ROME (from Civitavecchia) Italy Standing in the Colosseum, visiting the Vatican City and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain are all unique once in a lifetime experiences to be had in the Eternal City of Rome. The city’s other must-sees include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon (probably the most complete ancient Roman building in the city) and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s masterpieces. The Piazza Navone is one of the most famous and arguably the most beautiful of Rome’s many squares, boasting three magnifi cent fountains – including Bernini’s ornate ‘Fountain of the Four Rivers’ – and the baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. While steeped in history, Rome is also a modern, bustling city with modern designer shops and chic boutiques at every turn.
SAFAGA Egypt From Safaga you can explore the lavish tombs, temples and palaces of the pharaohs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Karnak and Luxor (once Ancient Thebes). The huge and magnifi cent Karnak Temple complex is awe-inspiring. The rich detail in the wall paintings of the tombs depicts the unworldly lives of the Pharaohs and will take your breath away. Safaga is also close to the Egyptian beach resort of Hurghada and the clear waters along this coastline are rated among the world’s best sites for diving.
SALERNO Italy The city fl ourished under the Normans in the 11th century and its Scuola Medica Salernitana was one of medieval Europe’s greatest medical institutes, but more recently it was the site of the Allied landing of September 1943. The enormous Duomo, built in 1076, is the city’s highlight; as well as two elegant mosaic pulpits dating from 1173, it contains the tomb of St Matthew, who was moved there in the 10th century. Visit the centro storico, a vibrant area of medieval churches, neighbourhood trattorias and neon-lit wine bars, or its seafront for a leisurely stroll.
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SAN SEBASTIAN Spain Former summer residence of the Spanish royal family, San Sebastián has grown from a fi shing village to a sophisticated small city with a taste for fi rst-class food. Boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other place in the world, it’s the birthplace of the revival in Basque cuisine. Why not visit the Alderdi Eder Gardens or wander along the La Concha beach promenade? Alternatively, explore the old town and ancient Santa Corda alley as well as the art nouveau buildings on Arbol de Gernika promenade. Historical monuments; museums and galleries; green spaces; superb shopping; and attractions including the aquarium complete your sightseeing options, leaving just enough time to sample the city’s famous pintxos cuisine.2
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SANARY SUR MER France Life around the picturesque Provencal port of Sanary-Sur-Mer has always revolved around the sea. It’s where the pioneers of diving Jacques Cousteau, Frederic Dumas and Phillipe Thailliez enhanced their skills. The local museum, housed in the medieval tower around which the town grew, displays their diving equipment and fi nds from underwater excavations. Those who prefer to stay above the waves can join one of the traditional pointu fi shing boats on a trip out to sea before returning to the pretty waterside to sample the day’s catch. More regional produce is found at the daily market where local traders offer fl owers, fruit, vegetables and fi sh. Near the beach, overlooking the bay of Bandol, is an exotic garden featuring plants, animals and birds from around the world.
SANTA MARGHERITA Italy Once a quiet fi shing village in the shadow of its fl ashier near neighbour Portofi no, Santa Margherita has developed into a charming resort with its own distinct appeal. As well as the inviting cafés, restaurants and bars around the harbour, Santa Margherita is unusual for this part of the Italian coastline in having some fi ne, sandy beaches. There are boutiques around the harbour and along the narrow lanes that lead from there into the pretty town. Well worth a visit are the ruins of its 15th century castle, several baroque-style churches, and of course, Portofi no, which is just along the coast.
SASSNITZ Germany The atmospheric harbour town of Sassnitz is located on Germany’s largest island, Rügen – an island known for its extraordinarily varied landscape, sheer cliffs and fi ne sandy beaches. In Sassnitz itself you’ll fi nd a beautiful old town, great shopping opportunities and a fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. From the harbour you take a short voyage to Cape Arkona – a sheer, 45-metre chalk cliff at the tip of the Wittow peninsula. Its two lighthouses are the oldest on the Baltic coast dating from 1826 and 1827.
SETE France The sleepy French town of Sete boasts a pleasant harbourfront promenade and the walkable town centre criss-crossed by canals has enough boutiques and arty shops to while away a morning. But you may also want to visit the modern university town of Montpelier with its beautiful medieval old town. Also nearby is the less well known but equally fascinating walled city of Aigues Mortes, built for Saint Louis King of France as a departure harbour for the 13th century Crusades and set in an eerie landscape of saltpans, ponds and seamarshes.
Reykjavik
SHARM EL SHEIKH Egypt On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Straits of Tiran, the sheltered waters are simply crystal clear. There are a variety of glass-bottomed and other boat trips on offer. Even better for snorkellers and divers is the Marine National Park, at nearby Ras Mohammed. Other visitors will want to visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, the oldest Christian monastery in the world, where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
SKJOLDEN Norway Surrounded by steep hills with spectacular falls, Skjolden is located at the head of the longest navigable fjord in the world – Sognefjord. As well as being situated in a breathtaking location, the town itself is host to a number of activities and attractions. Visit Urnes Stave Church, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list or the Jostedalsbreen National Park home to everything from fjords to green valleys, farms, barren mountains and glaciers, with peaks rising to 2,000 metres. At its heart stands the Jostedal glacier, the largest glacier in mainland Europe.
SPLIT Croatia Nestling on the sparkling Dalmatian coast, the medieval Croatian port of Split faces the myriad of magical islands of the Kornati archipelago and houses Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best preserved Roman palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander around its huddle of alleys and piazzas and then, for a great view, climb the exposed steps to the top of the 60-metre-high cathedral bell tower. Sip a drink at one of the many cafés along the seafront Riva or pop into a Konoba (wine cellar) to sample the excellent locally produced reds and whites. Just three miles from Split are the ruins of ancient Salona, once capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.
ST JOHN New Brunswick, Canada St. John has long been a shipbuilding centre and there are fascinating replicas of historic sailing ships in its New Brunswick museum. The Old City Market is well worth a visit as is the impressively Romanesque Country Courthouse. The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and biking, especially in the Fundy National Park, a lush plateau to the east of St. John and along the St. John River valley where you can witness the natural wonder of the Reversing Falls – a phenomena which occurs when the high tide causes the river to change direction.
ST KITTS If you have ever dreamt of the classic Caribbean island, chances are it looked a lot like St. Kitts. You will recognise that mixture of deserted beaches, sleepy villages, lush rainforest greenery and sugarcane fi elds and maybe even the mini-mountain range with a dormant volcano in its midst. Independent since 1983, St. Kitts covers just 65 square miles but has its own World Heritage site: Brimstone Hill fortress. You can also explore the back streets and impressively restored Georgian buildings of the capital, Basseterre. More options for St. Kitts visitors include a ride on the scenic railway or a trip to sister island Nevis.
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