The Best of Croatia Cruise

Bol is a destination in the Dalmatian archipelago, best kept secret. This picturesque village is located on the southern coast of Brac Island. Its traditional architecture has unbelievable charm: little houses with white facades and red tiled roofs provide the perfect setting for laid-back meanders. Beyond the port, the waterfront promenade leads onto the beaches which are shaded by pines and cypresses. The most famous of them is Zlatni Rat, the golden horn. From the belvedere on Vidova Gora mountain, view its unusual contours and get an eyeful of the other Adriatic islands.

An intimate destination among the Elaphiti islands, the harbor village of Lopud warms the heart with its picturesque waterfront. In the higher areas, is the Sutvra belvedere which hosts the ruins of a Spanish fort. Here, gaze at amazing views of the hillsides and coastline. Below, on an isolated promontory, stands the Franciscan monastery. The monastery nestles among maritime pines and cypresses announcing Šunj beach. This cove is famous for its fine sand and translucent waters. Consider taking a dip while walking the coastal paths.

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.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. Visit its medieval center, suspended 985 feet (300 m) above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theater. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvelous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. Head farther into the center to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.

The little town of Campania gives its name to the region containing the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage listed, Amalfi Coast. And for good reason. Located at the foot of Mount Cerreto, against a rock face of a gorge that opens onto the sea, Amalfi’s absolutely splendid natural scenery alone is enough to feast eyes on before making for the medieval streets to explore some of its history. The mix of cultural influences from the Mediterranean Rim is omnipresent here. Don’t miss the dome of Saint André the Apostle and its beautiful cloister,before sipping a delicious lemon juice made from locally grown lemons at a terrace bar.

Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. Consider also visiting superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 50 miles (80 km) from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.

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. Consider a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, roughly 6 miles (10 km) from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains, and their Archaeological Museum is chock-full of cultural delights.

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.

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 a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Be amazed 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 protected forests, this pristine Croatian island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two salt water lakes. Veliko Jezero, a small island with the largest lake, is home to an old Benedictine monastery.

Korcula has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the northeastern coast of the island of the same 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). From the little streets, see the bell tower of Saint-Mark’s cathedral rising above. 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. The picturesque village of Vrisnik is also a good place to try some local produce.

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.

The legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will impress. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site, which covers over half of the island, is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, make discovery after discovery against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theater steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.

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. Consider a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, roughly 6 miles (10 km) from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains, and their Archaeological Museum is chock-full of cultural delights.

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.

The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl while admiring this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs, from the decks of the ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind us that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbor, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey.

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.

On the Dalmatian coast, the town of Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Close to the seafront shaded by palm trees, the historical center listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, and a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If hunger strikes, then stop off at a terrace in the Pjaca,the main square in the old town, and try a palacinka, a kind of pancake topped with melted cheese.

Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 390 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbor, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. Take the time to discover the city’s many buildings, such as the cathedral dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its façade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan, which is considered to be the port’s main embellishment, or the 15th-century mansion where the painter Raphael was born and raised.

Linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal, the city of Ravenna and its countless monuments offer a rich journey back in time. Roman and Byzantine cultures intermingle here, and the fruits of this history adorn the interiors of the city’s religious buildings: the abundance of classical mosaics is the most stunning witness to Ravenna’s glorious past. Eight UNESCO World Heritage-listed Paleo-Christian sites punctuate this journey into the historic heart of the city. Still very lively despite the weight of its history, Ravenna has much to offer to visitors.

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.