Islands of Elegance from Rome

Perched on rocky heights and protected by ancient fortifications, Porto-Vecchio reigns over an emerald-green gulf. Surrounded by pristine beaches shaded by pine forests, and offering a diverse inland landscape, it’s a place of breathtaking scenery.

Enter through the Genoese Gate and step into the heart of town, where the Church of Saint John the Baptist stands tall. Across the way, the Santa Croci Chapel holds hidden treasures. Venture beyond the citadel’s narrow alleys to discover Porto-Vecchio’s many layers: the Bronze Age Casteddu of Ceccia (1350 BC), remnants of thriving salt marshes, and the Piscia di Gallu waterfall in the Ospedale Forest.

Porto-Vecchio shines over everything around it—beaches, mountains, villages—and in this kingdom, your heart will find its rhythm.

Ischia exudes an air of refined seclusion, where emerald hills cascade into crystalline bays and ancient thermal springs bubble forth like nature's private elixir. A favorite destination for wealthy Neapolitans, this volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples owes much to its hot springs, celebrated since antiquity. Ascend craggy promontories to medieval strongholds, their weathered ramparts guarding vine-wrapped terraces and sun-bleached cathedrals. Wander flower-filled hamlets where groves of citrus and olives frame pebbled shores or linger in hillside sanctuaries yielding mineral-rich wines. A haven of nature’s grace.

From the sea, Capri’s dramatic coastline comes into view, along with its cliffs, caves, and, if the light is right, glimpses of vineyards and gardens. Famous worldwide, Capri has long drawn the world’s elite to its shores—Rilke, Wilde, Cocteau, Taylor, and Kennedy, to name a few.

Capri captivates like a magnet. Perhaps it’s the shimmering blue of the Grotta Azzurra, or the piazzetta, with whitewashed houses and luxury boutiques where people-watching becomes art. Maybe it’s the iconic Malaparte villa or the charming village of Anacapri, which offered refuge to literary figures like Moravia and Greene. There are countless reasons to fall in love with Capri. Yours will be one of them.

Naples exudes a vibrant, chaotic energy, as if thanking the heavens for its breathtaking bay while daring the presence of Mount Vesuvius nearby. The city pulses with life—laundry hangs from windows, voices fill the air, and espresso is sipped strong and fast at the bar.

Beneath this bustling exterior lies a city brimming with history. Palaces, churches, museums, and theaters abound, showcasing Naples’ immense artistic heritage. Even the city’s metro stations are works of art, with Toledo Station crowned Europe’s most beautiful by the Daily Telegraph. Love it or hate it, one thing is certain: Naples will leave no one indifferent.

Docking in Civitavecchia, you’ll be just an hour and a half away from Rome—a city of legends, where history and myth intertwine. Rome shaped the world, and in turn, the world remains captivated by its grandeur.

Every street corner reveals a story: the Colosseum’s ancient grandeur, the Pantheon’s awe-inspiring dome, the elegance of the Trevi Fountain, and the quiet splendor of Villa Borghese. Rome’s timeless monuments—from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Sistine Chapel—speak of emperors, philosophers, and artists who left their mark on the Eternal City.

A city of cinema, la dolce vita, and endless discoveries, Rome is far more than a destination; it’s an experience. They say every stone there tells a story. Yours is waiting to be written.

Extend your Roman experience with a stay at Orient Express La Minerva, an elegant retreat in a historic palace.