7 nights. Croatia, Italy, Montenegro

Day 1

Trieste, italy

Departure: 22:00

Trieste is a city in North-East Italy. Once a very influential and powerful center of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion, its importance fell into decline towards the end of the 20th century, and today, Trieste is often forgotten as tourists head off to the big Italian cities like Rome and Milan. It is, however, a very charming underestimated city, with a quiet and lovely almost Eastern European atmosphere, several pubs and cafes, some stunning architecture and a beautiful sea view. It was also, for a while, the residence of famous Irish writer James Joyce. Trieste is the most international city in the region, suspended between a glorious past of "Little Vienna on the Sea" and the present cosmopolitan city. A journey of discovery of the city's history, literature and art, from the Roman era to medieval wonders, to the Habsburg splendour. The wealth of architectural styles in the palaces in Trieste is remarkable: Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Eclectic and Baroque, coexisting in a harmonious blend with Roman remains, eighteenth century buildings and Hapsburg style buildings. Coffee is one of the flagship products of Trieste. A Free Port for the importation of coffee since the eighteenth century, the port of Trieste is the most important in the Mediterranean for the trade of coffee: the beans that arrive here are not only intended for local coffee roasters but also for those all around the world. But coffee in Trieste is also in rhythm with literature: many and beautiful are the literary cafes, which are historical premises with retro charm, frequented by poets and writers such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo, and Umberto Saba.

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Day 2

rijeka, croatia

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 19:30

Rijeka, located on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea, is Croatia’s largest port. The city retains some traces of his past, and is a charming place to visit as it has a great architecture in the old parts of the city, as well as some very interesting places to go. Korzo, the old part of the city, is dominated by the City Tower. The tower was originally a gate from the sea into the old town. It has a crest of the double headed eagles holding an urn of flowing water, the symbol of Austria. The tower has several Baroque style features form various time. St. Vitus' Church is the big draw of the old town in Rijeka. It is a unique Baroque rotunda of monumental dimensions inspired by the Venetian church St. Maria della Salute. The most impressive part of the church is the large crucifix on the altar. Korzo is the very heart of the town and numerous cafés welcome you for a drink on shaded terraces. The views from the Trsat castle sitting on top of the highest hill is magnificent. It reflects the large city size, as well as the wonderful building structures. Trsat stairs lead to the famous centre of pilgrimage, the Franciscan monastery. Walking west you will reach Trsat Castle, which has a long heritage, and was the original settlement of Celtic tribes. Beneath the castle there is the old church of St. George, Sv. Juraj, which, for centuries, has been the parish church of Trsat. The town of Rijeka has been well known for its carnival festivities since the Middle Ages. The carnival festivities take place mainly on Korzo. The colourful parade of masks can be seen every year on the last Sunday of carnival festivities in Rijeka.

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Day 4

bari, italy

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 19:00

Despite the fact Bari is quite a large modern city it has managed to keep the unique atmosphere of small towns. In this city ancient buildings and strict gothic castles border with new trading centres and restaurants, making Bari even more attractive and elegant. Walk along the narrow streets of the city centre to reach the Cathedral of Bari. Built in the 12th century, its crypt is a triumph of Baroque art. In this labyrinthine streets, another fine example of Baroque architecture stands, the beautiful church San Nicola, built a thousand years ago. Castello Normanno Svevo, which was built in 1132, is one of the most notable sights of the city. The Museum of Archaeology is another place of interest in Bari as excavations in the old part of the city haven’t stopped even now, so the museum constantly gets new exhibits. If daytime is traditionally used for unhurried walks on shady valleys, night turns Bari into one noisy discotheque. Trendy bars, pubs, and clubs are ready to entertain their visitors till dawn.

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Day 5

kotor, montenegro

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 18:00

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. It is located on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. Together with the nearly overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor and its surrounding area form an impressive and picturesque Mediterranean landscape. Kotor is part of the World Heritage Site dubbed the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Old Town. The Old Town is the most famous part of Kotor, where the Kotor history, culture, and tradition are being preserved. They are complemented with the multitude of narrow streets, squares, and markets. The main and the biggest square is Trg od oruzja (Square of arms). The old town of Kotor today is considered to be the best preserved medieval urban entity in the Mediterranean. • Maritime Museum. The memories on those long gone sailing days and years, the successes of the famous Kotor seaman, artists, ship builders, crafts man, states man, and diplomats, intermediaries between west and east, are kept in the Maritime museum, which is housed in the baroque palace Grgurin. • The Island Gospa od Skrpjela. The Island Gospa od Skrpjela is one of two gorgeous islands in Kotor Bay, which are situated in the bay across from Perast. That island is also called ""the island of the dead captains"". The Island Gospa od Skrpjela is an artificial island, made by seaman from Perast and Kotor, who on their big sail boats brought in large boulders.

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Day 6

dubrovnik, croatia

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 22:00

An Ancient City with a Modern Side

Set on Croatia’s south coast, Dubrovnik blends rich history with a stylish, modern vibe. Inside its famous city walls, medieval houses, palaces, and churches sit alongside chic boutiques, trendy bars, modern hotels, and lively restaurants. And with the beaches and islands of the Adriatic Riviera just nearby, the sea is never far away.

Dubrovnik offers a great mix of beaches, many of them pebbly, like Banje Beach just below the old town walls. It’s perfect for swimming, enjoying seafront cafés, and trying out watersports. There are also plenty of nearby islands with quiet sandy coves for more peaceful beach days.

The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Renaissance and Baroque architecture tell the story of the city’s past. Highlights include St Saviour Church, the Franciscan Monastery with one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, and the impressive Rector’s Palace.

For an easy day trip, hop on a short boat ride to Lokrum Island, a green, pine-covered escape ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and scenic walks among botanical gardens and monastery ruins.

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Day 8

Trieste, italy

Arrival: 04:30

Trieste is a city in North-East Italy. Once a very influential and powerful center of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion, its importance fell into decline towards the end of the 20th century, and today, Trieste is often forgotten as tourists head off to the big Italian cities like Rome and Milan. It is, however, a very charming underestimated city, with a quiet and lovely almost Eastern European atmosphere, several pubs and cafes, some stunning architecture and a beautiful sea view. It was also, for a while, the residence of famous Irish writer James Joyce. Trieste is the most international city in the region, suspended between a glorious past of "Little Vienna on the Sea" and the present cosmopolitan city. A journey of discovery of the city's history, literature and art, from the Roman era to medieval wonders, to the Habsburg splendour. The wealth of architectural styles in the palaces in Trieste is remarkable: Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Eclectic and Baroque, coexisting in a harmonious blend with Roman remains, eighteenth century buildings and Hapsburg style buildings. Coffee is one of the flagship products of Trieste. A Free Port for the importation of coffee since the eighteenth century, the port of Trieste is the most important in the Mediterranean for the trade of coffee: the beans that arrive here are not only intended for local coffee roasters but also for those all around the world. But coffee in Trieste is also in rhythm with literature: many and beautiful are the literary cafes, which are historical premises with retro charm, frequented by poets and writers such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo, and Umberto Saba.

Read more

Read less

7 nights. Croatia, Italy, Montenegro

An Ancient City with a Modern Side

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