Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time - from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Navigate Venice’s sparkling waterways by romantic gondola, or on cruises along wide canal boulevards. Span the Grand Canal over its iconic original crossing, the Rialto Bridge, which - with its parade of tiny shops - gives some of the city’s most endearing views. If the crowds unsettle you at any point, take two turns away from the main thoroughfares to find peace alone, amid the city's labyrinth of tiny streets. Hurry to Piazza San Marco to be immersed in Venice’s elegant glory. Basilica San Marco transports you back to the wealthy days of the Doges, who ruled for over 1,000 years. Initially their private chapel, it’s now decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Nearby the Campanile di San Marco bell tower offers views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of times gone by. Just a hop skip and a jump around the corner is the Doge’s Palace, where the levels of opulence ramp up even further. Justice was meted out in this stunning Palace, with the guilty walking to the cells across the covered Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto trips to local islands offer even more adventures to float your boat, whether it’s Murano with its world-famous glass, Torcello with its amazing Cathedrals, or Burano with its handmade lace and delightfully colourful painted houses.

Trieste: the past grandeur of the Empire Nestling between the Adriatic and the foothills of the Dinaric Alps, Trieste is the last Italian city before Slovenia. It was here that Jason and his Argonauts are said to have searched for the Golden Fleece... The city cannot hide its deeply maritime DNA and the wealth it has drawn from it over the centuries. The tall buildings lining the seafront are statuesque, while the plush apartment blocks and wide, straight avenues offer passers-by a successful mix of Art Nouveau, neoclassical, Empire-style and more baroque architecture. In the alleyways, the styles blend together and also offer a typical ancestral style. For a long time, Trieste was one of the maritime capitals of southern Europe, first as the main Mediterranean port of the Holy Roman Empire, then as the only port in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire. Shipowners' money flowed here before the city became Italian and "the last city in the north-east". Despite its lost grandeur, Trieste remains a city whose main activities are still maritime with a slightly old-fashioned charm that is nonetheless undeniable. The relative austerity of its streets makes the architectural and decorative nuggets that can be found on the pediment of a building, at a bend in the road or behind a carriage door all the more dazzling. A curious eye is a must here. Settlement of the region dates back at least two millennia BC, with evidence at various times of the presence of Venetians, Ilyrians and Celts. What began as a small fishing village became a major Roman colony under Julius Caesar, and the city acquired a number of typically Roman features, including a forum and theatre - still visible today on the hill of San Giusto - an aqueduct, some sections of which are still visible today, and Riccardo's Arch, built in the 1st century AD and visible in via del Trionfo, a 15-minute walk from the ship. Over the centuries, the city was plundered by the barbarians, came under Byzantine rule, fell into the hands of the Franks and then joined the Republic of Venice. In 1382, it gave itself to the House of Austria. This would be the foundation of Trieste's wealth, and for centuries it would remain the only port in the whole of Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its grandeur reached its peak at the end of the 19th century. After the First World War, Trieste became Italian and gradually fell into decline. This economically depressed area became the birthplace of the National Fascist Party. When Italy left the Axis in 1943, Trieste became the capital of the Adriatische Küstenland, a province of the Third Reich, which set up the infamous Risiera di San Sabba concentration camp there. In 1945, Tito's Communist partisans took control of the town and - despite the rather passive presence of the Allied forces - carried out a bloody and expeditious purge of the town's fascists and their families. The city and its region were eventually separated into two parts, administered on one side by the British and Americans and on the other by Tito's Yugoslavia. This division led to a mass exodus of people refusing to be under Communist rule, just a few months after the massacres at the end of the war. Despite its troubled history, Trieste is a great place to live. Strolling through its historic centre is a delight that can be savoured by taking the time to observe, stopping off at a terrace for a Spritz and a pizza or visiting its monuments. Santuario di Monte Grisa This truncated pyramid on the hill just outside the town is a church. The "Santuario Nazionale a Maria Madre e Regina" was built in the 1960s at the instigation of the Bishop of Trieste. He had vowed to build a church if Trieste escaped the destruction of the liberation. Its shape is said to evoke the letter M, from the Virgin Mary. Faro della Vittoria Another benchmark for sailors, The Vittoria Light was built in 1920 as a tribute to the victims of the First World War. At its summit, almost 70 metres high, a 7.20 metre high copper statue depicts the winged Victory by the sculptor Giovani Mayer. Its crystal lantern has a range of 35 nautical miles on a clear day. The Miramare Castle Perched atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the Miramare Castle is a majestic architectural marvel that once served as the residence of Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria. Piazza Unità d'Italia Trieste's central square, Piazza Unità d'Italia, is one of the largest and most scenic in Europe. Flanked by impressive Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau buildings, it offers breathtaking views of the sea. Molo Audace This is one of the city's favourite walks. The jetty that divides the port in two offers a unique view of the city and the ships that dock there. Rowers from the city Rowing Club train along the mole in the morning. Caffè San Marco: The historic Caffè San Marco is a literary haven, where renowned writers and intellectuals, including Italo Svevo and Umberto Saba, once congregated to exchange ideas and engage in profound discussions. [Pictures on request to Olivier]

Wander the historic streets of Ravenna and you may not immediately realise the wealth of artistry contained here. Leave the sun’s glow and let your eyes adjust to the interior of the city’s churches however and you'll discover some of the world’s finest Byzantine mosaics waiting for you. Decorated with spectacular explosions of colour even the humblest church facade can conceal momentous and magnificent artistic displays in this city which harbours 1 500 years of extraordinary history. Ravenna is home to a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Site designated buildings and no fewer than eight have received protection. Basilica di San Vitale of 525 AD stands as the town’s pièce de résistance - itself a precious mosaic of influence where Byzantine meets Baroque. Glorious light spills in vibrantly illuminating and highlighting the craftwork of its knaves and archways. The Mausoleum of Galla Placido is another noble achievement described by UNESCO as ‘the earliest and best-preserved of all mosaic monuments'. Look up at the glittering stars of the night sky from within and you may be inspired just as Cole Porter was when he penned Night and Day. Ravenna’s beauty has always been stimulating and Dante finished his masterpiece Paradiso here during exile from Florence. Sangiovese wines and prosciutto-filled piadina flatbreads will keep you fed and watered during your stay. Don't miss a taste of the local olive oil either which bursts with intense fruity flavours.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Set right in the heel of Italy’s boot, Brindisi is a pretty little maritime port, fringed with palm trees and most definitely carries its moniker of “Gateway to the East” with pride. An Italian province packed with fascination and the relics of vanished civilization, Brindisi’s cultural inheritance ranges from the relics of ancient Roman highways to Gothic and Baroque churches, cathedrals, frowning battlements of Swabian castles and fortresses which date back to the 13th century, reign of the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II. Life continues in Brindisi as if the 21st century hadn’t arrived. Visually, the landscape is as stunning as one would expect in southern Europe. Villages set on sunlit hilltops rise like islands above a rolling landscape of olive groves and vineyards. The coastline is a striking mixture of ruggedly beautiful cliffs and grottoes interspersed with a scattering of long, sandy beaches. Together with the wealth of historical artefacts and spectacular landscapes, Brindisi is one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Naturally, the cuisine is rich with its pickings from both land and sea and visitors can expect the best pasta, Caprese salad, local lemon loaf and spaghetti al vogole they have ever had!

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

It may not be the prettiest place in Crete, but Heraklion's patchwork of history, bustling activity and cultural intrigue makes it the perfect change of pace. This is certainly no sleepy island fishing village, and Greece's fifth-largest city is adorned with a rich collection of quality museums, ancient ruins from antiquity, and a lively culture of its own. A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands, Heraklion – also known as Iraklio - has great shopping, extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. Traded by the Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years, Heraklion is a multi-layered place with fascinating tales to tell. The city's impressive Venetian fortress, which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean, welcomes you ashore. A stroll out along the seawall, alongside creaking fishing boats, will take you out to the squat fortifications that have stood since 1540. Climb to the top for views out across the water, back towards the city's waterfront. The sun-roasted earth outside the city hides treasures from the realms of history, including the Bronze Age remnants of Europe's oldest city, Knossos. A visit to the fantastic Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ties all of this history together and exhibits relics from the civilisations and eras of Crete's past. Elsewhere, Daidalou's pedestrianised paving is a charming stroll through Heraklion's shops, with streets branching off to café-lined plazas and twinkling fountains. Stop to try local food - like fresh feta and olive sprinkled dakos mezze – all washed down with a sample of local raki brandy.

The seahorse-shaped Patmos is a Greek island of stunning seascapes and immense cultural significance.Whether you’re religious or not there is something of the divine in this gorgeous island - a place of sanctuary fringed by crystal-clear waters and blissful beaches. Sleepy whitewash towns gleam in the strong sunshine while cats slink between the crumbling walls of this ruggedly beautiful island. High on the hillside above the cobalt-blue bay you’ll find the sacred chapel where an exiled John of Patmos is said to have entered the Cave of the Apocalypse and prophesied of the end of the world’s fire and brimstone – a striking juxtaposition with the peaceful serenity of the calm location. Higher up you’ll find the 11th-century Monastery of St. John which offers spectacular views of the island’s mounds curving around like a scorpion’s tail. It stands watching over the island like a fortified crown. Sun-wrinkled black-robed monks climb the streets up to this World Heritage site where bells peel out melodically. Inside vaulted chambers and stunning frescoes tell stories amid the striking religious iconography. Chora’s incredible narrow streets - moulded white - are an enchanting place to lose your bearings spreading below the monastery. Elsewhere blissful beaches stretch out across the coastline or this remote Greek island’s curves can be admired while bobbing offshore in a sailboat.

Indulge in idyllic island life, as you take your fill of superb foods and wines, and soak in endless views of sweeping turquoise seascapes and pretty whitewash buildings. Known for its lively nightlife and rejuvenating, care-free outlook, Mykonos is a dazzlingly beautiful island escape. The secret is well and truly out, but nonetheless, Mykonos has managed to retain the enduring, exclusive allure that first drew celebrities like Brigitte Bardot to its star-studded shores. True to its roots, Mykonos is a rich land of culture, tradition and swirling legend, and the island is said to be built on the frozen bodies of giants slain by Hercules and to have been the legendary battleground between Zeus and the Titans. Head out onto the crystalline waters to seek out serene islands, hit perfect beaches, or venture into the labyrinth of Mykonos Town. White facades, red roofs and cobalt blue shutters add to this lively town’s appeal. Explore narrow streets housing studios – where artisans piece together mosaics - and plenty of restaurants and bars offer sanctuary. Head to Little Venice for a waterfront view of one of the island’s famed sunsets, and to enjoy an aperitif of the favourite aniseed liqueur, ouzo. Boasting numerous attractive sandy coves, a wealth of top-notch restaurants, and rich cultural appeal, it’s little wonder that Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek Islands. Discover this jaw-droppingly scenic island paradise, watched over by its iconic huddles of picturesque windmills.

Nestled ideally between the gentle lapping waves of the Pagasetic Gulf and Mount Pelion, Volos is a Greek seaside town worth visiting. The town enjoys a near mythic status as being home of Jason and his Argonauts, and that, along with its reputation for being ‘Land of the Centaurs’ should go some way to illustrating the degree of ancient history to be found in Volos. The city was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1955 which regrettably means that much of the 19th-century architecture has been lost or damaged. A few traces do remain however, fine examples of neo-classical architecture that are hidden away around the town. If you want your history a little older than that, the superb archaeology museum will both surprise and delight you. Not only will you find objects from the Ancient Greek era but recent excavations have unearthed artefacts from the first Neolithic settlements of Dimini and Sesklo. The city itself is flat and easy to negotiate on foot. Or better still, make like the locals and hire a bike to cycle the city. For those feeling a little more adventurous, the 8-mile cycle up Mont Pelion rewards the sporty cycler with traditional stone tavernas and breathtaking views of the region. If relaxing closer to home is more your glass of ouzo, make for Palia, the old part of Volos, famous for having some of the finest cuisine on the mainland. Head into the narrow alleys, order a tsipouradika (a combination of traditional spirit served with local mezze) and enjoy.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

A chaotic, colossal collision of east and west – start your day in Europe and end it in Asia, all without breaking a sweat. Sprawling across two continents, the city has been toed, froed and yanked between countless civilisations over its history, leaving a multi-layered, majestic tapestry of culture to untangle. An army of narrow minarets puncture the skyline, while the soaring towers of palaces and labyrinths of bazaars - where bargains are the reward for brave hagglers - fill up this dynamic city of 15 million people. With a rich portfolio of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Istanbul enjoys one of the world's most dynamic skylines and has an intense, infectious energy. The vast Aya Sofya is the starting point for exploring this huge city's deep wealth of cultural treasures. Built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox church, it was later transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque – and latterly a museum. Cast your eyes up to take in the full scale of the colossal dome, one of the world's largest, which floats on a magnificent bed of light. See the Blue Mosque, with its glorious blue İznik tiles, or head to the Galata Tower which was once the tallest structure in Istanbul, and is ideal for a panoramic view of the city. Grab handfuls of dates and spices, shop for jewellery and patterned fabrics as you're swallowed whole by the Grand Bazaar - one of the world's biggest and busiest covered indoor markets. To understand Istanbul is to visit its kahvehans. Few rituals are taken as seriously as Turkish coffee - prepared to be incredibly strong. Sweeten the aftertaste with Turkish delight, or baklava – try the smooth pistachio version called kuru baklava.

A chaotic, colossal collision of east and west – start your day in Europe and end it in Asia, all without breaking a sweat. Sprawling across two continents, the city has been toed, froed and yanked between countless civilisations over its history, leaving a multi-layered, majestic tapestry of culture to untangle. An army of narrow minarets puncture the skyline, while the soaring towers of palaces and labyrinths of bazaars - where bargains are the reward for brave hagglers - fill up this dynamic city of 15 million people. With a rich portfolio of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Istanbul enjoys one of the world's most dynamic skylines and has an intense, infectious energy. The vast Aya Sofya is the starting point for exploring this huge city's deep wealth of cultural treasures. Built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox church, it was later transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque – and latterly a museum. Cast your eyes up to take in the full scale of the colossal dome, one of the world's largest, which floats on a magnificent bed of light. See the Blue Mosque, with its glorious blue İznik tiles, or head to the Galata Tower which was once the tallest structure in Istanbul, and is ideal for a panoramic view of the city. Grab handfuls of dates and spices, shop for jewellery and patterned fabrics as you're swallowed whole by the Grand Bazaar - one of the world's biggest and busiest covered indoor markets. To understand Istanbul is to visit its kahvehans. Few rituals are taken as seriously as Turkish coffee - prepared to be incredibly strong. Sweeten the aftertaste with Turkish delight, or baklava – try the smooth pistachio version called kuru baklava.