Greece: A timeless Mediterranean destination

Greece offers a perfect blend of ancient history and Mediterranean beauty that captivates visitors year-round. The country boasts an impressive 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the iconic Acropolis in Athens with its magnificent Parthenon temple. Beyond the capital, travellers can explore stunning islands like Santorini with its white-washed buildings and breathtaking sunsets, or Crete with its Minoan palaces and gorgeous beaches. The country celebrates numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, including Greek Orthodox Easter with its candlelit processions and the Athens Epidaurus Festival featuring performances in ancient theatres. From Greece's main port of Piraeus, ferry connections are available to numerous Greek islands and international destinations including Italy, Turkey and Cyprus, making it an excellent starting point for wider Mediterranean exploration. The country's delicious cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, olive oil and feta cheese, provides yet another reason to visit this fascinating destination.

Sicily: A Vibrant Mediterranean Treasure

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, offers visitors a rich tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty. This autonomous region of Italy boasts an impressive array of archaeological sites, including the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the well-preserved Greek theatre in Taormina. Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, provides a dramatic backdrop to the eastern coast and attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts year-round. Food lovers will delight in Sicily's distinctive cuisine, with specialties like arancini, cannoli and granita reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences. The capital, Palermo, captivates with its bustling markets, Norman palaces and Byzantine mosaics. During summer, many towns host vibrant religious festivals, while autumn brings grape and olive harvests. From Sicily, travellers can easily catch ferries to mainland Italy, Malta, Tunisia and the smaller Sicilian islands of Lipari and Ustica, making it an ideal base for exploring the central Mediterranean.