Icons of the Mediterranean

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 explore the Rock and enjoy unrivalled views across to Africa, Spain, and over the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as 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.

Corsica’s island capital of Ajaccio is a charming and captivating city with tree-lined boulevards and narrow streets adorned with pastel-painted houses that meet at wide-open squares offering vistas of the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Restaurants, bistros, and cafés spill out onto the pavements, and the historic centre of Place Foch is a popular place to sit and watch the world go by. Famously the birthplace of the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, his legacy still lies at the very heart of Ajaccio’s identity, with monuments, streets, squares, hotels, bistros, bars, and even the airport bearing his name, almost 250 years after his birth.

The coastal port of Civitavecchia is gateway to the Eternal City of Rome, so named because ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world, the city would go on forever. Alongside the many inviting trattoria in Rome, there are many deeply historical structures, including the imposing Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. From Rome, the holy Vatican City is easily accessible and is home to His Holiness, the Pope.

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.

Cartagena is often seen as one of Spain’s less well-known cities, but take a wander through its ancient streets, and you’ll discover the carefully restored Roman Amphitheatre, which once held 6,000 spectators. There will also be opportunities to marvel at modernist Art Nouveau buildings, and take the panoramic lift to the top of Concepcion Castle for remarkable views across the surrounding harbour. Immerse yourself in local life by enjoying the distinctly Spanish citrus flavours of Licor 43, or coffee-based Asiatico, made with brandy and condensed milk.

Visiting Lisbon in December 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 bacalhau (salt cod) or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a Portuguese espresso, known as Bica, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.