Sitting just south of Cinque Terre National Park and within a protected natural region, Portovenere is a gateway for exploration. In the village, colorful houses climb the rocky shoreline beneath the watch of the Gothic Church of St. Peter. Wander through the medieval lanes of the old town, where artisan shops and family-run cafés are tucked between centuries-old stone buildings or set out by boat to explore hidden coves and the nearby islands.
Rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Italy, Ponza is an island sculpted from the ridges of underwater mountains, crested with winding roads that connect small villages with swimmable bays and natural grottoes. Fresh seafood pulled from the surrounding waters makes it to the tables of the harbor’s trattorias for lunch, and small boutiques tempt with pastel linens and bottles of white wine made of grapes harvested from the island’s terraced vineyards.
As the coastline of northern Spain comes into view, Gijón reveals itself between emerald hills and the shimmering waters of the Bay of Biscay. Spend the day wandering the storied streets of Cimavilla, where centuries of seafaring history linger around every corner, then perhaps visit a traditional cider house to toast the flavors of Asturias. Here, rugged natural beauty and warm local traditions come together to create a destination as captivating as the journey itself.
The rhythm of the sea has long defined life on the gorgeous island of Gozo. As you sail towards Mgarr, you’ll be welcomed by two of the island’s hilltop landmarks – the knights-built Fort Chambray and the 19th century Gothic-style Lourdes Chapel. The capital of Victoria is visible for miles around, and its citadel offers wonderful views over the whole island.
On the northwest edge of Sicily at the foot of Mount Erice sits the lively and historic port of Trapani. With its crescent-shaped coastline and crystal-clear waters, Trapani is most definitely an island destination, while its cafés, cathedrals and castles make it also distinctly Italian. Marked by the iconic windmills of Sicily, giant salt fields span from Trapani down the coast to neighboring Marsala, and a museum tells the history of the region’s production of celebrated sea salts.
The city of Naples is rich in fascinating history and endless charm along with stunning scenery. With a skyline outlined by towering Mount Vesuvius, the city is bustling and brimming with natural beauty. The lemon trees and olive groves that line the hillsides along the glittering Amalfi Coast beautifully contrast the neoclassical architecture within the city.
Two fortresses – the Ottoman-era Néokástro and medieval Paleokastro – welcome you to the Bay of Navarínou, a natural harbor in the Peloponnese. Established after the 1827 naval battle that paved the way for an independent Greece, Pylos now guards the entrance to this beautiful bay. The area’s many beaches are unspoiled, most notably Voïdhokiliá, a picture-perfect semicircle of white sand that separates the Gialova Lagoon from the sea. A short drive from town takes you to the hilltop ruins of Nestor’s Palace.
Sail from London to Norway’s legendary fjords, where natural drama takes center stage. Begin in Egersund, a charming coastal town where dramatic seascapes meet Norway’s southern fjords, then cruise to Olden, nestled deep within Nordfjord. Continue to Ålesund with its remarkable Art Nouveau architecture before entering Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO wonder of cascading waterfalls and sheer cliffs. Explore the historic heart of fjord country in Bergen, then sail to Denmark for Aarhus’s striking modern art scene.
The capital of Japan effortlessly blends traditional culture with modern innovation. Key sights in Tokyo include the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the iconic Tokyo Tower with its panoramic views of the city, and the bustling Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Travelers can also explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Ginza, Shibuya, and Asakusa, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Shop in the trendy boutiques of Harajuku and Aoyama and explore the beautiful gardens and parks of Shinjuku and Ueno.
