Italy's Scenic Riviera with Charming Cinque Terre

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.

A beautiful city full of history, with sandy beaches and a lively marina, Barcelona is capital city of Catalunya – a region with its own unique traditions and culture. Famous for many UNESCO-listed buildings by Gaudi, including the impressive Sagrada Familia – still in construction since building started in 1882, with 18 towers, each of special significance. The city is also home to the iconic football club, FC Barcelona, located at Camp Nou.

Savona is a charming coastal city located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, perfectly positioned between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, boasting a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a blend of cultural and natural attractions. As you step ashore, you will have opportunities to explore the sandy shores and rocky coves of Savona’s coastline, framed by lush green hills. Alternatively, you can wander round the city, stopping to admire landmarks like the Torre della Quarda, a tower named in honour of Leon Pancaldo, who explored the world with Magellan; or the Priamar, a huge fortress built by the Genovese people. Amidst your explorations, savour opportunities to indulge in local dishes of panissa (deep-fried polenta-like dough) or trofie al pesto (a traditional Ligurian pasta made with basil pesto) along with a glass of fruity chinotto, perfect for summer.

The city of Genoa is capital of Italy's Liguria region and maritime history is evident here in the lovely harbour area, which was a commanding port during the Age of Exploration. It's also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and it is possible to visit his childhood home, Casa di Colombo, while the Galata Maritime Museum offers fascinating insights into the city's nautical history. Genoa is a city offering a blend of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy; and it's famously winding, narrow lanes open on to majestic squares such as Piazza de Ferrari, site of an iconic bronze fountain and the Teatro Carlo Felice opera house. The city is also famous for pesto, which can be sampled in the many local trattorias, alongside freshly caught seafood. 

Sailing along the glorious Italian Riviera coastline, Portofino is the perfect fishing village, tucked away in a beautiful tree-sheltered bay just south of Genoa. Its pastel-coloured houses, overlooking the harbour lined with super-yachts, give a clue as to the gem waiting to be discovered. Chic boutiques and fabulous seafood restaurants fringe the small, cobbled Portofino Piazzetta, and a path leads from the square to the imposing Castello Brown, a 16th century fortress that towers over a hanging garden. The museum here has art exhibitions and offers panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea, while the 12th century Church of San Giorgio – Portofino’s patron saint, and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo both merit a visit, and also offer unspoilt views of the bay.

Situated on the western coast of Tuscany, Livorno is generally seen as the gateway to Pisa and its iconic leaning tower, synonymous with Italy. However, Livorno itself has much to offer – particularly the Venice Quarter, a unique 17th century system of canals, earning the area the nickname of Little Venice. These canals were used by merchants to move products between homes, and many residents still keep boats moored outside their houses.

The charming city of La Spezia, located on the Ligurain coast of Italy, offers a colourful blend of maritime heritage, natural beauty and culture. Known for its strategic maritime importance, the naval base here was reconstructed after it was decimated in World War Two, and still produces naval warships for the Italian Navy. The tranquil bay in La Spezia is known as the “Gulf of Poets”, and has inspired many writers and poets, including Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. The city is also gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre, with its beautifully coloured villages perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Originally constructed in 223 B.C by the Carthaginians, Cartagena is immersed in ancient history and has been through some incredibly turbulent times. Its heyday was during the Roman era, and there are several archaeological sites in the city, many only discovered when built over in recent years. The first of these sites to be discovered was the Roman Theatre, which held 6,000 spectators; and other sites including the Baths and the Augsteum.