Mediterranean and Adriatic

Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.

Tucked into the Ligurian coastline between the cities of Genoa and Pisa, the charming and atmospheric La Spezia is one of Italy’s most important commercial harbours and home to its largest naval base. La Spezia is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre, a collection of five fantasy-like coastal villages perched immaculately on the contours of the coastline.

This island famed as Napoleon's birthplace is a perfect summer resort. Explore its fine sandy beaches and deep forests of pine and chestnut, which cover more than half the landscape.

Stretch your legs on a palm-lined seafront promenade where stylish shops boast their wares and bar clientele settle back in their chairs with a hard few hours of people-watching ahead. Blissful!

Valencia is an exhilarating mix of history, art and intellectual activity. Brave the 200 steps up to the summit of the amphitheatre, for a giddying panorama of orange rooftops and blue-domed churches. Valencia’s rich Hispanic culture is visible everywhere in the city’s architecture, often reflecting Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, and Aragonese traditions.

Glimpse Barcelona's remarkable architecture as you tour the city. Or experience Monsterrat, legendary home of the Knights of the Holy Grail. There's also a host of art galleries, museums and elegant shops to explore.

For more than 250 years, this was the last stronghold of the Knights of Malta. An optional excursion reveals the Grand Master's Palace, doubtless one of the Mediterranean's finest treasures.

Nestled deep in an atmospheric and secluded bay, the fortified city of Kotor in Montenegro is steeped in history. Characterized by winding streets and squares its magic and attraction are undeniable. Kotor’s ninth-century walls blend into the mountainside by day, but then bathe in light when night falls. Within these dramatic walls lies a town of mazes of walkways and irresistible charm.

A vast third-century compound, The Palace of Diocletianis is Split’s main attraction. Its fortresslike complex houses an arched entrance court, temples, mausoleums, statues and even Egyptian Sphinxes. Gorge on an emperor’s banquet of delicious local fish and cheeses on Dalmatia’s coast – it’s a fitting feast after exploring the white Roman palace.

Zadar is a historic place, with Roman ruins and medieval churches to explore. Meanwhile, the cosmopolitan cafés and restaurants are great places to relax and enjoy the town’s distinct ambience.

A little slice of eternal Italy that sits between Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast. Trieste is a charming destination which has been furnished decorously by grandeur and royalty through the centuries. The heart of the medieval old city and its neo-classical Austrian quarter offer great expressions of this seaport’s colourful past. The food is divine, the culture vibrant, and ambience quite unique.