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Sardinia
Western Mediterranean
Statue of David, Florence
Alhambra Palace, Granada
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Positano, Amalfi Coast
Malaga, Spain
Set on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, Malagas a Moorish delight. During the Arab occupation of Spain, the city was the principal port of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. So what does that mean for you? It means the city of Granada and its striking Alhambra Palace are just a short drive away.
Naples, Italy
Get past Naples chaotic main streets and youll find your fair share of ornate and historic buildings. But its beyond the city that the real treasures lie.
" Teeter on the brink of Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano you can
climb in Europe.
" See Malagas 16th-century cathedral. Its known as La Manquita or
one-armed woman because lack of funds meant only one of the two planned towers was completed. " Dont miss Museo de Bellas Artes, which houses masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Malagas famous son. Picassos birthplace in Plaza Merced is open to the public, too.
" Visit the time-frozen cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, whose citizens
were stopped in their tracks by the famous eruptions of 79 AD.
" Call in at the cliff-top town of Sorrento. Pull up a chair on the cobbles of
Piazza Tasso and sip a cappuccino in the sun.
" Snake your way along the gorgeous Amalfi Coast and stop at the
postcard-perfect fishing village of Positano or the working town of Amalfi.
Marseille, France
One of the Meds most romantic ports, Marseilles steeped in history. Its also your key to the lavender-splashed scenery and sleepy towns of Provence.
" Hit the boutiques of the jet-set isles Capri and Ischia. " Delve into the chaos of Naples. It may not have the romance of Venice or
the style of Rome, but its certainly got bags of character.
Olbia, Sardinia
This is your gateway to Sardinias exclusive Costa Smeralda coastline. Otherwise known as the Emerald Coast, its a ritzy, glitzy ribbon of sandy beaches, rugged coves and turquoise waters. Party playground of the rich, famous and downright fabulous, its a chic corner of Sardinia youll love.
" Dont miss Vieux Port, the old harbour where sleek yachts jostle for space
with a jumble of fishing boats. Stroll round the famous fish market, then pick a waterfront restaurant and order the famous bouillabaisse. " Marvel at Notre-Dame de la Garde, an ornate basilica crowned by an enormous golden Madonna. " Call in at the Medieval walled town of Avignon, which overlooks the River Rhone. Within its mighty bastions youll find orange-roofed houses, cobbled squares and, of course, the centrepiece - the magnificent Palais des Papes, with its fairytale turrets and crenulations.
" Head for Porto Cervo, in the heart of Costa Smeralda. Its a terracotta
marina town made up of high-class villas and sophisticated shopping malls.
" Wander round the lively street market in Olbia, where stalls are loaded with
traditional lace, charming trinkets and tasty local delicacies.
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