Fusina (Venice) to Lisbon

Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time - from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Navigate Venice’s sparkling waterways by romantic gondola, or on cruises along wide canal boulevards. Span the Grand Canal over its iconic original crossing, the Rialto Bridge, which - with its parade of tiny shops - gives some of the city’s most endearing views. If the crowds unsettle you at any point, take two turns away from the main thoroughfares to find peace alone, amid the city's labyrinth of tiny streets. Hurry to Piazza San Marco to be immersed in Venice’s elegant glory. Basilica San Marco transports you back to the wealthy days of the Doges, who ruled for over 1,000 years. Initially their private chapel, it’s now decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Nearby the Campanile di San Marco bell tower offers views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of times gone by. Just a hop skip and a jump around the corner is the Doge’s Palace, where the levels of opulence ramp up even further. Justice was meted out in this stunning Palace, with the guilty walking to the cells across the covered Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto trips to local islands offer even more adventures to float your boat, whether it’s Murano with its world-famous glass, Torcello with its amazing Cathedrals, or Burano with its handmade lace and delightfully colourful painted houses.

Koper, a hidden gem on Slovenia's Adriatic coast, is a captivating blend of historical grandeur and modern charm.

Nestled in the heart of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, Ravenna is a city that whispers tales of a rich and luminous past.

Zadar, a coastal gem on Croatia's Adriatic Sea, beckons with a harmonious blend of ancient history and contemporary allure.

Split, Croatia's coastal jewel on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, exudes a captivating blend of history, culture and Mediterranean beauty.

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

Bari, a vibrant coastal city in southern Italy's Apulia region, weaves together a rich tapestry of history, culture and Mediterranean charm.

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.

Katakolon, a charming Greek port town nestled along the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, beckons travellers with its timeless allure.

Piraeus, often referred to as the "Port of Athens," stands as Greece's maritime gateway to the world.

Patmos, a serene gem in the Aegean Sea, is a sacred haven of spirituality and natural beauty.

Set on the east of the Greek island Crete, Aghios Nikolaos is a place of legend and luxury. Pastel-coloured houses jostle attractively around the pretty harbour and inky lake, while busy restaurants and cafes spill out onto its lively waterfront. Life here orbits around Lake Voulismeni, and the legendary lake is said to be bottomless, and to have been a bathing spot for Greek goddesses Athena and Artemis. Enjoy heavenly views of the water through frames of pretty, violet flowers, or climb the stone steps for a sweeping panorama of the town, lake and seas beyond. With abundant waterfront, hours meander past effortlessly in the town’s humming cafes, as characters come and go, and sunlight flicks off the sparkling waves. Aghios Nikolaos is surrounded by wide, scenic beaches, and you can choose between Voulisma - where crystal-clear water lolls against fine sand, or Almyros – where a refreshing ribbon of cooling freshwater snakes out into warm turquoise seawater. Away from the beaches, look for the brightly-frescoed Panagias Keras Church - one of the region’s oldest Byzantine churches - which dates back to the 13th century. Explore local farms to taste fresh oil, crushed from plump olives, ripened by the generous Cretan sun.

Kuşadasi, a vibrant coastal gem on Turkey's Aegean shores, beckons travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, ancient treasures and welcoming Turkish hospitality.

Istanbul, the enchanting metropolis straddling two continents, is a city where history and modernity converge in a seamless fusion.

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of history, culture and modernity.

Nestled on the eastern coast of mainland Greece, Volos is a vibrant coastal city that marries tradition with modernity.

Syros, a hidden gem in the Cyclades archipelago, welcomes travellers to a Greek island experience that blends tradition with sophistication.

Piraeus, often referred to as the "Port of Athens," stands as Greece's maritime gateway to the world.

Santorini, the jewel of the Aegean Sea, is a Greek island renowned for its stunning beauty and captivating allure.

Rhodes, the radiant jewel of the Aegean Sea, beckons travellers with its compelling blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, is a captivating blend of ancient wonders and modern delights.

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a stunning jewel of the Mediterranean, renowned for its rich history, architectural elegance and vibrant culture.

Giardini Naxos, nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, is a sun-kissed Mediterranean paradise that captures the essence of Italian coastal living.

Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city that seamlessly weaves together layers of history, culture and culinary delights.

Naples, a vibrant city in southern Italy, is a captivating blend of history, culture and Mediterranean charm.

Nestled on the picturesque Monte Argentario peninsula in Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano is a charming coastal town that captivates with its blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage.

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

Portoferraio, a picturesque town on the island of Elba in Italy, exudes Mediterranean charm with its pastel-coloured buildings, azure waters and rich history.

The independent principality of Monaco is famous as the playground of the Côte d'Azur. With sandy beaches, elegant hotels and a vibrant nightlife, this tiny domain is a favourite haunt of the jet set. In the possession of the Grimaldi family for more then 700 years, treaties with France guarantee Monaco's independence. The population of the fashionable enclave is 32,000 citizens, for an area smaller than New York's Central Park, but it boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the world. In addition to its luxury hotels and beautiful beaches, Monaco is noted for its mild climate and magnificent scenery. Once an exclusive wintering stop for Europe's aristocracy and royalty, today there are more than 5 million visitors annually. Of the principality's four sections - La Condamine, Fontvieille, Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo, the latter two rank highest on every visitor's must-see list. In Monte Carlo, the Grand Casino and Opera is perhaps Monaco's most outstanding attraction. For more than a century, the principality's livelihood was centred beneath the copper roof of this splendid establishment. The resemblance to the Paris Opera House is less than accidental since they share the same architect, Charles Garnier. Also facing the square are the famed Hotel de Paris and the more modest Café de Paris. Monte Carlo spells sophistication; it is the epitome of elegance and glamour. Year after year, the rich and famous of business and entertainment gather here to bask in the sun, gamble at the world's most opulent casino and attend spectacular parties. Nothing typifies more the elegant lifestyle of the Côte d'Azur than glamorous Monte Carlo. Situated on a rocky peninsula, Monaco-Ville comprises the old town and the seat of Monaco's government. Narrow streets lead to the Prince's Palace high above the sea. The 19th-century Romanesque cathedral contains impressive works of art and the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainer III, while the Parliament building and the Oceanographic Museum offer additional points of interest. As if Monaco's splendid attributes weren't enough, the surrounding areas with their incredibly beautiful scenery are additional attractions.

Genoa, Italy's hidden gem on the Ligurian coast, is a city where history, culture and maritime splendour collide.

Livorno, Italy's vibrant coastal city, welcomes travellers with its eclectic blend of history, culture and maritime charm.

Since being founded by the Greeks in around 600 BC, Marseille has a long history of being an attractive destination for travellers.

Sète, often hailed as the Venice of Languedoc, is a charming port town in southern France, crisscrossed by a network of canals and bridges.

Palamós, nestled along the scenic Costa Brava in northeastern Spain, is a charming coastal town that beckons with its authentic Mediterranean allure.

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, is a Mediterranean gem that entices travellers with its diverse beauty.

Valencia, nestled along Spain's eastern coast, is a captivating blend of modern innovation and rich history.

Cartagena, a historic port city on Spain's southeastern coast, is a treasure trove of ancient and modern wonders.

Málaga, a sun-drenched jewel on Spain's Costa del Sol, beckons with a vibrant blend of history, culture and coastal allure.

Nestled at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar stands as a captivating British Overseas Territory, where history, culture and nature collide in a unique blend.

Set on the Maghreb coast, Tangier is Africa’s outstretched hand to Europe. With its bustling markets and lively waterfront, this city on Morroco's north is an energetic and invigorating place and an exciting immersion into an incredible continent. The location, on the highly strategic narrowing of the Strait of Gibraltar, made Tangier a vital Phoenician trading town - and the resulting city is an invigorating mesh of cultures and curiosities. View less Part of the fun of Tangier is the well-rehearsed dance, as you dodge good-natured hawkers, and this is certainly a place to stroll with confidence and purpose. Delve into the mayhem of the walled Medina of Tangier for a rush of stimulation, as bartering and bantering echoes along the tight alleys. Crowded, noisy and busy, you’ll be sold to with a smile as you wander between stands of colourful spices, dried fruits and fabrics in this authentic Moroccan marketplace. Refresh and escape the sun with a fresh orange juice - or a sip of mint tea. Close to the city, you can find the Caves of Hercules, a coastal hollow that opens at both ends. The Phoenicians cut a window in the shape of the African continent, which reveals views of the Atlantic's waves, and legend says Hercules rested within its confines. From Tangier, you can also venture inland to the Rif Mountains, where gorgeous Chefchaouen - a village of bright blue alleyways - waits. Punctuated by blooming flowers, the entire town is a beautiful, moulded artwork of colour, spilling down the mountain like a waterfall.

Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of southwestern Spain, Cádiz beckons as a timeless gem steeped in history and Mediterranean charm.

Lisbon, Portugal's radiant capital, enchants with its timeless allure and vibrant spirit.