The Adriatic to the Aegean

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Dubrovnik

Arrive early in Croatia's picturesque seaside capital to see the sights, including the imposing 16-sided Onofrio Fountain and the view from the top of the ancient city ramparts. Stay among local families and experience warm hospitality.

Day 3 Ulcinj

Bordered by delightful beaches and sparkling seas, Ulcinj is the southernmost city on the Montenegrin Coast. Velika Plaza, literally Big Beach, has sands that are believed to hold potent healing powers - a great excuse to lie back and relax.

Days 4-5 Tirana

Albania's compact capital is best explored on foot. Discover Turkish and Italian influences in the city's architecture and don't miss the exquisite Et'hem Bey Mosque with its intricate frescoes.

Days 6-7 Berat

Thought to be one of Albania's oldest cities, Berat is better known to locals as the City of a Thousand Windows. With an incredible wealth of historical buildings including a magnificent fortress, medieval citadel and mosque, wandering these streets is a joy.

Days 8-9 Gjirokastra

Wander this perfectly preserved Ottoman trading town, whose signature white cheese is still famous today. Unravel its tumultuous history starting with a visit to the central 13th century citadel, now the Museum of Armaments.

Days 10-11 Saranda

Gateway to the beautiful Albanian Riviera, lively Saranda is full of Mediterranean-flavoured cafes and bars. Travel out of town to Butrint and explore Roman ruins that were preserved beneath dense vegetation until their recent discovery. Stop by the gorgeous Blue Eye Spring.

Days 12-13 Corfu

Sickle-shaped Corfu has a pretty harbour, a World Heritage-listed Old Town and miles of scenic coastline. Perhaps stroll along the elegant Liston or delve into the myths and mysteries of ancient Greece with a trip to the Archaeological Museum.

Days 14-15 Athens

Greece's sprawling 3,000-year-old metropolis was spruced up for the 2004 Olympics, but retains all its ancient charm. Sample scrumptious Greek cuisine and don't miss a chance to gaze over the city from the Parthenon.

Days 16-17 Syros

Scenic Syros in the Aegean Sea is made for walking. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on the network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Cool off with a dip at one of the many inviting beaches dotted around the coast.

Days 18-19 Mykonos

Island-hop in the charming Cyclades under the refreshing meltemi, a northerly wind that sweeps across the coasts. Follow narrow paths past whitewashed houses to secluded sandy beaches, where afternoons slide by under the Aegean sun. Visit Mykonos for a superb sample of nightlife.

Days 20-22 Santorini

This journey ends in the southern archipelago of Santorini, renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and its iconic white buildings. Bask on a beach of black sand, see the ruins of ancient Thira and Akrotiri or take a quintessentially Greek scooter ride along the coastal roads. In the evening, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes and witness a magnificent Oia sunset.