Adriatic and Black Sea Explorer - 12 nights, September 2013

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

Acknowledged as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik is truly an amazing destination to visit. Its history is as rich and intriguing as the first sight of it looming out of crystalline waters is breathtaking. The Old Town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and it is no wonder as you discover its morning market piled with fresh flowers, cheese and fish.

Explore the legacies of Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires or simply marvel at nature’s treasures on this beautiful island swathed in emerald green, lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with golden sand. The once pastel colours on Venetian buildings may have faded, but the welcoming scent of eucalyptus, fig and lemon trees are fragrant as ever.

Izmir, an ancient city once known as Smyrna on the Aegean coast, lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf. For a truly astonishing view, follow Izmir’s broad, palm-lined promenade by horse drawn carriage or ascend the 19th-century elevator after which the Asansor district is named.

Known as ‘The Pearl of Crimea’, Yalta truly is enchanting with its fairy-tale Swallow’s Nest Castle and the spectacular views of the Crimean Mountains. No wonder the lofty elegance attracted aristocrats and inspired writers like Chekov, who spent his last five years here. Take a wander through the winding streets and broad promenade or gaze at the White Palace of Livadia.

A major seaport on the North-Western shore of the Black Sea, Odessa is all imperial extravagance. Witness the opulent summerhouses, terraces and the splendid opera house of gilded friezes and plush red velvet. For a little culture delve into the museum dedicated to the exiled poet Alexander Pushkin, or explore the city’s fascinating catacombs.

A dreamy, cobbled old town, Nessebur is located on a rocky peninsula less than a kilometre long, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Let yourself be captivated by the wistful atmosphere as you browse for hand-made local jewellery and ceramics or simply admire the Roman fortified walls or the cluster of picturesque Byzantine and Bulgarian churches.

The largest city in Turkey, draped mysteriously across two continents, Istanbul is a heady blend of East and West. Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar whose 4,000 stalls bombard the senses. Experience the legendary invigorating hamam or the traditional Turkish bathhouse. For some unforgettable sight-seeing don’t miss the minarets of the wondrous Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, whose bejewelled treasures reflect the extravagance of powerful sultans.

The largest city in Turkey, draped mysteriously across two continents, Istanbul is a heady blend of East and West. Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar whose 4,000 stalls bombard the senses. Experience the legendary invigorating hamam or the traditional Turkish bathhouse. For some unforgettable sight-seeing don’t miss the minarets of the wondrous Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, whose bejewelled treasures reflect the extravagance of powerful sultans.

Welcome to the “Birthplace of Modern Democracy”, a city whose architectural, art and political triumphs are a universal legacy. Discover the perfectly proportioned Parthenon built during the Golden Age of Peracles. Stroll through the ancient columns of the Stoa, where Plato once lectured or for lighter fare explore the twisting lanes and lively tavernas of the Plaka.