2026 F1 Monaco Grand Prix & Mediterranean Cruise (11 Days)

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world's most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring, and utterly artistic capital of unrivaled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world's oldest cities, but it's well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome's incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the center of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome's rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it's the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps - crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church - offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you'll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.

Have a taste of dolce vita in Salerno. The city is situated at the northern end of the Gulf of Salerno, near the stunning Amalfi Coast. The old town, rising up the slopes of the hill on the site of the ancient Salernum, still bears evidence of its great days during the medieval period. It had the oldest medical school in Europe, which flourished from the 11th century until it was closed down by Napoleon's brother-in-law, Murat, in 1812. Today, Salerno's main attraction is an imposing Romanesque cathedral, built in 1085 and remodeled in the late 18th century. A flight of steps leads up to an atrium with 28 columns from Paestum and fourteen ancient sarcophagi. The magnificent bronze doors were made in Constantinople in 1099. Inside is the ornate tomb of Margaret of Anjou and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, who died in Salerno in 1085. In the richly decorated crypt under the altar lie the remains of the Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum. A 45-minute walk from the cathedral leads to a hilltop crowned by the old Lombard Castello, from where extensive views are available. Along the seafront, to the east of the harbor, extends a fine promenade lined with impressive modern buildings. The Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi is the town's principal traffic artery. Salerno is the gateway for travelers for visits to the Greek temples of Paestum. Other favorite excursions from here are to Pompeii and to visit the popular resort towns of Amalfi and Ravello.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

There are few more elegant places to salute the sunset than Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno's refined chessboard piazza. A historic port, and a beachy gateway to Tuscany, Livorno welcomes you ashore to explore this enchanted Italian region's sun-soaked beauty, rich flavors, and world-renowned fine art. Stay in Livorno to explore 'Piccolo Venezia', or - Little Venice - a quarter of the town that's laced with canals, little marble bridges, and plenty of tempting eateries. With its bustling market, fortresses, and iconic waterfront, there is plenty to keep you busy here, but most will be tempted to venture inland to explore more of Tuscany's many charms and artistic wonders. Test your nose, as you breathe in the subtleties of Tuscany's vineyard-draped scenery and visit wineries showcasing the best of the renowned flavors of the Bolgheri wine-growing area. Or head out to Prato, where you'll find tightly woven textile history. Pisa's showpiece tower is within reach, as is Florence's city of immense and imaginative Renaissance beauty. Admire the delicate carving of Michelangelo's masterpiece, the David statue, and note the provocative stance as he casts a dismissive glance towards Rome. Stand before the city's majestic black and white cathedral - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - with its colossal brick dome. The view down over Florence's river and grand dome from Piazzale Michelangelo, meanwhile, is one of Italy's finest. However you choose to spend your time in Tuscany, you'll discover an artistic region, filled with beauty designed to appeal to every sense.

There are few more elegant places to salute the sunset than Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno's refined chessboard piazza. A historic port, and a beachy gateway to Tuscany, Livorno welcomes you ashore to explore this enchanted Italian region's sun-soaked beauty, rich flavors, and world-renowned fine art. Stay in Livorno to explore 'Piccolo Venezia', or - Little Venice - a quarter of the town that's laced with canals, little marble bridges, and plenty of tempting eateries. With its bustling market, fortresses, and iconic waterfront, there is plenty to keep you busy here, but most will be tempted to venture inland to explore more of Tuscany's many charms and artistic wonders. Test your nose, as you breathe in the subtleties of Tuscany's vineyard-draped scenery and visit wineries showcasing the best of the renowned flavors of the Bolgheri wine-growing area. Or head out to Prato, where you'll find tightly woven textile history. Pisa's showpiece tower is within reach, as is Florence's city of immense and imaginative Renaissance beauty. Admire the delicate carving of Michelangelo's masterpiece, the David statue, and note the provocative stance as he casts a dismissive glance towards Rome. Stand before the city's majestic black and white cathedral - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - with its colossal brick dome. The view down over Florence's river and grand dome from Piazzale Michelangelo, meanwhile, is one of Italy's finest. However you choose to spend your time in Tuscany, you'll discover an artistic region, filled with beauty designed to appeal to every sense.

Effervescent and exclusive, Portofino rests on a privileged peninsula. Lavish yachts mingle together, seeking out coveted berths in the harbor, while gelato drips onto the stone-paved streets in this, the most alluring and glamorous town of the Italian Riviera. This section of the Ligurian Coast is a protected area, and home to some of the country's most picturesque, and jaw-dropping scenery - which is best viewed from the deck of a sailing boat. Crisp white villas roll out across the verdant green hillsides, surrounded by laden vineyards and olive groves. Down in Portofino itself, the buzz of chatter and the clatter of cutlery, provide the soundtrack to busy terrace bars and restaurants, which serve up fine food and delicious sea views. Portofino's achingly beautiful harbor arcs around the lapping waves, with a warmly-hued waterfront of peach and apricot colors - which also adorns postcards and promotional travel guides of Italy. For the authentic Portofino experience, sail out onto the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tigullio, to mingle amongst the privileged at play, or settle back in the shade as you take aperitivo on the picturesque waterfront Piazzetta. Here you can sip the famous Ligurian wines, and stave off hunger with focaccia con il formaggio - or platters of fine cheese and hams. Deeper into Portofino, you'll find artisans crafting their wares and weaving together lace, or you can ascend to viewpoints like the lemon-shaded Church of San Giorgio, to look over the pretty jumble from up above. A wander out along the headland to the tapering tip of the peninsular, rewards with the views of Portofino's iconic white lighthouse beaming out light and welcoming ships to this slice of Riviera heaven.

A summer escape for Rome's historic elite, the stacked waterfront of Porto Santo Stefano is a secluded taste of idyllic southern Tuscany. Physically closer to Rome than Florence, the city is strung to Italy's western coast by two sandy harnesses and sits on the unique peninsula of Monte Argentario - which was once an island. Flamboyant pink flamingos and herons stroll through the encased lagoon, while Porto Santo Stefano's waterfront hums with clinking cafes and strolling visitors. The luxury yachts in the harbor show that Porto Santo Stefano has lost none of its luxury appeals, and with beaches, wild hikes, and waterfront beauty, it continues to lure visitors to this secluded escape. Known for its fishing and cuisine - which is based on heavy use of the Tyrrhenian Sea's juicy bounty. Stroll to Piazza dei Rioni for a dripping lemon gelato, or wander the streets noticing the lingering World War II damage - the city was heavily bombed during the conflict. Fortunately, the historic, star-shaped, Spanish fort was spared, and it still watches out resolutely over the waters. Built during the Napoleonic Wars, it fortified the exposed town against pirate raids and offers beautiful views over the old town's terracotta roofs. Rugged coastline falls to secluded beaches, with a wilder, unkempt charm. Sail the coves - seeing cascading olive groves - or island hop to Giglio and Giannuti, which lie 12 miles from shore, and can be seen from the monastery-topped Argentario Mountain. On the other side of the promontory, you'll find Porto Ercole - where the lifeless body of the Old Master, Caravaggio, was discovered.

Famed as the island birthplace of French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio has made a towering contribution to European history. Bonaparte may be omnipresent in Ajaccio - with statues watching out over palm-tree-lined streets bearing his name - but there is a lot more to this charming city, where an unhurried Mediterranean attitude mixes with the trendy buzz of a French Riviera resort. The stunning setting pairs glowing blue water with a dramatic backdrop of towering, snow-capped peaks. Bonaparte may have been famously short in stature, but he stands as a true giant of history. The National Bonaparte Museum is the ideal place to learn more about his life, in the very house where he was born in 1769. Just inside the modest Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption - surrounded by frescoed walls - you'll also see the stone font where he was baptized. Elsewhere, the perched watchtower of Îles Sanguinaires is a short boat ride away, or Plage de Capo di Feno's stunning, isolated band of white sand and transparent waters may tempt you outside of the historic city. Settle at a restaurant near the harbor to taste succulent wild boar, stewed in rich red wine casserole, or to crack into soft lobster meat. You also have to enjoy the famous fiadone cheesecake made from local brocciu cheese while you're here, and to let the magic of unique Corsican Polyphony music carry you away. Three singers expertly blend harmonies to create a spine-tingling combination of melody - you'll notice the distinctive style, as they each cover an ear to focus more clearly on their individual contribution.

The smell of octane in the air, the power of Formula One engines hurtling round hairpin bends, the palpable excitement you could cut with a knife… it can only mean one thing… Yes, it’s the Monaco Grand Prix! For four days the tiny principality bursts into life in Technicolor, for an event that is truly not to be missed. This is the jewel in the crown of Formula One experiences, not just because it is attended by the jet set, celebrities, and royalty alike. For drivers, it is the race they all want to win. But, with the prestige comes added competition, overtaking on the narrow streets is near impossible and speed is strictly controlled. If F1 wasn’t cutthroat at the best of times, the Monaco Grand Prix certainly ramps it up to a whole new level. The race takes place on the actual streets of the one-square-mile country – bringing normal business to a complete standstill. Yet, this is taken by local residents on the chin (all schools and many businesses actually close during the four days), and the party feeling that permeates the Principality for the duration extends to locals and visitors alike. However, if you do need to get away from the madding crowd, the nearby Eze village is a medieval world away from the hustle and bustle. Nice, a short drive away, offers a chance to enjoy a more authentic side of the Riviera. Stroll the gorgeous Promenade des Anglais, shop up a storm in the Old Town, and enjoy the national pastime of watching the world go by. A chilled glass of rosé in hand, bien sur!

The smell of octane in the air, the power of Formula One engines hurtling round hairpin bends, the palpable excitement you could cut with a knife… it can only mean one thing… Yes, it’s the Monaco Grand Prix! For four days the tiny principality bursts into life in Technicolor, for an event that is truly not to be missed. This is the jewel in the crown of Formula One experiences, not just because it is attended by the jet set, celebrities, and royalty alike. For drivers, it is the race they all want to win. But, with the prestige comes added competition, overtaking on the narrow streets is near impossible and speed is strictly controlled. If F1 wasn’t cutthroat at the best of times, the Monaco Grand Prix certainly ramps it up to a whole new level. The race takes place on the actual streets of the one-square-mile country – bringing normal business to a complete standstill. Yet, this is taken by local residents on the chin (all schools and many businesses actually close during the four days), and the party feeling that permeates the Principality for the duration extends to locals and visitors alike. However, if you do need to get away from the madding crowd, the nearby Eze village is a medieval world away from the hustle and bustle. Nice, a short drive away, offers a chance to enjoy a more authentic side of the Riviera. Stroll the gorgeous Promenade des Anglais, shop up a storm in the Old Town, and enjoy the national pastime of watching the world go by. A chilled glass of rosé in hand, bien sur!

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tiles and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art, and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!) - one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Família and his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-biggest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.