Mediterranean Treasures: Islands to Rivieras

Nice is situated on the SE coast of France on the French Riviera, and is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. Monaco lies 13km to the east. Nice itself is an attraction: the rich blue-green sea, diverse shopping, splendid dining and lovely art-deco façades. Read more about Nice, France

Portofino, part of the Italian Riviera, sits on a peninsula in the Tigullio Gulf east of Genoa. It is a picturesque half-moon shaped seaside village, with shops, restaurants - with their famous sea food - and cafes, lining the shore. The crystalline green waters invite visitors to enjoy diving as there are 20 dive sites, as well as boating, in specified areas. Read more about Portofino, Italy

Seen from the water, Calvi, on the island of Corsica off the southern shores of France, is a beautiful spectacle with its three immense citadel bastions topped with ochre buildings that are sharply defined against a hazy backdrop of mountains. A hangout for European glitterati in the 1950s, the town these days is an interesting resort, in that its glamorous marina, souvenir shops and fussy boutiques contrast with the down-to-earth villages of its rural hinterland. Fascinatingly, Christopher Columbus supposedly came from Calvi, and there is a large statue at the foot of the citadel that commemorates this legend. Read more about Calvi, France

Alghero is situated on the NW coast of the Italian island of Sardinia, and while it reflects a Spanish influence - it was colonised by Spain the 14th C - the thriving marina and its old walled town with its network of narrow lanes that are mostly free of vehicles, provides a truly fascinating Italian port of call. The area of today's Alghero has been settled since pre-historic times, while the Ozieri culture was present here in the 4th millennium BC. During WW II (1943) Alghero was bombed, and its historical centre suffered heavy damage. Read more about Alghero, Italy

The seaside resort town of Saint-Tropez that lies 104 km to the east of Marseille in SE France is very popular with tourists. Set on the lovely blue water of the Bay of Saint-Tropez, this modern version of a medieval town is distinguished by the line of yachts along the quay, the promenade, and the famous terrace cafes. Behind the cafes, the small streets and old buildings comprising sunset-hued pink, orange and deep red townhouses are picturesque, but they're possibly more popular for the multitude of shops and restaurants than their historical significance. Read more about St Tropez, France

Nice is situated on the SE coast of France on the French Riviera, and is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. Monaco lies 13km to the east. Nice itself is an attraction: the rich blue-green sea, diverse shopping, splendid dining and lovely art-deco façades. Read more about Nice, France

The picturesque and elegant French city of Cannes, situated on the French Riviera, is possibly best known for its famous annual Film Festival, though it is also known for some beautiful beaches, glamorous yachts, a variety of luxury shops, and restaurants. Cannes is a most cosmopolitan town, and visitors are hard pressed to find a genuine native, as many attracted to the Côte d'Azur have chosen to make it their home. Not surprisingly, restaurants have international cuisines, including the traditional gastronomic delights. Read more about Cannes, France

Of all the French Riviera resorts, Menton is the warmest and most Italian, being within a couple of kilometres of the border with Italy. Monaco is 8 km to the west. Menton retains an atmosphere of aristocratic tourism, being even more of a rich retirement haven than Nice. Read more about Menton, France

Portovenere is a tiny town on the Italian Riviera that overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia. It is a wonderful, delightful village that acts as the gateway to the well-known Cinque Terre that has remained relatively isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, and subsequently has retained the medieval look of the 'Five Lands'. It is accessible by boat and train, and there are some great tours on offer. Read more about Portovenere, Italy

Livorno is the third largest port on the west coast of Italy, and is well known for supporting cruise ship tourism to Florence, the Tower of Pisa, the hill towns of Tuscany, Cinque Terre with its enchanting villages, and the Chianti wine region, generally with time allowed for visiting some famous outlet stores of famous fashion houses. However the port of Livorno itself has a lot to offer visitors. Criss-crossed by Medicean canals that are still navigable, and with its port overlooked by towers and fortresses, this well-planned city is most appealing. Read more about Livorno, Italy

Bastia is a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France located in the NE of the island of Corsica at the base of Cap Corse. Filled with heart, soul and character, the bustling old port of Bastia is a pleasant surprise. It is an authentic snapshot of modern-day Corsica, a lived-in city that’s resisted the urge to polish up its image just to please the tourists. Read more about Bastia, France

Porto Cervo is the main centre of the famous Costa Smeralda, known for its terrific beaches, on the northern shores of the Italian island of Sardinia. It is also renowned for being home to some of the largest luxury yachts in the world. A place where the wealthy flock to the posh hotels, it is the centre of numerous delightful beaches that are easily reached. Read more about Porto Cervo, Italy

Rome, sometimes referred to as "The Eternal City," is the capital city of Italy. Cruises from Rome depart the Rome Cruise Terminal which is approximately 1.5 hours by train North-West of the city centre. Rome is renowned across the world for its rich past, impressive archaeological sites, delectable cuisine, gorgeous gardens, homes of local nobility, and significant structures including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Read more about Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy