Day 1 - Venice

Venice, Italy: Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading centre between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Day 2 - Rovinj

Rovinj, Croatia: One of the true jewels of the Mediterranean, Rovinj is a stunningly beautiful town, which juts out into the sparkling sea. Dominated by the pencil-like bell tower of the Venetian Saint Euphemia Cathedral, pine tree forests flow to the borders of the quaint Old Town - reminiscent of the romantic, tangled backstreets of Venice. Rovinj, or Rovigno in Italian, has a dual personality, featuring two official languages due to its history between 1919 and 1947 when it was part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Day 3 - Hvar Island

Hvar Island, Croatia: Hvar Island proudly claims the title of the "sunniest island in the Adriatic," with an impressive annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine. Beyond its sunny reputation, Hvar offers a unique experience with a money-back guarantee if there are seven consecutive days of snow, a rare phenomenon here, as evidenced by the last occurrence in February 2012.

Day 4 - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Dubrovnik, one of the world's most breathtaking fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbour, enclosing sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. With origins dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik's rich history is as captivating as its picturesque views. Despite the challenges of the past, including a devastating earthquake and war damage, careful restoration has preserved its historical charm and UNESCO World Heritage status.

Day 5 - Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro: Nestled in the deepest channel of the Bokor Kotorska, Kotor is backed by imposing mountains, creating a hidden gem that rivals its sister UNESCO site, Dubrovnik. Retaining its authenticity and with fewer tourists, Kotor's medieval Stari Grad (Old Town) is surrounded by well-preserved defensive walls, and a proud hilltop fortress. With winding cobbled streets leading through splendid piazzas, this town transports you back in time, all while offering a serene escape alongside impressive architectural reminders of its varied past.

Day 6 - Otranto

Otranto, Italy: Located at the very heel of Italy's boot, Otranto is famed for its striking landscapes and pristine waters. Facing the Adriatic Sea, on clear days visitors can see Albania’s coast from its shores. Over the centuries, Otranto has been a significant port for Romans and Greeks and later changed hands between Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish rulers before experiencing Ottoman conquest. The town’s striking historical architecture, including the cathedral housing martyr relics, stands testament to its vibrant past.

Day 7 - Taormina

Taormina, Italy: Perched dramatically on cliffs, Taormina is renowned for its natural beauty and sweeping vistas of the sea and Mount Etna. Despite being a magnet for tourists, its views from jagged cactus-covered cliffs remain unrivalled. With a history dating back to the 6th century BC, Taormina has enchanted writers and artists alike, offering a blend of bustling main streets and tranquil hiking paths towards the stunning village of Castelmola.

Day 8 - Valletta

Valletta, Malta: Malta's capital, the minuscule city of Valletta, is replete with ornate palaces and museums, watched over by vast fortifications built from honey-coloured limestone. The city's narrow streets are famous for the overhanging balconies of traditional houses. This compact city's layout makes it perfectly suited for exploration by foot, offering a journey into history with gentrified spaces like the new Parliament Building, while preserving its unique character amidst modern developments.