From Fusina (Venice) to Piraeus (Athens)

Venice is unique, with its legendary canals, gondolas and stunning architecture. St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs are just a few of the iconic sights that await visitors here. Built on countless pile foundations, the impressive city boasts a wealth of winding alleys and romantic bridges. The nearby islands of Murano and Burano, known for glassworks and lacemaking, are also well worth a visit. There are very few roads in Venice, with almost all traffic going through canals, such as the famous Grand Canal with its Gothic, Renaissance and baroque palaces.

Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, offers a perfect blend of history and modern city life with its Roman legacy and beautiful location on the Adriatic coast. Its historic heart is the Diocletian’s Palace, a magnificent monument that preserves the city’s origins. The Riva promenade invites you to relax in one of its many cafes and restaurants, while the hilly forest park on the Marjan peninsula, with its hiking trails and magnificent vantage points, is a green oasis providing views of the deep-blue sea.

A pearl on the coast of Apulia: Monopoli boasts an enchanting old town with white houses enclosed by the historic city walls and the majestic Castle of Charles V. The name Monopoli means “only city” and originates from the Greek – a reference to the town’s long and eventful history. Stroll through the picturesque lanes of the old town and you will discover charming squares and the impressive baroque cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia. But Monopoli has more to offer than just history and culture: the coastal town is also known for its glorious beaches and crystal-clear water, which invite you to while away some time by the sea to relax, swim and enjoy.

Nestled in the breathtaking Bay of Kotor, the city in the south-eastern Adriatic inspires with its historical significance and cultural diversity. Surrounded by mighty city walls that extend up the slopes of the surrounding mountains, Kotor has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The Romanesque St. Tryphon Cathedral, which houses the relics of the patron saint, and the charming Venetian palaces make the city a real highlight for lovers of history and culture. Other impressive sights include the Church of St. Luke and the Renaissance-style clock tower.

Corfu, the greenest island in Greece, boasts a surprising diversity of nature and culture that always manages to captivate its visitors. Around three million olive trees cover the landscape with their silvery foliage whilst cypresses, pine forests and the salty sea air conjure up a distinctive Mediterranean scent. The coasts offer a varied backdrop of long sandy beaches and small, hidden pebble bays – with something for everyone. In the capital Kerkyra, historic castles and medieval churches provide interesting insights into the island’s eventful past. Corfu is an island that combines Mediterranean beauty, culture and nature into an undeniably unique experience.

Located on the coast of the Peloponnese, Katakolon invites visitors to enjoy a relaxing stay: originally built in the 19th century as a loading station for currants, the former fishing village with around 600 inhabitants has developed into a charming coastal resort for tourists. Katakolon is a particularly popular site as it is considered the gateway to ancient Olympia. The latter’s narrow streets are lined with a variety of shops selling souvenirs and local products. The quiet harbour atmosphere and inviting cafes along the coast make Katakolon an ideal starting point for exploring the region.

The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion, is also the fourth-largest city in Greece and a place full of history. The old town is located around the beautiful Venetian harbour, and a fortified pier leads out to the Venetian Koules Fortress. In Minoan times, one of the four ports of Knossos was located near present-day Heraklion. According to legend, Hercules landed here to capture the Cretan bull – a legend that is also reflected in the name of the city. The Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating insight into ancient times and exhibits finds from the Minoan era. Heraklion combines myth, history and modern energy in a special way.

With its iconic blue-and-white houses and deep caldera, Santorini is an architectural and geological gem in the southern Cyclades. The town of Thira sits high above the old harbour on a tuff stone plateau and offers magnificent views of the sea. Hikers can climb the serpentine path with around 600 steps, but a cable car also conveniently takes visitors to the top. A special highlight is watching the sunset over the caldera, shining in golden-purple colours and showing off the island’s unique Cycladic beauty.