Cities and Splendours of the Adriatic

Dubrovnik, a defining symbol of the Dalmatian coast, sits prominently on a rocky promontory. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is steeped in history. The main thoroughfare, La Placa, is notably wide—built over a former lagoon—and lined with refined buildings constructed from local travertine stone. At Pile Gate, visitors are welcomed by a statue of Dubrovnik’s patron saint before enjoying panoramic views from the city walls. Adjacent to the ramparts, Fort Saint John houses a maritime museum and an aquarium showcasing rare Adriatic marine life.

A symbol of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik sits prominently on a rocky promontory. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is steeped in history. La Placa, the city’s wide central street, spans what was once a lagoon, which explains its unusual breadth. The surrounding buildings, constructed from local travertine stone, reflect the city’s architectural heritage. At Pile Gate, a statue of Dubrovnik’s patron saint welcomes visitors. A walk along the fortified ramparts offers sweeping views of the coastline. Within Fort Saint John, integrated into the city walls, you can find a maritime museum and an aquarium showcasing rare Adriatic marine life.

Sail towards the popular island of Hvar for a day in Stari Grad, an intimate port of call that is off the beaten track. Let your feelings guide you and discover this pretty city located at the end of a fertile plain, planted with vines and olive groves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The organization of its parcels, marked out by dry stone walls punctuating the landscape, goes back to ancient times. Wander around the small streets leisurely, discovering the town’s pretty boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

Bol is a destination in the Dalmatian archipelago, which is a 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 shaded by pines and cypresses. The most famous is Zlatni Rat, “the golden horn.” From the belvedere on Vidova Gora mountain, you can see its unusual contours and other Adriatic islands.

There is no doubt that the authenticity of this little island in Kvarner Bay will charm you beyond belief. Dating from Adriatic Antiquity, it means “wooded lands” about the pinewoods, cypresses, and cork oaks surrounding the main town. This town is called Rab, and it is like an island. Here, you can see the architecture of Venetian influence, inherited from the Middle Ages, illustrated by the bell tower. Below, the ramparts provide views embracing the entire coastline, punctuated by deserted creeks.

Viewed from above, the Brijuni archipelago forms rounded shapes in dazzling colors against the blue hues of the Adriatic. Thanks to its mild climate and favorable geographical position, man has inhabited this group of 14 Istrian islands since the Bronze Age. The architectural heritage of these islands is very significant since Roman ruins from the 1st century BC can be found here. Vestiges from the Byzantine and Venetian periods round off this deep dive into the past, which continues right up to the 19th century with the arrival of the Austrian industrialist Paul Kupelwieser. By purchasing Veliki Brijun, the largest island in the group, he actively contributed to the archipelago's reputation among the Austro-Hungarian aristocrats of the Belle Epoque. Later on, great political leaders such as Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia, would mingle here with the great writers of the time, including James Joyce or Thomas Mann. The islands were granted national park status in 1983 for their natural beauty and biodiversity. Discover this unique corner of paradise on a bike or in a kayak via land or from the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean.

The Pearl of the Adriatic, lying at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is undoubtedly the most Roman of all Croatian towns. Some of the greatest pages in history were written here, as the breathtaking ancient remains testify. Explore the amphitheater, the Twin Gates, the Gate of Hercule, and the triumphal Arch of the Sergii. Stroll through the busy lanes in the old town, enjoying the warm welcome of the locals, and you may be tempted to try the famous Kvarner scampi or Istrian ham.

On the Slovenian coast, the picturesque town of Piran stands on a tongue of land bathed by the Adriatic. Its old town, girded by fortifications, provides a medieval atmosphere embossed with Venetian nuances. From Tartini Square, you can explore a whole interweave of mysterious streets on the hillside, leading you to Saint George’s church, built on a hillock overlooking the shoreline. After admiring the view, don’t miss a good look at the nave and its rich decorations of frescoes and paneling. You can also see that the tower built behind the church reproduces the famous bell tower of Saint Mark’s Square. During your peregrinations, try a borek, a sort of pasty that can be sweet or savory, filled with meat or fruit.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Venice.

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. Inevitably, 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 you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, ramble through its squares, and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.