Marghera (Venice), Bari, Corfu, Zakinthos, Argostoli/Kefallonia, Dubrovnik, Split

Bari, the capital of Apulia and an important touristic destination and commercial harbor, lies on a fertile coastal plain facing the Adriatic Sea. A cultural crossroads since ancient times, it is a city where two souls meet: the old town, surrounded by an imposing wall and crossed with winding narrow streets (Barrivecchia) and the modern city, built at the beginning of the 19th Century. In the old city you’ll come across architectural masterpieces created over the centuries by Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Swabians.You can marvel the majestic Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle), the imposing Saint Nicholas's Basilica, the Cathedral and the famous Teatro Petruzzelli, considered the temple of opera in Bari. Bari is an ideal starting point for excursions to Alberobello, a small town in Puglia in southern Italy, famous for its trulli: white, cone-roofed houses, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fortresses flank your entrance to magnificent Corfu, one of the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. Lose yourself in the Venetian old town or head north of the island, for dramatic seascapes. Explore the legacies of Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires or simply marvel at nature’s treasures that are hidden in this beautiful island, swathed in emerald green, lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with golden sand. The once pastel colours on Venetian buildings may have faded, but the welcoming scent of eucalyptus, fig and lemon trees are fragrant as ever. 

Zakinthos, the Flower of the East, also often known as Zante, is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands - the 3rd biggest- and one of the most popular Greek islands. It is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, clear blue waters, numerous sandy beaches, mountainous villages preserving the traditional Greek way of life, watersports and good quality restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Greece's best-kept secret, Argostoli is the capital and largest town of Kefallonia Island. It is a natural harbour, surrounded by low hills that reach the sea. At the edge of the bay next to Argostoli lies the lagoon of Koutavos, with lush vegetation and a forest with very tall eucalyptus trees. Argostoli's attractions are mostly within walking distance of the port. A couple blocks south of the square is the main shopping street, Lithostroto, which is a pedestrian-only cobble shopping area. There are two nice small museums, the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from Mycenean to Roman times and the Korgialeneio History and Folk Art Museum, which includes many displays showing the island prior to the earthquake. Discover enticing beaches, tasty white wine, visit the fishing village of Fiskardo where you may while away the afternoon schmoozing with the locals.

Dubrovnik, the so rightfully called "Adriatic jewel", is walled all around with ramparts that drop to the sea and enclose a town of closely clustered buildings, mostly attired in white walls and brilliant red rooftops. A walk along its cobblestone streets, where time seems to stand still, will reveal an idyllic small town, with many highlights, such as Roland's Column, the Bell Tower or the Old Port, the Franciscan Monastery/ Old Pharmacy Museum, Rector’s Palace (the most historic monument in Dubrovnik), Sponza Palace and the Dominican Monastery, between the Sponza Palace and the Ploče Gate. Time allowing, take the cable car and enjoy the best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, from the top of the Srd Hill.

Split, built under the orders of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who lived out his last days after abdicating in AD 305, is located between Venice and the Ionian Islands, on the Dalmatian coast and is one of the most important ports of Croatia. Today, the remarkable residence of the Roman Emperor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your discovery. The white limestone palace, part luxurious villa, part military camp, is enclosed by imposing walls and connected by roads linking the eastern Silver Gate with the Iron Gate to the west. Within its premices, you can see an octagonal domed mausoleum, temples and a monumental court accessing the imperial apartments.