Page Text Content
Western Mediterranean
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbons enjoying its long-awaited spell in the limelight - and quite rightly so. Famous for its infectious energy, Portugals trendy capital stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Madrid and Barcelona.
" Pisas another Tuscan treasure. Make a beeline for the Campo dei Miracoli,
the square which harbours the citys cathedral and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower. Quite how it manages to stay standing will baffle you for days afterwards. If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, head for the Borgo Stretto. This place is a paradise for jewellery, leather, clothes, homeware and pottery. " Explore the scenic Tuscan countryside, passing Medieval hill towns that look as if theyve been caught in a time-warp. Its the perfect place to enjoy a little wine-tasting in the sun. " Discover the Medieval city of Siena. Its set in a patchwork of blazing red poppy fields and wheat fields that glimmer like gold-dust. Bellissimo.
" Stroll through tram-clattering cobbled streets taking in sights like
Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, an ancient castle guarding Lisbons harbour. " Make a beeline for Alfama, the ancient Arab quarter, and haggle for take-home trinkets in its atmospheric Thieves Market. " Fall in love with the town of Sintra. Loved by Portuguese royalty and English nobility, its thick forests and surrealist architecture are a refreshing contrast from urban Lisbon.
Mahon, Minorca
The sun-drenched isle of Minorca is famous for its sandy shores and blissfully lazy pace. Get yourself out on deck as you glide into the spectacular harbour of Mahon, the island capital. Not only are the views gorgeous but youll see the unusual spectacle of traditional mussel farms in the crystal waters below.
Livorno (for Florence & Pisa), Italy
Get ready to be impressed - this is your gateway to the dazzling riches of Florence, Pisa and Siena.
" A living monument to the Renaissance, Florence might be famous for its
art galleries, but the entire city is like one gigantic piece of artwork. Beautiful buildings, piazzas and sculptures are everywhere you look. Marvel at Michelangelos David in the Accademia. Clap eyes on Botticellis Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery. Then head for the Ponte Vecchio bridge to browse the jewellery shops that find a home here. Make no mistake about it, this city will steal your heart.
" When youre not sipping wine on the waterfront of Mahon, weave
your way through gorgeous scenery to the fishing village of Fornells. Its renowned for its lobster dishes and King Juan Carlos of Spain regularly pops over from his summer palace in Majorca. " Head to Torralba, Minorcas answer to Stonehenge. The islands actually home to one of Europes largest concentrations of prehistoric sites.
64
|
inbro