The birthplace of democracy, Greece’s capital seemingly has ruins on every corner and is peered over by its impressive ancient Acropolis. Explore the vibrant city of Athens, discover the narrow streets and small buildings of Plaka, and embrace 3,000 years of Greek history while visiting the Acropolis Hill.

Soaring mountains, UNESCO World Heritage sites, unspoilt green spaces, and byzantine churches – Athens is a beguiling destination of beauty, mythology, and history. At the heart of the city is the iconic Acropolis. Gazing out over the urban sprawl below and home to ancient buildings of historic and architectural greatness including the Parthenon, the Acropolis provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greece.

The second Nova Class ship, Silver Ray portrays a dynamic and immediate connection with nature, where the touch of light, or ray, inspires purity and movement. This pioneering luxury vessel boasts an innovative asymmetrical design offering uninterrupted views from every vantage point.

A gorgeous island southeast of Greece, Santorini is one of the most picturesque destinations in Greece. You’ll glimpse bright white buildings crowned with sapphire domed roofs – the ideal place to take memorable holiday pictures. Famed for its turquoise waters, take time to wander coastal walkways along Santorini’s jagged landscape, or meet volcanic beaches covered in black, red, or white sand created from a volcanic eruption in the 16^th century BCE. Food-lovers will savour Santorini for its quaint restaurants offering local cuisine, including classic moussaka.

Silversea’s gleaming new vessel features an exceptional array of features to ensure your days at sea are spent in absolute comfort. From Silversea’s signature Spaccanapoli restaurant and the stunning open-air Dusk Bar, to relaxing whirlpools and fitness classes, Silver Ray promises delightful experiences at your fingertips.

Corfu is an island surrounded by golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear ocean, and tropical flora. Corfu Town is a bustling, contemporary city filled with history and Greek charm, and is said to boast one of the prettiest town squares in all of Greece, the Spianada. The old town is a mix of Italian architecture, Venetian monuments, French arcades, an English palace, and two hillside fortresses; all of which pay tribute to the many cultures that have occupied this island. Many tiny alleyways host some of the most beautiful architecture here and are lined with shops and restaurants.

Kotor is located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful bays. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO-listed World Natural and Historical Heritage site. Budding historians will appreciate a stay here. You could visit Kotor Cathedral, a monument of Roman civilisation and one of the most recognisable symbols of the city. Pass by several treasures of Kotor’s rich historical heritage, including the 13^th-century Church of St Luka, the Prince’s Palace from the 17th century, and Napoleon’s Theatre.

Bari stands proudly on the Adriatic coast – an old town that has retained its ancient medieval heritage and features an array of fascinating historic sites and architecture. The Lungamare including its marina is a great spot to sit and watch the world go by. The Basilica di San Nicola is one of the south’s first Norman churches. The Teatro Petruzzelli theatre is one of the most famous symbols of Bari.

The city of Dubrovnik holds its precious atmosphere through its Baroque architecture, and, as you wander its streets, you’ll feel as though you’re walking through history. First a UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik has now become, if possible, more famous as the site of King’s Landing in the television show, Game of Thrones. If you’re worn out from absorbing its culture, you can head to Stradun, the main promenade, which is lined with quaint shops and restaurants to sit and watch the world go by.

Split blends ancient monuments, natural beauty, and modern Dalmatian life with consummate ease. With its spectacular setting – think mountainous backdrop offset by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic – it’s no surprise that a Roman emperor chose to build his palace here. Split’s UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace dating back to the 4^th century and dominates the cobblestone streets and waterfront parks of this gorgeous seafront city.

Surrounded by yachts bobbling in the glistening water, the island of Hvar is dominated by its 13^th-century city walls that contain a culturally-rich and cosmopolitan old town. Discover the island’s highlights on an included shore exclusive or simply wander the pretty streets at leisure. Your time in Hvar will also offer an unforgettable opportunity to join a local family for brunch at the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain to gain a deeper insight into local culture and customs.

Zadar is the gateway to Croatia’s best beaches and Krka National Park, where you can swim beneath beautiful waterfalls. Walk the atmospheric streets of the Old Town on the peninsula, awash with 34 churches, all boasting a rich history. As well as the Roman ruins and Venetian architecture, it’s worth heading to the waterfront to see one of Zadar’s amazing sunsets, listen to its magical wave-powered sea organ and dance on the solar powered dance floor.

Take in the elegant, Austrian-style coffee houses, bustling plazas and picturesque plazas of Trieste, a strikingly handsome Italian city that lies between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia. There’s everything from Roman amphitheatres to a newly built marina, as well as fascinating museums. Lose yourself in Piazza Unità d’Italia, the largest square facing the sea in Europe. Here, you’ll find Trieste’s City Hall, the most iconic landmark of the city, designed by Giuseppe Bruni. Enjoy a morning coffee in one of the square’s cafés or relish an evening aperitif while watching the sun set over the ocean.

You’ll bid your fond farewells to Silver Ray and her exquisite staff in Venice’s Fusina. From here, you’ll set your sights on the iconic Lake Garda, kickstarting your trio of Italian Lakes tour. As the largest and most popular of the Italian Lakes, this captivating lake is the perfect start to your experience.

Poised in the shadow of the snow-draped Rhaetian Alps and nestled between steep-wooded hills, the spectacular surroundings of Lake Como welcome you for the day with open arms. Shaped like an upside-down Y, its meandering shoreline is dotted with ancient villages and exquisite villas. Wander aimlessly along the lake, crossing through gardens, visit the main square and explore the centre’s history or head to Brunate using the funicular and witness breathtaking views of the shore and lake below.

Lake Garda is one of the country’s most scenic regions, where the Northern Alps tumble down into shimmering waters, dotted with silver-leafed olive trees and pretty villages. Each little town on the lake brings a chocolate box of new discoveries: a church resplendent with Renaissance frescoes, a lush botanical garden, a cable car soaring high into snow peaked mountains – there’s so much to discover.

Located just south of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy and extends into alpine Switzerland. Characterised by its colourful fishing villages; the tiny Borromean Islands off its south-western shore and the delicious cuisine found in the villages around it, your four-night stay here will be nothing short of delightful. 

During your stay at Lake Maggiore, you’ll embark the iconic Bernina Red Train for a train journey to St. Moritz, passing through the Poschiavo Valley and the Engadin. During your journey, enjoy incredible sights of majestic mountains and quaint little towns as you trundle over the Brusio spiral viaduct, past Puschlaversee, over Alp Grüm and onto the magical Bernina Pass.

Drawing European royalty, aristocrats and high-society for centuries — and once a vital stop on the famed Grand Tour — Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy. The region offers a fairytale setting for holidaymakers to explore, with mountain peaks, charming towns and historic castles. Make the most of your time in this enchanting region of northern Italy with our tips on the best things to see and do in Lake Maggiore.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable holiday. Savour your final moments in Maggiore over breakfast before transferring to the airport in Milan for your flight home, your mind reeling with the experiences and memories you have made on your holiday.