Monte Carlo – Catania · 1–10 October 2026

In the 19th century, artists discovered this picturesque fishing village on the Côte d'Azur and made it their source of inspiration. They were followed by the aristocracy and moneyed classes, and around fifty years ago St. Tropez gained its international reputation as a refuge for the rich and famous. You can still find them today, in elegant Port Grimaud with its luxurious yachts from all over the world; in the upmarket bars and restaurants that line the promenade; on the elegant boulevards; in high class shops; or at the sophisticated beach clubs. Even with all these distinguished guests, St. Tropez has still managed to preserve its picturesque and sleepy atmosphere.

Calvi has something enjoyable to suit every taste. Romantics can take a walk through the old town and the view from the fortified walls is not to be missed. A stroll through the town's streets brings you to the colorful, lively lower town with its bars and exclusive cafés. Anyone who enjoys a walk on the sand will love the town's long beach. To the east, sheltered by the highest mountains in Corsica, a lush green wild garden has grown around Calvi, filled with olive groves and orange trees. In the La Balagne region in the interior, you can discover hidden picturesque villages which show you the traditional side of Corsica and, displaying the idiosyncratic pride on the island, there is scarcely a road sign that is not written in the Corsican language.

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.

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.

With attractions like Pompeii, Vesuvius, and the enchanting Amalfi Coast so close by, Salerno is rarely top of holidaymakers’ lists when visiting Italy. Yet the city south of Naples is well worth a visit. The historic center around the Cathedral of San Matteo is the perfect place to drift through narrow streets and soak up the authentic southern Italian flair. Not far away, the Giardino della Minerva herb garden features centuries-old terraces and fragrant medicinal plants. And high above Salerno is the colossal Castello di Arechi with its archaeological museum and panoramic ocean view.

Lipari is a tranquil little spot and the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with a cultural heritage stretching back over 6,000 years. Right from first glance you can see its volcanic heritage, with some of the rock formations resembling sculptures, and the entire group of islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Aeolian Museum is set on the castle hill and holds an impressive collection of prehistoric and ancient artefacts from this volcanic group of islands. You will find the southern Italian way of life in this little port infectious.

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.

Goethe wrote, "Do you know the land where the lemon trees bloom and oranges glow from the leaves' dark gloom." Sicily and the picture-perfect Baroque town of Catania, set right at the foot of Mount Etna, were genuine inspirations for him on his travels around Italy. On the fertile volcanic soil around Catania, orange and lemon trees try to out-glow each other, and you will be tempted to enjoy the coastline with its wonderful sandy beaches and impressive rock formations. The town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and earthquake in the 17th century and, in the 18th century, a masterpiece of Roman Baroque emerged which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.