Discovering Italy with the Amalfi Coast

Nestled between Europe and Africa, iconic Gibraltar makes for a fascinating visit with its traditionally British red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, and even Marks & Spencer, but with a delightful blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. After wandering through the town and indulging in duty-free shopping at Main Street, you are perfectly placed to take the cable car to the top of the Rock for unrivalled views across to Africa, Spain, and over the Straits of Gibraltar and to meet the famously mischievous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkey population. There will be opportunities to sample local dishes like calentita (chickpea flour bread) and rosto (a delicious meat and tomato pasta). You may also wish to discover the network of tunnels within the Rock, which played a strategic role in World War II.

In the pleasant October sunshine, a visit to Cartagena beckons, with its variety of historical sites awaiting exploration. The undoubted highlight is the Roman amphitheatre, rediscovered in 1988 and located within the city and close to the harbour, holding thousands of years of history to delve into. After a stroll through the city to admire its Art Nouveau buildings, you could be enjoying a refreshing glass of Licor 43 or an Asiatico at a local bar or café, sitting in the autumn sun, before ascending to the top of Concepcion Castle via its panoramic lift for outstanding views across the harbour.

As the first light of dawn begins to break over the horizon, the cliffs surrounding the northernmost point of Mallorca, Cap de Formentor, are bathed in a soft, golden glow, with the silhouette of the lighthouse becoming a striking focal point as the sun rises behind it. From the deck of your smaller cruise ship, you can enjoy the peaceful setting as the sky transforms from rich pinks to bright oranges and yellows, framed by lush, green hills and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in the distance. This spectacular part of Mallorca was also said to have been the inspiration for Miquel Costa i Llobera’s iconic poem, El Pi de Formentor (The Pine of Formentor).

The north coastline of Menorca offers a striking contrast to the island's more developed southern shores, with its rugged beauty and unspoiled landscapes of hidden coves, steep cliffs and rocky beaches. From the decks of your smaller cruise ship, you will be able to spot tiny fishing villages and red clay rock formations, which are characteristic of the north of the island due to Menorca’s unique geology, surrounded by the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Positioned on the island’s south-west coast at the head of the Valinco Gulf, Propriano is a traditional Corsican town, with a charming harbour and marina area. There are many 19th century buildings in the town, along with remains from Roman and Greek settlements. Close by is the scenic town of Sartene, with houses so tall they seem to be carved from the rockface, but also renowned for its highly rated wine, of which Rose is the most popular.

Olbia is a lively city that promises a charming combination of history and modern-day life, with opportunities to explore the striking Basilica of San Simplico, renowned for being one of the most important religious monuments in Sardinia and decorated with frescoes that date back to the 15^th century. Nearby Costa Smeralda offers white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, with numerous restaurants offering traditional Sardinian dishes like Su Porcheddu (roast suckling pig), Culurgiones (delicious filled pasta), or sea urchins. Meanwhile, the impressive Tombs of Giants at Nuraghe La Prisgiona, a megalithic monument said to commemorate Nuragic civilisations offers an intriguing insight into the island’s heritage.

As your cruise ship sails past the impossibly beautiful Amalfi Coast, the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea stretches endlessly beneath the golden sun, while pastel-coloured villages cling to steep cliffs, their terraces overflowing with lemon trees and bougainvillea. From the decks of your ship, you may be able to see the legendary towns of Positano, with its charming beachfront; Amalfi, home to citrus groves and steeped in maritime history; and Ravello, offering dramatic views and tiny secluded coves.

Perfectly located between the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, Salerno is an often overlooked destination in the Campania region. With centuries of rich history, influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byazantines, there are many churches and authentic trattorias laced through the towns narrow cobbled streets. The 11th century cathedral in Salerno is the city’s most important church, and has an abundance of artefacts dedicated to Saint Matthew, with stunning artwork on its ceilings and walls.

Sorrento’s rugged cliffs line the Amalfi Coast above the topaz-hued waters, where it is possible to see Capri Island and Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples. Many of the town’s structures date back to Roman times, including St. Francis Monastery and the Basilica di Sant’Antonio. Nearby is Pompeii, the best-preserved ancient Roman city in the world, famously destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

Sailing past one of Italy’s most unspoiled stretches of coastline offers the opportunity for you to marvel at secluded coves and rocky inlets that contrast against the deep turquoise of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The The coastline of Maratea, often referred to as the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian, offers views of small fishing villages and the Grotta delle Meraviglie, a natural sea cave of delicate limestone formations. Above the cliffs, you may be able to spot the white Statue of Christ the Redeemer of Maratea, bathed in sunlight, while the town of Maratea itself is a delight of pastel-hued houses and medieval charm. As you approach Scalea, the scenery softens into rolling hills and long stretches of sandy shorelines.

Located at the top of the Gulf of Angels, Cagliari is considered to be the most Italian city of the autonomous region of Sardinia. The local language is Sardu, and so Cagliari is known as Casteddu, meaning castle. The ancient city is dominated by palazzi and domed structures, leading to the iconic hilltop citadel Il Castello, where the old medieval city is a maze of intriguingly narrow high-walled alleyways.

Visiting Lisbon in October allows for opportunities to explore at a slower pace, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints). You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like grilled sardines or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a crisp glass of Vinho Verde wine, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.