Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia’s capital, Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ is a beautiful late-medieval walled city with exquisite palaces and fountains, and a thriving culture. The impressive main street, Stradun, is the main open-air public space, leading to numerous picturesque squares, lined with bars and restaurants. For the best views across the bay, don’t forget to walk the amazing 1940 metre long city walls!
Pompeii and Herculaneum, Italy
Step back in time at the impressive remains of the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in AD79. The well preserved buildings give visitors a vivid picture of the society and daily life of ancient Romans, complete with sculptures, wall paintings, mosaics and even casts of bodies buried in the volcanic catastrophe.
Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Not just an impressive collection of monuments dating back to the 5th century BC, the Acropolis is the characteristic icon of ancient Greek civilisation and democracy. Dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens and goddess of wisdom, the site contains four of the masterpieces of classical Greek art, the Parthenon, the Propylea, the Erechtheum and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Venice, Italy
The whole city of Venice is a unique architectural masterpiece, built on 118 small islands linked by a maze of picturesque canals overlooked by grand antiquated buildings. Visit St Mark’s Square, with its magnificent buildings and carnival atmosphere, the famous Rialto Bridge and market, or simply call into small churches to see works by great artists like Tintoretti, Titian or Giorgione.
Mount Athos, Greece
An Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, this collection of 20 monasteries perched high on the cliffs has transformed the Athos peninsula into a unique and beautiful artistic site. Although full of masterpieces from wall paintings to religious icons and gold, it is the spectacular views of the rugged mountain and its imposing monasteries from the sea that impresses most.