A Journey of Bewitching Scenery & Cultural Treasures

Marseilles is an enticing port city known for its delectable seafood, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and diverse melting pot of cultures. Less travelled by tourists than its other Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur counterparts, including Cannes and Nice, this seaside city is a vibrant, artistic, and historically significant stop worth exploring!

Believed to have been established in the seventh century by the Phoenicians or Greeks, Marseille is now the second largest French city after Paris and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Marseille is a city of and for immigrants, with a blend of cultures and religions from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more, reflected in the gastronomic and architectural diversity of Marseille itself. Visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, constructed in an Arabic architectural style, for an immersive experience with exhibits showcasing the artifacts of Marseille’s extensive history. The city’s most frequented attraction, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, is a stunning display of Roman and Byzantine design and provides spectacular views of the city below.

A trip to Marseille wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Le Vieux Port and Le Panier, popular neighborhoods for tourism and lined with markets boasting fresh and authentic cuisine. Bouillabaisse, a delicious stew filled with local and fresh-caught seafood, is well-known as a Marseillaise specialty, but don’t pass up the chance to eat other scrumptious eats, including squid, sardines, and mussels, piping-hot pizzas, and a sip of anise-flavored Pastis. There’s a reason why the city was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite gastronomic destinations!

Be sure to take advantage of Marseille’s natural beauty. The variety of sandy and rocky beaches are perfect spots to revel in striking ocean scenes. Just south of Marseille, the Parc national des Calanques offers great hiking, biking, and boating excursions for any nature-lover.

With so much to see and do, Marseille, France, will delight and astonish you.

Portofino, Italy, is a jewel on the Italian Riviera, famed for its colorful buildings, glamorous yachts, and charming harbor. This picturesque fishing village, with its pastel-colored houses that cascade down to the emerald-green waters, exudes a quaint yet luxurious atmosphere. The Piazzetta, the heart of Portofino, is a lively square where visitors can sip an espresso or enjoy fresh seafood while watching the elegant boats bobbing gently in the harbor. This is a perfect spot to start exploring the narrow streets filled with boutiques, artisan shops, and vibrant galleries that have captivated artists and writers for decades. Portofino's allure has long drawn celebrities and jet-setters, making it a playground for the rich and famous. Still, its serene beauty and relaxed pace make it a haven for all types of travelers.

One of Portofino’s must-see attractions is the Castello Brown, a hilltop fortress dating back to the 16th century that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. This historic castle, once a strategic military outpost, is now a museum that provides insight into the region’s history while serving as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events. A walk up to the castle through lush Mediterranean gardens is rewarded not only with history but also with some of the most stunning vistas of the Italian Riviera.

For nature lovers, the Portofino Regional Park is an outdoor paradise. With its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and verdant forests, the park offers numerous hiking trails that wind through olive groves and maritime pines, leading to secret beaches and stunning viewpoints. The trail to San Fruttuoso Abbey, a hidden gem only accessible by foot or boat, is particularly popular. Nestled in a secluded bay, this ancient Benedictine monastery is a mesmerizing blend of history, architecture, and nature. It is also home to the famous submerged bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss, which has become a pilgrimage site for divers from around the world.

Fun fact: Portofino was originally called "Portus Delphini," or "Port of the Dolphin," due to the large number of dolphins that inhabited the surrounding waters. The name was bestowed upon the village by the Romans, who were enamored with the region's natural beauty. Today, while the dolphins may be a rarer sight, the charm and elegance of Portofino remain undiminished, making it a timeless destination on the Italian Riviera.