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 - Lošinj & Cres Islands

Lošinj & Cres Islands, Croatia: This picturesque pair of islands offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history. Lošinj, known for its lush vegetation and therapeutic climate, is a haven for health and wellness. Meanwhile, Cres boasts striking landscapes, with rugged cliffs and azure waters. Visitors often find themselves exploring the medieval towns and tasting the local cuisine rich in olive oil and aromatic herbs.

Day 3 - Hvar Island

Hvar Island, Croatia: The Croatian island of Hvar bills itself as the "sunniest island in the Adriatic." Not only does it have the figures to back up this claim—an annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine—but it also makes visitors a sporting proposition, offering them a money-back guarantee if there are seven consecutive days of snow. Snow has been known to fall here; the last time being February 2012.

Day 4 - Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro: Backed by imposing mountains, tiny Kotor lies hidden from the open sea, tucked into the deepest channel of the Bokor Kotorska (Kotor Bay), which is Europe's most southerly fjord. To many, this town is more charming than its sister UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, retaining more authenticity, but with fewer tourists and spared the war damage and subsequent rebuilding. Kotor's medieval Stari Grad (Old Town) is enclosed within well-preserved defensive walls and is presided over by a proud hilltop fortress. A labyrinth of winding cobbled streets leads through splendid paved piazzas, rimmed by centuries-old stone buildings. In the Middle Ages, Kotor was an important economic and cultural centre with its own highly regarded schools of stonemasonry and iconography. The Venetians left the strongest impression on the city's architecture, and today, charming seaside villages around the bay offer better views than the congested Kotor waterside.

Day 5 - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbour, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago. From 1358 to 1808, the city thrived as a powerful independent republic, reaching its golden age in the 16th century. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Thanks to careful restoration after the war for independence, few traces of damage remain, highlighting what a treasure the world nearly lost.

Day 6 - Vis Island

Vis Island, Croatia: Vis Island, an unspoiled gem of the Adriatic, is known for its serene beaches and historic venturing spirit. Once a military zone, its pristine shores are now open to exploration, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past and abundant natural beauty. The island's vineyards and fishing villages provide an authentic taste of Croatian life, inviting travellers to unwind in its tranquil atmosphere.

Day 7 - Rovinj

Rovinj, Croatia: One of the true jewels of the Mediterranean, Rovinj is a jaw-droppingly beautiful town, which juts out into the sparkling Mediterranean. 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 - which evokes the romantic, tangled backstreets of Venice. Rovinj - or Rovino in Italian - is a city of split personalities, with two official languages - having been owned by the Kingdom of Italy between 1919 and 1947.

Day 8 - Venice

Venice, Italy: Returning to the enchanting city of Venice, experience anew its captivating blend of history and beauty. Amidst its shimmering canals, the city's grandeur reveals itself through its stately palaces and historic piazzas. Relish in the artistry and culture that have made Venice a timeless destination.