A Mythical Sojourn

Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey

Izmir is located along the outlying waters of the Gulf of Izmir, by the eastern side of the Aegean Sea, part of Turkey's magnificent coastline that abounds in vast pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. The city comprises a range of architecturally diverse buildings that result in distinct historic neighbourhoods such as Basmane, Alsancak and Bornova, all of which are of great interest. The beautiful marble Izmir Clock Tower surrounded by four fountains, and the Agora Open Air Museum of Izmir, with well-preserved remains of ancient Smyrna, should not be missed. Read more about Izmir, Turkey

Mykonos is the principal town of the island of the same name, which is part of the Cyclades, and could well be described as the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Visited by innumerable international celebrities - you may even see some enjoying a coffee on the sidewalk - it is not surprising that it is considered by many to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is also an island with beautiful landscapes, scores of churches, some fascinating monuments, and windmills. Read more about Mykonos, Greece

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece

Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region, and the economic centre of this Greek Island. It is a town with modern buildings, but it is probably the surrounding area of amazing beaches, delightful villages, and impressive gorges that accord it its popularity. Heraklion is home to some of Greece's most important archaeological sites. Read more about Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Alexandria, Egypt’s largest seaport, was originally founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C. Extending about 32 km along the Mediterranean coast, it has become an important tourist resort. Indeed, known as The Pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. Read more about Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria, Egypt’s largest seaport, was originally founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C. Extending about 32 km along the Mediterranean coast, it has become an important tourist resort. Indeed, known as The Pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. Read more about Alexandria, Egypt

Valletta (aka Belt Valletta, Città Umilissima) - traditionally reserved for the historic walled citadel that serves as Malta's principal administrative district - is the capital city of Malta, located in the central-eastern portion of the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is essentially Baroque in style, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. Don’t miss the the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. Read more about Valletta, Malta

Messina is a harbour on the eastern coast of Sicily, a short ferry crossing to mainland Italy lying to the east. Due to the several earthquakes that have struck the area on several occasions, the city is almost completely modern. Mostly viewed as the starting point for tours and trips to Taormina and Mount Etna, both of which are truly unforgettable, it also has much to offer in the way of history and beauty. Read more about Messina, Italy

The city of Salerno, Italy, is situated on a gulf of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is within an easy distance of the dazzling Amalfi Coast. It is best known for being the home of the first University of Medicine in the world! Read more about Salerno, Italy

Rome, sometimes referred to as "The Eternal City," is the capital city of Italy. Cruises from Rome depart the Rome Cruise Terminal which is approximately 1.5 hours by train North-West of the city centre. Rome is renowned across the world for its rich past, impressive archaeological sites, delectable cuisine, gorgeous gardens, homes of local nobility, and significant structures including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Read more about Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy