Italy, Montenegro, Croatia

Rome, the Eternal City, stands as an unparalleled testament to millennia of history, culture and influence.

The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbour where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the unspoiled town. Then find yourself a private bit of beach, there are lots of them, and enjoy the feel of warm sand and cool clear water lapping your toes.

Amalfi, a jewel of Italy's Amalfi Coast, exudes timeless beauty and Mediterranean allure.

Messina is a harbor city in northeast Sicily, separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina. It’s known for the Norman Messina Cathedral, with its Gothic portal, 15th-century windows and an astronomical clock on the bell tower. Nearby are marble fountains decorated with mythological figures, like the Fontana di Orione, with its carved inscriptions, and the Neptune Fountain, topped by a statue of the sea god.

Corfu, the radiant jewel of the Ionian Sea, welcomes travellers with its lush landscapes, Venetian architecture and turquoise waters.

Nestled within the dramatic fjords of Montenegro's Adriatic coast, Kotor is a hidden gem that blends natural splendour with a rich history.

Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a Croatian coastal gem that transports travellers back in time with its stunning medieval architecture, fortified city walls and cobblestone streets.

Hvar, a jewel of the Adriatic Sea, is an enchanting Croatian island renowned for its timeless beauty and Mediterranean charm.

Mali Lošinj is a town on the Croatian island of Lošinj, in the northern Adriatic Sea. It’s known for its large natural harbor which has a broad promenade. The Museum of Lošinj, in the 19th-century Fritzi Palace, displays Italian baroque and modern Croatian paintings. The Museum of Apoxyomenos exhibits a well-preserved 1st- or 2nd-century-B.C. bronze statue of an athlete, recovered from the sea bed

Venice, the city of canals, is a mesmerising masterpiece of art, architecture and history.