Star Collector: Corsica, Sardinia & Southern Italy

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins-Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.

As the principal port of Corsica, Bastia has vibrant historical neighborhoods with narrow streets and alleys between ancient shuttered buildings of the 18th century. One of the main squares is the Place du Marche, home of a morning market and the impressive 16th century Saint-Jean-Baptiste church. On the other side of the harbor sits the substantial citadel, the beautiful gardens of Jardin Romieu and the once very-elegant houses of the Terra Nova district.

Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is a picturesque city on the island's west coast. Famously known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the Napoleon Museum and the 16th-century Ajaccio Cathedral. The city offers stunning Mediterranean views, beautiful beaches, and a charming old town with narrow streets and colorful buildings. Ajaccio's harbor is lively with boats and seafood restaurants.

Bonifacio, located on the southern tip of Corsica, is renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs and medieval citadel. The town's ancient fortifications and narrow, cobbled streets offer a glimpse into its rich history. Bonifacio's picturesque marina is filled with colorful yachts and cafes, providing stunning views of the Mediterranean. Notable sites include the King of Aragon's Staircase, carved into the cliffside, the Old Town, and Sartene, an ancient hillside community dating back to the 16th century.

Alghero, Sardinia is a small ship exclusive. This charming coastal city in northwestern Sardinia, is often referred to as "Little Barcelona". It features cobblestone streets, vibrant piazzas, and the imposing Alghero Cathedral. The city's old town, enclosed by ancient walls, is filled with lively markets, seafood restaurants, and boutiques. Alghero's coastline offers stunning beaches and clear, turquoise waters, and the nearby Neptune's Grotto, a spectacular sea cave, is a popular attraction. Alghero is also known for its coral jewelry; you'll be able to find coral pieces constructed by local artisans in many of the shops.

Alghero, Sardinia is a small ship exclusive. This charming coastal city in northwestern Sardinia, is often referred to as "Little Barcelona". It features cobblestone streets, vibrant piazzas, and the imposing Alghero Cathedral. The city's old town, enclosed by ancient walls, is filled with lively markets, seafood restaurants, and boutiques. Alghero's coastline offers stunning beaches and clear, turquoise waters, and the nearby Neptune's Grotto, a spectacular sea cave, is a popular attraction. Alghero is also known for its coral jewelry; you'll be able to find coral pieces constructed by local artisans in many of the shops.

Golfo Aranci, located on Sardinia's northeastern coast, is a picturesque town known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The town is surrounded by nature reserves, making it perfect for bird and marine life watching. Golfo Aranci is also a great spot for diving, snorkeling, and other water sports. The promenade is lined with seafood restaurants and cafes, offering delicious local cuisine.

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins-Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.

The town of Amalfi lies at the mouth of a deep ravine surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. As part of the Amalfi Coast, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important tourist destination. The whole region is famed for its lemons, which are about double the size of other lemons, and the production of the limoncello liqueur. An optional tour can take you to the UNESCO archaeological areas of Pompeii, Positano and Ravello.

Reggio Calabria is a small ship exclusive port located at the tip of Italy's "boot". Known for its stunning seaside promenade, Lungomare Falcomata, it offers beautiful views of Sicily across the Strait of Messina. Key attractions include the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Riace Bronzes, and the Aragonese Castle. Additionally, Reggio Calabria is renowned for its rich culinary scene and features specialties such as 'nduja'.  This unique soft, spreadable, and spicy sausage is made with a blend of local chili peppers. Traditionally, nduja is served on crispy bread and fresh pasta.

Taranto, located in the Puglia region of Italy, charms with its historic district featuring Greek ruins and a labyrinth of narrow streets.  The Aragonese Castle and the 11th-century Cathedral of San Cataldo highlight its historic charm. Taranto is famous for its two seas, the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, which define its unique geography and provide beautiful beaches with sandy shores for sunbathing. Taranto is also known for its Puglian cuisine, featuring orechiette pasta, mussels, tarali (traditional biscuits), and local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Taranto, located in the Puglia region of Italy, charms with its historic district featuring Greek ruins and a labyrinth of narrow streets.  The Aragonese Castle and the 11th-century Cathedral of San Cataldo highlight its historic charm. Taranto is famous for its two seas, the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, which define its unique geography and provide beautiful beaches with sandy shores for sunbathing. Taranto is also known for its Puglian cuisine, featuring orechiette pasta, mussels, tarali (traditional biscuits), and local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

This small ship exclusive port has a mix of beautiful beaches and gorgeous landmarks.  The town's main attraction is the Otranto Cathedral, famous for its intricate 12th-century mosaic floor, rose windows, and the Chapel of the Martyrs. The nearby beaches, like Baia dei Turchi, are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, perfect for an afternoon swim.

Rab, a small ship exclusive port, is a picturesque island located in the northern Adriatic Sea, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island's charm lies in its medieval old town, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and Romanesque churches. Rab Town, the island's main settlement, is famous for its four distinctive bell towers, particularly the striking Bell Tower of the Cathedral of St. Mary. The island offers many beautiful beaches with sandy covers and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports. The island's lush landscapes and pristine environment provide a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts.

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it's like to live in the city that's neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don't mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.