Mediterranean Taste - Spain, Malta, & Italy (Flight additional)

About the destination: Barcelona is a coastal city in northeastern Spain. It's the capital and biggest city of the autonomous region of Catalonia, and the second most populated municipality in Spain. The city has a population of 1.6 million within its limits, but its urban area, which extends to many neighboring municipalities within the Province of Barcelona, is home to approximately 4.8 million people. This makes it the fifth most populated urban area in the European Union, following Paris, the Ruhr area, Madrid, and Milan. Barcelona is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, situated on the coast between the mouths of the Llobregat and Besòs rivers. It's bordered to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range, the highest peak of which is 512 meters (1,680 feet) tall.

About the destination: The Maltese Islands are a cultural crossroads where various societies have contributed to shaping our history, heritage, and way of life. Despite the inherent "Malteseness" in everything we do, the impact of past rulers is still evident in our daily lives. Our language, a unique blend of Semitic roots and Italian influences, is the only one of its kind written in Latin script. Our capital city, Valletta, and the islands' fortifications were constructed by the Order of the Knights of St John. Our national flag features the George Cross, a recognition of the country's bravery during World War II, when Malta served as the British naval base. The list goes on. 8000 years of history are packed into an island of just 316 square kilometers, making history present in every corner of the island. From the ancient Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum to impressive fortified structures like the "silent" city of Mdina and the capital city of Valletta, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there's also a modern side to the Maltese Islands. After more than 160 years of British rule, Malta gained independence in 1964. Since then, the island has evolved into the warm and welcoming place we know today. With beautiful sunny beaches, a variety of leisure activities, luxury experiences, and of course, historical and cultural tours, the Maltese Islands cater to all types of travelers. As an open, safe, and multicultural destination, Malta has always been a cultural melting pot. Today, our country is one of the most inclusive places in the world, happily welcoming thousands of travelers of all backgrounds each year. Malta Facts • The Maltese Islands enjoy 300 days of sunshine annually. • Malta is less than a three-hour flight from most major European airports. • The island's total area is just 316 square kilometers, often resulting in travel times of less than 20 minutes! • Maltese and English are the island's two official languages, but many people are also fluent in Italian. • The capital city, Valletta, was the European Capital of Culture in 2018 and is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island. • Malta joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, and adopted the Euro on New Year's Day, 2008.

About the destination: Naples is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city in Italy, following Rome and Milan, with a population of 967,069 within the city's administrative limits as of 2017. Its province-level municipality is the third-most populous metropolitan city in Italy with a population of 3,115,320 residents, and its metropolitan area (which extends beyond the boundaries of the Metropolitan City of Naples) is the second-most populous metropolitan area in Italy and the 7th-most populous urban area in the European Union. Naples was first settled by Greeks in the first millennium BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. In the ninth century BC, a colony known as Parthenope or Παρθενόπη was established on the Island of Megaride. In the 6th century BC, it was refounded as Neápolis. The city was a significant part of Magna Graecia, played a crucial role in the merging of Greek and Roman society, and was a significant cultural center under the Romans. Naples served as the capital of the Duchy of Naples (661–1139), then of the Kingdom of Naples (1282–1816), and finally of the Two Sicilies until the unification of Italy in 1861. Naples is also considered a capital of the Baroque, beginning with the artist Caravaggio's career in the 17th century, and the artistic revolution he inspired. Due to poverty and lack of opportunity, waves of Italians emigrated from Naples in the late 19th and early 20th century, with most going to the United States, where they settled in industrial cities. Between 1925 and 1936, Naples was expanded and upgraded by Benito Mussolini's government. During the later years of World War II, it sustained severe damage from Allied bombing as they invaded the peninsula. The city received extensive post-1945 reconstruction work. Since the late 20th century, Naples has experienced significant economic growth, aided by the construction of the Centro Direzionale business district and an advanced transportation network, which includes the Alta Velocità high-speed rail link to Rome and Salerno and an expanded subway network. Naples is the third-largest urban economy in Italy, after Milan and Rome. The Port of Naples is one of the most important in Europe. In addition to commercial activities, it is home to the Allied Joint Force Command Naples, the NATO body that oversees North Africa, the Sahel and Middle East. Naples' historic city center is the largest in Europe and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wide range of culturally and historically significant sites are nearby, including the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Naples is also known for its natural beauties, such as Posillipo, Phlegraean Fields, Nisida, and Vesuvius. Neapolitan cuisine is noted for its association with pizza, which originated in the city, as well as numerous other local dishes. Naples' restaurants have earned the most stars from the Michelin Guide of any Italian city. The best-known sports team in Naples is the Serie A club S.S.C. Napoli, two-time Italian champions who play football at the San Paolo Stadium in the southwest of the city, in the Fuorigrotta quarter.

About the destination: Modern and ancient, past and present coexist, constantly. Whether you're in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be ready to step into the world's largest open-air museum. Rome will charm you and it will hardly leave you unaffected. It will astonish you, as it has so much to offer to any visitor, and its beauty has merely been slightly obscured by the passage of time. Rome is one of the world's most photogenic cities - not surprising when you consider what's here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum... Whether you spend your time sightseeing, or lounging in cafes watching the world pass by, it will be your turn to star in your very own Roman Holiday. If you can plan to stay for at least a week, you won't run out of things to do and you'll still feel like you're leaving too soon.