Set on Akrotiri Bay, Limassol is the island’s biggest seaside town with plenty to offer its visitors. Whether you’ve come here in search of age-old sights or bubbling bars, the town’s a mixed bag of delights that never fails to impress.

• Head to Paphos to tick off some of Cyprus’ most famous sights. First off, there’s the Petra tou Romious – also known as Aphrodites Rock – where the goddess of love is said to have risen from the sea. The Odeion amphitheatre is well worth a look, too. It was made entirely from limestone and dates back to the 2nd century. Nowadays, it’s used for theatre and music performances.

• Head for Curium, a major archaeological site that was one of the old kingdoms of Cyprus. Sights to capture on film include a Greek temple and an impressive cliff-top theatre.

• Experience the old and new faces of Limassol. Stand in the shadow of the Medieval castle, then head for the modern Yermasoyia quarter and sample a few of the bars and restaurants.

Arrives at 07:00

Trip over reminders of the past in ancient Athens, where cultural treasures twinkle back at you at every turn. It’s a real gold medal winner of a city.

• Scale the heights of the sun-bleached Acropolis for awesome views, then take a look at the Parthenon, perched atop Athens’ most famous hill.
• Explore Plaka, the Medieval quarter at the foot of the Acropolis. The 19th-century lanes are crammed with tavernas, and twist and turn to meet the equally atmospheric Monastiraki street markets.
• From old to new – take a wander round the up-market Kolonaki district, which is packed with chic boutiques and ritzy restaurants.
• Be in Syntagma – or Constitution – Square in time to see the skirted soldiers perform the changing-of-the-guard.
• Check out the Corinth Canal, which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. This waterway was considered one of the greatest technological achievements of its time.

Departs at 18:00

Arrives at 08:00

It’s no wonder the makers of Hollywood blockbuster Captain Corelli’s Mandolin chose Kefalonia as one of the film’s backdrops. The island is all tree-studded hills, which look out over pale beaches, which roll into perfectly-blue waters. There’s a mix of village life inland. Skala, for example, is popular with holidaymakers and is kept lively with late-night bars. Lourdas, on the other hand, revolves around a sleepy main square.

• Drogarati Caves are a must-see. The twisty maze of stalagmites and stalactites is thought to be more than 150 million years old. Thanks to the cave’s natural acoustics, music concerts have been staged here.
• The restored Monastery of St Andreas showcases 16th-century frescoes. They were hidden under plastered walls until a huge earthquake in 1953, which destroyed the church and unveiled the artwork.

Departs at 18:00

Arrives at 08:00

Settled on the edge of the Albanian Riviera, Sarande’s sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and a hilly landscape carpeted in olive groves. The town sits in a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged with marshmallow-white beaches. History’s a big hook here – there are the ruins of a 5^th-century synagogue in the centre and a 16^th-centry castle overlooking the town.

• Stroll the promenade that lines the beach. This walkway’s edged with palm trees that shelter ice-cream carts and pop-up bars. There are lots of seafood restaurants here, too.
• Lekuresi Castle looms over the town. It was once a citadel and today lies in semi-ruin. It’s worth making the steep walk up to it for panoramic views of Corfu and the Greek border.
• Get a taste of rural Albania in Butrint National Park. Its hilly terrain is a patchwork of freshwater lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, open plains and reed beds.

Departs at 18:00

Arrives at 08:00

lanked by aquamarine waters, olive groves and vineyards, Brindisi is certainly easy on the eye. The city itself is a picturesque mishmash of whitewashed houses and Roman churches that tumble down the hillside. Stroll its narrow streets, and you’ll pass pizzerias, coffee shops and ice-cream trattorias.

• The nearby village of Alberobello is packed with stone cottages and winding alleyways, and its unique cone-shaped rooftops have been given UNESCO status. While you’re here, take a look at the Church of San Antonio – it’s a great example of Romanesque architecture.
• Stand in the centre of the amphitheatre in Lecce – a southern town that’s full of Baroque architecture. The amphitheatre dates back to the 1st century BC, and once played host to up to 25,000 spectators.
• The hilltop village of Ostuni is also known as the ‘White Town’ thanks to its sugar-cube buildings. Soak up the views and wander the cobbled alleyways, passing sights like the 13th-century church on the way.

Departs at 18:00

Arrives at 08:00

For years, the travel-savvy have kept Montenegro under their sunhats. But now the cat’s creeping out of the bag – and it’s hardly surprising. A tiny republic in southeast Europe, the scenery here will have your jaw dropping to the floor the moment you arrive. Cruise passengers get the best vistas – as you sail in to port, you’ll be treated to wide-angle views of patent-shine lakes and green mountains.

• Explore Kotor, a gorgeous Medieval walled city with World Heritage status. The scenery here is definitely something to write home about. Surrounded by mountains, it’s set on southern Europe’s deepest fjord and one of the world’s most spectacular natural harbours. Delve inside the age-old walls and discover crooked streets, cobbled piazzas and camera-worthy churches.
• Take a trip to Budva. It’s the most popular tourist destination on Montenegro’s map – and quite rightly so. Beautiful architecture meets seductive sandy beaches in this spot. Perhaps that’s why many a millionaire has decided to live here.
• Visit one of Montenegro’s sleepy towns on market day and watch the streets burst into life with colourful craft stalls selling lace, leather and ceramics.

Departs at 20:00