Croatia

Dubrovnik's walled old town is one of Europe's most stunning medieval cities — limestone streets, terracotta rooftops, and the Adriatic glittering below. Walk the famous city walls, take the cable car to Mount Srd, and island-hop to Lokrum and the Elafiti Islands. Game of Thrones put it on the map, but the city has been captivating visitors for centuries.

Croatia's second-largest city is built in and around the ruins of Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace. A living, breathing ancient monument where locals go about daily life amid 1,700-year-old walls. Gateway to Hvar, Brač, and the Dalmatian Islands.

Sixteen turquoise lakes terraced by travertine dams growing 1cm a year, connected by 78m waterfalls and a wooden boardwalk you cannot swim from (fines enforced). Croatia's most famous national park, UNESCO since 1979, packed in summer — arrive at the 7am opening. Between Zagreb (2h) and Split.