Montenegro & Croatia: Dubrovnik to Kotor

Behind its ramparts, Dubrovnik is an exceptional museum-city, to be discovered with an expert local private guide. It's a beautiful and flowery layout, with monuments around every corner. The Church and Monastery of the Friars Minor (Franciscans) is a 14th-century Romanesque wonder and also houses a famous pharmacy. From the same period, there is also the ancient synagogue, the oldest Sephardic synagogue still in operation. The moving Gothic-Renaissance church of Saint Saviour dates back to the 16th century. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin from the 17th and 18th centuries is perhaps the most beautiful expression of Roman Baroque in the eastern Adriatic. While you're here, it's also worth visiting the maritime museum, Umjetnicka Galerija and to a local cafe for a Turkish coffee.

Pick up the hire car and head for Kotor in Montenegro on a 50-miles coastal drive with incredible views. Enjoy a three-night stay in a palace built in the early 18th century. The Venetian touch is not surprising: at the time, the Venetian Republic controlled Cattaro. At the foot of the hotel are the waters of the Gulf, while behind it, it is surrounded by mountains. The garden and terrace are in perfect harmony with the building itself. The decoration highlights beautiful white stone, contrasting with opulent furnishings. The kitchen staff use traditional local produce - in particular fish from the bay - in dishes that show off local charm and flavours.

Included in the itinerary - Private speedboat day in the bay, from west to east: Herceg Novi, Gulf of Tivat, Verige (a narrow and enclosed passage), Perast and Kotor. You'll encounter small islands with ancient monasteries; wonder at the majesty of the landscape; take a dip in a quiet cove surrounded by oleander and mimosas; choose a nice restaurant where you can have lunch; set off again, stop at another cove, or on a beach as your heart desires.

The visit to the Bay and further inland offer some pleasant surprises. The small towns of Herceg Novi, Risan, Perast still bear the hallmark of their maritime past and are full of amazing spots where you can taste octopus salad, baklava or pomegranate syrup. Cetinje, the historic capital of the country, and Lovcen Park are not far away and are well worth a visit, and the road that connects Kotor to the summit of Mount Lovcen reveals magnificent stretches of the Dinaric Alps.