MEDD

Beautiful and bold, Istanbul stands astride the continents of Europe and Asia. Start your day with a silky Turkish coffee before making your way to the Byzantine basilica of Haghia Sophia. With its gold mosaics and awe-inspiring dome, this is one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Follow this with a visit to the Blue Mosque, the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I, and a tour of the harem at the opulent Topkapi Palace. In the afternoon, take a boat trip between Europe and Asia or practice your haggling skills at the colorful Grand Bazaar.

Often referred to as ‘Turkey’s Best Kept Secret’, the windswept island of Bozcaada has a decidedly unhurried vibe. Draped in vineyards and adorned with deserted beaches, it luxuriates in its easy-going Aegean attitude. Spend a contented morning wandering through the cobblestoned streets of the Greek Quarter or climbing up to the port’s enormous medieval castle, which is one of the largest citadels in the Aegean. Watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch, sample the local wines at the Amadeus or Corvus Vineyards, or simply opt for some down-time on a secluded beach.

Kick off your day in this dynamic economic and cultural hub with a shot of Moroccan espresso at a street café before heading to the mighty Mosquée Hassan II. From the street, this enormous mosque – which can house 25,000 worshippers inside and a further 80,000 in its courtyard – appears to float upon the ocean. Alternatively head to Ain Diab to spend a lazy afternoon at a sophisticated beach club. Next, take a stroll along the white-washed lanes of the Old Medina to the downtown district and surround yourself in the magnificence of Mauresque and Art Deco architecture.

Sitting in a magnificent location at the end of a promontory with the Cinque Terre coast on one side and the Gulf of Poets (La Spezia) on the other, Porto Venere enjoys the kind of tranquility that its more hectic neighbors can only dream of. And with its pastel-hued tower-houses, picturesque harbor and poetic associations, it’s every bit as enchanting. Spend a morning exploring the rocky terraces of the Grotta di Byron - named because Lord Byron once swam from there to visit the Shelleys in San Terenzo.

Sitting on the edge of Europe, Palermo is a glorious mish-mash of Baroque churches, Arabesque domes, souk-like marketplaces and Gothic palaces. You’ll find yourself gazing at glittering mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, sampling cheeses at the bustling Mercato di Ballarò, viewing the largest collection of ancient anchors in the world at the Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas, wandering serene subtropical gardens at the Orto Botanico or watching world-class opera at the Art Nouveau Teatro Massimo.

With its sun-dappled Piazza del Duomo, winding alleyways, Byzantine-influenced cathedral and pretty little beach, the town of Amalfi embodies Italian charm. Neighboring Atrani is also well worth a visit, as it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. With its ancient churches and whitewashed alleyways, it’s a lovely place to spend a relaxing day away from the crowds. Alternatively, make your way to the magical Grotta dello Smeraldo, which is named because of the gorgeous emerald color that emanates from the water.

With its blend of Italian and Catalan influences, Alghero’s Old Town is breathtakingly beautiful and refreshingly unpretentious. You’ll find Gothic and Catalan architecture around every corner of this authentic centro storico. Pull up a chair in a café in the shadow of one of the city’s 16th century towers and sip a morning coffee before strolling along the pedestrianized Sea Walls, which run all the way from the Piazza Sulis to the marina. The views over to Capo Caccia on the horizon are amazing.

From the sophistication of the German Colony to the bohemian vibe of Masada Street, the bustling port city of Haifa has an eclectic energy all its own. Lose yourself in the beauty of the world’s longest hillside gardens at the Baha’ii Tropical Gardens, learn about five millennia of maritime history at the National Maritime Museum or gaze over the waters of Haifa Bay towards the ancient city of Akko from Hadar HaCarmel. Take the cable car up to Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and hike up to Elijah’s Cave, or venture beyond the city to explore Caesarea or Nazareth.

Known as the ‘Gateway to Jerusalem’, Ashdod dates back to the 17th century BC, and over the years the Philistines, Romans and Ottoman Turks have all called it home. Step ashore and discover the world’s only Museum of Philistine Culture, or take a stroll up Giv'at Yona hill, which is said to house the tomb of Jonah. Alternatively, head inland to explore the spiritually-magnetic city of Jerusalem.

The picturesque resort of Parga offers island-style ambience and historic charm on the Greek mainland. Tiers of colorful houses, a legacy of Venetian rule, rise up over a secluded turquoise bay. In the crystal-clear waters is a tiny tree-covered islet, home only to a gleaming white chapel. From the pretty waterfront, a tangle of cobbled streets lead up to a hilltop medieval castle. The ruins overlook the bay below, the golden sands of nearby Valtos beach, orange and olive groves, and out to the Ionian Sea.