Grand Mediterranean Meditations with Lake Garda & Venice Stays to Southampton, 16 August 2027 (24 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.

As one of the most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world, it’s no wonder this fortress is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now home to many shops, restaurants and apartments, the palace is a beautiful place to wander, day or night.

Home to breath-taking waterfalls and lush, thriving forest, Krka National Park is a must visit for lovers of the outdoors. Discover over 800 species of plant life, over 200 species of bird and 18 species of bat, as well as the tiny island of Visovac.

The central square of the palace, Peristil Square was once the perfect space for opera theatre and now provides the scenery for a delicious cup of coffee. Towering above is the 57-metre belfry where, once climbing the steps, visitors will find gorgeous views across town.

This excellent example of beautifully-preserved ancient Roman architecture is where you’ll find the bell tower, treasury and even a crypt. Built in the 4th century, it houses many artefacts, sculptures , carvings and murals.

For breath-taking views out across the city, Marjan Park is the place to be. The walk up from Old Town Split is fairly easy, and visitors will find a café as well as the lookout point. From here, you can continue the hike to the Church of St Nicholas, a beautiful, small stone church.

Built in 1100 AD, this beautiful Romanesque bell tower stands at 60 metres tall with sweeping views of the city and mountains. Though this landmark may not be for the faint of heart, climbing the many steps is well worth it to admire the landscape at the top.

A must visit for fans of the hit series, Game of Thrones, Klis Fortress is well worth a visit just for the spectacular views alone. With over two thousand years of history, the ruins are fascinating to explore for all ages and provide fantastic photo opportunities.

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.

The Cathedral of Sorrento, located on the Bishop's Plaza (or piazza del vescovado in Italian), was built on the remains of an ancient Greek temple. Construction began in the 10th century and the church was consecrated in 1113. The neo-Gothic facade dates back to the 20th century.

Marina Grande is the ancient fishing village of Sorrento. It’s been used as a film set for several Italian films in the 1950s, and is now a tourist resort that offers incredible views of the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Capo di Sorrento coast.

Piazza Tasso is the main square of Sorrento. It is named after Torquato Tasso, a 16th-century Italian poet who penned the well-known epic poem, 'Jerusalem Delivered", to which a statue is dedicated. Another statue, located in the centre of the square, depicts Antonino da Campagna - the patron saint of the city.

Positano is one of the most fascinating and attractive stretches of the Sorrento peninsula - and indeed the entire Amalfi coast. It is located between Capo Sottile and Punta Germano. One stand out attraction here is the luxurious Roman Villa from the 1st century BC. This is believed to have been built for a freed slave called Posides Claudi Caesari, and can be visited by tourists today.

The Taurine Baths - a Roman archaeological site dating back to the 1st century BC - are located around 4km from the urban centre of Civitavecchia. There is a legend that says the baths came to be after a bull scraped at the ground before a fight, and in doing so uncovered a hot water spring.

Aquafelix Waterpark is ideal for a day of fun with your family and friends. It is the largest water park in central Italy, and boasts areas dedicated to both adults and children.

The construction of the Michelangelo Fort began in 1508 and ended in 1537. The structure of the fortress, in true Renaissance style, has the shape of a quadrilateral with a tower in each corner, and the central tower has an octagonal layout. Its creation was ordered by Pope Julius II, to defend the Port of Civitavecchia against pirates and any other hostile encounters.

The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi is the most important church of Civitavecchia. Dating back to the 17th century and completely restored in 1950, it has a Baroque style and stands on the remains of a previous Franciscan church.

Locally referred to as Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was first built in 1064, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo – a graveyard – and the Campanile – the cathedral’s bell tower which is perhaps better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Today the square has become a popular place to relax and enjoy the warm sun in some beautiful, historic surroundings.

Maria Assunta. Construction of the building began in 1173, and in spite of a detailed, thought-out design it is believed that a slight lean was evident from the building of the second floor. Building was intermittent due to wars and sociological events, and the tower was not completed until roughly the year 1370. Since this time the lean has been stabilised, and tourists are permitted to enter and climb the staircase to the top for a wonderful view.

The cathedral – or Duomo – and baptistery are two important historic sites which are often overlooked in favour of the Leaning Tower. The cathedral itself dates back to 1064, and you can see within there are influences from the Arabic world, with column designs being reminiscent of those often seen in mosques. The neighbouring baptistery is the largest in the country, and was originally designed in 1152, before being remodelled in the mid-13th century.

Lying just 25 minutes' drive from Marseille, this stunning national park forms a natural harbour on the Mediterranean coastline. Boasting over 8,000 hectares of green landscapes and dramatic coves, don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins from the cliff edge.

With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Marseille History Museum is the ideal way to walk the paths of Marseille’s engrossing past. Covering everything from the ancient Greek founders and Roman traders, to more recent affairs, the museum is a must for those in love with archaeology and French history.

This old district of Marseille has witnessed many moments of history, from the turbulence of ancient times to the darkness of WW2. Today you’ll find charming narrow streets to wander, dotted with artisan shops, cafés, bars and bistros.

Affectionately called the “Good Mother”’ by locals, Notre-Dame de la Garde was built in the 12th century on the site of an old fort and has seen countless renovations. Standing proudly 157 metres above the city, this is the place for unrivalled views of the city.

The Port of Marseille is the cradle not only in terms of location but in bringing trade, culture and wealth to Marseilles. Nowadays you’ll find the famous fish market a scenic waterfront ideal for sipping pastis while watching the world go by.

Renamed in honour of US President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963, this pretty boulevard boasts architecture from many different eras, and is the perfect place to go for a stroll and admire the pretty beaches and coastline of Marseille.

Visiting Las Ramblas is an absolute must when in Barcelona. Visitors can experience the weird and the wonderful, from the Museu de l’Erotica to the Miró Mural, in between trying a range of authentic tapas bars and cafes before a much needed siesta.

Although the Sagrada Familia is not technically complete, it’s still an impressive sight to behold. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, this spectacular Basilica hosts many masses, events and a place to simply marvel at in wonder.

Home of the cultural heritage of Barcelona, the Barcelona City History Museum manages several sites of interest including archaeological sites and historic houses. Visitors will discover the Roman colony, prehistoric Spain, Barcelona’s Jewish community and more.

Comprising of vibrant gardens and beautiful architecture, Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudí and officially opened in 1926. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding showcase of Gaudí’s genius design, Park Güell makes a wonderful place to go for a walk.

Another one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batllo is a truly eye-catching building to explore. Visitors are able to explore this fantastic showcase of the designer’s work, and even enjoy live music and other events on the roof terrace.

This modernist building was the last residence to be designed by Antoni Gaudí and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the building with an audio guide, and even enjoy rooftop shows on a romantic evening.

One of Barcelona’s oldest beaches, Sant Sebastià Beach features everything you need for a fantastic day in the sun. With indoor and outdoor pools, changing rooms and amenities for lounging, visitors can go for a dip, enjoy an ice cream and find dinner all in one area.

With capacity for over 99,000 people, Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Spain and cathedral to the Catalans’ second religion- the beautiful game! Visitors can catch an exciting game of football here or take a guided or un-guided tour of the grounds.

Found in the heart of Palma, La Seu is a stunning Catalan Gothic style cathedral, with renowned architect Antoni Gaudí contributing to its intricate design. Featuring 61 stained-glass windows, the building flooding with coloured light inside is simply a must.

Built in the 14th century, Bellver Castle is surrounded by lush pine woods and houses an insightful museum of Palma’s municipal history. Visitors will love taking a walk around the moat before admiring the view out over the city and bay from the rooftop.

The quaint, winding cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo are the perfect place to lose yourself in the culture of Palma. Discover gothic bookshops, antique boutiques and must-see tourist sites such as La Seu and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.

Showcasing a wide range of art throughout history, Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is a must visit to discover the cultural heritage of Mallorca. With works by Picasso, Magritte and more, you’re bound to find your new favourite piece.

Playa de la Victoria is a breathtaking stretch of sandy beach perfect for sun lounging and enjoying the glorious weather in southern Spain; with restaurants, bars, shops, and more all within close walking distance, you’ll never have to travel far to find what you need when enjoying a day here.

Located on a small island at the end of La Caleta beach, this remarkable historical site was once home to a Temple of Kronos – a Titan among the Greek gods, and father of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera. The castle we see today was built circa 1706 in order to provide the northern flank of the city with defence, and the levee linking the island to the city was constructed in 1860. This castle was also the site of Spain’s second electric-powered lighthouse, which was added to the structures on this island in 1908.

An impressive plaza in Parque de Maria Luisa in Seville, Plaza de España is a remarkable landmark example of Regionalism architecture – blending the Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Moorish Revival styles together. Completed in 1928, this stunning area was featured in exterior shots of the City of Theed on Naboo in Star Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones and scenes from Lawrence of Arabia, among other film and TV productions – something that only exemplifies its incredible beauty.

A historic royal palace in the heart of Seville, which was once an Islamic-era citadel in the 10th century before eventually being expanded upon and rebuilt throughout the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries, the Royal Alcázar of Seville is an impressive example of Mudejar-style architecture but draws on Gothic and Renaissance elements, giving it a unique character among other palaces in the region. When the royal family are visiting Seville, they still occupy the upper stories of the alcázar to this day – though, you can also explore this area when they’re not in town. A stunning palace with an impressive collection of elegant interiors, interesting artworks, and gardens, this is a fantastic place to visit when you’re in Seville.

One of the oldest and most vibrant districts of Lisbon, Alfama is the place to be for artisan eateries, quirky boutiques and Fado bars. It’s best explored on foot or by the tram to experience as many of the attractions and highlights as possible.

One of the most visited sites in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery was completed in the seventeenth century. In 1983 UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site and it’s certainly a must visit to admire the beautiful architecture both inside and out.

Here visitors will discover over 450 different species of marine life, including sharks, rays, penguins and otters. Cruisers of all ages will love following the route around the central aquarium to learn about the major ecosystems of the ocean.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Torre de Belém was built to protect Lisbon from attackers from the sea. Despite its role, the fort was decorated with lavish carvings and details, which are best viewed from the banks of the Rio Tejo.

Tram 28 is the classic Lisbon mode of transportation – rattling around the narrow streets in a bright yellow tram that dates back to the 1930’s. Hop on and take one of the best tours of Lisbon, passing highlights and attractions along the way.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape, Sintra is a romantic destination to escape to for the day. Featuring enchanting palaces and rolling hills, this town is easily accessible from Lisbon via a regular train service.

Established in 200 BC, Castelo de Sao Jorge is one of the biggest highlights of Lisbon. Get to know the city’s unique and fascinating history, explore the imposing walls, wander the shady gardens and admire the vast views from the Observation Terrace.

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture and interior design, Palácio da Bolsa is among the most beautiful buildings in Oporto. Formerly a stock exchange, the palatial building was constructed throughout the mid-19th century as the seat of the Commercial Association. Now, though, it hosts important visitors to the city while also offering tours so tourists can take the time to marvel at the intricate interior design on display here, including a breathtaking Moorish Revival room, frescoes by Ramalho, and much more.

Boasting both incredible Gothic architecture on the outside and breathtaking Baroque architecture within, the Church of São Francisco sits in the heart of Oporto’s historic city centre. Easily one of the city’s most stunning landmarks, this 13th-century Roman Catholic church has remained relatively unaltered over the centuries, offering visitors further insight into what Oporto looked like hundreds of years ago.

One of Oporto’s most iconic landmarks, Torre dos Clérigos is an 18th-century Roman Catholic church featuring a 75-metre-tall belltower – the tallest campanile in Portugal. Boasting breathtaking Baroque architecture and interiors, climbing the belltower’s 240 steps will reward you with stunning panoramic views of Oporto and the Douro River. It’s certainly a bit of a climb, but these are unrivalled views you won’t want to miss.

A must-visit for Wizarding World fans, Livaria Lello is a historic Neo-Gothic bookshop boasting enchanting interiors. Opened in 1881, it’s one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and is frequently ranked among the best in the world. If you’re looking for photo opportunities, you’ll certainly find them here.

Constructed by a student of Gustav Eiffel in 1886, the Dom Luís I Bridge is an iconic double-deck metal arch bridge spanning the Douro and connecting Oporto with Villa Nova de Gaia. At the time, it was the largest of its kind in the world, spanning roughly 172 metres, and today it is a fantastic place to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s most stunning cities.

Though this aquarium may be small, it features numerous rooms dedicated to the marine life in the Atlantic Ocean. Most notable is the Nautilus, a room submerged in the sea for optimal viewing of sharks, rays, octopus and many species of fish.

Dedicated to the science of human beings, Domus boasts more than 150 interactive features to educate and entertain visitors. Discover numerous exhibitions covering genetics, evolution and modern medicine, as well as the Open Laboratory space.

One of the most popular beaches in the city, Riazor beach stretches along the promenade with restaurants, bars and cafés in close proximity. You’ll find both golden sand and rockier areas, as well as calm water and waves perfect for surfing.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, the Tower of Hercules once served as a lighthouse and landmark for La Coruna harbour. Visitors can explore the basement and venture up 234 steps to the balcony to admire the vast views.

Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, Bilbao Cathedral has a Gothic style exterior and interior, though with Renaissance and neo-Classical influences. Despite still being a working church, visitors can take a tour with information provided by an audio guide.

Towering from the top of a hill, the 16th-century Basilica de Begoña can be reached on foot or by an elevator from Calle Esperanza. Its imposing Gothic steeple makes a fantastic photo opportunity while, inside the basilica, you’ll find an intricate gold altarpiece.

Displaying works from the 12th century through to the present day, the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is a must visit particularly for traditional art enthusiasts. Visitors will find paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings and more, organised by topic alphabetically.

One of the largest museums in Spain, the Guggenheim Museum is dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art. The building itself is a unique architectural landmark while inside you’ll find countless ever-changing exhibitions.

If you’re in need of some authentic Spanish cuisine after a long day of sightseeing and shopping, Plaza Nueva is the place to be. The square has a reputation as the city’s social gathering spot, hosting markets, bars, cafés and more. This is the place to try a renowned local pinxo!

One of Bordeaux, France's most identifiable landmarks is the Place de la Bourse. It is made up of a number of beautifully designed buildings created by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel that was constructed along the Garonne River from 1730 to 1775. Contributing to the city's trade, beloved reputation and the overall growth of Bordeaux, it's been a prominent attraction for centuries.

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux is a stunning Catholic cathedral situated in the heart of Bordeaux. First mentioned in official documents dating from 814, this serves as the residence of the Archbishop of Bordeaux and has hosted two royal weddings throughout history: the marriage between Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII in 1137 and the marriage of Anne of Austria and Louis XIII in 1615.

A fascinating modern museum and exhibition space that explores the soul of wine through immersive and sensory experiences, Cité du Vin invites you to embark on a sensational journey through the cultures and civilisations of wine. Housed in a unique building designed to evoke the sensation of swirling wine in a glass, you’ll encounter a wide variety of themed areas and interactive experiences, and come away having learned so much about wine in a wonderfully entertaining way.

Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.

Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.

If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.

As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.

Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.