7-night Cities and Splendours of the Adriatic Cruise

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Rab Island is one of the most densely wooded islands in the Adriatic and is a botanical exhibition. The Komrcar Park, with its diversity of trees, is now the pride of Rab. Its more than 300 freshwater springs helped Rab be known as one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. This principal town is walled and has three parallel main streets built on a steep promontory along the west coast. At the south end is a 13th-century Romanesque cathedral - the first in a line of four bell towers on a ridge dominating the old town. The town with its typical, twisting and narrow Mediterranean streets preserves many monuments of art; medieval churches, the Loggia, Venetian patrician palaces with beautiful doorways.

Spelled either Brijuni or Brioni, these 14 beautiful cypress-covered Adriatic islands, 10 mi/16 km northwest of Pula, are a national park. Only two of the islands (Mali Brijun and Veliki Brijun) can be visited by tourists, and then only by organized tour or if you are staying at one of the resorts located there.

During the period of the former Yugoslavia, the Brijuni Islands were Prime Minister Joseph Broz Tito's main summer residence, and many world leaders visited the national park. Historic attractions include extensive Roman ruins. Mali Brijun is great for snorkeling and bicycle riding, and Veliki Brijun was once a favorite spot for Austro-Hungarian monarchs.

One day on the islands is sufficient if you're just curious, but we suggest three nights if you want to relax. To get there, contact the national park's office for more details about available sightseeing tours. Phone 052-525-807. https://croatia.hr/en-gb/islands/brijuni.

Pula is a port city located near the southern tip of the Istria Peninsula in Croatia. Surrounded by breathtaking beaches, this city harbors a marvelous 1st century Roman amphitheater - still used for summer festivals and cultural events holding nearly 23,000 spectators. Other ruins add to the charm and historical significance of the city like other Roman temples and arches, a Byzantine cathedral and Venetian fort.

Venetian styled buildings line the streets of this small and scenic town along the Istrian coastline in Slovenia. The violinist/composer Giuseppe Tartini was from here, and Piran's activity revolves around the square named after him. Multicolored, small boats often line the small harbor. Strunjan Nature Reserve sprawls between Piran and Izola.

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.