Fusina to Monte Carlo

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.

One of the most popular of the island escapes sprinkled across the turquoise Adriatic Hvar is a glorious idyll of hidden coves electric blue waters and quietly contented port towns. In recent years it’s gathered something of a reputation as a party island - mainly earned from Hvar Town’s nocturnal exuberances and the transient day-tripping yachts that drop by. Soak up the energy exuberance and fine dining or sidestep the hedonism to explore a richly refined rural and historic island – utterly spoiled with sunshine and hidden beaches which dazzle with colourful intensity. Bike rides along long sweeping coastal paths boat journeys from pretty harbours walks through fields of purple lavender. Relish the sunshine and explore deserted idyllic inlets before sharing strong espressos in quiet harbour towns surrounded by welcoming sun-wrinkled locals. There’s also rich Medieval history – the sleepy town of Stari Grad is said to be Croatia’s oldest dating back to 384 BC. Elsewhere Jelsa is a postcard perfect place – settle in for a bite to eat with nothing but the sound of harbour waters lapping and sandpaper scraping boats hulls for company. You can walk to look out over glorious views across to Brac sometimes watching on as thunderstorms rage and flash an eternity away over the mainland’s crumpled mountains. You’re also just a short ferry ride from the incredible Golden Horn - an evocative spike of brilliant sand which juts out evocatively into the cobalt-blue sea.

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.

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.

Hugging a long, sweeping bay, Giardini Naxos welcomes you ashore to some of Sicily’s most scenic and historic sites. Naxos was the first Greek settlement on Sicily, and it is surrounded by remarkable remains and swirling mythology. With a long arc of sun-soaked golden sand, you can kick back by the waves - and cool off with a dip into the sea's refreshing embrace. Up above the seaside revelry, the spectacular Taormina hillside town perches - containing rich Roman and Greek history.Visit to encounter one of Sicily’s best views, as you look down over the rejuvenating blue of the sea, and the looming backdrop of Mount Etna rising in the distance. The majestic, honey-coloured Greek theatre is a highlight, standing before the distant loom of the volcano.Head towards the puffs of cloud, and wisps of smoke, that gather around the peak of Sicily’s mighty volcano, which is among the most active in Europe. Arrive through vineyards, thriving in this fertile soil, before taking the 1,737-metre incline to the summit of the legendary mountain of fire, across fields of solidified lava flows. Known to the Greeks as the home of the God of Fire, and the one-eyed Cyclops, the mountain continues to amaze and awe with its restless power. Vineyards carpet the scenery - interrupted by occasional cactai and citrus groves – and produce some of Sicily’s most refined flavours. Enjoy a glass of wine on Giardini Naxos’ seafront, and toast your time on these rich Sicilian shores.

Sorrento's colourful, sun-faded facades cascade down from green hills and cliffs to the Bay of Naples' gently lapping waters. The perfect base for exploring this Italian corner of outstanding natural beauty, venture to the curvaceous roads of the Amalfi coast - or enjoy leisurely jaunts across the shimmering waves to Capri's gem of an island. While it makes for a fantastic jumping-off point, Sorrento itself has oodles of rustic fishing town charm, so don't rush off too quickly. Piazza Tasso is the locals’ main meeting spot and a starting point for a wander through the picturesque streets. Throw back a quick espresso caffeine kick at a standing cafe, before strolling through Corso Italia - Sorrento's spine - which is lined with boutiques, museums, bars and restaurants. The historic Church of San Francesco blossoms with colourful celebrations of weddings, which spill out into its gorgeous ivy-tangled cloisters. Or head down to relax by the small beach and fishing-boat filled harbours. The looming, cloud-wisped cone of Mount Vesuvius is unlikely to escape your attention, and this now docile volcano was responsible for a famous tale of destruction when it wiped out the ancient city of Pompeii in a heartbeat. Known for the haunting, frozen casts of the city’s unfortunate inhabitants - the massive site is a miraculous snapshot of an Ancient Roman city in its pomp. Wander the stone slabs streets, visit the beautiful theatre, and the columns of the sprawling ancient forum – painstakingly recovered and rendered from below the ash. If you’re feeling a little peckish, enjoy quick and delicious flame-cooked pizzas of oil, basil, tomato, and buffalo mozzarella. The volcanic soil imbues the local wines with rich flavour – soak in the waterfront views while savouring Taurasi and Lacryma Christi flavours. Or sample the luminous lemony-hit of ubiquitous limoncellos.

Glitzy glamorous and unashamedly luxurious – live the high life in Monte Carlo. From the super-yachts jostling for position in the harbour to the lavish bars splashing out iced champagne tiny Monaco’s only city is a high rolling decadent affair - and a gloriously indulgent sun-soaked taste of the good life. Famed for its low tax status - and the Formula One race that roars through its hairpin bends and tight streets each year - Monaco is the ultimate playground of the rich and famous. Monaco may be the world’s second-smallest country - only the Vatican has a smaller footprint - but Monte Carlo has a confidence impact and appeal that few can match. The gilded Royal Palace adds an air of regal glory and whether you want to soak up the culture at the opera or raise the stakes at a casino - doing your finest 007 impressions - you’ll feel very much at home here. Soar above the high-rise hotels and glorious casinos in a helicopter to see the city from above and admire landmarks like the cathedral where Grace Kelly married the Prince of Monaco in 1956. High-end fashion fragrances and fancy adornments await in the gold-label shops of Monte Carlo's lavish shopping streets while the old town’s pink and lemon floral facades offer an authentic balance of historic character to counterpoint the well-heeled excesses. A wonderful escape revel in old-world glitz and glam as you admire twinkling chandeliers and wander between palatial architecture while enjoying your time in Monte Carlo's abundant wonderland.