Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys

Valletta, Malta's UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, sits on a peninsula in the island's northeast. Explore both grand boulevards and charming narrow alleys from the Triton Fountain to Fort Saint Elmo. As you wander, admire the painted loggias and intricately carved corbels on tall houses while enjoying the peace of minimal traffic. Visit the Grandmaster's Palace, adorned with coats of arms and frescoes, and discover St. John's Cathedral and the 16th-century ramparts guarding the city. The Barrakka Gardens, arranged in terraces, offer a refreshing green oasis amidst your exploration.

Sicily showcases its diverse landscapes like a shopkeeper displays treasures—its rugged coastline, endless sandy beaches, the imposing presence of Mount Etna, and lush hillside gardens. Cicero once called Syracuse “the most beautiful city in the world,” in its prime, it rivaled Athens. A key city in Ancient Greece, Syracuse has been shaped by various civilizations, from the Arabs and Romans to the Normans, Byzantines, and Spanish. This blend of cultures creates a city brimming with vibrant colors, rich fragrances, and diverse flavors.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches, and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past is the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. Fall under the spell of the palaces, and baroque splendors that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in color, and headily picturesque.

The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Its Sardinian name means “castle”, in reference to the citadel, its historic center, which dominates the city. The old ramparts are now pleasant panoramic terraces bordering picturesque streets. The city hosted the Nuragic, Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations before the reign of the Spanish Hapsburgs and the House of Savoy. The monuments of Cagliari bear the traces of these successive dominations, such as the Bastion of Saint-Rémy or the Sainte-Marie Cathedral. On the seafront, Art Nouveau-style public monuments give way to the Poetto beach, a magnificent stretch of sand that is 8 kilometers long.

The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.

In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, enjoy the mighty and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding sea views, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches and equally tempting local specialties, including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.

Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheater of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. Explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs opposite the Baie des Anges. Chateau Hill is also a very pleasant place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.