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Venice – One of the world’s ‘must see’ cities, Venice is as timeless as it is unique. From the rounded domes of San Marco, past the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge’s Palace, across the legendary Bridge of Sighs to the simple backstreet shops and restaurants Venice is a delight. From the water it gets even better as you glide along the canals to a Gondolier’s song that takes you back to the days of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House. It’s a wonderful place to explore, and so romantic! |
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Veli Losinj – Croatia – The Croatian coastline has been a strategic stretch of water since time immemorial and the fortified town of Veli Losinj pays testament to the Uskoks, warrior refugees from the Turkish invasion who fled in 1526 to the coastal islands to start new lives under Hapsburg protection. Make sure you climb the fabulous 16th Century tower in the old town and then head off to the stunning sands at Cikat Bay. |
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Hvar – Croatia – Picture postcard perfect Hvar is idyllically located just off the Dalmatian coast. The island and the little port named after it have been a favourite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and even Austro-Hungarian royalty. Words really cannot do it justice – it’s totally delightful. |
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Dubrovnik – Croatia – It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Quite what an Irishman was doing in these parts may be up for debate although his judgement is exact – this fantastically walled city harbour is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th century fortifications are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik’s colourful history. We may only call in for a short stop but it’s a place that will call you back. |
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Kotor – Montenegro – The entire coastline in these parts is a geological phenomenon of islands and hidden waterways. Boka Fjord is no exception, a stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro and the longest arm of the sea in Southern Europe. It harbours (in more ways than one!) one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you’ll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation. |
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Corfu – Greece – The lushest, and, some say, the loveliest, of all the Hellenic Islands, Corfu lies just a stone’s throw from the Albanian coast. Yet when we dock in Corfu somehow you simply know you’re in Greece. It’s lively and lived in, a place to explore or just sit in a harbour-side or village taverna and watch the world go by. It’s also beautiful and historic – nowhere more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa (meaning ‘Old Castle’), where some legends say Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nafsica, whilst others claim that Anthony and Cleopatra trysted hereabouts. |
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At Sea – Relax whilst we cruise south along the coastline of the Peloponnese. |
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Yithion – Peloponnese, Greece – Yithion is the ancient port and naval base of Sparta, and is reputed to be the site where Paris and Helen of Troy fled to Egypt. The town is an ideal base from which to explore the district, and the Caves of Diros. Yithion guards the road to Mystra, the secret treasure of Greece, where centuries old Byzantine frescoes are almost perfectly intact. |
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Santorini – Greece – The island of Santorini is explosively beautiful – literally as around 1500 BC a volcanic eruption destroyed the centre of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbour formed in the volcano’s caldera. There may be more stunning places to sit with a glass of wine and enjoy the views, but we can’t think of them. |
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Mykonos – Greece – Mykonos has long been a magnet for tourists from all around Europe and it has developed a plush and cosmopolitan culture and atmosphere. It has some beautiful beaches hidden away between rocky headlands, and some exceptional night-life. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colourful harbour in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts, overlooked by numerous tavernas. Classic Greece and classy into the bargain. |
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Athens – Greece – Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicentre of western civilization, is a city for all eternity and another ‘must visit’ destination. Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis, in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. Bustling and busy it’s a great end to a great itinerary. |
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