Relax and unwind. Soak in the ocean views, show off your culinary prowess at a cooking class, try your luck at the casino, or treat yourself to an escape at the spa.

This jewel of the French Riviera is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and terraced cafes. Stroll the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais or see masterpieces by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Chagall in one of Nice’s many museums.

On the West coast of Corsica lies Ajaccio, the island’s largest town. Replete with all the charm and sophistication of a French Mediterranean resort—palm trees, sandy beaches, bountiful shopping, beautiful marina and colorful cafes, bars and bistros—you would not be amiss to liken Ajaccio to the more well-known South-of-France hotspots, such as the Cote d’Azur, Cap d’Antibes or Marseille.

A great place to start your investigation of Ajaccio is to stroll down to the Maison Napoleon, the eponymous birthplace of the iconic French military leader, and the nearby cathedral where he was christened. Famed for being Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, Ajaccio tips its hat to its most famous and storied resident throughout town, from his childhood home to seafront statues, museums, and street names. Take a scenic tour to the Austerlitz Square, Iles Sanguinaires viewpoint and the narrow, picturesque streets of old Ajaccio.

Sample some of the local fresh market’s delights for in-season delicacies, pastries and the fresh fish, vegetables, cheeses, and Corsican wines. Dining in town is essentially a French experience with a bit of Italian tossed in. Be sure to try the island’s popular pork charcuterie and fritelli, the doughnut made with chestnut flowers.

As you approach this lovely port from the sea, you’ll marvel at the castles and cathedrals, perched on successive terraces. Originally settled over 2,700 years ago, Cagliari retains much of its original seaside charm. Pristine waters and white sand beaches surround the island, offering great opportunities to scuba, snorkel, and swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Once home to Italian nobility and aristocrats, this ancient city boasts the 3,000-year-old ruins of Nora, ancient temples and thermal baths of Sardinia, and the Neolithis Nuraghic Village of Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

Savor the distinct Italian flavor of Cagliari cuisine with pasta feasts, fresh seafood, and prime meats on menu at bistros and restaurants throughout the city. A stroll down Vias Garibaldi and Manno will bring you to the finest artisan shops and boutiques. Lovely handcrafts, regional cheeses, and island wines can be found at the open-air markets around the city for delightful keepsakes and souvenirs. With every Vespa that zips by and every golden-domed palazzi you see, you will come to realize that Cagliari is the most Italian of the Sardinian islands.

Take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

In addition to a number of significant works of art, this town is known for the many fortifications built by the Knights of Malta, who for years helped care for European pilgrims and crusaders en route to and from the Holy Land. The walled city of Valletta was founded in 1565 by the Knights of St. John and it remains a masterfully preserved medieval treasure. From the glittering baroque interior of the Co-Cathedral of St. John to the charm found wandering the old cobbled avenues, it’s no wonder this tiny city has earned World Heritage status.

Hidden among the foreboding fortresses and decorative masterpieces is a city with growing appreciation for contemporary design, exciting, culinary offerings, and burgeoning nightlife scene.Maltese cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean dishes and influences with touches of French and Sicilian. Fresh seafood and the Maltese wines from the distinguished local vineyards are always on the menu.

Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Mdina to see its medieval churches, cathedrals, and palaces. Experience two Maltese treasures: The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk village. Or, set off on a Maltese sightseeing adventure beginning at Valleta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s a wonderfully small capital that’s bursting with stories. Valleta is a place you’re sure to create a few stories of your own.

Located in northeastern Sicily on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina is an ancient place with a fascinating history. Marvel at the ruins of the Santa Maria Alemanna Church, built in 1220 A.D. You’ll also want to see the Duomo, a Romanesque and Norman cathedral that includes a display of artifacts in its treasury.

Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place to explore. For all of Rome’s notoriety, Naples, with its historic city center deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has just as many important archeological sites and landmarks.

Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale for a world-class collection of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman artifacts. And, if you’d like to venture a little deeper, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover.

And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with confectioner’s sugar, Naples and her bountiful edible treasures is sure to please.

Only 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history, but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

Today you depart from the ship in Rome and return to the U.S.

Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy.

Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography.

There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum.

Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries.

Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.