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.
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 through the dramatic landscape of the 30-mile-long Endicott Arm, passing rugged wilderness, waterfalls, and the lush, wildlife-rich Tongass National Forest for up-close looks at tidewater glaciers, including Dawes Glacier.
Gateway to southern Kyushu, where Pacific waters meet the mountains and ancient traditions continue, Aburatsu is a destination for an introduction to the rich culture and samurai history of Miyazaki Prefecture. Journey inland to the historic Obi Castle Town, known as "Kyushu's little Kyoto,” for its remarkably preserved samurai residences where nearly 300 years of feudal history unfolds along beautiful streets lined with traditional cedar architecture.
Located along the Sea of Japan, Niigata is known for its fertile rice fields and long tradition of sake brewing. The city’s pure water and high-quality rice have made it one of Japan’s leading sake regions, and visits to historic breweries offer a chance to sample locally crafted varieties. Stroll along the Shinano River, explore Niigata’s seafood markets and waterfront districts, or venture farther ashore to Sado Island, where dramatic coastlines, historic gold mines, and enduring cultural traditions reveal another side of the region.
