Dalmatian Coast, Italy & Spain Collectors' Voyage with Venice Stay, 12 May 2026 (22 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.

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.

Dating back to Byzantine times, this fortress is a must visit when you're visiting the island. Located within easy walking distance of the port, this Venetian fortress was constructed over 15 centuries to protect the island from invaders.

A hubbub of activity, Spianada Square is surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. It's also within easy reach of the Old Fortress of Corfu and the prominent Maitland Monument.

A Greek Orthodox church that was built in the late 16th century, Saint Spyridon Church is a beautiful building full of paintings, stained glass and more. A renowned church on the island, it features a bell tower and single-nave basilica.

The current Duomo stands on the remains of a previous medieval religious structure dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari, which in turn was built on an older pagan place of worship. The Cathedral dates back to the 13th century, and displays different architectural styles.

The core of Palazzo Corvaja, a defensive tower, was erected in the 11th century during the period of Arab domination. The structure was then enlarged two centuries later, with the addition of the so-called "Hall of the Master of the Executioner". In the 15th century the building housed the Sicilian Parliament.

Isola Bella - together with the municipality of Taormina - is a stunning island which was once owned by English conservationist Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th and early 20th century. Since then it has been under various ownership until it was auctioned in 1990, when it was bought by the Region of Sicily.

This Greek/Roman Theatre, dating back at least to the 3rd century BC, is undoubtedly the best preserved historical monument of Taormina. It is the second largest theatre of its kind in Sicily, second only to the Greek Theatre of Syracuse.

The Villa Comunale boasts some impressive gardens which were commissioned by Florence Trevelyan, an English conservationist who lived in Taormina from the late nineteenth century until her death. The property has belonged to the municipality since 1922.

The Palatine Chapel is located within the larger Palazzo dei Normanni complex. It is a basilica with three naves in Norman-Byzantine style and its construction began in 1129 at the behest of King Roger II of Sicily.

The Convent of the Capuchins, dating back to the 16th century but built on previous structures, is located in the Cuba district of Palermo. The basement houses the Capuchin Catacombs, where it is possible to admire the body of the little Rosalia Lombardo.

The Church of the Martorana is located in the historic centre of Palermo and boasts a Sicilian-Norman architectural style with Baroque influences. It is part of the circumscription of the Italian-Albanian Church and officiates the liturgy according to the Byzantine rite.

At Monte Pellegrino you can admire the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of the city of Palermo, dating back to the 17th century. It was built on the remains of pre-existing religious buildings and is located inside a rock ravine.

The Palazzo dei Normanni is the oldest royal residence in all of Europe. Also declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2015, in the past it was the residence of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Sicily, imperial seat and of the Sicilian Parliament.

The Archaeological Museum of Palermo was established in 1866 and owes its name to Antonio Salinas, a Palermo archaeologist who directed the structure. You will be able to admire numerous finds of the peoples that have characterised centuries of Sicilian history.

The Cathedral of Palermo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, is the most important religious structure in the city. The current structure, built in the 12th century, presents different architectural styles with Norman and Islamic influences.

The opening of the historic National Archaeological Museum of Naples took place in 1816. Built by Ferdinando I of Borbone, at the time king of the Two Sicilies, it boasts the richest collection of works and archaeological finds with regard to Roman history.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as the Madre Museum, is located inside Palazzo Donnaregina, in the center of Naples. It was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting cultural and artistic development in the territory of Campania.

The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1600 and for a long time was the residence of the Spanish viceroys, before passing to the House of Bourbon and finally to the House of Savoy. The architectural style is a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical. Today, the palace houses a museum and a library.

The history of Pompeii begins in the 9th century BC, when the area was inhabited by the Opici people - an ancient Latin population. Today the town is famous because of the eruption of Vesuvius, which occurred in 79 AD, which led to its total destruction.

The profile of Naples would not be the same without Mount Vesuvius that dominates the city skyline. Versuvius is known for the violent eruption of AD 79, which became famous for the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and was witnessed by Pliny the Younger.

The tremendous eruption of Vesuvius, in 79 AD, not only destroyed Pompeii but also the ancient city of Herculaneum. The archaeological excavations of this city can be visited today and, since 1997, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the most important Christian monument in Naples. The remains of San Gennaro, the main patron saint of the city, have been held here since the 5th century. The labyrinth of corridors also house Christian frescos from the 2nd century AD, and mosaics from the 5th century AD.

Castel Nuovo is a medieval and Renaissance-era castle. Most commonly known as Maschio Angioino, its construction began in the 13th century at the behest of Charles I of Anjou, after he moved the Italian capital from Palermo to Naples in around 1268.

The Piazza del Plebiscito is located in the historic center of Naples and was of considerable importance after the construction of the Royal Palace. Today Palazzo Salerno, Palazzo della Prefettura, and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola are also located here.

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.

Dating back to the 11th century, the historic Salerno Duomo was beautifully restored in the 1930s. Constructed in a Neapolitan Baroque/Rococo style, this picturesque cathedral features a bell tower (that dates to the 12th century), beautiful artwork in the interior and a Byzantine bronze door.

The Arechi Castle is a prominent mediaeval fortress that overlooks the city and the Gulf of Salerno from a height of 300 metres. The reason it is called Arechi is because the Lombard Duke Arechi II has historically been linked to the building of this fortress.

The Promenade Trieste, Salerno's most picturesque location, has become known as a popular landmark in the city. Locals and tourists alike love this 2km long promenade, due to the variety of shops, bars and restaurants that line it. The perfect place to unwind with a tantalising drink, spending time along the Promenade Trieste is a wonderful activity to enjoy during your stop there.

The Palatine Chapel is located within the larger Palazzo dei Normanni complex. It is a basilica with three naves in Norman-Byzantine style and its construction began in 1129 at the behest of King Roger II of Sicily.

The Convent of the Capuchins, dating back to the 16th century but built on previous structures, is located in the Cuba district of Palermo. The basement houses the Capuchin Catacombs, where it is possible to admire the body of the little Rosalia Lombardo.

The Church of the Martorana is located in the historic centre of Palermo and boasts a Sicilian-Norman architectural style with Baroque influences. It is part of the circumscription of the Italian-Albanian Church and officiates the liturgy according to the Byzantine rite.

At Monte Pellegrino you can admire the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of the city of Palermo, dating back to the 17th century. It was built on the remains of pre-existing religious buildings and is located inside a rock ravine.

The Palazzo dei Normanni is the oldest royal residence in all of Europe. Also declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2015, in the past it was the residence of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Sicily, imperial seat and of the Sicilian Parliament.

The Archaeological Museum of Palermo was established in 1866 and owes its name to Antonio Salinas, a Palermo archaeologist who directed the structure. You will be able to admire numerous finds of the peoples that have characterised centuries of Sicilian history.

The Cathedral of Palermo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, is the most important religious structure in the city. The current structure, built in the 12th century, presents different architectural styles with Norman and Islamic influences.

The Bastion of Saint Remy, simply called Bastione by the inhabitants of Cagliari, is one of the entrances to the historic Castello district. After climbing the steps towards the fortress structure, visitors will be rewarded with a wonderful view from the panoramic terrace.

The beach of Calamosca is about 4 km away from the city centre and can be reached by bus. From the beach you can admire the Calamosca Tower, now owned by the Navy, which was built by the Spanish in 1638 as part of the defensive system.

The construction of the Cathedral of Cagliari, in the Castello district, dates back to the 13th century and mainly has a Pisan Romanesque style. The facade (thirties of the twentieth century) is in neo-Romanesque style and is inspired by that of the Cathedral of Pisa.

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.

Combining both prehistoric and modern finds, the Archaeological Museum of Alicante boasts five separate galleries housing numerous audio and visual exhibits. Visitors will find artefacts from Iberian cultures, plus the Roman and Middle Ages.

The oldest active church in Alicante, the Basilica of Santa Maria is in a Valencian Gothic style and a must for any architecture enthusiast. The main entrance is an impressive Baroque sculpture, while the interior includes a golden 18th-century Rococo style main altar.

The Old Town of Alicante has many staircases and winding streets, perfect for a bit of exercise, but also to bring you to the heart of the city. Live like a true local and discover some of the finest tapas bars, vibrant cottages and quirky antique art shops.

Alicante’s main beach is hugely popular for its close proximity to the city’s promenade and ample facilities. On this sand beach you’ll find many facilities including toilets, showers and snack bars, while the water is great for swimming and paddle boating.

At the heart of Alicante is the city’s most iconic landmark, Santa Bárbara Castle. You can make the journey 160 meters up on foot, by elevator or by car and bus to discover more about the ancient castle, and admire the sweeping views of the marina.

One especially for the animal-lovers, a trip to Apes Den is a must to get up close to the only free-roaming primates in Europe. Located at two cable-car stations, these monkeys are inquisitive, playful and curious and will keep you entertained for hours.

1,400 feet above the sea, this is one of the best attractions of Gibraltar and a must visit to spot its fascinating wildlife, such as the Barbary Macaques. Take a walk, admire the views and get up close with nature – but keep an eye on your belongings!

The Great Siege Tunnels are a must visit for history enthusiasts for their vital role played during the Great Siege on Gibraltar by Spain and France. Taking a tour of these impressive tunnels is a great way to get to know the history of this territory.

For the adventurous and determined, the Mediterranean Steps is a challenging hike that rewards you with stunning views at 421 metres above sea level. Admire the many species of flora and fauna, as well as the wildlife, such as Barbary Macaques and Barbary Partridges.

After being linked to numerous myths and legends throughout time, Saint Michael’s Cave is teeming with fascinating history. Found within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, it houses an auditorium for shows, drama, music and spectacular light shows.

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.