Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona (9 nights)

There’s more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems. The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s private quarters at the Vatican. Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon. Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000 year old pool for a wellness experience. An ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.

Plunge into Tuscany’s capital of culture. Once casa to legendary Michelangelo, Florence now shelters some of the Renaissance’s greatest masterpieces. Immerse in the relics of antiquity; catch a glimpse of the heavens in the famous Uffizi gallery, visit the iconic terracotta-tiled Duomo and step into an oasis of sculptured serenity at Giardino di Boboli to forget the world beyond its leafy walls exists. And as the sun sets over the Ponte Vecchio, relax in an elegant terrazzo with a rich refined Tuscan red, and reflect on the city’s Medici dynasty - Hurry Slowly.

Yacht-studded seas and palm trees form Cannes’ iconic Riviera backdrop. Yet inside are a swish marina, perfumed forests, casinos, iconic boutiques, cinematic heritage, and supermodels. Stroll ancient narrow winding streets of the hilly Le Suquet and feel its medieval past, shop fashion labels on palm-flanked La Croisette, slide into sleek Michelin-starred restaurants, and lie low in plush beach clubs where glittering sea views take central stage. Peace seekers may ferry to leafy island of Saint-Honorat and the 500-year-old monastery. Take a spin along the Cote d’Azur to moneyed Monaco or glitzy St Tropez. Cannes has curves in all the right places – the oh so French social hub that defines seaside glamour.

Corsica’s capital, a 16th-century citadel cradled by mountains on the island’s west coast, could take its magnetic moniker from its founder, the Greek hero Ajax, or from the word adjaccium, Roman for “place to rest”. This is Napoleon’s birthplace, so beeline the old town’s charming narrow streets to Maison Bonaparte, the family home and now a museum, and Baroque cathedral where he was baptised in the marble font. Meander markets popular with foodies seeking local winemakers, olive oil, chestnuts and cheeses, and kick back on white sands in the beautiful Bay of Ajaccio with views of the Genoese tower on the Parata Peninsula and rust-coloured Sanguinaire islands beyond.

Beckon the buzz of a small UNESCO-listed island; proud of producing its own cheese, wine and rather distinguished gin. Sink into a lemon-scented laidback lifestyle that reflects elegant Georgian architecture, Spain’s oldest opera house, history, art and a monastery-based museum. Off glittering turquoise shores, visit the Royal Naval hospital, shop for world-renowned shoes, amble amongst butterflies up coastal paths and rest for tapas in harbour-side tavernas. Celebrated yet discreet – unhurried Menorca is the low-key location to go and not to be seen.

Enjoy the epitome of Spanish charm. Slowly discover Andalusian riches to reveal Picasso’s birthplace, the Alhambra in Granada, Mezquita in Cordoba and the Ronda valley. Explore ancient heritage sites, dance the flamenco, dare to hike the Caminito del Rey trail and delve into white villages sprinkled amongst mango groves and avocado orchards. Sip cocktails by day and sangria by night. And as you watch the sun slip down, reflect upon this gateway of delights.

Enjoy the epitome of Spanish charm. Slowly discover Andalusian riches to reveal Picasso’s birthplace, the Alhambra in Granada, Mezquita in Cordoba and the Ronda valley. Explore ancient heritage sites, dance the flamenco, dare to hike the Caminito del Rey trail and delve into white villages sprinkled amongst mango groves and avocado orchards. Sip cocktails by day and sangria by night. And as you watch the sun slip down, reflect upon this gateway of delights.

Blue-domed cathedrals, cobbled alleyways and leafy plazas shaded by giant Ficus trees set the scene for magical moments in Alicante, gateway to Costa Blanca beaches, jagged mountains and medieval villages. Wander through the narrow streets of El Barrio and gorge on turrón and tapas, then climb the steps to timeless Santa Cruz, where whitewashed houses, flecked with colourful pots, cling to steep staircases on the flanks of Mount Benacantil. High above lies the mighty Castel de la Santa Bàrbara, a 1,000-year-old sandstone citadel commanding spectacular views of the glittering Mediterranean and the tile mosaic of palm-fringed Explanada de España on the harbourside.

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.