If you want the sea - Gozo, a small island off Malta Getting there: Rome to Malta by Air and a ferry from Malta to Gozo. Not much longer than St Thomas to St John. You would also get to see everything you missed in Malta.
If you want the mountains Ribeira Sacra in Galicia Spain Getting there: Fly into Porto (Spend a few days) Rent a car and drive to Ribeira Sacra The drive will take you through some amazing scenery. One of biggest regrets when we were there is not getting a chance to experience the swing below.
I would fly into Porto to begin your trip. Enjoy northern Portugal and the Ribeira Sacra. Then fly from Porto or Madrid to Rome
Last edited by TomB; 07/16/202311:26 AM.
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés