Lake Garda, Venice & Istanbul Stays with Adriatic and Aegean Gems, 2 July 2026 (21 nights)

In Trieste, northern Italy, between Barcola and Grignano lies a castle from the 19th century called Miramare Castle. The Miramare Castle is without a doubt one of Trieste's top attractions because of its breathtaking setting that extends into the Gulf of Trieste. It was the home of the archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph Habsburg-Lorraine and his wife Charlotte of Belgium, and was constructed between 1856 and 1860.

The centre of Trieste is Piazza Unità d'Italia (Unity of Italy Square). At the base of San Giusto Hill, it is a popular plaza that faces the Gulf of Trieste and is regarded as having the largest waterfront in Europe with an area of 12,280 square metres.

A modern art gallery, the Revoltella Museum (or Palazzo Revoltella), was constructed between 1853 and 1858 following the plans of Berlin architect Friedrich Hitzig. The museum displays historical artefacts and furniture that belonged to the museum's founder as well as artistic and cultural treasures that, along with the interior fittings and the palace's architecture, serve as records of the Second Empire's varied taste.

Found at a picturesque cove not far from the main square, the 16th-century Franciscan Monastery features a beautiful bell tower as well as a large depiction of the Last Supper inside. In the garden you’ll find a 300-year-old Cypress tree to shelter you from the sun.

Conveniently located in St Stephen’s square, Hvar Cathedral is an impressive Baroque structure featuring a tall bell tower. Step inside, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and admire the many artefacts, sculptures and paintings including the famous Madonna.

Just opposite the town are a chain of wooded islets known as Pakleni Islands. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and find yourself on a secluded, sandy beach instead, hop on a boat tour and venture into paradise. Some islets also feature restaurants and cottages.

With one of the most photographed views in Hvar, the Spanish Fortress overlooks the town and bay and is well worth the climb. This medieval castle houses ancient artefacts recovered from the seabed and surrounding area, as well as a dungeon and chapel.

Dating back to the 12th century, Basilica di San Nicola, was originally built to house the remains and relics of St Nicholas (popularly known as Santa Claus), which were stolen around that time from Myra in Turkey. The arrival of the important relics is re-enacted every year in May, when locals arrive to the port by boat with an icon-style painting of the saint. This basilica is an important pilgrimage among Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Although less famous, many say that Bari Cathedral is actually a more important building than Basilica di San Nicola in Bari. It was built in the 12th-13th centuries, on the site of another cathedral that was destroyed by King William I of Sicily in the mid-12th century. It is dedicated to San Sabino, whose relics were brought to the area in the 9th century and are now stored in the cathedral. Some relics of Saint Columba of Ireland are also kept here.

It’s believed that the original castle structure was built around 1130-1135, by the Norman King Roger II of Sicily, only to be destroyed by William I of Sicily in 1156. Then King Frederick II of Sicily rebuilt it in the 13th century. Today visitors can explore some of the castle, where art exhibitions and events are often held. There is also a permanent collection of plaster cast replicas of 11th to 17th century artefacts.

Known locally as Bari Vecchia, the old part of the city is full of quaint streets and charming architecture. It provides the quintessential Italian atmosphere of narrow roads, children playing football, laundry hanging overhead, and the smells of delicious food being prepared. The streets of Old Bari can lead you to or away from the main square (Piazza Mercantile), where attractions such as the Basilica di San Nicola are located.

The main square of the old town, Piazza Mercantile is a vibrant social hub of eateries and bars and has been since medieval times. In around the 14th century traders came here to sell their wares – although today’s marketplace is not located here – and it quickly became the place to eat, drink, and be merry. There is some important architecture surrounding the square too, such as the 13th Colonna Infame, and the 16th century Palazzo del Sedile (old town hall and clock tower).

Otherwise known as the Colonna Infame – or infamous column – this menacing lion statue and column are situated in one corner of Piazza Mercantile. The lion wears an inscribed collar reading ‘Custos Iusticiae’ – or ‘Keeper of Justice’, and represents law and order, and protection of the city. The lion dates back to around the first century AD, but the column was not installed until the 16th century. It is believed that debtors and other small-time criminals were once tied to the column to be publicly shamed and ridiculed.

If you are looking for a secluded beach tucked away in serenity by beautiful rock coves, head to Jaz Beach where you’ll be able to sunbathe and relax.

After being restored numerous times following earthquakes, St Tryphon’s Cathedral continues to represent the expertise of Roman architecture. With many stunning artefacts and decorations, this cathedral is well worth exploring.

A short drive from Kotor, Lovćen National Park is home to imposing mountains including the spectacular Mount Lovćen standing 1,749 metres high. With no shortage of outdoor adventures to discover, visitors will love quad biking and zip lining in particular.

With countless boutiques, authentic eateries, and bars as well as a quaint museum teeming with ancient artefacts, Old Town Budva is a delightful place to explore. Enjoy dessert from a charming bakery, admire the view from the citadel and bask in the peace and quiet.

After climbing 1,350 stairs to a height of 1,200 metres you’ll find this impressive fortress built between the 9th and 19th centuries. With Byzantine and Venetian roots, this structure is beautifully preserved and teeming with fascinating history to discover.

Nestled in lush surroundings with views over the town nearby, Aquapark Budva is perfect for spending a hot afternoon cooling off. The park features multiple pools and waterslides to suit a range of ages, as well as a restaurant, bars, shops and lockers.

This small and intimate beach provides a quiet getaway from the crowds. Relax in the sun watching the locals play water polo, before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters and exploring the nearby cliffs and caves.

If you are looking for something relaxing but also to spend some time exploring, head along the sandy beaches and rocky paths where you’ll find Sunj beach. Here the waters range from beautiful crystal blue to alluring green where you can swim and relax under the sun with a wide range of bars to pick from.

A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is a fantastic place for a day trip. With a beautiful botanical garden planted in the 19th century, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and spots for swimming in the sea, you’ll love exploring this tiny island.

At 37 meters above the sea, Fortress Lovrijenac offers impressive views across the landscape. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, the fortress played an important role in protecting the Old City, which visitors will learn about as they explore the grounds.

Covering 1,940 metres with 6 fortresses, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a must visit for Game of Thrones fans and lovers of architecture. Visitors can join walking tours of the walls which take approximately two hours and offer unrivalled views over the city from the forts.

One of the most important forts in the Walls of Dubrovnik, it now houses the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, containing artefacts, paintings and documents telling the history of city. The aquarium, meanwhile, is where you’ll find marine life that thrives in the waters off Croatia.

This hidden gem will provide the perfect getaway from bustling crowds. If you’re looking to relax in a quaint fishing village, enjoy traditional Corfiot cuisine on the waterfront and take a dip in the vibrant waters, Agni Bay is the place for you.

Surrounded by imposing cliffs, Loggas Beach – otherwise known as Sunset Beach – is one of the most beautiful spots in Corfu. You won’t find wild water sports here, instead you’ll witness breath-taking sunsets and take a dip in the warm, gentle water.

Built in 1840 for British troops serving in Corfu, the Church of St George now hosts only two services each year, as well as occasional exhibitions. With views out over Garitsa Bay, this church resembles an ancient Greek temple and provides great photo opportunities.

Found on a tiny islet close by to the airport of Corfu, Vlacherna Monastery dates back to around the 17th and 18th centuries. The beautifully preserved building is a great photo opportunity particularly at sunset, and the perfect place to take a romantic stroll.

Found in the Venetian church of St Francis, this beautiful building’s exhibits boast a wide range of pottery, carvings, sculptures and more on display and provides great insight into the history of Chania.

A must visit to truly get to the heart of this beautiful destination. Wander down the quaint alleyways and admire the ancient architecture as you stumble across shops, cafés and hotels, or take a walk along the waterfront in the sunshine.

As the main fortress of the town, Firka Fortress was a key structure throughout the 16th century. It was once a barracks and a prison and now houses the Maritime Museum of Crete as well as picturesque views of the harbour.

Getting lost in the vibrant, colourful community of Chania’s Old Town is a brilliant way to discover local gems. From traditional tavernas (classic Greek restaurants) to stylish coffee shops, you’ll find a new favourite dish in this lively district.

Situated in the medieval Hospital of the Knights of Rhodes, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is a striking building to explore, and the artefacts within make it especially key to visit. Visitors will find mosaics, sculptures, statues and spoils of war.

The closest beach to Rhodes town, Elli Beach is a popular place to spend a sunny day. With plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas as well as waterfront restaurants and bars, you’ll have everything you need to relax, along with a diving platform to quickly cool you off.

Another must visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is a beautifully preserved site filled with art, mosaics, furniture and décor. Explore this structure for a glimpse into the past of Rhodes.

Rhodes Town comprises of an old and new town, each with their own unique charms. While the Old Town is like stepping back into the medieval ages, boasting Ottoman and Italian architecture, the New Town is a hub of vibrant nightlife. The combination of both old and new makes for a fantastically varied cruise holiday, catering to all interests. Explore an ancient palace and medieval ruins during the day, dine at an authentic seafood tavern in the evening, and dance the night away.

If you’re looking for the best views across Rhodes, Roloi Clock Tower is the place to be! Since being restored over time its architecture is of a Baroque style, and with a rewarding free drink after making the climb to the top.

Located in the centre of Fira, the Archaeological Museum of Thera is a must visit for insight into the civilizations that came before present day, featuring artefacts from the Archaic, Roman, Geometric and Hellenistic periods, including Byzantine works of art.

Thira, as the capital of Santorini, is the gem of the area and boasts fantastic nightlife and restaurants with mouthwatering food. Here you can feel and be part of the action as it all takes place.

Home to the artefacts found at multiple archaeological sites such as Akrotiri, some of these excavations were discovered as early as 1867. Visitors will find numerous temporary and permanent exhibitions offering insight into the prehistoric age of Thira.

Before the cable car, tourists to Santorini would have to climb the winding stairs to the capital or ride by mule. Now, this mode of transport offers stunning sights of the land and sea on the way up, as well as access to the volcano.

If you are looking to get a better look at the local geography, Santorini Volcano is a fantastic place to start with regular boat trips to look at the powerful effects that a volcano can have on the local environment.

Despite being a modern construction, Agia Triada features Byzantine architecture as well as an impressive dome that is visible from every spot within the church. Overlooking the port of Piraeus, Agia Triada is a must visit to discover the history of the town and take in the tranquillity.

This vibrant and colourful district is nestled on top of a hill with views out over the bay. A walk around this neighbourhood will take you to quaint cafes, neoclassical architecture, Prophet Elias church and the Veakeion outdoor theatre.

Covering the Mycenaean period to the Roman era, the Piraeus Archaeological Museum offers artefacts excavated from Piraeus’ landscape, as well as collections donated from other sites. Visitors will discover monuments, statues, artwork and more.

One of only three surviving Liberty ships, the SS Hellas Liberty is a fascinating vessel to explore. This floating maritime museum was presented to the public in 2010 and covers a range of exhibits people of all ages will enjoy.

With stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the beautiful vessels moored in the harbour, the bay of Zea is the perfect place to go for a walk, enjoy a delicious coffee and take in the sunshine. You’ll find many hidden gems here, including ancient walls.

This row of 18th century fishing houses looks out onto the crystal clear sea, providing beautiful views both day and night. Though they aren’t fishing houses anymore, the shops, restaurants and bars that have replaced them still give a very enchanting waterfront experience.

Boasting plenty of sun-kissed beaches, including Fokos and Kapari beaches, there's plenty of space and options for a relaxing day on the sand by the blue sea.

Paraportiani Church is one of the most photographed churches in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The whitewashed structure stands out vibrantly against the ocean backdrop, creating fantastic photo opportunities and a romantic place to take a stroll.

Featured on many postcards you’ll find in Greece, the Mykonos Windmills are an iconic sight of the island. Once vital to the economy, the seven windmills are now a beautiful spot to take photos and explore- particularly at sunset.

Day or night, Matoyianni Street is bustling with shopping, dining and bars. It’s the perfect place to find handmade souvenirs, such as jewellery and even sandals, as well as other designer boutiques. Visitors will also love the live music here!

This small island is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in Greece, and is simply teeming with mythological and historical insights. Visitors will marvel at the artefacts exhibited here, including sculptures of Apollo and Artemis.

The perfect escape from the heat on a hot day, Adaland Waterpark has something fun for visitors of all ages! Featuring a wave pool, a kids pool, a jacuzzi, rafting, a safari-style ocean pool and more, you’ll be sure to love relaxing, sliding and splashing here.

Founded in 1964, the Ephesus Museum houses artefacts excavated from the Ephesus archaeological site and the surrounding areas, including the Temple of Artemis. Some notable finds include the Ephesus Artemis statue, the head of Socrates and a stamp dating back to 6200 BC.

During the Ottoman Era, Pigeon Island was used for military purposes and features an imposing Byzantine fortress on the rocks known as Pirate Castle. It is now a fantastic place to explore, relax and enjoy freshly caught seafood as well as other Aegean cuisine.

Also known as Artemesium, the Temple of Artemis is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and served as a place of worship to the Greek Goddess Artemis. Although only a few pillars remain in the ruins, the site is a must visit for ancient Greek history buffs.

One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Basilica Cistern was built in 532 and is the largest surviving cistern in Istanbul. The number of columns and the impeccable symmetry is a staggering sight and a must see, making a great escape on hot summer days.

Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque is named for its hand-painted blue tiles on the interior walls, and the blue lights that illuminate it at night. A walk around this impressive structure is truly awe inspiring- don’t forget to adhere to the dress code though.

This magnificent structure took 13 years to build and was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Take a tour of the entire palace or different sections and discover the exquisite decoration (particularly the 4.5 tonne chandelier) and the painting museum.

Often considered the eighth wonder of the world, the Hagia Sophia was actually built three times after being destroyed, with the third and final structure being built 532-537 AD. Now, it is a museum filled with Christian and Muslim art, as well as breath-taking architecture.

Selling countless varieties of Turkish delight, Mısır Çarşısı Market (also known as Spice Bazaar) is a fantastic place to find souvenirs, spices, snacks and stories from warm, friendly vendors. Whether you’re looking to buy or not, exploring the market is a great way to be immersed in the culture and atmosphere of Istanbul.

Sultanahmet Square is where you’ll find the tourist hotspots of Istanbul all in one place. Located in one of the most historical parts of the city, you’ll find the largest cistern, two stunning mosques and numerous places to enjoy authentic cuisine.

Topkapi Palace possesses a colourful history with many sultans living there since 1481. A visit here will give visitors insight into the fascinating stories of the Ottoman Empire, through collections of armour, weaponry, pottery, jewellery and more.