Croatia

Over the centuries, visitors have left their mark on Istria, this beautiful peninsula which separates Italy from the Balkan mainland at the top of the Adriatic Sea. Etruscans, Phonecians, Greeks and Romans in ancient times and more recently Austro-Hungarians, Italians and, of course the British; and the influences all seem now to be benign and there for you to enjoy.

Travellers to the sea town of Rovinj, one of the 'pearls of the Adriatic' cannot help but be entranced; the central hills are known by Italians as 'little Tuscany' and no wonder - if anything, they are even more stunning! - Groznan, the village of artists with little galleries and music and arts festivals throughout the summer, Motovun and Oprtali atop terraced hills. But these are not all: inland there are unspoilt villages surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and nowhere is more than a half hour drive from a secluded rocky beach. If your ideal retreat does not include flashy resorts and fast cars, this is for you.

Of course, mention of vineyards means wines and they are superb, complementing the delicious rustic cuisine where the freshest fish and salads combine with home-made pasta and the local speciality, truffles.