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Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today offers impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. Spend time in the Old City to explore renowned places, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

Explore ancient Kavala with its striking mountains, crystalline waters, and multicultural buildings hugging the cliffs. Both the fortress and the Kavala aqueduct date back to the 16th Century. Visit the marketplace, stop for a coffee, stroll through the new shops and galleries. Look for ceramics, great wine, fine leather, white marble, handmade cigars, and designer clothing. The Castle of Kavala and the castle at Palaiochori are not to be missed. Then one of the many museums – the Archaeological Museum or the Municipal Museum tops the list. The Imararet, the home built by Mohammed Ali Pasha in the 19th Century boasts Ottoman architecture and spectacular views of the sea. Linger over a meal of local specialties, stuffed eggplant or grilled seafood. Enjoy a glass of wine, a coffee and pastry as you absorb the harmony of Kavala.

Officially named Lesbos, more often called Mytilini after its principal city, the island is the third largest in Greece, famed for its olive oil. Its undulating hills are said to support 11 million olive trees, which glisten silver in the sunlight, while the higher peaks are swathed in deep pine forests. It was the birthplace of leading figures in the intellectual world, such as Sappho, the world’s greatest lyrical poetess; Pittacus, one of the Seven Sages of antiquity; the poet Alcaeus and many, many others.

Europe’s classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

Steeped in Greek mythological history, Mykonos was named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykons, and was the location of the grand battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, this island is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its picture- postcard setting and growing nightlife. Mykonos is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and by law even new buildings have to be built in the same style of whitewashed, organic, cube-like buildings. Be sure to plan a day trip to take in picturesque Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archaeological dig at Delos.

With dramatic views of classic whitewashed houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder this may be the most photographed scenery in the world. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, the archaeological site of a town frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Also worth a day trip is the Volcano of Santorini Palea (old) Kameni and Nea (new) Kameni , two small islands of black lava positioned in the centre of the basin of Santorini.

Once the seaport of Sparta, Gythion welcomes visitors with a beautiful coastline and white sand beaches. Near the entrance of the city is the Theatre, which still houses the ruins of the Temple of Athena and the Gates of Castorides. The Archaeological Museum of Gythion has a vast collection that includes finds from excavations of the many ancient sites throughout the city. Be sure to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch al fresco in a traditional ouzerie.

The port of Igoumenitsa is kind of like a Greek street musician’s accordion. It has expanded, contracted and even gone silent at different points, but over time has developed an authentic tone that reflects the spirit of its people. From its origins in the 4th century BC as an important town in the Kingdom of Thresprotia, to its complete destruction during World War II after it was occupied by Axis powers, Igoumenitsa keeps bouncing back. Its newest incarnation is as an important tourism port, welcoming guests from all over Europe who arrive on ferries to begin their Greek holidays. Let Igoumenitsa’s song welcome you too.

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro, located in a most secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The old port, surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the House of Nemanjicc, is very well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous other attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch directly above the city. Nightlife also attracts tourists to Kotor with pubs, taverns, cafes, and nightclubs.

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat). It is known worldwide for its unique marble-paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets and fountains. The city walls, once used to as protection against its enemies, now keep motorists at bay in this picturesque town. UNESCO named the Old City a World Heritage Site, and Dubrovnik’s beautiful historic sites have been restored to their former glory.

With its captivating marina and red tiled roofs set against the deep blue of a summer day on the Adriatic, lovely Koper charms with its inviting cafes and old Venetian mansions harking back to its glory days as a jewel of Venice’s overseas empire. Around quaint Titov Square view the Praetorian Palace built in the Venetian Gothic style. Further afield, excursions include the phenomenal Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or embark on a trip through the beautiful Slovenian countryside to the capital of Ljubljana followed by an unforgettable river cruise past picturesque historical buildings.