An Extended Journey through Golden Shores & Legendary Lands

Located at the head of the Adriatic Sea between the mouths of the Piave and Po Rivers, an intricate web of 118 tiny islands and canals make up the enchanting city of Venice in Italy. Considered to be an extremely beautiful and romantic destination, it is not surprising that Venice has played an important role in the history of symphonic and operatic music. One must take a gondola ride along some of the over 150 canals, including the Grand Canal. Read more about Venice, Italy

The popular tourist spot of Rovinj, a city in Croatia, is situated on the north Adriatic Sea on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. Delicately poised between a medieval port and a modern tourist resort, it has managed to preserve its character by keeping major development well away from its historic centre. The Old Town is perched on an elevated peninsula surrounded by spacious Venetian terracotta-roofed houses, elegant piazzas, and crowned by the Church of St. Read more about Rovinj, Croatia

Dubrovnik, a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea coast, is a prominent tourist destination. The city joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. An outstanding feature of the Old Town of Dubrovnik is its intact city walls that run uninterrupted for 1,940m encircling the city. Read more about Dubrovnik, Croatia

Brindisi is an ancient city that sits on the boot's heel of long-legged Italy. It is one of the three main towns of the Salento Peninsula, and is sometimes called the Gateway to the East. It is also home to the end of the famous Apian Way, and while much of it is now paved, the end of this historic trading route, now enhanced with great steps and two imposing Roman columns, is still able to be appreciated. Read more about Brindisi, Italy

The village of Fiskardo is the northernmost port of the Ionian island of Kefalonia, a short distance from Ithaca, in Greece. Part of its intrigue is the fact that it was the only town on the island not to have been devastated by the earthquake in 1953. Hence all the traditional and Venetian buildings have been preserved, and this results in its unique beauty and atmosphere. Read more about Fiskardo, Greece

Milos Island lies in the Aegean Sea mid-way between Athens and Crete. It is also known as the Island of Colours because of its colourful beaches, rocks and waters, due to the island's volcanic origins. It is also where the centre-piece of the Louvre in Paris, Aphrodite of Milos (Venus de Milo), was found. Read more about Milos, Greece

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece

Bari, situated on the Adriatic Sea, is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy, and is perhaps best known for being the city of Saint Nicholas. To the north is the Old Town, built on a peninsula between two modern harbours, with the splendid Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino and the famous Swabian Castle. On the neck of the headland are a couple of elegant and historic interlocking public squares, Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile. Read more about Bari, Italy

Lefkas, aka Levkas/Levkada, is a verdant and mountainous island nestled away in the centre of the main Ionian Islands, and is the only island linked to mainland Greece. A swing bridge gives easy access by road. The area has a lot to offer - anything from sailing, windsurfing, cycling, scuba-diving, walking, exploring ancient archaeological sites, or just lazing on the beach. Read more about Levkas, Greece

The scenic seaside Greek town of Katakolon, with a population around 3,000, is your typical small-town cruise port with delightful cafes along the waterfront, shops that sell T-shirts, hats and jewellery, and a small beach that draws swimmers and sandcastle-builders. But that's not why ships make the town a destination. They arrive because Katakolon serves as the cruise gateway to ancient Olympia, just 40 km away, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Read more about Katakolon, Greece

Mykonos is the principal town of the island of the same name, which is part of the Cyclades, and could well be described as the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Visited by innumerable international celebrities - you may even see some enjoying a coffee on the sidewalk - it is not surprising that it is considered by many to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is also an island with beautiful landscapes, scores of churches, some fascinating monuments, and windmills. Read more about Mykonos, Greece

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece