South of Venice

A classic eastern Med 10-day ‘Empires of the Mediterranean’ voyage on board Viking Star (vikingcruises.co.uk) from VENICE to ATHENS (or vice versa) follows in the wake of the early Venetian traders. Highlights include the architecturally magnificent DUBROVNIK, which played a starring role in Game Of Thrones; the medieval walled town of KOTOR in Montenegro, which sits on the banks of a fjord in a cleavage of limestone mountains; SANTORINI where ships anchor in the arms of the volcanic caldera, the white Cycladic town of Fira cresting the top of the sheer cliffs like a dusting of snow and ATHENS. From £2,790pp, including flights, a guided excursion in each port of call, drinks with meals and Wi-fi.