Italy, ah Italy! Every heart beats for this capsule of bygone and changing times. Italian art, architecture and culture have left an unforgettable mark on many. And now the Italian Dream is yours!  Why not visit both Rome and Venice in just one fantastic trip? How? As your god of Mercury, we make the arrangements, so you can explore two cities for the price of one!

First up, we fly you to the Eternal City of Rome for two nights. With round-the-clock energy and jaw-dropping views, Rome offers everything you’ve been dreaming of. Hiding more secrets than its many emperors, from the centre of civilisation to the Roman Empire, this glam city is the hub of awe and wonder.

Next up, thunder across the vastness of Italy's plains in a scenic train crossing the magnificent country. Then it’s off to Venice, where romance floats through the air as you take a gondola ride along the canals, passing under the Ponte di Rialto. Head to St Mark’s Square, where you’ll find the Correr Museum and the Doge’s Palace. Full of priceless Venetian art, you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of this unique city. 

This magical metropolis nestled in Italy's northern Lombardy region is a financial, fashion and cultural hub – home to gems such as the Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent (where you can see Da Vinci's “Last Supper").

Staying at the four-star Doria Grand Hotel means that Milan's crème de la crème is right on your doorstep. With delicately furnished rooms sitting in amongst a peaceful tree-fringed avenue, the hotel is ideal if you're looking for somewhere quaint to relax for a night but still close enough to the centre to experience a slice of the action.

Afterwards, we'll whisk you off by train to the city of Como, sitting at the southern tip of Lake Como and known for its Gothic Cathedral. The waterfront promenade invites endless wandering while the scenic funicular railway is enough to fuel your wanderlust and get you thinking about your next adventure.

Lake Como itself is a twinkling body of water, unparalleled in every sense and the perfect setting for a relaxing couple of days far from the hustle and bustle of back home. And if you're keen to explore more of the region's nature, the lakeside gardens of Villa Olmo are also well worth a visit.

In Como, you'll stay at the three-star Borgo Antico Hotel, right in the city's historic core and within spitting distance from the sparkling lake. Staff will wax lyrical about all the magical sights and delights to see and give you advice on how to spend your three days if you haven't already decided.

Where the Waters of the Danube Meet the Classical Capitals of Europe. Discover the very essence of three stunningly beautiful capitals for 6 Nights!

Hungary represents a majestic treasure trove of cultural vibrancy, UNSECO world heritage sties, and the visual intensity of the impressive Danube banks. And nowhere does this better than Budapest, a city of creatives, of ruin pubs where young minds and ideas meet from every corner of the world and exquisite aromas emanating from the restaurants of Váci Utca. A night might start in one of these bistros and end with a raucous party in a centennial thermal water spa. Somewhere in the heart of the city a bottle of passion is waiting for you!

Chug along the precipitous countryside on board Train to Bratislava. The Slovakian capital lays claim to some of the most important history in Europe. From Celtic centre to its vital part of the Limes Romanus, the Slavi and Germanic clash to the coronation capital of Hungarian kings. A city fenced in for four decades by the barbed wire of the iron curtain, yet it still has the power to inspire and delight.Today Bratislava is a free and trendy capital; one of the most vibrant in Europe.

From Bratislava you will reach Vienna. As  described by Lonely Planet, “Vienna is packed with imperial history; at the same time it has exciting contemporary museums and lively nightlife scenes.” The soul-stirring tones of the Vienna Boys’ Choir drifting across a courtyard and the opulent palaces are the perfect antidote for contemporary urban living and the order of the day for culture vultures.

The holiday starts with a 2 night stay at the ‘eternal’ city of Athens, the capital of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world. Walk hand in hand with history and visit some of its architectural masterpieces like the Acropolis and the Parthenon temple. A visit to Athens would seem incomplete without a visit to its shining jewels, the Acropolis museum and the National Archaeological Museum.

After Athens, you will visit Santorini, possibly the most romantic and picturesque Greek Island, born from an ancient volcanic eruption, whose stupendous cliffs rise 900 feet from a half-moon caldera which also makes it a fascinating island to explore. Picturesque villages teeter on the rocky sides and white washed Cycladic houses perfectly complement the blue domed rooftops.

The last 3 nights will be spent in Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. In fact, it also wins 5th place among all the Mediterranean islands. A holiday in Crete comes with a generous choice of beaches and wherever you go, there’s a warm welcome and a hearty Cretan feast to make your Greek experience complete.