What’s not to love about Malta? Sunny skies, sandy beaches, prehistoric sites and plenty of modern marvels to take in, from local festivals to outdoor markets by way of Game of Thrones filming locations tours (for truly die-hard fans). This archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea offers something for everyone, especially history buffs keen to seen the Neolithic and Megalithic ruins. On your shore excursion, take in some traditional Maltese cuisine (Lampuki – fish - pie or pastizzi savoury pastries, anyone?), amble through the charming streets of capital city Valletta, go shopping for a colourful Mdina glass vase and embark on a scenic hike along the coast in Gozo – you’ll have the freedom to try whatever you’d like once you’re there.
- Explore Greece’s capital city and the seat of Ancient Greece, where statues of Plato and Athena are scattered amongst the iconic temples and ruins like the Acropolis, Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus and the Erechtheion. Once you’ve ticked the history box, enjoy the many features contemporary Athens has to offer: tasty food-meets-trendy-settings in local neo-tavernas or the more traditional cookeries, magereikas, nature at its best with a climb up Mount Lycabettus and cocktails and dancing in one of the city’s bustling bars. Do it all – you’ll have plenty of time to fit everything in while you're ashore.
- Beaches? Tick. Architectural ruins? Oh, yeah. Strolling through winding, whitewashed, cobbled streets and exploring shops, galleries, bars and restaurants? All that, too. Mykonos is a popular and playful island where there's fun around every corner. And also some of the most charming scenery you'll ever take in (the Kato Milli windmills offer views that are, quite simply, breathtaking). Of course, it's also a place to unwind: park yourself on a golden, sandy beach with a book and watch the calm turquoise waters. Sounds like paradise.
- You'll be enthralled walking in the footsteps of Antony and Cleopatra through the historical City of Ephesus, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises Hellenistic and Roman settlements. Particularly noteworthy? The Library of Celsus and Great Theatre (relics from the Roman Imperial age), the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world) and the terrace houses for a peek into wealthy Ephesian residences - all mosaic floors and wall frescoes!
Ever wondered what the Minotaur’s labyrinth really looked like? Or wanted to see the birthplace of the Icarus and Daedalus myth? Heraklion, Crete's capital city, offers the history buff a peek into ancient Minoan civilisation with the Palace of Knossos, and also gives fans of Byzantine and Turkish history a little treat, while the Koules Fortress, pictured, is a striking example of 16th century Venetian building power. In Heraklion, you can also take an impromptu dip in the sparkly blue sea, enjoy colourful salads finished off with seafood - and seaside - views and stock up on Cretan specialties, from wine to olive oil and flavoured honey, at the city's open-air market.
- Who doesn't want to see where the Olympic Games first started? From Ancient Olympia to the Kastro Kyllini thermal springs, the port city of Katakolon has plenty to entice any traveller. Browse the waterfront shops and beaches for some nice local flavour and a chilled-out afternoon stroll.