Civitavecchia (Rome) - Mallorca Late summer in cosmopolitan coastal towns

Colourful facades welcome you to the harbour of Cagliari, where sailing boats gently bob on the water in the sparkling bay. Perched high on a hill, the old town of Castello invites you to stroll through narrow streets, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria or enjoy the view over the town and sea from the Bastione di Saint Remy. Sardinia reveals its diversity around Cagliari: endless sandy beaches, hidden coves, rugged cliffs and lush nature spreading across hills and valleys. Walks along the coast or in the nearby wetlands lead to flamingos, herons and other native birds.

Alghero is different from the rest of Sardinia, a kind of island within an island. Follow your spirit of discovery at the foot of the mighty city walls to charming squares where colourful houses and historic buildings conjure up a distinctive atmosphere. Around 400 years of Catalan rule shaped the language, architecture and culture: Catalan Gothic architecture can be found in many of the city’s buildings, such as the Church of San Francesco in the heart of the old town. The surrounding countryside also promises variety. Just a few kilometres away, the Neptune Grotto and the prehistoric Domus de Janas of Anghelu Ruju beckon, while the town’s own beaches and vineyards invite you to go on excursions. Take your time to soak up the impressions – thanks to the long lay time.

With its Venetian flair and Corsican charm, Saint-Florent is an idyllic little town on the north coast of Corsica. Set between the impressive citadel and the emerald-green Gulf of Saint-Florent, the town exudes a special kind of peace and serenity. The colourful houses on the old harbour, surrounded by the ramparts, are an inviting place for a stroll and regional specialities can be enjoyed in the little restaurants. Around Saint-Florent can be found the fine sandy beaches and wild landscapes of Cap Corse – a paradise for outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports that showcase the natural beauty of Corsica.

Portoferraio on the Italian island of Elba has a long history dating back to the Roman Empire, when iron ore mining brought riches to the town. Two of the splendid Roman villas can still be visited today. Portoferraio owes much of its fame to Napoleon Bonaparte, who made the capital of Elba his winter residence in 1814. However, it's not just history that impresses here: the island in the Tuscan Archipelago also appeals thanks to its tropical beaches, crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal landscapes, part of Europe’s largest protected marine reserve, the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano.

Colourful houses on the natural harbour, surrounded by pine, olive and cypress groves – the picturesque fishing village of Portofino is one of the most legendary sights on the Ligurian coast. The Romanesque Church of San Giorgio and Castello Brown, which sits high above the resort, are particularly worth visiting. Although Portofino has been a favourite meeting point of the jet set since the 1950s, it has still maintained its unique atmosphere: luxury yachts, sophisticated shops and first-class hotels fit harmoniously into the overall picture of this charming village.

Elegant Cannes on the Cote d’Azur exudes sophisticated flair. Luxury hotels and designer boutiques grace the famous Promenade de la Croisette, lined with palm trees, while the azure-blue sea glitters on the fine sandy beach. In the old town of Le Suquet, you will find narrow streets, charming squares and magnificent views over the bay. The harbour with its yachts shows the glamorous side of the city, which not only shines during the film festival. Life along the promenade continues into the evening hours, when cafes, bars and restaurants keep their doors wide open. Immerse yourself in the colourful hustle and bustle and enjoy the savoir-vivre of the moment.

When you arrive in St-Tropez in the evening, you will be greeted by a glamorous backdrop of illuminated yachts, sparkling facades and lively streets. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s unique nightlife, as you ship has an overnight lay time here.

St-Tropez, with its picturesque streets, colourful houses and luxurious Cote d’Azur lifestyle, has a captivating charm of its own. The town, once a tranquil fishing village, was made famous in the 1960s by Brigitte Bardot and the international jet set. Artists like Paul Signac and Henri Matisse found inspiration here at the end of the 19th century – and today you can admire their work in the Musee de l’Annonciade. The port, the early 17th-century citadel and the Place des Lices can be discovered on a charming walk around the old town.

The charming town of Sete is often referred to as the “Venice of Languedoc” because of its numerous canals that wind their way picturesquely through the town. Fishing boats and sailing yachts lie side by side in the idyllic harbour, and in the small restaurants in the harbour you can sample freshly caught fish and the famous squid speciality, Tielle Setoise. Mont Saint-Clair is also worth a climb: from its platform, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the city’s rooftops, the sea and the lagoon landscape. Take your time to soak up the impressions in Sete – thanks to the long lay time.