The Best of Croatia Cruise

Off the coast of Split, Hvar surprises with its traditions that haven’t changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. 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, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps 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, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik and admire the coastline while walking 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, truly 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 this stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and 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 on the “heel” of the Italian boot, Brindisi has been famous since Antiquity for its huge natural harbor, which is amongst the most sheltered in the Adriatic. The position of the city, turned towards the Orient, explains the commercial trade and the bonds established from the outset with Greece and other eastern Mediterranean countries. Brindisi is an ideal starting point for visiting the villages of the Puglia region, such as Alberobello and its famous trulli, the traditional dry stone dwellings with conical roofs, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Ostuni with its immaculate façades dominated by a majestic cathedral. The masseria, fortified farmhouses typical of the region, punctuate an ancient landscape of olive groves, vineyards and orchards.

Be won over by the charm of this fishing village located north-east of the island of Cephalonia. A best kept secret of the Ionian archipelago, Fiskardo gives onto the coasts of Ithaca, home of legendary king Odysseus. To see the coasts, just walk out onto the jetty. While there, look back at the colorful houses along the quaysides: they have surprising architecture with evidence of Italian influence. Unwind at the café terraces along the water’s edge, in the shade of gazebos. While watching the boats in the harbor, savor some local specialties like kreatopita, small meat pastries.

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, northwest of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. Be tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just six miles from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over 3 miles long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 250-mile detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately 165 feet. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall ochre cliffs. What an experience!

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. Be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past. Disembark the ship and travel home or onward.

Hyrda, an unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands, is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbor town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. Possibly be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-colored caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over 3.7 miles (6 km) long and enables merchant vessels and passenger ships to avoid a long 250-mile (400-km) detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately 165 feet (50 m). From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall ochre cliffs. What an experience!

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, northwest of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. Be tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just six miles from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.

An ancient port in the Epirus region, picturesque Parga is located on the western coast of the Greek mainland. Ancient classical ruins and the Venetian citadel bear witness to the town’s colorful history and the diverse influences that shaped it. Take the time to discover this ancient fishing village built like an amphitheater, by strolling along the picturesque maze of pedestrian streets lined with small, typical Greek houses decorated with flowers and many lively taverns.

Located in the Apulia region, Otranto is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, taste the sweet life of Salento, the heel on Italy’s boot. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otranto has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible while meandering 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. During a stroll along the ramparts, sit and relax at a café terrace.

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly 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 this stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colorful costumes are often organized.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign in this ancient city that’s now an UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps 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, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik and admire the coastline while walking 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.

Discover Mljet Island off the Pelješac peninsula. Known for its national park and its protected forests, this Croatian splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two salt water lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island is home to an old Benedictine monastery.

The harbor town of Korcula has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the northeastern coast of the island that bears its name. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. To get there, take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). While walking through the little streets, see the bell tower of Saint-Mark’s cathedral. This landmark will help locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise with its traditions that haven’t changed 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 a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. 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.

Built on an island linked to the Dalmatian coast, the picturesque city of Trogir dates from Antiquity. Be won over by its colorful streets and pleasantly surprised by their Greco-Roman plan, affording it UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, the former cardo maximus  is the historical center’s main street. Mosey at your leisure in the fashion shops, art galleries and cake shops. Don’t miss the three naves in the stunning Saint Lawrence Cathedral. From the top of its keep, the Kamerlengo fortress provides a spectacular view of the old town and coastline.

Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast, whose charm is distilled, via its narrow streets, through pretty stone houses and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historic city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century: in Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge.” The high point of the village, the Church of St. George watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babić varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting.

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

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. 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 to be explored with its little interlacing streets and canals. Ramble through its squares and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage goes hand in hand with enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.