Around the Mediterranean

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Paris

Be romanced by the City of Light and its wealth of iconic landmarks. Picnic under the Eiffel Tower or nibble macarons while strolling the glittering Champs Elysees.

Days 3-4 Bruges

Indulge in some of the world's best beer and chocolate in this beautiful city of canals.

Days 5-6 Amsterdam

Be inspired by the art and architecture in this captivating city. Go Dutch and see the sights by bicycle.

Days 7-10 Berlin

Delve into this epic and progressive city - a mecca for artists and architects and home to some of the world's best nightlife.

Days 11-12 Krakow

This former imperial capital is home to one of Europe's grandest town squares and an enchanting old quarter.

Days 13-14 Prague

Castles, cathedrals and underground absinthe bars - there is plenty to see and do in the Czech Republic's bohemian hub.

Day 15 Cesky Krumlov

Explore the fairytale castle and crooked medieval streets, or hit the Vltava for a spot of rafting.

Days 16-17 Vienna

Art lovers will be content perusing some of the city's incredible museums and galleries, while history buffs will get a kick out of the Hofburg and the Schoenbrunn. Be sure to round off any sightseeing jaunt with the Viennese staple, sachertorte. Why not splash out with a trip to the opera?

Days 18-19 Budapest

Grand old-world buildings, glamorous shops and glitzy restaurants make this one of Europe's greatest cities.

Days 20-21 Bled

Whether by raft or rollerblade, in a canoe or a cave, enjoy this lakeside town at your leisure before scaling Mt Vogel for a breathtaking view across the Julian Alps.

Days 22-23 Venice

Mingle with locals in a piazza and get a convict's final glimpse of Venice through the peepholes on the Bridge of Sighs.

Days 24-25 Cinque Terre

Walk the famous coastal path linking these five villages. Between excellent wine and succulent seafood and the inviting waters below, this region is sure to impress. Be sure to stop in time for sunset - nothing compares to the sight of the sun melting into the pastel cottage-dotted cliffs.

Days 26-27 Florence

Immerse in the heart and soul of the Italian Renaissance. Why not find a quiet spot to ponder the history of this incredible city from Piazzale Michelangelo - the views over the Florentine rooftops are utterly romantic.

Days 28-29 Rome

Get swept up in the finesse and vigour of Rome. Take time to see the ancient sites - the Colosseum looks exquisite at night - but be sure to stop and absorb Roman life in a piazza. Grab a gelato and experience the history and culture seeping from the city streets.

Days 30-31 Naples (Pompeii and Amalfi Coast)

Skip breakfast in Naples - this is the home of pizza, after all. Head out to Mt Vesuvius to observe what remains of the ancient city of Pompeii - a fascinating, eerie and sobering sight. Otherwise, head to the Amalfi Coast to walk through fervent hillsides, frolic on the beach or catch a ferry to the island of Capri, home of the mythical sirens.

Day 32 Bari overnight ferry to Greece

Cross over to the other side of the Boot and catch an overnight ferry bound for Greece.

Days 33-34 Corfu

Cool off in the sparkling waters and feast on the day's freshest catch by the harbour. Hike to Mt Pantokrator for an outlook over Albania and Italy, or get a bird's eye view of the island paragliding from one of the rocky outcrops.

Days 35-36 Athens

Discover the birthplace of Western democracy and experience a collision between ancient and modern culture. See the iconic Acropolis and the original Olympic Stadium or plan a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula.

Days 37-38 Santorini

Take a ferry to an island paradise. Hike to the top of the impressive caldera or soak up the sun on the black sand beach. Find a good spot to see the sunset and end the day with an ouzo or two at a local tavern.

Day 39 Athens

Return to Athens en route to the third-largest island in Greece.

Days 40-41 Lesvos

Known as the Emerald Island, Lesvos is home to over 11 million olive trees, a scattering of charming coastal resorts and a fascinating fossilised forest. Spend a full day discovering its delights and delighting in its beaches.

Day 42 Ayvalik

Take a ferry to the Turkish town of Ayvalik, settled comfortably on the Aegean coast. Explore the cobbled backstreets and stay overnight in a beautiful traditional pension.