45 days in Asia & Europe Itinerary

Sardinia, with its Mediterranean atmosphere and charm, is loved by visitors looking for things to do outdoors on their holiday, like swimming, boating, windsurfing, hiking, climbing, and camping. Taking advantage of the island's near-perfect summer weather, visitors tend to overcrowd Sardinia's coastal areas. The inner life of the island, away from the most popular vacation spots, remains largely unblemished by mass tourism and commercialization. Sardinia is steeped in history and has a colorful character quite different from the rest of Italy. This is where the ancient Nuragic society, whose stone monuments still litter the land, flourished more than three millennia ago--predating the Etruscan civilization in mainland Italy by several hundred years. Sardinia's seaside resorts may be among the best in the world, but its quieter and more interesting countryside offers a greater array of attractions, including a patchwork of forests, citrus groves, and medieval villages.

Forming the toe of Italy's "boot," Calabria is considered the Caribbean of Europe and may very well be the country's best-kept secret. Visitors can find everything from beaches to Byzantine churches here. Hillside towns, ancient Greek temples, and medieval castles and palaces are just some of the attractions scattered around one of the country's least-developed regions. Calabria remains largely unblemished by mass tourism, with many charming places to visit like olive plantations, orange groves, waterfalls, and lakes. Because it's bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides, the water plays a huge role in the region's culture and cuisine. Calabria is also an up-and-coming producer of fine wines.

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a ruggedly attractive land. The island has a long history of foreign domination and has been controlled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. The result is a distinct culture blending elements from all of those areas and featuring an intriguing dialect. This is a huge island with plenty of small villages to tour, each with its own treasures. Beyond the popular coastal areas, Sicily's inland attractions include an unspoiled landscape of mountains, hills, and villages that sometimes seem frozen in time. While the natural environment is its biggest draw, Sicily's greatest asset may be its people. They are proud of their traditions and incredibly hospitable to visitors.

Aside from the crystal azure waters and the soft sandy beaches in Malta, there is more ancient, medieval, and Baroque architecture here than most visitors have time for. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation spent people-watching and sun-bathing or a history lesson filled with fortified cities and catacombs, Malta lets you hop from island to island with a plethora of options. And with so much coastline wherever you are in Malta, opportunities for water sports abound, including snorkeling and diving. Despite the thriving tourism, many areas feel uncrowded due to lack of residency, leaving you space to enjoy the sun and sea at your own pace.

An island of green hills, fertile valleys, and golden beaches, Rhodes blends cosmopolitan and traditional cultures, exemplified by its traditional taverns, upscale hotels, and archaeological sites. Nicknamed the "Island of Roses," this island offers visitors a chance to discover lively tourist resorts in the north and tranquil rural areas in the south. The island's slow pace seems utterly unaffected by the challenges of mass tourism, its permanent residents stubbornly clinging to their age-old traditions and relaxed lifestyle. As you explore the areas farther away from the busy coastline, take time to meet the garrulous locals in their natural environment, the village tavern.

Local tradition claims that Mykonos, the trendiest of the Cyclades group of islands, came into existence from the petrified bodies of giants killed by the mythological hero Hercules. Named after the grandson of the god Apollo, this cosmopolitan "Ibiza of Greece" offers modern tourists a blend of glamour and simplicity. Be prepared for hip and loud dance clubs along the coastline and quieter areas farther from the water. Avoid cruise ship crowds thronging the narrow streets by exploring the small villages located in the center of the island. The easiest way to discover the island's golden beaches is by guided boat tour, private car, or motorcycle.