Grand Southern Mediterranean Gems with Istanbul & Lisbon Stays, 10 November 2026 (43 nights)

A city where East meets West, from the majestic Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Wander through charming streets, enjoy vibrant nightlife, and relax by crystal-clear waters in this iconic Greek island paradise.

Explore ancient ruins, stroll along the vibrant harbour, and soak up the rich culture of Greece’s bustling port city.

Explore the ancient ruins of the birthplace of the Olympic Games and immerse yourself in Greece’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

Wander medieval streets, admire dramatic fjords, and soak up Montenegro’s timeless beauty.

Walk the iconic city walls, soak up the Adriatic views, and step into a storybook of medieval charm.

From the Sea Organ’s haunting melodies to Roman ruins, Zadar blends history, art, and Adriatic beauty.

Although the largest town in Coastal Slovenia, Koper is a hidden gem that, at first glance, may seem like a simple port city. But at the heart of this destination is fascinating medieval history just waiting to be unravelled, with the Praetorian Palace being a real highlight. Easily covered on foot, a simple stroll around the city will take you to ancient architecture, traditional taverns, shopping and wine cellars.

As the third largest city in Croatia and en-route to Dalmatia, Rijeka is a hidden gem of historical heritage, Austrian architecture and trendy galleries, cafés and restaurants. You can spend time exploring the city on foot to admire the classic buildings and venturing into museums before relaxing with a coffee. Kids and adults alike will love the Peek and Poke Computer Museum which will keep you entertained for hours through interactive, nostalgic exhibits.

Marvel at Diocletian’s Palace, stroll along the Riva, and experience Croatia’s coastal charm.

Found on the southeast edge of Italy, Bari has long been a large and bustling port town which boasts some fascinating history. There are plenty of religious buildings to see which house the relics of various saints – including those of St Nicholas (Santa Claus), and Saint Columba of Ireland. It’s also worth exploring the Old Town and Piazza Mercantile, to get a flavour of traditional Bari life complete with fresh Italian cooking, children playing football, and of course plenty of wine. In the piazza is also the ‘colonna infame’, which dates back to the first century AD. It’s here where criminals were held in years gone by to be ridiculed and punished.

Discover lush landscapes, hidden coves, and Venetian charm in this Greek island paradise.

Golden-hued streets, baroque architecture, and a fascinating history await in Malta’s stunning capital.

Messina is a coastal city located in the north-east of Sicily and overlooks the homonymous strait, which separates the region from the rest of the Peninsula. Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, a few years before Rome, it is said that the strait was the home of Scylla and Charybdis, two sea monsters described by Homer in the Odyssey. In Messina you can admire the Duomo, the Astronomical Clock and the rich Regional Museum which houses works by famous artists.

Today's Civitavecchia was born as an Etruscan village along the Tyrrhenian coast, but it is believed that the territory has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The first documents mentioning the city date back to the year 107 AD; the same as the construction of the port which ended three years later. During a stop in Civitavecchia you can visit the Taurine Baths, the Michelangelo Fort, and the Cathedral.

Made famous by its sloping bell tower, Pisa was once a simple but noteworthy port town. Over the years Pisa had some involvement in Italy’s military conflicts, and has seen success in matters of trade. Today most visitors come to see the fascinating Leaning Tower; a construction dating back to the 12th century that has been repeatedly repaired and stabilised over the years. As well as this is the neighbouring cathedral and baptistery, and the pretty Square of Miracles which houses them all. Pisa has a brilliant culinary scene, with many inexpensive restaurants serving amazing antipasti, pizzas, pastas, and other hearty Italian dishes.

Toulon started as a small fishing town in antiquity to become France’s first naval port, and the largest city in the scenic Var region. It's famous for its natural beauty. Here you can enjoy the local ‘chichis’ (similar to Spanish churros) on the beach during a pleasant stroll to the sound of the waves and chirping crickets, and explore the old town’s medieval buildings and 900-year-old cathedral. For the best views, take the cable car up Mont Furon.

Famous for its deliciously fresh seafood – the prawns are particularly highly recommended! Palamos offers sandy stretches of beaches, lively nightlife, hidden coves to explore and plenty of natural beauty to hike and bike. Learn about the city’s thriving fishing trade, take a cooking workshop and simply relax in the sun! Palamos has plenty to be discovered for history enthusiasts and foodies in particular, though kids will also love splashing in the sea all day.

Wander through historic streets, explore stunning architecture, and relax by the beautiful Mediterranean shores in this vibrant Majorcan city.

From Gaudí’s masterpieces to lively tapas bars, Barcelona’s unique blend of art, culture, and history will captivate you.

Alicante offers everything you need for the perfect city break, whatever your interests may be. For the party animals there’s legendary nightlife with countless bars and discos and people to dance with. For the beach-goer, Playa del Postiguet is within close proximity to the city promenade and has perfect facilities for a full day on the beach. For the best views, be sure to head up to Santa Bárbara Castle with your camera and take some snaps that you’ll always remember.

Nestled between Spain and Morocco, this small piece of Britain offers a warmer climate and Europe’s only wild apes. Visitors of all ages will love watching these primates at play, as well as hiking the trails through the Upper Rock Nature Reserve where you’ll find Saint Michael’s Cave. Finally, don’t forget to leave time to enjoy your favourite British classics at the numerous pubs, or try traditional Spanish tapas.

Lose yourself in vibrant souks, grand mosques, and the cinematic allure of Morocco’s largest city.

Golden beaches, bustling souks, and a laid-back charm make Agadir the perfect Moroccan coastal escape.

Stroll along scenic promenades, explore volcanic landscapes, and unwind on sandy beaches in this charming Lanzarote town.

Stroll through historic streets, relax on golden beaches, and explore the vibrant culture of Gran Canaria’s lively capital.

Stroll through lively plazas, soak up the sun on volcanic beaches, and explore the stunning landscapes of Tenerife’s rugged north.

Teeming with colourful colonial houses as well as traditional architecture, Santa Cruz de La Palma offers a Canarian and Caribbean feel. It’s history dates back to the 15th century which can be uncovered at numerous museums and picturesque churches. Alternatively, you can find high-end shopping and traditional tapas along cobblestone streets as well as a fun zoo that’s perfect for families and children.

Stroll through lush gardens, explore the vibrant market, and soak in stunning views of Madeira’s rugged coastline.

Ride historic trams, savour pastéis de nata, and explore the colourful streets of this vibrant, sun-drenched capital.