Valletta – Nice · 10 June – 16 October 2027

The municipal area of Syracuse boasts relics from cultural history going back more than three millennia. In ancient times, the city was the most powerful in the known world and was famed for its splendour. The island of Ortigia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Syracuse began its rise as an ancient city. The huge cathedral is at the heart of the old town, magnificent palaces line the Piazza and wide promenades invite you to take a stroll. The archaeological park brings Greek and Roman history back to life. Yet Syracuse exudes southern Italian charm, with washing drying outside the windows.

Taormina is perched on a rock with a majestic view over the sea. In the 19th century, this small town had already developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travellers and artists. The town's fascination lies in its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate, and the view over the silhouette of Etna. Europe's largest volcano is over 9,843 feet high, has four summit craters and around 400 subsidiary craters, and is covered with snow almost all year round. In ancient times it was considered the seat of the gods, but nowadays large sections of it are a nature reserve.

The beautifully curving Amalfi Coast, which meanders along the starkly protruding Sorrento peninsula, has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. In the pretty little town of Amalfi, whose history as an influential maritime republic is still clear to see, a dense labyrinth of pastel-colored houses clings to the rocky coastline. Boasting three naves, the beautiful 10th century cathedral with an enchanting cloister, colorful marble façade, Arabic-Norman campanile and magnificent steps leading to the lively Piazza Duomo is the heart of this small coastal town.

Naples rises from the sea around a huge bay and extends up into the hills like an amphitheatre. From the Castello Sant' Elmo on the Vomero you can enjoy a fantastic view over the sea of houses, the port and the Gulf. The pretty center of this chaotic Campanian city is the old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its huge fortresses, dignified churches and monasteries, splendid squares and palaces, and maze of winding streets.

Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

He could, Napoléon Bonaparte once said, recognize his home island by the smell with his eyes closed. And indeed – as soon as the windjammer approaches Corsica, the sea breeze mixes with the spicy scent of the macchia, which covers the island like a green carpet. Sun, wind and sea have shaped the diverse island, where high peaks alternate with fertile valleys, rugged cliffs with gentle beaches. The port city of Bastia radiates a lot of Mediterranean flair. Its lively center is the square Saint-Nicolas, which – like the pretty old town at the harbor – can be easily reached on foot.

Piombino, a picturesque town on the Tuscan coast of Italy, is renowned for its rich history and breathtaking scenery. Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, it's a popular destination for visitors seeking the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The old town, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and local markets, invites leisurely strolls, while the surrounding beaches and coves are perfect for relaxation and water sports.

Although Elba is only a small Tuscan island, you will be surprised by how diverse it is. Imposing cliffs, white sandy beaches, avenues of cypresses, vineyards and olive groves, traditional villages and elegant beach resorts make the place of Napoleon's exile somewhere you would in fact like to be banished for longer. The beautiful old town of Portoferraio with its narrow streets of steps and medieval fortress is set high up on a rocky headland. In the enchanting town of Porto Azzurro, the palm-lined promenades, charming piazzas and small beach are at the center of the town's activities.

Some decisions are really not easy in Viareggio. On the one hand, the traditional seaside resort on the Liguarian Sea offers all the pleasures of an Italian vacation with small ice cream parlors, long sandy beaches and a promenade for strolling. On the other hand, there is charming Lucca, which is only about half an hour away. In Giacomo Puccinis birthplace, you can stroll along the city walls in the shade of old plane trees. And in the almost car-free center, an opulent panorama of Roman alleys, churches and domes, wide squares and proud palaces opens up.

Nice lies in one of the world's most lavishly endowed natural landscapes. The sea glows azure and the mountains in the background rise picturesquely up into the sky. Castle Hill gives you a fantastic view over the rambling old town – a labyrinth of alleyways with Baroque churches, pastel-colored houses and red-tiled roofs. The Promenade des Anglais, a sophisticated, five-kilometer-(3 miles)long walkway along the magnificent Baie des Anges and its long beach, lies at the heart of the elegant new town, with its splendid palaces and aristocratic hotels in the Belle-Époque and Art Deco styles.