Athens to Fusina

A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.

As one of the lesser known islands in the Aegean Sea, Paros enjoys its reputation as being the underdog of the Cyclades. Often overshadowed by Mykonos to the north, or Santorini to the south, the savvy traveller knows this island paints one of the finest pictures of Greece that you’re ever likely to find.Arrival in Paros is postcard perfect and exactly as you imagine it. Cafes and tavernas line the pretty port, bougainvillea covers narrow streets, brightly painted fishing boats bob gently in the harbour. If you arrive early enough, you’ll find the catches of the day being sold for pennies. All the touch points are there: evocative blue shuttered, white-washed houses, windmills and domed churches on the horizon, arid hillside above an azure bay that homes promise of fresh figs, olives and the seductive lullaby of cicadas. This image might seem clichéd but in Paros, it’s reality.If strolling the cobbled streets that snake into the village does not sustain your love of Greek history, then head for the Archaeological Museum in the centre of town. Paros has been inhabited since 3200 BC and has a past of maritime battles, followed by economic development and cultural flourishing. The island was well known for its fabulous marble, a fine example of which is the lovely Town Hall in Lefkes village (notably Venus de Milo was also crafted from Parian marble). Literary lovers will also know that Paros was the birthplace of Greek lyrical poet Archilochus, statues of whom can be found all over the island.

Beautiful sea crisp white beaches and charming medieval villages add character and colour to this gorgeous Greek Island. Part of the Cyclades group of islands visit the capital Ermoupoli to discover a network of picturesque narrow streets and winding alleyways - dotted with fancy old Venetian mansions and elegant domed churches. The colourful town cascades down to an open waterfront of pine-trees and beautiful views. Head to the sparkling marbled central square overlooked by the Town Hall and surrounded by a celebrated collection of neoclassical buildings facing up across narrow streets. A town of peeking bell towers and cobalt-blue domed churches - stop by the Church of the Assumption which treasures an original El Greco wonder inside. Further up you'll find the small monastery-sprinkled medieval village of Ano Syros. Settled on a hill it offers a glorious view down over the port and white dwellings of Ermoupoli below. You can visit Capuchin Monastery which was built in the 16th century to help the underprivileged. Encounter the Vamvakaris Museum dedicated to Markos Vamvakaris a famous rebetiko musician born here in 1905. Of course Syros is also surrounded by plenty of blissful beaches if you'd rather hit the sands. Finikas beach is nearby and a long luxurious stretch complete with sunbeds and umbrellas. Perfect for catching some sun and shade and watching the blue seawater twinkling.

Overlooking the turquoise blue Ionian Sea Albania’s most southerly harbour is a short 20-minute boat ride from Corfu and bathes in the glow of more than 300 sunny days each year. Revel in Albania’s best beach life or explore historic ancient cities and fortresses embedded with immense archaeological interest. Clear turquoise waters lap the city's beaches and there's always something to see along the lively Boulevard Hasan Tahsini - which traces the seafront and is stacked with bars restaurants and shops. The hardy 16th-century Lekuresi Castle has been battered by weather and war over the years but it offers a fantastic lookout point to survey Sarande's expanse Corfu's island and the turquoise sea beyond. From here you can head to the Blue Eye Spring a rejuvenating natural landmark where a groundswell of the purest water gushes up 50 metres to surface amid the forest. Bathe in the immaculate waters which are intensely refreshing on sunny days. The majestic ruins of Butrint's ancient city stand nearby unearthed from the leafy site after the city was abandoned in medieval times. Albania's first UNESCO World Heritage Site Butrint was an ancient Greek and Roman stronghold - and you can walk back in time along stone-paved streets to discover the immense history here. Roam between the compact Roman theatre and the impressive arched-windows of the basilica before admiring the stunning floor mosaics that have been left behind.

Taking its name from the Greek translation of 'beautiful city’ Gallipoli has a big reputation to live up to. A gorgeous gem of the Ionian this is an elegant city with water running through its veins. Surrounded on three sides by the sea wander between the fish market where tables groan below hauls of fresh seashells and the harbour where little boats come and go all day long. Scooters weave along the old town's tight streets dodge them while enjoying atmospheric strolls below the dangling flowerpot-laced balconies. Enclosed by 14th-century sea walls - and linked to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge - the island is dominated by Castello Angioino di Gallipoli with its thick walls and imposing waterfront setting glaring out to sea. The grand baroque facade of the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata of 1629 stands in the centre of the old town showcasing intricate carvings and harbouring intense dark paintings and grand columns within. These sun-blessed landscapes produce a rich bounty of flavourful olives and grapes each year. The rich liquid gold of Gallipoli's olive oil is legendary and the city is pocked with underground olive oil factories squeezing out the very best flavours. Puglia has a number of charming coastal towns from the beautiful Baroque architecture of palaces and churches at Lecce to the walled city of Otranto - which waits across the peninsular looking east. This pretty old town has a charming Medieval core and its glowing beaches spread beside the Adriatic’s blue waters.

Embedded into the slopes of the steep Lovćen mountain and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic the fortified town of Kotor boasts a spectacular imposing staging that few can match. Sq Squeezing in through the tight Bay of Kotor is a daunting and impressive approach in itself as you arrive via one of Europe’s most stunning waterways. A pearl of Montenegro and the Adriatic Kotor's warren-like streets drip with history and authenticity. Under Venetian influence for four centuries the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site old town invites you to wander amid atmospheric stone-clad streets overlooked by a sea of terracotta roofs and the double towers of the cathedral. Many favour Kotor for its compact layout smaller crowds and authenticity however - having been spared from shelling during Yugoslavia's breakup. The tightknit streets here are patrolled by a slinking population of feline residents who were adopted as the town’s mascots after being left behind by transient trader ships. Learn of the city's extensive heritage on the waves in the dedicated maritime museum that is contained within Grgurina Palace. Pick your way through tight alleys of workshops and studios walking below fresh laundry strung from windows before settling into shiny paved piazzas for an afternoon coffee or seafood meal. If you’re up for an aerobic challenge tackle the 1 350 steps up the steep walls to St John's fortress. The views over the gorgeous bay make the arduous slog worth it.

Croatia’s crowning glory rears up vertically from the tranquil waters of the Adriatic and Dubrovnik’s daunting fortresses town is a truly imposing sight to behold. Encircled by chunky stone walls so thick and dramatic they could have been purpose-built as a film set this city’s unmatched old town is the setting for countless films and shows - from Star Wars to Robin Hood Game of Thrones and every production in-between seeking a truly authentic medieval flavour. Fully restored now the stone streets of the city take you through a beautiful mosaic of architectural splendour baroque churches and splashing fountains. Tapering alleys rocket up from the central boulevard of Stradun offering spectacular views down but you’ll need to walk the city walls to appreciate the fortress city’s full scale. Visit the neighbouring fort of Lovrijenac for another perspective or swing up to Srd fortress’s glorious panorama on a cable car. Dubrovnik’s streets are crammed with eateries and candlelit tables where couples splash wine into glasses and enjoy gnocchi mixed with creamy truffle sauces. Nearby beaches like Banje are also close by and hidden bays reward the intrepid who venture out beyond the old town. Take sunset drinks to sit back and watch as flotillas of sea kayaks roll by or sail on the pristine waters to explore island gems like Lokrum - where peacocks are the only permanent residents.

Set on the dazzling Adriatic where the Krka River opens out into the blue island-peppered waters Šibenik is a stone-clad city that oozes Dalmatian medieval charm. Gorgeous Krka National Park gushes with famously picturesque waterfalls close by while the World Heritage Sites of Croatia’s oldest native town have endless stories to tell. Rising from the shadow of popular neighbours Split and Zadar Šibenik is successfully establishing itself as an unmissable Dalmatian city thanks to its timeless grace and 30 hidden churches and monasteries - which ring their bells above a wash of terracotta roofs. Dominating the tight streets of the charming old town - where ice cream vendors spoon out fruity flavours and footsteps rattle along stone streets - is the magnificent Cathedral St. James UNESCO World Heritage site. Taking more than a century to construct it is built from stone in a Gothic-Renaissance style and adorned with 71 sculptured heads - each displaying its own personality. St. Michael’s Fortress stands on a hill above the city providing the perfect viewpoint to see Šibenik rolling towards the stunning archipelago which punctuates the turquoise Adriatic. Part of the fortress is now used as an open-air stage forming an ethereal venue for performances. St. Nicholas Fortress is another UNESCO protected site and was built where the monastery of St. Nicholas once stood. Further afield the beautiful old town of Trogir is close by along with the Roman ruins of Salona.

With a sweeping old town of Venetian architecture sing-song Italian emanating from its cafes and even a fountain that honours the Rialto Bridge - you could be forgiven for thinking that you’d stepped off the boat into the Floating City itself while exploring Koper. Formerly an island Koper was linked artificially to the Slovenian mainland in 1825. It now serves as the only major port of Slovenia and basks in the sun of the Istrian coast which offers an alluring blend of the best of Croatian Slovenian and Italian. The nation’s capital Ljubljana also lies within easy reach. A working city with plenty of charm below its sea of terracotta roofs the picturesque Tito square lies at Koper’s heart. The Cathedral of Assumption rises above the square and towers over the narrow streets nearby. Take a deep breath and climb the 200 steps for a stunning panorama of the city. Or simply soak up the atmosphere with a wander through Čevljarska Ulica – a set of cobbled streets adorned with artisan shops small bars and restaurants. Soak up the sights of Koper the country’s oldest town or make for the Slovenian capital Ljubljana - to discover a lively city of green parks leafy open spaces and pedestrianised boulevards. The pretty Ljubljana River stretches through the city’s heart providing casual strolls and charming bike rides. Nearby encounter a scene from a fairy-tale as you see the breathlessly picturesque Bled Castle emerging from a tiny island in the centre of a cloudy-blue alpine lake.

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.