Highlights of Rome include St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory; the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by; the Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death, and the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages.

The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbor where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the town.

Palmarola is a snorkeling heaven that is part of a group called The Pontine Islands, located off the coast between Rome and Naples. A craggy landscape with pink coral beaches and emerald coves beckons so don't forget your swimsuit and flippers. TIt's totally unique, isolated and stunning.

Sorrento, whose city walls rise straight out of the sea, is located on the lovely Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Bay of Naples. Optional excursions might include taking a trip back in history to Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time.

Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that “It is the greatest work of art and nature.”

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship.

The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone's throw from the Albanian coast. Nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa.

This stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in southern Europe. Boka harbors one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you'll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation.

It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th-century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik's colorful history.

Vis Island has been described as a pearl among the Croatian Adriatic Islands that has been left untouched by tourism for many years. As it develops it is becoming more and more popular particularly with yachtsmen. The island is known for its many beautiful beaches as well as it's fascinating history. The town of Vis was founded in about 397 B.C. as a base for the Greek colonization of the Adriatic Sea.

Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic, covering 157 square miles. It is also one of the most heavily populated with around 17,000 inhabitants. This means it is very well placed to receive tourists. Krk town is home to the famous St. Mary's Cathedral, built in the 12th century. There are many other ancient churches to visit as well as The Frankopan Castle and a Franciscan Monastery.

Cres is a lovely place to visit which is easily reached both from the mainland and other nearby islands. It has many interesting places to visit including the Griffin Vulture Colony. Due to previous Venetian rule, much of Cres Town reminds visitors of an Italian village and large parts of it date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge's Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, or glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. Love is always in the air in Venice. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.