A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western

Madrid’s Catalan rival, Barcelona, is fiercely proud of its cultural identity forged from a melting pot of artistic talent. Enriched by its past when the paths of great masters like Picasso, Dali and celebrated architect Gaudi crossed, the city’s cosmopolitan character ensures its status as an unsurpassed centre of culture. Explore the ruins of the Gothic District or simply stroll along the famous Ramblas.

Mahón, or Maó, is the capital of the Spanish island of Menorca. It’s known for its British-style Georgian houses and sheltered harbor. Santa María Church, with an ornate 19th-century organ, sits on central Plaça de la Constitució. Next to the church, the city hall has a Renaissance facade and a clock donated by the island’s first British governor.

Picturesque, historic and charming, L’Ile Rousse (Corsica) lies at the foot of a rugged range of hills in the heart of the Balagne and is named after the islets of red granite. This region has surely been blessed, an area where ancient villages stand out proudly against a stunning panorama. Baptised Paolina, L’Ile Rousse was founded in the 18th century by Pascal Paoli who wanted to compete with the citadel of Calvi. Occupied since ancient times, today the new town stretches along the edge of fine sandy beaches, its privileged location making it a popular holiday destination and seaside resort.

The island of Elba is at the heart of the Tuscan Archipelago and presents a finely chiselled profile sheltering many pristine coves. Roman churches, Medicean fortresses and memories of Napoleon blend into the picture postcard that is Portoferraio (Italy). The town is one of the oldest on the island, the Ligurians, Etruscans and Greeks having shaped its history before it became a Roman colony. Here you can follow in the footsteps of Napoleon as you wind your way through the pastel-coloured houses protected by their two Medicean forts.

A rugged rocky promontory, the Portofino Peninsula is the loveliest spot on the Ligurian Riviera. At its feet lies the pretty port of Portofino (Italy), which has become a seaside destination for the Italian jet-set. A rugged stairway leads to a path into the heart of the luxuriant vegetation above.

Nice, capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Founded by the Greeks and later a retreat for 19th-century European elite, the city has also long attracted artists. Former resident Henri Matisse is honored with a career-spanning collection of paintings at Musée Matisse. Musée Marc Chagall features some of its namesake’s major religious works.