Adriatic Explorer followed by Iconic Islands

Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you constantly reaching for your camera…….

Set along a wide horseshoe-shaped bay, Koper’s a Medieval town where old and new go hand-in-hand. Lose yourself in the maze of streets, passing historical sights and browsing chic shops along the way.

Zadar doesn’t put age before beauty, it offers them both at the same time. This Dalmatian city on the Adriatic Coast is one of the oldest in Europe, and its timeline can be traced back more than 3,000 years. Having said that, it’s more than a little easy on the eye. The traffic-free streets are paved in pearly marble, its town houses are topped with red roofs, and the city is dotted with ancient Roman ruins and historical churches.

The second biggest town in Croatia is the first choice for a superb day exploring – or a day shopping in the open air markets.

On the coast in the south of the country, Split is old and beautiful, welcoming and varied. While beautiful lush green forest surrounds Split itself, facing the harbour is anothersight not to be missed – the fortress palace of Diocletian, built in 305AD.

For years, the travel-savvy have kept Montenegro under their sunhats. But now the cat’s creeping out of the bag – and it’s hardly surprising. A tiny republic in southeast Europe, the scenery here will have your jaw dropping to the floor the moment you arrive. Cue glittering lakes. Green mountains as far as the eye can see. And cashmere-soft sands that melt into sapphire seas. Even spy extraordinaire 007 couldn’t keep away – these magical landscapes starred in the James Bond hit ‘Casino Royale’…….

Wake up in the most beautiful city on the Croatian coast. Lively yet full of history, this World Heritage Site is full of fasination but very easy to get around

Woalking around Dubrovnik is like stepping back into the past. Its ancient city walls surround countless buildings that have been perfectly perserved and are easy to find, thanks to the grid-like street system. Look out in particular for the Onofrio Fountain and the nearby Franciscan Monastery with the third oldest pharmacy in Europe. And don’t miss the old medieval Sponza Palance, St Blaises Church and the Cathedral.

Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you constantly reaching for your camera…….

Prepare to fall head over heels for this sun-blushed beauty. Santorini is the very essence of Greek charm. Sugar-cube houses cling to the cliffs. Vivid blue church domes add a splash of colour. And steep cliff-sides tumble into an impossibly clear sea. Just beautiful…….

Pack your beach towel, your sunblock and your camera, The third largest Greek island and one of the sunniest places in Europe also features Rhodes Town.

Combining cosmopolitan charm with medieval sights, Rhodes Town has all the sun, sea, sand and attractions you could wish for. Wander through the Old Town to see the Palace of the Grand Masters, decked with mosaics, sculptures and antiques. Call in at the 15th century Knights of St John Hospital, now a splendid archaeological museum which houses the statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes. Continue down to the beaches and find the Street of the Artists, where artists share pavement space with open air cafes. And for the best view of the town and harbour, take a taxi to the top of Monte Smith, crowned by a 3rd century BC stadium.

Today, Heraklion is a city of contrasts where old meets new – ancient Byzantine churches sit in perfect harmony against the modern skyline.

Crete’s capital, Heraklion, is the cultural and commercial hub of the island. It’s taken on a vibrant, cosmopolitan air and brims with
pavement cafes, sophisticated bars, elegant boutiques and intimate tavernas. Traditional Cretan life can still be seen in the winding backstreets and alleyways that surround the old harbour.

It won’t take long to discover the attractions of Katakolon. Step straight into the charm of this modern fishing village, before venturing further into the ancient past of Olympia.

The two faces of Katakolon are just as tempting. Wander through the streets and you may want to linger in a waterfront tavern over a bottle of locally produced retsina, produced from the sap of pine trees, and a plate of dolmades – vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you constantly reaching for your camera…….