Adriatic Delights from Dubrovnik, 8 September 2022 (7 nights)

This small and intimate beach provides a quiet getaway from the crowds. Relax in the sun watching the locals play water polo, before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters and exploring the nearby cliffs and caves.

DELETE

A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is a fantastic place for a day trip. With a beautiful botanical garden planted in the 19th century, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and spots for swimming in the sea, you’ll love exploring this tiny island.

At 37 meters above the sea, Fortress Lovrijenac offers impressive views across the landscape. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, the fortress played an important role in protecting the Old City, which visitors will learn about as they explore the grounds.

Covering 1,940 metres with 6 fortresses, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a must visit for Game of Thrones fans and lovers of architecture. Visitors can join walking tours of the walls which take approximately two hours and offer unrivalled views over the city from the forts.

One of the most important forts in the Walls of Dubrovnik, it now houses the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, containing artefacts, paintings and documents telling the history of city. The aquarium, meanwhile, is where you’ll find marine life that thrives in the waters off Croatia.

Situated in the 19th-century Cosmacendi Palace, the Museum of Ancient Glass houses stunning collections of Roman glassware, from jars and vials to goblets and flasks. Visitors can also purchase their own replicas of these delicate pieces in the souvenir shop.

Built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, the Roman Forum ruins were the centre of daily life. Most notable is the decorative column once used as a ‘pillar of shame’ to punish criminals, as well as the remains of the Capitolium.

Founded in the 9th century, the unusually-shaped Church of St Donat no longer serves as a church but holds frequent events and concerts because of its excellent acoustics. Visitors can take a look around inside, though it’s impressive structure is best admired from outside.

Founded in 1066, St Mary’s Church is an understated yet stunning piece of architecture in Zadar. The adjoining treasury contains an exhibition of religious art, and is beautifully preserved by nuns of the church.

The most impressive of the walls and gates is the Land Gate, the main entrance into the city, built in 1543. Zadar’s walls and gates meant that the city remained uncaptured, and are now a great way to explore the surroundings on foot.

Located in the Venetian lagoon, Giudecca Island is a small, attractive resort offering some lovely cafes, bars, and restaurants as well as pretty architecture. Over the years it has had a varied history, having been the home to some grand palaces and gardens, before becoming a centre of industry in the 20th century, particularly during World War II. One 16th century mansion has been converted into a beautiful luxury villa.

Piazza San Marco – or St Mark’s Square – is the main square in Venice. It is one of the main attractions, and has had a vibrant role in Venetian history, having been a centre of politics, commerce, and religion over the years. Today it is one of Venice’s main attractions, being surrounded by beautiful architecture on all sides – including the magnificent Basilica di San Marco. Not only a stunning piece of architecture, St Mark’s Basilica also has a fascinating and exciting history. The original church was built in the 9th century, and the construction was ordered by the doge to house the remains of Apostle St Mark the Evangelist which had been stolen by Venetian merchants on a trip to Alexandria. This church was then burned down in the year 976, and was rebuilt again two years later. It was consecrated in the late 11th century, and since this time has seen many repairs and refurbishments.

This well-known, historic piece of architecture joins Venice’s prisons to Doge’s Palace – or more accurately, the interrogation rooms in the palace. Legend says that when prisoners of the 17th century crossed the bridge into the prison, they sighed at their last view of Venice – hence the name. Today the bridge also has romantic significance, with local lore saying that lovers who kiss beneath the bridge in a gondola will have a love that lasts forever.

From the late 7th century until the late 18th, Venice had a system of doges, who acted as elected leaders of the region. Doge’s Palace – now known as Palazzo Ducale – was built in the 14th century as a residence for the doge, and for other political bodies. It was a venue used for debates, a court of law, grand events such as balls, and even had prison cells on the ground floor. The beautiful palace is located in Piazza San Marco, and was opened to visitors in 1923.

Within Venice’s lagoon is the picturesque island of Burano, well known for its colourful buildings and pretty canals. First inhabited in the 6th century, Burano has long been a small fishing community, which rose in prominence with the production of lace in the 16th century – a tradition it is still known for today. Burano is a gorgeous spot to wander around, enjoy a gelato, and browse the fabulous range of intricate lace work which is available to purchase in varying forms.

This majestic arch way is thought to have been raised in about the year 115 AD, in celebration of Emperor Trajan. Trajan had provided the town of Ancona with protection by enhancing its fortifications, and enabled it to prosper further by expanding the port - both of which projects were largely paid for out of the emperor’s own pocket. It was from this site that Trajan also led men to defeat the Dacians in the earlier years of the 2nd century.

Standing proudly atop the high point of Ancona, the San Ciriaco cathedral is a commanding structure that dominates the landscape. It is known that the first place of worship to have existed here dates back to the 3rd century BC, and in the 6th century AD another church was built – some of which has lasted to this day, such as a mosaic floor. In the early part of the 11th century the relics of St Cyriacus and St Marecellinus were brought to rest here.

Located above the popular Passetto beach stands the Ancona War Memorial, which commemorates those who lost their lives in World War I. Designed in the 1920s by local architect Guido Cirilli, the structure was inaugurated in 1930. It’s made of Istrian stone, and displays symbols of war such as swords and helmets.

Also known as the Lazzaretto of Ancona, this pentagonal building was built in the 18th century on a manmade island. It was originally used as a storage facility for military goods and as a place to stay for anyone who may have contracted leprosy; in both cases a quarantine of sorts. It has also been used as a refuge for injured soldiers during wartimes. Today it is used to host public events, and as a museum showcasing a range of exhibits.

This Romanesque-style church was constructed over the 11th and 12th centuries, in the same spot as two previous churches which date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Remains of these older buildings can still be seen beneath protective glass inside the church. Traces of the walls surrounding Ancona in ancient Greek times have also been found here.

Plans for this museum first came about in the year 1860, and it became so notable that it was made the ‘National Museum of Ancona’ in 1906, and in 1927 was inaugurated by King Victor Emmanuel III. Today it houses some remarkable historic relics, including the Venus of Frasassi – a small carving which dates back more than 20,000 years, – and Paleolithic objects which are thought to be around 300,000 years old.

As one of the most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world, it’s no wonder this fortress is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now home to many shops, restaurants and apartments, the palace is a beautiful place to wander, day or night.

Home to breath-taking waterfalls and lush, thriving forest, Krka National Park is a must visit for lovers of the outdoors. Discover over 800 species of plant life, over 200 species of bird and 18 species of bat, as well as the tiny island of Visovac.

The central square of the palace, Peristil Square was once the perfect space for opera theatre and now provides the scenery for a delicious cup of coffee. Towering above is the 57-metre belfry where, once climbing the steps, visitors will find gorgeous views across town.

This excellent example of beautifully-preserved ancient Roman architecture is where you’ll find the bell tower, treasury and even a crypt. Built in the 4th century, it houses many artefacts, sculptures , carvings and murals.

For breath-taking views out across the city, Marjan Park is the place to be. The walk up from Old Town Split is fairly easy, and visitors will find a café as well as the lookout point. From here, you can continue the hike to the Church of St Nicholas, a beautiful, small stone church.

Built in 1100 AD, this beautiful Romanesque bell tower stands at 60 metres tall with sweeping views of the city and mountains. Though this landmark may not be for the faint of heart, climbing the many steps is well worth it to admire the landscape at the top.

A must visit for fans of the hit series, Game of Thrones, Klis Fortress is well worth a visit just for the spectacular views alone. With over two thousand years of history, the ruins are fascinating to explore for all ages and provide fantastic photo opportunities.

This small and intimate beach provides a quiet getaway from the crowds. Relax in the sun watching the locals play water polo, before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters and exploring the nearby cliffs and caves.

DELETE

A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is a fantastic place for a day trip. With a beautiful botanical garden planted in the 19th century, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and spots for swimming in the sea, you’ll love exploring this tiny island.

At 37 meters above the sea, Fortress Lovrijenac offers impressive views across the landscape. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, the fortress played an important role in protecting the Old City, which visitors will learn about as they explore the grounds.

Covering 1,940 metres with 6 fortresses, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a must visit for Game of Thrones fans and lovers of architecture. Visitors can join walking tours of the walls which take approximately two hours and offer unrivalled views over the city from the forts.

One of the most important forts in the Walls of Dubrovnik, it now houses the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, containing artefacts, paintings and documents telling the history of city. The aquarium, meanwhile, is where you’ll find marine life that thrives in the waters off Croatia.