Mediterranean
Rome via Civitavecchia , Italy
Every trip to Italy ’ s capital is a new experience . You ’ re visiting one of the world ’ s most fascinating cities , layered by millennia of history . Start at its most renowned ruin , the Colosseum . For an introduction to Roman culture , book a tour of the labyrinthine passages that weave beneath the great gladiatorial arena floor , the site of centuries of cruelty .
You can pair your visit to the amphitheatre with a stop at Palatine Hill , a vast area of ruins , forest and cityscapes . Follow this with a trip to the Roman Forum , a sprawling archaeological site of basilicas and temples . If you ’ re short on time , a walking tour of the sites is recommended as it ’ s easy to get lost .
The Pantheon , Rome ’ s best preserved ancient monument , acts as a centrepiece for exploring Centro Storico . It ’ s OK to get lost in this maze-like district ; you ’ ll stumble upon the Spanish Steps , the Trevi Fountain and Campo de ’ Fiori . Dip in and out of the side streets to find unassuming but decadent local restaurants and cafes .
Cannes , France
Cannes comes alive for the two weeks of the starstudded Film Festival in May , but there ’ s far more to this glitzy French Riviera city than its celebrity attraction . Sure , the rich and the famous flock here ; and quite naturally , too , as an abundance of designer shops and exclusive restaurants dominate proceedings . Cannes is modest in size , which makes it easy to explore .
Begin at the famed La Croisette , a palm tree-lined , 2km-long boulevard where grand art deco palace hotels overlook the seafront . Close to the port , you can indulge in typically decadent French fare at Le Bistrot Gourmand — try a seared steak draped in black autumn truffle , or a tarte tatin with soft , caramelized apples .
Strolling up Rue Saint-Antoine , you ’ ll follow the snaking hillside streets of Le Suquet , believed to be Cannes ’ oldest district . At the summit sits the city ’ s 11th-century medieval castle which is now a museum and a panoramic view of the city . If time allows , catch a 20-minute boat ride to Cannes ’ peaceful islands to escape the crowds .
Rome ’ s Colosseum
From left : A view of the town of Atrani on the Amalfi Coast and the seaside ; a grocery shop outside San Benedetto Market , Cagliari
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