Amalfi Coast, Africa & Iberia

Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, Italy, is a city where history, culture, and gastronomy converge in a kaleidoscope of experiences. A walk through Palermo is like stepping into a living museum, where Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences blend seamlessly. The Palermo Cathedral, a masterpiece of architectural evolution, showcases a mix of styles from its Norman origins to later Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Visitors can marvel at its intricate façade and explore the royal tombs within.

One of Palermo’s most captivating sites is the Capella Palatina, an exquisite chapel within the Norman Palace. Adorned with stunning mosaics and golden Byzantine artwork, this chapel reflects the grandeur of Sicily’s medieval period. The palace itself, once a royal residence, offers a glimpse into the opulent past of Sicilian nobility.

The city's bustling markets are a sensory overload of vibrant colors and enticing aromas. The Mercato di Ballarò and Mercato della Vucciria are among the most famous, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and taste local delicacies like arancini (stuffed rice balls) and cannoli. These markets not only offer delicious food but also an immersive look into Palermo's daily life and traditions.

Fun fact: Palermo is known for its unique street food culture, with the city's market vendors offering some of the best street food in Italy. Be sure to try "pane con la milza," a traditional Sicilian sandwich made with spleen, a local delicacy.

La Goulette, a charming port town just north of Tunis, is a delightful destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and seaside relaxation. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, La Goulette offers visitors a chance to explore its bustling markets, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, and relax on its beautiful beaches. The town's strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for excursions to nearby attractions such as the ancient ruins of Carthage and the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said.

La Goulette was once a popular summer resort with an area known as "La Petite Sicile" that was home to its significant Jewish, Italian and Maltese community. Today, it remains a vibrant and welcoming destination, offering a unique glimpse into Tunisia's diverse cultural tapestry.

The Mediterranean Sea is more than a body of water, it’s a living crossroads of civilizations, flavors, and landscapes. Stretching across three continents and touching over 20 countries, it has been a stage for ancient empires, maritime trade, and cultural exchange for thousands of years. From the sun-drenched shores of southern Spain to the whitewashed villages of the Greek islands, each coastline tells a different story. In places like Split, Dubrovnik, or Marseille, Roman ruins and medieval walls stand just steps from lively cafés and bustling harbors.

One of the Mediterranean’s most captivating features is its diversity. In a single journey, travelers can sip mint tea in a Tunisian souk, wander through a Venetian alleyway, and swim in the turquoise bays of Turkey’s Lycian coast. The sea itself is calm and warm, ideal for sailing between islands like Corsica, Sardinia, and Malta.

Valencia, located on the Balearic coastline of eastern Spain, is a Mediterranean haven replete with stunning art, striking architecture, immersive museums, and inviting beaches.

The heart of Valencia is the perfect place to explore the best that the city has to offer. In the city center, you’ll find a variety of Valencia’s famous landmarks and architectural masterpieces, including La Seu de València (the magnificent Valencia Cathedral), La Lonja de la Seda (the preserved Medieval building which once facilitated the city’s trade), and Las Torres de Quart (Gothic towers used to fortify Valencia’s defenses). Valencia’s three most popular plazas, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Virgen, and Plaza de la Reina, offer direct access to many of these monuments, as well as wonderful shopping and dining opportunities. Be sure to stop at the expansive Mercat Central, decorated in vivid mosaic tiles and brimming with fresh produce and Spanish delicacies.

Valencia’s premier attraction, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, is a massive museum complex built along the lush Jardín del Túria. This testament to the arts and sciences comprises the Oceanogràfic, an enormous aquarium famous for its dolphins, the Museu de les Ciències, an interactive science museum, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, an opera house, and the Hemisfèric, a 3-D movie theater.

Soak up the sun and gaze at the glittering Balearic Sea along the shores of Valencia at Platja de l’Arbre del Gos, Playa de Pinedo, Playa de las Arenas, or Playa de la Malvarrosa. With a string of restaurants lining the coast, you’ll have ample opportunity to sample delectable paella, fideuà, arròs a banda, and sugary bunyols.

Step foot in Valencia for a uniquely gorgeous Spanish adventure!