Venice is a timeless floating city of canals, bridges and masks, where a lagoon of 100+ islands invites you to travel through history. Drift by gondola or vaporetto past the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, then slip into quiet side streets away from the crowds. In Piazza San Marco, see St Mark's Basilica, the Campanile and the Doge's Palace, linked by the Bridge of Sighs. Take island trips to Murano for glass, Torcello for cathedrals, and Burano for lace and bright painted houses.

Slovenia's 46 km coast hides Piran, a small Adriatic gem just over 120 km from Ljubljana. Set on a rocky peninsula, it blends Mediterranean charm with strong Venetian heritage: ruled by Venice from 1283-1797, with Italian once dominant. Start in Tartini Square, then explore the old town on foot, visit churches or St. George's, and stroll the seaside promenade.

Split, on the sunny Dalmatian Coast, is a romantic Adriatic city built around Diocletian's Palace, a vast Roman monument and living historic heart. Beyond its stone walls, the old town mixes bars, restaurants and quiet corners. Highlights include St Domnius Cathedral, the palm-lined seafront, Marjan Hill, Sustipan, nearby Hvar and Brač, Krka's waterfalls, and UNESCO-listed Trogir.

Kotor, Montenegro, is a fortified old town set between Lovćen mountain and the Adriatic at the end of the Bay of Kotor, Europe's southernmost fjord. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it has Venetian-era stone streets, terracotta roofs, cathedral towers, and thick walls. Quieter and often more authentic than Dubrovnik, it's known for cats, the maritime museum, cafés, and the 1,350-step climb to St John's Fortress for sweeping bay views.

Perched above the sparkling Tyrrhenian coast in southern Italy, Agropoli charms with its medieval old town, narrow lanes and sweeping sea views. This laid-back gateway to the Cilento region offers a taste of authentic Campania, where coastal scenery, traditional cuisine and nearby archaeological treasures combine for an appealing shore visit.

Sorrento's sun-faded facades spill from green hills to the Bay of Naples, making it a great base for the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Yet the town itself has rustic charm: Piazza Tasso, Corso Italia, San Francesco's cloisters, and small beaches and harbours. Nearby, Vesuvius and Pompeii recall ancient destruction and the frozen casts of its victims. Finish with Neapolitan pizza, local wines like Taurasi and Lacryma Christi, and limoncello.

Rome is one of the world's most thrilling cities, with unmatched history around every corner. Its streets mix ancient ruins with lively cafés, piazzas, and restaurants serving pasta and pizza. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and the Spanish Steps. Best explored on foot, gelato or espresso in hand, Rome offers a powerful blend of grandeur, beauty, and everyday life.