MEDD

Sitting on Spain’s glorious Costa Blanca, Alicante is the epitome of Mediterranean elegance. Wander along its palm-fringed waterfront promenade; lose yourself in the narrow streets of the old Barrio de la Santa Cruz district; enjoy some well-deserved beach time at San Juan or Almadraba; or climb up to the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Peruse the works of Dalí and Picasso in the Museuo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, or learn all about round-the-world yacht-racing at the Museo Volvo Ocean Race.

Beautiful and bold, Istanbul stands astride the continents of Europe and Asia. Start your day with a silky Turkish coffee before making your way to the Byzantine basilica of Haghia Sophia. With its gold mosaics and awe-inspiring dome, this is one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Follow this with a visit to the Blue Mosque, the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I, and a tour of the harem at the opulent Topkapi Palace. In the afternoon, take a boat trip between Europe and Asia or practice your haggling skills at the colorful Grand Bazaar.

Sitting on the edge of Europe, Palermo is a glorious mish-mash of Baroque churches, Arabesque domes, souk-like marketplaces and Gothic palaces. You’ll find yourself gazing at glittering mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, sampling cheeses at the bustling Mercato di Ballarò, viewing the largest collection of ancient anchors in the world at the Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas, wandering serene subtropical gardens at the Orto Botanico or watching world-class opera at the Art Nouveau Teatro Massimo.

With its sun-dappled Piazza del Duomo, winding alleyways, Byzantine-influenced cathedral and pretty little beach, the town of Amalfi embodies Italian charm. Neighboring Atrani is also well worth a visit, as it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. With its ancient churches and whitewashed alleyways, it’s a lovely place to spend a relaxing day away from the crowds. Alternatively, make your way to the magical Grotta dello Smeraldo, which is named because of the gorgeous emerald color that emanates from the water.