Mediterranean Icons including Venice

Kotor is a lesser-known gem on a beautiful fjord-like gulf of the same name in Montenegro. It's a fairy-tale setting, where medieval spires rise dreamily over orange rooftops beside mountainous scenery. The landscapes grow ever more dramatic inland, not least in the Durmitor National Park, draped around the majestic Balkan Mountains.

A vast third-century compound, The Palace of Diocletianis is Split’s main attraction. Its fortresslike complex houses an arched entrance court, temples, mausoleums, statues and even Egyptian Sphinxes. Gorge on an emperor’s banquet of delicious local fish and cheeses on Dalmatia’s coast – it’s a fitting feast after exploring the white Roman palace.

Can any city match up to the romance of Venice? As the warm sunset casts its balmy glow over the charming canals it's hard to imagine it possible. Explore the maze of markets and cafés by gondola before heading to Harry's Bar to sip its famous Bellini cocktail. It won't take long on one of Venice' peaceful canals, beneath a beautiful bridge, for you to fall for this extraordinary city's spell.

The small commercial port of Katakolon serves the inland town of Pyrgos as chief export centre for grapes, raisins, regional fruits and vegetables that grow in the fertile hinterland. 24km in the distance lies Olympia, the sacred ancient site where the Olympic Games had their beginnings.

Row upon row of ferries, fishing boats and luxury yachts that stretch out as far as the eye can see – Piraeus welcomes you to the ancient city of Athens.

The thick Byzantine walls guarding Thessaloniki give way to an inviting mix of architectural landscapes with winding cobbled streets. Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication bathed in golden Greek sunshine. Palm-lined avenues house glamorous shops and gourmet restaurants. Beautiful churches appear from every corner, seasonal markets sell colourful local produce and shaded spots on Aristotelous Square are where you can sit back with a homemade ice cream and watch the world go by.

Gateway to one of Europe’s largest open-air archaeological museums; find ancient treasures in Kusadasi. Founded by the ancient Greeks, the City of Ephesus served as one of the key centers for Christianity and, due to its strategic location, was a significant trade center of the ancient world. It remains one of the most well-preserved sights in history and is a truly memorable highlight for visitors to Turkey. Kusadasi is a city full of immaculate beaches, lively nights and shopping heaven – a fun seaside city. A huge covered bazaar stretches out from the port and the buzz from trendy seaside bars and restaurants floats through the air. Lose track of time ambling from café to café and exploring its myriad of shops and historic sites.

Wander among the squares and fountains here in the island's capital and largest city, or gaze out over the azure blue waters of the Cretan Sea, as you enjoy fresh seafood in a local taverna on the promenade. Most likely, you'll seek out the immense reconstructed Minoan palace at Knossos. The incredible complex houses a warren of rooms decorated with columns and frescoes.

When you arrive by sea, there is no confusing the island of Santorini. Few islands have the power to captivate the way Santorini does. Gorgeous and cosmopolitan, it’s famous for that classic Greek island look with white painted houses clustered along narrow winding lanes, perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs that tumble down more than a thousand feet to the wide caldera. It’s easy to see how this island, the pearl of the Cycladic archipelago, can lay claim to being the source of the legend of Atlantis, either. Santorini, or “Thera” in Greek, is most celebrated for the dramatic views of its volcanic caldera, formed during a massive eruption around 1646 B.C. That eruption shook up the island - making its centre actually collapse - but also created some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

A real vision of Greek island beauty, Mykonos is a sight to behold, with the cobalt blue Aegean waters that wash around its border onto gold sand beaches. Inland, white sugar-cube houses and red roofed churches add to the picturesque appeal. Meander through the jumble of tiny streets, where bougainvillea, clematis and geraniums cascade from balconies. No wonder it was such a favourite of Aristotle.

Dreamlike volcanic landscapes, legendary beaches and quaint fishing villages – Milos island is dramatic in every sense.

Row upon row of ferries, fishing boats and luxury yachts that stretch out as far as the eye can see – Piraeus welcomes you to the ancient city of Athens.