Fusina to Fusina

Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time - from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Navigate Venice’s sparkling waterways by romantic gondola, or on cruises along wide canal boulevards. Span the Grand Canal over its iconic original crossing, the Rialto Bridge, which - with its parade of tiny shops - gives some of the city’s most endearing views. If the crowds unsettle you at any point, take two turns away from the main thoroughfares to find peace alone, amid the city's labyrinth of tiny streets. Hurry to Piazza San Marco to be immersed in Venice’s elegant glory. Basilica San Marco transports you back to the wealthy days of the Doges, who ruled for over 1,000 years. Initially their private chapel, it’s now decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Nearby the Campanile di San Marco bell tower offers views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of times gone by. Just a hop skip and a jump around the corner is the Doge’s Palace, where the levels of opulence ramp up even further. Justice was meted out in this stunning Palace, with the guilty walking to the cells across the covered Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto trips to local islands offer even more adventures to float your boat, whether it’s Murano with its world-famous glass, Torcello with its amazing Cathedrals, or Burano with its handmade lace and delightfully colourful painted houses.

Piran: a tormented history Once a rural homes area of the Roman Empire, Piran Peninsula became an attractive fortress under Byzantine rule by the 7th century. Conquered by the Franks in 788, the city then became a part of the Holy Roman Empire in 952. In 1283, Piran got into the Republic of Venice and was governed by a council of noble men assisting the Venetian delegate. This Venetian era lasted five centuries and ended in 1797 when Piran was annexed by the Austrian Empire. It remained Austro-Hungarian until 1918, except from a a short period of time when it was ceded to the Napoleonic Empire, from 1806 to 1814. At the end of WWI, Piran became Italian until the end of WWII when it was assigned to the Free Territory of Triest, Zone B, under Yugoslavian regulation. In 1954, the town was annexed by Yugoslavia, resulting in the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus, when a significant part of Piran inhabitant chose to migrate to Italy rather than stay in a socialist country. Nowadays, and since 1991, Piran is part of independent Slovenia.

A gorgeous artwork of a port you can revel in seafront promenade strolls waterside drinks and the tangled beauty of an immensely atmospheric old town. Nearby islands sparkle and beaches call out while working fishing boats add authentic everyday charm. With both Croatian and Italian languages spoken there's more than a hint of Venice in the crisscrossing streets and soaring bell towers of this breathlessly romantic place. An alluring highlight of the Istrian Peninsula walk the cobbled streets of Rovinj's old town between sun-parched houses that rear up directly against the sea's lapping water. Tiny streets and squares are lined with little souvenir shops bars gelato stalls and restaurants serving up delicious dishes laced with Istria's elusive white truffles. Take the climb up above via the elegant Church of St Eufemia's Venetian bell tower. The tower's ascent is perhaps best viewed from the glinting waters however as you look back to see the church rising above the town's pretty clutch of colourful buildings. Explore the olive groves and vineyards of the sunny peninsular on your way to villages where truffles are sniffed out by specially trained dogs or head out to rocky coves to swim in refreshing transparent seas. Pula is also close by - a city scattered with Roman ruins including the magnificently preserved in-tact amphitheatre - which continues to be a centre of entertainment hosting atmospheric festivals and concerts to this day.

Bathing in the Dalmatian Coast’s generous sunshine and overlooking sparkling island-studded waters Split is a city of romantic beauty built around an extraordinary - still beating - historical heart. The setting may be spectacular but it’s the Diocletian’s Palace - a Roman remain of incredible scale and detail that is truly bewitching. With a natural backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains and Croatia’s trademark scenic wonders all around Split is a true heavyweight of the Adriatic. To enter Split’s Diocletian’s Palace is to step into a beautiful time warp. Head first to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius where a hollow bell tower rockets up puncturing the sky. The perfume of lavender hangs heavy wherever you walk in the old town where tucked shops offer artisan chocolates dried figs and freshly-ground coffees. The expansive seafront promenade is all palm trees buzzing bars and eateries and further out you’ll find the peace of Marion Hill - where you can climb to some of the best views in town. Or take the far less exerting wander to Sustipan cemetery’s breathtaking panorama of sea city and distant islands. Trips to island paradises like Hvar and Brac are tempting as are longer excursions to sites like Krka National Park’s Waterfalls - where wide terraces of frothing water thunder into cooling swimmable splash pools below. Nearby Trogir is another UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a cosier no less charming old town and historic port.

Embedded into the slopes of the steep Lovćen mountain and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic the fortified town of Kotor boasts a spectacular imposing staging that few can match. Sq Squeezing in through the tight Bay of Kotor is a daunting and impressive approach in itself as you arrive via one of Europe’s most stunning waterways. A pearl of Montenegro and the Adriatic Kotor's warren-like streets drip with history and authenticity. Under Venetian influence for four centuries the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site old town invites you to wander amid atmospheric stone-clad streets overlooked by a sea of terracotta roofs and the double towers of the cathedral. Many favour Kotor for its compact layout smaller crowds and authenticity however - having been spared from shelling during Yugoslavia's breakup. The tightknit streets here are patrolled by a slinking population of feline residents who were adopted as the town’s mascots after being left behind by transient trader ships. Learn of the city's extensive heritage on the waves in the dedicated maritime museum that is contained within Grgurina Palace. Pick your way through tight alleys of workshops and studios walking below fresh laundry strung from windows before settling into shiny paved piazzas for an afternoon coffee or seafood meal. If you’re up for an aerobic challenge tackle the 1 350 steps up the steep walls to St John's fortress. The views over the gorgeous bay make the arduous slog worth it.

Explore further afield to immerse yourself in Puglia’s beauty and cultural wonders - or simply soak up the atmosphere roaming the crooked streets of Bari’s old town - Bari Vecchia - where matriarchs roll out sheets of pasta in open doorways footballs rattle along dusty streets and sun-wrinkled old men lay out hands of cards. The photogenic old town’s streets are crowned by the chalky white Cattedrale di San Sabino where vaulted archways pretty mosaics and a large rose window await. Wander along the ruler-straight Lungomare Promenade to breathe in fresh salty air and look up at the slowly twirling ferris wheel - take a ride for some of the best views out over Bari’s waterfront. Feeling hungry? Enjoy some local cucina povera - cooking of the poor – deeply traditional food that is simple and rich in elemental flavours. Warm focaccia bread pasted with fruity local olive oil and ear-shaped orecchiette pasta tangled with sun-gorged cherry tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese is all on the menu. Puglia’s whitewashed ancient villages stunning beaches and laid-back down-to-earth approach to life means you’ll most likely want to explore further than just Bari. Powdery white sand beaches await at Salento - punctuated by arching rock formations. The incredible cave dwellings of Matera – 2019’s European Capital of Culture - are also easily within your grasp as is Polignano a Mare’s spectacularly scenic narrow wedge of urban beach.

Croatia’s crowning glory rears up vertically from the tranquil waters of the Adriatic, and Dubrovnik’s daunting fortresses town is a truly imposing sight to behold. Encircled by chunky stone walls so thick and dramatic they could have been purpose-built as a film set, this city’s unmatched old town is the setting for countless films and shows - from Star Wars to Robin Hood, Game of Thrones and every production in-between seeking a truly authentic medieval flavour. This fantasy fortress’s walls - which are no less than 12-metres thick at places - are certainly not just for show, however. They kept Dubrovnik safe when it was a maritime republic and they were besieged as recently as 1991, when Serbian and Montenegrin forces attacked, as Yugoslavia broke apart. Fully restored now, the stone streets of the city take you through a beautiful mosaic of architectural splendour, baroque churches and splashing fountains. Tapering alleys rocket up from the central boulevard of Stradun, offering spectacular views down, but you’ll need to walk the city walls to appreciate the fortress city’s full scale. Banking up sharply to the rear, you can gaze across an ocean of terracotta roofs and church spires, clamouring together before the sparkling Adriatic. Visit the neighbouring fort of Lovrijenac, for another perspective, or swing up to Srd fortress’s glorious panorama on a cable car. Dubrovnik’s streets are crammed with eateries and candlelit tables, where couples splash wine into glasses and enjoy gnocchi mixed with creamy truffle sauces. Nearby beaches like Banje are also close by, and hidden bays reward the intrepid who venture out beyond the old town. Take sunset drinks to sit back and watch as flotillas of sea kayaks roll by, or sail on the pristine waters to explore island gems like Lokrum - where peacocks are the only permanent residents.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Zadar: a city like a history book In turn Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav and then Croatian, Zadar is an ancient settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Architectural evidence of its history is scattered throughout the streets and maze of alleyways of its historic centre. A must-see for those wishing to discover all the charms of one of the jewels of the Adriatic. At the heart of the city are the Roman remains of Zadar. This huge forum, built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century, is the heart of the city. Its ruins - carved stones and columns, including the Column of Shame and its chains - still whisper the memory of a time when Zadar was one of the great naval centres of the Adriatic. It was a time when the Romans gave the city its forum and temples, and equipped it with thermal baths and its first sewers, thanks to a feat of Roman engineering: the construction of an aqueduct over 40 kilometres long linking the city to the waters of Lake Vransko. A stone's throw from the ruins of the forum, the church of St Donatus has stood since the 9th century, with its unique and remarkable architectural design. The church, now a concert hall after having been a warehouse and then an archaeological museum, is a circular structure made up of three concentric rings of columns, with 12 columns for the outermost ones, 16 for those in the middle and 20 for the central circle. The result is a fascinating visual effect, particularly for a building over a thousand years old. St Donatus, which has not heard a mass for 200 years, is open to visitors and has preserved some of its relics as well as its pulpit and baptismal font. From its forecourt, you can hear the strange sounds of one of Zadar's other attractions: the Sea Organ, just a few hundred metres away. The only one of its kind in the world, this organ consists of a system of bellows inserted into steps that sink into the waters of the Adriatic. The result is a symphony of sounds created by the waves and air currents. Also worth seeing - Sainte-Anastasie Cathedral and its bell tower Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral was badly hit by bombing during the Second World War. Now fully restored, it boasts a wealth of architectural treasures, including its façade, 3 naves, sculptures and relics. You can climb to the top of its bell tower for a panoramic view of the town. - Church of Saint-Siméon A Baroque church dating back to the 5th century, its bell tower was added in the 17th century. The ochre-coloured monument contains a priceless piece: the sarcophagus covered with gold-plated silver reliefs housing the relics of Saint Simeon. - The Place des Cinq-Puits Built in 1574, the Place des Cinq-Puits takes its name... from the 5 wells located there. For many years, they were the water supply for the inhabitants of Zadar. Just behind it, Queen Jelena Madijevka's garden is the ideal place for a break, with its shady paths, café and peaceful atmosphere. - Port of Foša and Gateway to Terra Firma From the garden, you can see the authentic little port of Foša. Right next door, the Porte de la Terre Ferme (Farmland Gate) has stood since 1543. Long the town's main gateway, it was once equipped with a drawbridge. [Pictures in : Zadar>Tour>Zadar, Nin Slat Works & Royal Vineyards (ZAD-G) starting picture #5 and Zadar>Tour>Dalmatian Panoramas and Rural Estate (ZAD-H) starting picture #5]

Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time - from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Navigate Venice’s sparkling waterways by romantic gondola, or on cruises along wide canal boulevards. Span the Grand Canal over its iconic original crossing, the Rialto Bridge, which - with its parade of tiny shops - gives some of the city’s most endearing views. If the crowds unsettle you at any point, take two turns away from the main thoroughfares to find peace alone, amid the city's labyrinth of tiny streets. Hurry to Piazza San Marco to be immersed in Venice’s elegant glory. Basilica San Marco transports you back to the wealthy days of the Doges, who ruled for over 1,000 years. Initially their private chapel, it’s now decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Nearby the Campanile di San Marco bell tower offers views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of times gone by. Just a hop skip and a jump around the corner is the Doge’s Palace, where the levels of opulence ramp up even further. Justice was meted out in this stunning Palace, with the guilty walking to the cells across the covered Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto trips to local islands offer even more adventures to float your boat, whether it’s Murano with its world-famous glass, Torcello with its amazing Cathedrals, or Burano with its handmade lace and delightfully colourful painted houses.