Valletta – Palma de Mallorca · 17–25 October 2026

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.

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.

The character of Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, was mainly forged by the Arabs, Swabian dynasty and Normans. Noble palaces line the magnificent streets, cheerful-looking Art Nouveau houses stand next to Baroque buildings and a little further on you are faced with pure Gothic facades. The medieval quarter towers above the huge Palazzo Reale with its "Capella Palatina", a masterpiece in the Arab-Byzantine-Norman style. The small mountain town of Monreale gives you a breathtaking view over the town and the bay, as well as the 12th century cathedral whose interior combines Romanesque, Byzantine and Arab art with rich gold mosaics.

The old town and port of Trapani lies on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. You will discover many little treasures browsing through the beautiful town center. For the last 1,000 years, fine black and red coral jewellery has been made here. The mountain town of Erice is a real architectural gem. Not far from Tapani, this idyllic little town is tucked away in a picturesque hilltop setting overlooking the countryside and the sea. Protected defiantly by a wall, the town retains its splendid medieval atmosphere.

Cagliari is a port and university town and, with one of the most modern opera houses in the Mediterranean, is also a renowned cultural city. Behind the Via Roma, a boulevard with shady arcades and classical facades, lies the dock area whose narrow lanes bustle with life. The old town is called Castello and extends picturesquely up the hill. The immense Bastione San Remy towers over the town. Not far from the center is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean and inland you will find glittering cultural treasures, like the ancient town of Nora dating from the 9th century BC.

Mahôn, the island's capital, has the largest natural harbor in the Mediterranean. The harbor of the former capital, Ciutadella, which translates as "tiny little town", has a picturesque setting on a fjord-like bay. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and you will be enchanted by the narrow lanes in the old town, the majestic squares and the smart promenades. Menorca naturally has two sides – in the north is the wild mountain region of Tramuntana, with its ruggedly craggy coastline and hidden bays. In the south there are gentle hills with wide plains and seemingly endless sandy beaches. Listed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Majorca's little sister is considerably quieter and more traditional.

Majorca's beautiful capital is an elegant city and its picturesque old town and architectural mix of Arab, Catalan and Art Nouveau elements are part of its success story. In the center you will be lured by shops behind splendid facades, and cafés and bars set on beautiful squares invite you to stay a while. Not far from the sophisticated marina you will find the dignified cathedral, affectionately known as "La Seu" for short. With pure Gothic beginnings, none other than Antonio Gaudi created part of its interior at the start of the 20th century.