Goethe wrote, "Do you know the land where the lemon trees bloom and oranges glow from the leaves' dark gloom." Sicily and the picture-perfect Baroque town of Catania, set right at the foot of Mount Etna, were genuine inspirations for him on his travels around Italy. On the fertile volcanic soil around Catania, orange and lemon trees try to out-glow each other, and you will be tempted to enjoy the coastline with its wonderful sandy beaches and impressive rock formations. The town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and earthquake in the 17th century and, in the 18th century, a masterpiece of Roman Baroque emerged which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taormina is perched on a rock with a majestic view over the sea. In the 19th century, this small town had already developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travelers and artists. The town's fascination lies in its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate, and the view over the silhouette of Etna. Europe's largest volcano is over 9,843 feet high, has four summit craters and around 400 subsidiary craters, and is covered with snow almost all year round. In ancient times it was considered the seat of the gods, but nowadays large sections of it are a nature reserve.

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.

Otranto is the most easterly port in Italy and, due to its geographic location in the Adriatic, has had an extremely eventful history over the centuries. Not far away is Lecce, one of the most beautiful and affluent cities in southern Italy whose heyday was immortalized in stone over 200 years. The Baroque cityscape, in the idiosyncratic "Barocco leccese" style, is characterized by a marble-like stone known as Lecce stone. The numerous palaces and the Basilica di Santa Croce have profusely decorated facades and art feels right at home here. There is a good reason why people are proud of its evocative nickname, the Florence of the South.

When fresh, colorful laundry flutters above narrow cobblestone streets and grandmothers shape pasta dough into little orecchiette outside their front doors, you are likely to find yourself in a medieval film set – or in Bari. As modern as the important port and university city may be today, its heart truly beats in the historic old town – as it did centuries ago – to the leisurely pace of the Apulian joie de vivre. The picturesque quarter directly on the Adriatic Sea and its sights can be easily explored on foot, visiting, for instance, the massive Castello Normanno-Svevo or the equally fortress-like pilgrimage church of San Nicola, which boasts an interior splendidly decorated with gold.

Komiza captivates with its charming fishing village allure. The picturesque alleys narrate a rich history, while the crystal-clear water glimmers invitingly. Here, tradition intertwines with natural beauty, creating an enchanting backdrop.

Rovinj lies on the western coast of Istria. The old town was built on a hill and was part of the Republic of Venice for over 500 years. St Euphemia's Basilica sits above the terracotta roofs in solitary splendor and its tower has become the town's landmark. A stroll through the winding lanes transports you straight into the Mediterranean lifestyle and the region's culinary delights. Istrian wines seem to embody the sun's rich heat, the oak forests conceal precious white truffles and the region's olive oil is among the finest in the world.

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 port of Sibenik is set in a sheltered bay on the Dalmatian coast in the estuary of the Krka, one of the most impressive waterways in Croatia. In the National Park, just a few kilometers (miles) away from Sibenik, the countryside seems both enchanted and savage. Rushing waters cascade picturesquely down from a limestone plateau into the depths below. The charming old town of Sibenik is impressive, mainly due to the massive Cathedral of St James, one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the eastern Adriatic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When Venice still ruled the Adriatic, Dubrovnik was an important maritime republic and the floating city's chief rival. Dubrovnik proudly calls itself the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and its fortress is one of the best preserved in Europe. As you walk around the imposing walls of the old town, you can look out across two seas – the deep blue Adriatic and a sea of red roof shingles. The old town, with its beautiful squares, magnificent boulevards, and narrow winding alleyways, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When Venice still ruled the Adriatic, Dubrovnik was an important maritime republic and the floating city's chief rival. Dubrovnik proudly calls itself the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and its fortress is one of the best preserved in Europe. As you walk around the imposing walls of the old town, you can look out across two seas – the deep blue Adriatic and a sea of red roof shingles. The old town, with its beautiful squares, magnificent boulevards, and narrow winding alleyways, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Disembark after breakfast.