Greece

The calm among the Cyclades, these lesser-known islands are all about authenticity. A realm of relaxation rising from the Aegean, expect sprawling beaches of soft golden sand. While hiking trails tempt outdoorsy types to bask in the beauty of an untouched land, traditional villages of white gleam in the sunlight.

Casting ideas of partying to the wind, the east coast of Zakynthos flaunts it’s relaxed authenticity and the occasional surprise. Luscious green countryside hides pretty wineries and towns hold intricate Italian-influenced architecture. Meanwhile at the golden beaches, it’s apparent that far-flung ventures in pursuit of turtles are not needed, as the loggerheads lay their eggs in the island’s sands.

Living up to its glamorous reputation, Greece’s capital of cosmopolitan is a hedonist’s playground. Going beyond the boutiques and Little Venice’s trendy cafes discovered by day and the jovial bars and restaurants revelled in by night, a little bit of serenity can be found at the more reserved, uninhabited islands like Delos and Rhenia.

It would seem Santorini was unconsciously designed to cater to the Instagram age. Its rich blue domes and how-do-they-keep-them-white washed walls mean every cobbled street and vista-revealing corner is photographable. In these popular parts, local guides make all the difference where visitors can see a quieter side of the island through their eyes as well as the lens.

Sitting snuggly in the mainland’s south, the Peloponnese region is a medley of lush pine forests and orderly olive groves razored through with medieval architecture and tradition-keeping tavernas. Travel back in time through the art of pre-Shakespeare Greek theatre and the athletic glory of where the Olympic truce was born. Or discover the beauty of the unspoilt beaches and the importance of the sustainability efforts of Costa Navarino.

Greece’s most Herculean island, Crete doesn’t fail to impress with its skyward mountain ranges and ethereal shoreline. Boredom simply can’t prevail here, with a bounty of ways to explore; think trekking through Samaria Gorge, boat cruises to Spinalonga or Balos Lagoon, and local wine tasting in the Agios Nikolaos area. It’s also home to one of the oldest cities in Europe and the infamous labyrinth, the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

The three peninsulas of Halkidiki are a throng of verdant forests hiding paths trodden by hikers and mountain bikers, where historians dig for ancient relics and the not-faint-of-heart seek the stalagmites of Petralona’s caves. Further down their Aegean reaching fingers, however, there are beautiful sandy-beach-springboards to the world below the ocean’s surface.

Lusciously untamed and the topic of many a literary feat, Corfu holds enough wonders to keep travellers in one place. But should grecophiles seek beyond the Venetian town or filming hotspots, a stay in local mainland favourite, Parga, provides new territory to investigate across the water. Think lovely little coves, a looming castle and chapels on hilly hikes.

Balancing ancient relics, lazy sea-lapped shores and contemporary cool, Athens and the Athens Riviera’s cultural energy raises no questions as to why it’s Greece’s capital. In the artistic city, greet sunrise at the ruins and tour museums with a private guide, before heading to the mellow marina to dine on fresh seafood. The best of both worlds is found here.

Noted for being the birthplace of Hippocrates,  relics of bygone eras litter the island, becoming a part of the landscapes as much as the hills of abundant flora. With a history tied to the Greeks, Ottomans and Venetians, today it is most commonly on the tongues of travellers for its sandy beaches and volcanic soil-nourished melons.

Our luxury Croatia holidays mean stepping back into history-steeped cities and sleepy villages where life continues much as it did a century ago, the glittering Adriatic beckoning along the dramatic coast.

Graced with looks of mythological proportions and a lineage of complex east-meets-west puzzle parts; Cyprus is the fabled birthplace of Aphrodite, born from the rich foam of the sea.

Just like its enigmatic Mona Lisa that connects with you at every turn, France is an irresistible muse; inspiring everything from St Tropez’s glamourous harbours to the sweet simplicity of Provence’s rolling lavender fields.  

Italy is a heady mix of chaos and calm that caters to culture vultures, soothes history aficionados and exceeds all expectations for epicureans.

Travel south of Croatia along the dramatically crafted coastline of rugged inlets and verdant islands lapped by the purest waters and discover Montenegro.

Endorsed by the families wiling away hours frolicking on its beaches, the cruise connoisseurs drifting languidly up the Douro Valley and the privacy-seeking pairs sipping coffee in Madeira’s sleepy villages, it’s all about the take-it-easy ways in Portugal.

Characterised by scorching weather and fiery fiestas, with a culture as varied as the stonework of Sagrada Família, upon setting foot on its soil you’ll find that Spain truly sizzles as a unique and diverse nation that rolls out a red carpet (or cape) welcome.

Bordered by four different seas and blessed with endless natural wonders and traditions, Türkiye's vast and varied timelessness is the result of its uncanny meeting of east and west.

For the serious slope-skimmers, dedicated après-skiers and the winter wonderland wanderers in-between.