ruins here, as well as the Agias Apostoli – one of the oldest churches in Athens, and the Temple of Hephaestus from 5BC.

Katakolon is the small, sleepy port town located on the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, which has undergone an extensive and very pleasing makeover over the last decade.

Situated on a headland overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Greek seaside town is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site of Ancient Olympia. Founded in the 8th century BC, Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games and its extensive, must-see ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus.

The town of Kataolon itself offers the fascinating lighthouse built in 1865, the intriguing Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, and the sunken, ancient city of Pheia, which is within walking distance of the port. The Worldwide Mythology Exhibition Park was established in 2017 in Katakolo Square, where mythical monsters Minotaurs and Centaurs can be found in a labyrinth.

The Strait of Messina is steeped in legend and is famed for its rocks and whirlpools – many of which were personified as female monsters in Greek mythology. 

An extremely busy highway of seafaring traffic, this narrow waterway is seen as being key to the economic success of Messina. The currents, whirlpools, and winds of the strait, which still hamper navigation, gave rise in ancient times to many legends about its dangers to navigators.

Mahon is the capital of the Spanish island of Menorca. The city, situated on the east coast of the island, has a population of 31,000 and is most famous for its natural deep-water harbour, which stretches five kilometres inland and is one of the largest in the world. Mahon is easy to explore by foot. As you wander the streets, you’ll discover traces of the various civilisations that have passed through the town.

Santa María Church, with its ornate 19th century organ, is worth discovery on central Plaça de la Constitució, and City Hall has a Renaissance facade and a clock donated by the island’s first British governor. The Menorca Museum displays art and exhibits on the island's history.

From Mahón the true beauty of Menorca – its sleepy fishing villages, stunning beaches and Monte Toro, the island’s highest peak – is all waiting to be uncovered.

Cadiz, one of Europe's most ancient cities, hugs Andalusia’s sunlit Atlantic coast and is characterised by palm trees, lookout towers and weathered old buildings. Now into its fourth millennium, Cádiz's fascinating Old Town district features huge stone walls from the 1500s and is home to a wealth of historic highlights, including the beautifully crafted 18th century Cádiz Cathedral. 

Boasting over 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, traditionally used for spotting ships; traditional tapas bars serving delicious traditional cuisine and local seafood; and fascinating maritime history; Cádiz offers a plethora of authentic sights and experiences. The winding streets assume the feel of a carnival, packed-out with friendly locals and humming to the sounds of upbeat alegrías (flamenco songs). 

Cádiz is also the gateway to the stunning city of Seville, with its maze of courtyards, atmosphere old quarters and ornate churches and cathedrals.