Around The Boot

Monte Carlo is an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco in France. It really has a fairy-tale image with its beautiful Riviera - Côte d'Azur - setting, yacht-filled harbor and the elegant Casino that visitors can’t miss, though most don’t even enter to see the opulence and grandeur reflecting its exorbitant cost. It is an extremely rich place, where fast cars, big diamonds and flashy yachts are the norm. With its own Royal family who have ruled here since the 13th century, it is a place with which all of us are familiar. Read more about Monte Carlo, France

Rome, the capital, and largest city of Italy, is full of unending possibilities. It can be reached from the port of Civitavecchia in approximately ninety minutes either by train or coach. Rome greets visitors with a multitude of faces, such as the Ancient City with ruins like: the Colosseum; the seven hills; the Roman Forum; and the Sacred Way, the path used for triumphal processions. There is Renaissance Rome, full of winding streets and sun-dappled piazzas, and the Vatican, home to the Pope. Read more about Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

The isle of Capri is an Italian resort island that lies on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in southern Italy. While it is most often visited by day-trippers from Sorrento or Naples, it is a port of call for small ships. The town of Capri is the main centre of population, with a maze of expensive boutiques and, for historians, the island is dotted with neglected Roman ruins. The island has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals, artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty. Read more about Capri, Italy

Taormina is a small town on the island of Sicily in Italy, in the Province of Messina. Settled on a hill, the town - accessible via an aerial tramway - dominates two sweeping bays, and on the southern side the top of Mount Etna can be seen. While it is unashamedly touristy and has a main street lined with high-end designer shops, the town remains a striking location with gorgeous medieval churches, a stunning Greek theatre, and sweeping views. It seems to have a magical atmosphere that has attracted visitors from all over the world for many years. Read more about Taormina, Italy

Corfu Island, located just off the west coast of Greece, boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the Greek Isles. With its impressive landscapes, rich vegetation, long golden beaches, the elegant capital Corfu Town, and many traditional villages, it is not surprising that this island receives many visitors each year. The capital is possibly most impressive, due to the Venetian, French and English civilisations that are remembered for the architectural elements they have left behind. Be sure to visit the Achillion Palace with its picturesque gardens overlooking Corfu Town, and at least one of the many Greek churches and monasteries. Read more about Corfu, Greece

Located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful bays is picturesque Kotor. The bay is the deepest natural inlet in the Adriatic Sea, and the scenery around it is spectacular. Its well-preserved Old Town - surrounded by an impressive city wall - nestles at the head of southern Europe’s deepest sunken river valley. It is typical of the middle Age cities built between the 12th and 14th century. Read more about Kotor, Montenegro

Split, in Croatia, is a busy port on the shores of the Mediterranean and has numerous ferries operating to and from nearby islands. It is also a popular tourist resort with beaches and pleasant promenades. Venetian, Gothic and Renaissance houses and several medieval churches add architectural interest. Split is also one of the oldest cities in the area, and is traditionally considered to be 1,700 years old. Read more about Split, Croatia

Located at the head of the Adriatic Sea between the mouths of the Piave and Po Rivers, an intricate web of 118 tiny islands and canals make up the enchanting city of Venice in Italy. Considered to be an extremely beautiful and romantic destination, it is not surprising that Venice has played an important role in the history of symphonic and operatic music. One must take a gondola ride along some of the over 150 canals, including the Grand Canal. Be amazed at the numerous bridges – such as the Rialto bridge – and absorb the glorious renaissance architecture with its panorama of superbly detailed facades. Read more about Venice, Italy