Goethe once wrote, "Do you know the land where the lemon trees bloom and oranges glow from the leaves' dark gloom?" Sicily, along with the Baroque town of Catania at the base of Mount Etna, served as real inspirations during his travels in Italy. In the fertile volcanic soil around Catania, orange and lemon trees flourish, and the coastline, with its sandy beaches and striking rock formations, is irresistible. Catania was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and earthquake in the 17th century, but in the 18th century, it was reborn as a masterpiece of Roman Baroque architecture, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explorers once battled in the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Today, the waters around the British Virgin Islands rank among the world's top sailing destinations. With stunning bays, beautiful beaches, perfect anchoring spots, upscale yacht clubs, and charming beach bars, the islands attract many sailors. On Virgin Gorda, named "The Fat Virgin" by Columbus because of its shape, you can visit "The Baths" in the National Park. Large granite formations, smoothed and polished over time, form a maze of giant boulders on the beach and in the water.

Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

The old town and port of Trapani lies on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. You will discover many little treasures browsing through the beautiful town center. For the last 1,000 years, fine black and red coral jewellery has been made here. The mountain town of Erice is a real architectural gem. Not far from Tapani, this idyllic little town is tucked away in a picturesque hilltop setting overlooking the countryside and the sea. Protected defiantly by a wall, the town retains its splendid medieval atmosphere.

The character of Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, was mainly forged by the Arabs, Swabian dynasty and Normans. Noble palaces line the magnificent streets, cheerful-looking Art Nouveau houses stand next to Baroque buildings and a little further on you are faced with pure Gothic facades. The medieval quarter towers above the huge Palazzo Reale with its "Capella Palatina", a masterpiece in the Arab-Byzantine-Norman style. The small mountain town of Monreale gives you a breathtaking view over the town and the bay, as well as the 12th century cathedral whose interior combines Romanesque, Byzantine and Arab art with rich gold mosaics.

Lipari is a tranquil little spot and the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with a cultural heritage stretching back over 6,000 years. Right from first glance you can see its volcanic heritage, with some of the rock formations resembling sculptures, and the entire group of islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Aeolian Museum is set on the castle hill and holds an impressive collection of prehistoric and ancient artefacts from this volcanic group of islands. You will find the southern Italian way of life in this little port infectious.

The beautifully curving Amalfi Coast, which meanders along the starkly protruding Sorrento peninsula, has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. In the pretty little town of Amalfi, whose history as an influential maritime republic is still clear to see, a dense labyrinth of pastel-colored houses clings to the rocky coastline. Boasting three naves, the beautiful 10th century cathedral with an enchanting cloister, colorful marble façade, Arabic-Norman campanile and magnificent steps leading to the lively Piazza Duomo is the heart of this small coastal town.

Naples rises from the sea around a huge bay and extends up into the hills like an amphitheatre. From the Castello Sant' Elmo on the Vomero you can enjoy a fantastic view over the sea of houses, the port and the Gulf. The pretty center of this chaotic Campanian city is the old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its huge fortresses, dignified churches and monasteries, splendid squares and palaces, and maze of winding streets.