Carthage to Rome Itinerary

For those arriving early, a visit to the Bardo Museum in Tunis, which contains extraordinary Roman mosaics, is a must.

See one of Tunisia's finest examples of Islamic architecture at the sprawling fort in Monastir.

Discover Tunisia's remote hilltop Berber villages and underground pit homes in the desert landscapes of Matmata. See Hotel Sidi Driss, made famous in the original Star Wars movie as the home of Luke Skywalker.

With its charming blue and whitewashed medina, and its place in history as one of the seven holy cities of Islam, Kairouan is a fascinating destination. Visit the oldest mosque in North Africa, wander past elegant merchant houses and be sure to try a slice of makhroud - a honey-soaked, date-filled semolina cake.

It's time to kick back and relax in the seaside village of Sidi Bou Said. Stroll along its cobbled alleyways, past picturesque white and blue houses perched on cliffs overlooking the beautiful Bay of Tunis.

Travel back to Tunis to catch an overnight ferry bound for Italy's largest island, Sicily.

Chaotic and vibrant, the energy of Sicily's capital Palermo is infectious. Soak up the atmosphere with a walk through the old part of town to see its impressive churches, piazzas, fountains and famous palace. Take a daytrip to nearby Monreale to see its cathedral - one of the world's greatest examples of Norman architecture.

Explore the Valley of the Temples, a Greek temple complex dating back to the 6th century BC and now listed as a World Heritage site.

Bask in spectacular views of both the Mediterranean and mighty Mt Etna from the medieval township of Taormina. Be sure to visit the Teatro Greco - an amphitheatre overlooking the sea - before descending down to the beach via the cable car.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples - one of the best in Europe - which houses original artefacts rescued from the Pompeii site. Afterwards, see the might of Mt Vesuvius firsthand on a visit to the ruins of Pompeii.

The adventure concludes in the ancient streets of Italy's capital, Rome. With iconic sights jostling for space with modern boutiques and cafes, be spoiled for choice in this incredible city.