Deal

Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City; then stroll through this marvellous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don’t forget the Casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the Côte d’Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence – each one a jewel to be savoured.

Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo’s magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa’s superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewellery, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savour the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite varieties of breads, cakes and salamis.

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Michelangelo’s Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.

Visit enchanting Amalfi to admire the 12th century Capuchin monastery and see the beautiful 11th-century cathedral and cloister. Then discover chic Positano with its relaxed, sophisticated air and white Moorish-style houses clinging to steep slopes around a sparkling bay filled with colourful fishing boats.

The greatest Greek cities and most beautiful of them all” is how Cicero described Syracuse, once the largest city in the ancient world. Travel back in time on the island of Ortygia, where Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC. Nearly 3,000 years later, this UNESCO site is one of Sicily’s greatest archaeological treasures. In between spectacular ancient relics, treat your palate to cheese, olives and cured meats from street vendors or delicious gelato from a gelateria. Looming in the distance is Sicily’s most famous attraction, Mount Etna, which nourishes the rich soils that produce some of the best wines, fruits and nuts in the world.

A city of soaring castles and scenic coastline, Crotone boasts an eventful history dating to 710 BC. Standing on a promontory overlooking the sea, Capo Colonna Archaeological Park holds some of the most ancient remains, including a column of the temple of Hera Lacinia from the fifth century BC. The town cathedral is notable for its 12th century baptismal font and the icon of the Black Madonna brought from the East when the church was first built. Traverse a narrow strip of land to visit Le Castella, an ancient citadel constructed on a small island, or explore the museum in the imposing 16th century Castle of Charles V.

Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu’s lovely old Venetian quarter. Or visit the ornate Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Sissi of Austria and filled with dramatic sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.

Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral, consecrated in 1166.

Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector’s Palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.

Savour the majestic beauty of this amazing city as you glide along its canals and under its bridges, opulent palazzi and elegant churches lining the route. Discover Venice’s secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano. Or enjoy the scenic countryside with its stunning Palladian villas.