Embark your ship in Venice, a city that has reigned on its lagoon since the 6th century. You may know this city before even setting foot here. Fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s Square, the basilica, Doges Palace, the Grand Canal, and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, ramble through its squares, and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi arch, you can see the winged lion, a symbol of Venice. The bell tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. You can scan the entire historical district from the top of the tower. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, walk in the ochre and sepia-colored streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you with its traditions that have stayed the same since Antiquity. The country's oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the northwest coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites because they were built during the Ancient Greeks' time. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, and this ancient city is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You may be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you can see the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik and admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, indeed imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, admire the impressive castle that dominates the town. Let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colorful costumes are often organized.

Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you can taste the sweet life of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot.” Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a charming seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old center. With its magnificent 12th-century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. You can relax at a café terrace while strolling along the ramparts.

Located on Sicily's eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily's Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches, and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past is the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This remarkably well-preserved site attracts visitors fascinated by the area's natural beauty, which overlooks a turquoise bay.

The Maltese capital, Valletta, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and occupies a peninsula northeast of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you can rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmaster's palace, decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint John's cathedral and the ramparts, which have guarded the city since the 16th century, are also among the city's most emblematic sites. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.