Italy

Few stretches of coastline can compete with the dramatic cliffs and tangy terraced lemon groves of Amalfi. The inspiration of many a writer, days here melt from meandering through the gardens and grottos of Villa Cimbrone to swaying to beats of a concert in Villa Rufolo. In Positano, the worlds of food, fashion and faith collide; while over on Capri, a heady air of romance surrounds the upmarket hangouts and famous sea caves.

Italy’s lakes tell a different tale with their shimmering still waters, charming villages and celebrity-seducing mansions. Bond-esque supercars stud the narrow weaving streets surrounding Lake Como, while the artist’s muse Lake Garda continues to inspire with its mountain-backed vineyards.

The once dark horse in Italy’s stiletto heel, Puglia has remained in a time warp between the country’s pastoral past and contemporary-chic present. Its hillsides hide whitewashed villages among vast olive groves and the coastline reflects its proximity to sun-bleached Greece. There’s an authentic side here within the conical roofs of UNESCO World Heritage site, Alberobello, and in hilltop Ostuni with its ivory cathedral centre piece.

The cradle of the Renaissance, the air of Florence inspires culture vultures with the works of legendary craftsmen in Uffizi Gallery and the memories of the Medici’s legacy. While the sweet-tooth-inclined reward their visits with a trip to Chianti vineyards and are spoilt for choice in this birthplace of gelato.

Europe’s it-crowd flock to the glittering coasts of Costa Smeralda where a sophisticated nightlife meets a super yacht-garnished bay and miles of frosty-white sand in Sardinia. However, head away from the coast and San Pantaleo’s markets open up a world of arts and crafts and the corner of an eye glimpses the Bronze Age past in Nuraghi stones; while out to sea, the Maddalena islands beckon relaxation.

A rolling hilled sunset – all daydreams of Tuscany seem to be bathed in a warming golden glow, with chilled wine in hand. The Renaissance wrapped up in a vineyard blanket, it’s easy to become blindsided by the powerhouse of Florence, but there’s just so much more. Lucca’s cobbled piazzas and hugging walls tempt with rustic food and grand gardens, while further south Siena’s gothic structures demand a neck-craning look.

Defying all odds by rising mirage-like from its lagoon, few others can successfully live up to the uncomplicated joy of art and romance that permeates labyrinthine Venice. Living and breathing all the best bits of life, couples drift among canal webs atop gondolas to picture-perfect Renaissance architecture, while carnival masks and parades set the scene alive come festival time.

The former Greek epicentre of Sicily offers up miles of lava fields at the base of brooding Mount Etna and walks among the gods in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples dating back to 510 BC. But it’s the winding shopping streets of Taormina, with its volcano views and theatre, that dip visitors’ toes into the everyday lives of the island’s Grecian past.

The Ancient Romans left many a breadcrumb behind in their not-so-straight-forward paths, but their naming of this Eternal City might just be one of our favourites. Home to the oldest building in the world that’s still in use today, the Pantheon is just the beginning of a history-buff’s treasure chest, while the city’s trailblazing designer shops and seriously buzzing food scene step in to remind us why it’s feeling is so everlasting.

Nowhere does a switch-up quite like Italy; seamlessly going from hefty-buckled footwear to the sleekest après-ski ankle boots. Sociable slopes turn to solitary Dolomites safari adventures, and making spaghetti-like tracks in the snow to tucking into a plate of the real thing slope-side.

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.  

A homestead for all things mythological and historical, the mountain-laden mainland of Greece and its pantheon of rugged islands know how to attract both hedonist hunters and kindred wanderlusters.

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.

Both a winter wonderland and a summer haven, Switzerland has so much to offer. The colder months see the country’s vast landscapes covered in dustings of pristine white snow, and as the seasons beckon in the sun, verdant hues are unveiled.

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.