/
Where a mere trip to any beach simply won’t do, this sunny 10-day jaunt around Southern Italy works like a charm. Spoil yourself with a cruise along the Amalfi Coast and sunbathe on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Get your fill of waterfront sunsets and sunrises, which await you on the beaches of Polignano a Mare and others down the heel of Italy’s boot. Make sure you pick up a pair of shades somewhere between Naples and Leece – lest you spend all week squinting at the sparkling sea.
Oh, the envy of your friends after they discover you visited not one, not two, but three Greek islands on your beach holiday. Sarakiniko’s lunar-like rock formations in Milos and the sun-drenched sands of Saint George Beach on Naxos will give you pristine photos to use as a postcard signed, “Wish you were here!” For companionship, you’ll have a group of like-minded travellers – as well as the ever-watchful Greek gods and a cold glass of ouzo.
Eight days on the Adriatic is never enough, but it is long enough to give you a taste of the good life in Croatia. This small-group adventure starts in the ruins of Emperor Diocletian’s Palace in Split before you set sail on an island-hopping tour that takes you to blue lagoons, beautiful beaches and lots of wineries. The tour ends in the historic port city of Dubrovnik, where you can indulge in more wine, soak up the last of the sun, or pretend you’re in an episode of Game of Thrones.
In Portugal, sizzling summer temperatures are relieved by the ubiquitous sea breeze of the Atlantic – making it an even more rewarding time to experience the many sights and delights to be seen and had. From Porto to Lisbon, this nine-day trip invites you to sample authentic Portuguese cuisine on a walking tour, sip fine wine in two leading wine regions, and trace the wild Atlantic coastline – home to some of Europe’s best sandy beaches. You’ll finish your adventure with a scenic picnic on a Lisbon hilltop.
On this 12-day trip to Turkey, there’ll be ample time to unwind on the pristine beaches of Antalya – but not before you’ve explored the rest of this fascinating country. Follow your nose through Istanbul, from the aroma-filled Spice Market to the neighbourhood of Kuzgunck where Turkish delights are plentiful. Wander through ancient ruins in Hattusas, Yazılıkaya, Aspendos and Perge. And marvel at the distinctive chimney stack formations of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon – before hit the beach for a sundowner.