Day 1 - Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain: The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to capture your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a feast for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops also call for attention. Barcelona's lively atmosphere extends well into the night, where you can savour regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

Day 2 - Mahón

Mahón, Menorca, Spain: The capital of Menorca since 1721, Mahón boasts a stunning natural deep-water harbour, one of the largest in the world. Its strategic location has made it a stronghold for numerous nations throughout history. The town is rich in historical buildings, with the Arch of Saint Roc being the oldest structure, the sole remnant of the wall that once encircled the area. During the 18th century, the British occupied the island, and it is believed that Lord Nelson stayed here. The Georgian style inherited from colonial rule is evident in some of the buildings, yet Mahón abounds in examples of neo-Classical, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture. The narrow streets, shaded squares, and inviting pavement cafés offer something for everyone to enjoy. Do note that most shops in town close for siesta from 13:30 to 17:30.

Day 3 - Alghero

Alghero, Italy: Alghero is a charming town of approximately 45,000 inhabitants, offering a distinctive Spanish flavour. Often referred to as "Barcelonetta" (little Barcelona), it features rich wrought-iron scrollwork on balconies and windows, with Spanish motifs evident in the stone portals and bell towers. Built and settled in the 14th century by the Aragonese and Catalans, the town is enclosed by sturdy towers and seaside ramparts, set amidst narrow, winding streets and whitewashed palazzi. The native language here is a variant of Catalan, although you may need to attend an Algherese Mass or listen closely to older fishermen to hear it. Alongside historic architectural treasures like Alghero Cathedral and Palazzo d'Albis, the fortified city invites exploration of its local culture along narrow cobblestone streets. Additionally, it is famed for excellent food offered at reasonable prices.

Day 4 - Cagliari

Cagliari, Italy: Known locally as Casteddu, Sardinia's capital has steep streets and stunning Italianate architecture, from modern structures to medieval ones. The city, home to nearly 160,000 residents, is characterised by a bustling commercial centre and waterfront with broad avenues and arched arcades. The old hilltop citadel, simply called "Castello," is marked by typically narrow streets. The Museo Archeologico offers an excellent starting point for a visit. The grand Bastione di Saint Remy and the Mercato di San Benedetto, one of Italy's finest fish markets, are essential stops.

Day 5 - Trapani

Trapani, Sicily, Italy: Trapani, the most vital town on Sicily's west coast, sits below the headland of Mount Erice, offering breathtaking vistas of the Egadi Islands on a clear day. The Old District of Trapani is situated on a scimitar-shaped promontory between the open sea to the north and salt marshes to the south. The ancient art of salt extraction from the marshes has been rejuvenated recently, with its history documented in the Museo delle Saline. Beyond the salt marshes, the environs of Trapani include the quaint hill town of Erice, the promontory of Capo San Vito, the splendid headland of Monte Cofano, the lovely island of Motya, and the town of Marsala. Excursions further afield lead to the magnificent site of Segesta or the Egadi Islands, accessible by boat or hydrofoil from Trapani Port.

Day 6 - Palermo

Palermo, Italy: Once heralded as the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo stands as a testament to civilization's crossroads. Situated favourably on a crescent-shaped bay at the base of Monte Pellegrino, it has attracted nearly every culture interfacing with the Mediterranean. Palermo's unique identity amalgamates an Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian character. The city's legacy spans all of Sicily's historical eras, yet its Arab-Norman identity is especially distinctive, epitomised in exquisite artistic works. Equally noteworthy is Palermo's vibrant dynamism, available for all to see in some of Italy's most energetic outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food stands. At its peak, the city's vitality is on display during Italy's grandest passeggiata—a leisurely social walk along the main thoroughfare.

Day 7 - Lipari

Lipari, Italy: Lipari, the largest and most developed of the Aeolian archipelago, greets visitors with its unique pastel-hued houses. The northernmost point of the island, Acquacalda, is dotted with fields of spiky agaves and numerous pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west lies San Calogero, renowned for its hot springs and mud baths. Ascending from the red-lava base is a plateau crowned by a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.

Day 8 - Reggio di Calabria

Reggio di Calabria, Italy: Reggio di Calabria is a historic city in southern Italy, offering breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina. Known for its beautiful Lungomare promenade, this charming locale is adorned with an array of flora, often referred to as the most beautiful kilometre of Italy. The city is home to the famous Riace Bronzes, two full-size Greek statues housed in the National Archaeological Museum.

Day 9 - Catania

Catania, Italy: Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast, situated at the foot of the active volcano, Mt. Etna. Trails leading up the summit offer adventurous excursions. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and the opulently decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria's weekday fish market is a lively spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Day 10 - Siracuse

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy: Siracusa, or Syracuse to English speakers, is a sight to behold. Founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists, this ancient city grew to rival Athens in splendour and influence. Although it later fell to Roman conquest, Siracusa's legacy includes some of the most exquisite examples of Baroque art and architecture, as well as dramatic Greek and Roman ruins. The Duomo is legendary, encapsulating the city's rich history within a single building. The modern city still boasts a vibrant Baroque old town, dotted with lively piazzas, outdoor cafés, and bars, alongside a vast array of superb seafood. Visitors can explore two main areas: the archaeological wonder of Parco Archeologico on the mainland and Ortygia, the island that forms the city's ancient core.

Day 11 - Mgarr

Mgarr, Gozo, Malta: Mgarr on the island of Gozo is the gateway to historical treasures and natural wonders. Known for its picturesque harbour, Mgarr offers stunning views and a welcoming community atmosphere. It's a place where traditional Gozitan culture thrives, with delightful markets and authentic cuisine to explore.

Day 12 - Valletta

Valletta, Malta: Malta's capital, Valletta, is a minicity filled with ornate palaces and museums protected by the massive fortifications of honey-colour limestone. The narrow streets are lined with overhanging wooden balconies, once a vantage point for housebound women to observe street life. Entering the city via the City Gate, you find yourself on Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the main thoroughfare of this grid-pattern city and the primary shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street), running parallel, offers another delightful stroll. The compact nature of Valletta makes it perfect for exploration on foot. Ongoing redevelopment around the City Gate area has introduced a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue, blending modernity with historical architecture.