7 nights. Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy

Day 1

venice, italy

Departure: 20:00

Perhaps no city is as extraordinary as Venice, a metropolis constructed on stilts, a maze suspended over a lagoon. Venice has been referred to as Europe's living room, and indeed for centuries, the city was a haven for ideas and idealists, a junction of the Byzantine and Roman worlds. Today, Venice is a different kind of living room. Affluent visitors scramble into gondolas to marvel at the Byzantine palaces while being serenaded by accordionists and art enthusiasts strain to catch a glimpse of Renaissance masterpieces. No monument is as unforgettable as the city itself, so use the major attractions only as a pretext for exploration. Venice revolves around Piazza San Marco. The best feature of the mosaic-covered Basilica di San Marco is the Pala D’Oro, a dazzling gold Byzantine bas-relief. The Torre dell’Orologio, to the left of San Marco, is a beautifully adorned clock tower. For culture enthusiasts, check out the Accademia for the finest Venetian paintings. Some say that the tourist Venice is indeed Venice, but there are other versions of Venice as well. To discover them, stray from the major attractions and into the quieter outlying residential neighborhoods, you won’t be disappointed, this labyrinth of stone and color radiates charm from every brick.

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Day 3

dubrovnik, croatia

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 19:00

George Bernard Shaw referred to Dubrovnik as "the pearl of the Adriatic, a paradise on earth", and indeed, it might be one of the most stunning cities you'll ever witness. Predominantly constructed and long occupied by the Venetians, Dubrovnik exudes a regal charm and remarkable architectural harmony that attracts thousands of tourists every summer. Established in the 7th century, Dubrovnik was nestled amidst a vast oak forest, from which it derived its name. Take a stroll along the ancient city walls for panoramic views of the old town and the nearby coast. Just before leaving the old town through the western gate, make a right turn to visit the Franciscan Monastery and tranquil cloisters. Right at the entrance is Europe's oldest pharmacy, established in 1371. In the northern corner of the old city lies the Dominican Cloister and Museum, housing a polyptych by Titian. The majestic Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is situated in the heart of Poljana Marin Držić and its treasury is open for visits; look out for the artwork by Raphael. Dubrovnik boasts warm, crystal-clear waters; don't just admire it from afar, take a plunge. The adventurous can dive and sunbathe along the rocks or swim around the city walls while others marvel from above. Dubrovnik's formidable battlements shine in the early morning light, but by early afternoon, the sea's pristine blue waters lure you away from the city and its tourist noise. If you can handle the crowd, you might also discover a slice of paradise.

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Day 4

kotor, montenegro

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

Kotor is a coastal city in Montenegro, nestled in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. It sits on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), one of the most indented areas of the Adriatic Sea. Along with the nearly vertical limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor and its surrounding region create a stunning and picturesque Mediterranean landscape. Kotor is included in the World Heritage Site known as the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Old Town. The Old Town is the most renowned part of Kotor, where the city's history, culture, and traditions are preserved. This is complemented by a multitude of narrow streets, squares, and markets. The main and largest square is Trg od oruzja (Square of Arms). Today, Kotor's old town is considered the best preserved medieval urban area in the Mediterranean. • Maritime Museum. The Maritime Museum holds the memories of the city's long history of sailing, the achievements of Kotor's famous seamen, artists, shipbuilders, craftsmen, statesmen, and diplomats, who served as intermediaries between the west and east. The museum is located in the baroque palace Grgurin. • The Island Gospa od Skrpjela. The Island Gospa od Skrpjela is one of two beautiful islands in Kotor Bay, located across from Perast in the bay. It is also known as "the island of the dead captains". The Island Gospa od Skrpjela is a man-made island, created by seamen from Perast and Kotor, who brought in large boulders on their large sailboats.

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Day 5

corfu, greece

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 19:00

With its Venetian fortress, British palaces, and a French esplanade modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, Corfu might not immediately strike you as Greek. As the most populated and cosmopolitan of the Ionian Islands, it is teeming with foreign visitors and architecture. According to legend, Corfu was the island where the shipwrecked Odysseus met the beautiful Princess Nausicaa. Some locals even claim it was the magical island imagined by Shakespeare in The Tempest. Corfu Town, a quaint and enjoyable city, is the largest and most significant town on the island. This is where you'll find the airport and where most cruise ships and long-distance ferries dock. The Old Fortress, built by the Venetians in 1546 on the site of a Byzantine castle, is undoubtedly one of Corfu’s landmarks. Separated from the rest of the town by a moat, the fortress dominates the Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets. As you wander, you'll discover chapels, old mansions, and hidden garden squares around every corner. Between the Old Fortress and the Old Town lies The Esplanade, considered the most beautiful esplanade in Greece, with its arches and cafes. The Achillion Palace, located in the picturesque village of Gastouri, 10 km south of the city center, was the summer residence of Empress Sissi from 1890 until her death in 1898. This stunning building and its scenic gardens offer a panoramic view of the sea and Corfu town. On the northwestern tip of the island, you'll find the bustling resort of Sidari, which is actually two small coastal villages connected by a long, sweeping sandy beach. The Kanoni peninsula, home to a 17th-century women's monastery, is one of Corfu's best-known landmarks and is featured on numerous postcards from the island. From the islet of Kanoni, you can take a boat to another islet, Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Corfu's architecture is incredibly diverse, reflecting the various civilizations that once occupied the island. While mass tourism has marred parts of the island, much of it remains covered in olive groves, mountains, and woodland. Corfu Town is a charming and elegant town, nestled between two fortresses. Considered one of Greece's most beautiful cities, it's easy to see why as you stroll down the narrow streets and through the alleys, traverse spacious squares, visit Byzantine churches, and admire Venetian monuments. And of course, Corfu also boasts its natural beauty; the green-turquoise water that surrounds the town.

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Day 6

zakynthos, greece

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 16:00

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, located off the western coast of Greece. While Ios and Kos are known for their party scenes, and Rhodes and Crete are popular with families, Zakynthos offers a bit of both. Most of the beaches, towns, and other attractions are found along the southern and eastern coasts, as the western and northern coasts are largely mountainous, with cliffs that drop hundreds of feet directly into the sea. Zakynthos isn't particularly child-friendly. Most of the resorts on the island are relatively low-key, and tourist booths offer excursions to nearby islands or the Greek mainland. The island is a place where mountainside villages and hidden coves are waiting to be discovered by the discerning traveler. It's definitely worth renting a car. Here are some activities to enjoy: Island Circuit. Due to the island's small size, it's entirely possible to drive around the entire island in a rental car, stopping at interesting places along the way. Drive north along the coast road and visit Tsilivi. Continue past Alykes and Alykanes. The scenery becomes more impressive as you ascend towards the mountains. From there, you can traverse the north coast, passing Navagio (also known as shipwreck) and the viewing platform, and Volimes in the mountains where local arts and crafts can be purchased. On the west coast, the bay of Limnionas is incredibly beautiful and peaceful. Further south, you'll find Kampi with its breathtaking clifftop views, and finally, Keri lighthouse, which offers stunning views, especially at sunset. Scuba Diving. Although, like the rest of Greece, the area is devoid of fish due to overfishing, the southern part of the island has a few decent diving sites such as "The Arch" and Keri Caves. Numerous dive operators are based in Laganas, Keri, and other locations. Turtle Spotting. The endangered loggerhead turtle uses the beaches for nesting, and a marine reserve has been established in the south around Laganas Bay to protect them (although it seems to be largely ignored outside of tourist season). Many companies in Laganas, Kalamaki, and even Vassilikos offer short or full-day trips, including swim stops to look for these turtles.

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Day 7

bari, italy

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 13:00

Despite being a large, modern city, Bari has managed to maintain the unique ambiance of a small town. This city blends ancient structures and stern gothic castles with new shopping centers and restaurants, enhancing Bari's attractiveness and elegance. Take a stroll through the city center's narrow streets to reach the Bari Cathedral. Constructed in the 12th century, its crypt is a masterpiece of Baroque art. In these winding streets, another excellent example of Baroque architecture stands - the beautiful San Nicola church, built a thousand years ago. The Castello Normanno Svevo, constructed in 1132, is one of the city's most notable landmarks. The Archaeology Museum is another point of interest in Bari, as excavations in the old city continue to this day, providing the museum with a steady stream of new exhibits. While the daytime is typically reserved for leisurely walks in shaded valleys, Bari transforms into a bustling discotheque at night. Trendy bars, pubs, and clubs are ready to entertain guests until the break of dawn.

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Day 8

venice, italy

Arrival: 10:00

Perhaps no city is as extraordinary as Venice, a metropolis constructed on stilts, a maze suspended over a lagoon. Venice has been referred to as Europe's living room, and indeed for centuries, the city was a haven for ideas and idealists, a junction of the Byzantine and Roman worlds. Today, Venice is a different kind of living room. Affluent visitors scramble into gondolas to marvel at the Byzantine palaces while being serenaded by accordionists and art enthusiasts strain to catch a glimpse of Renaissance masterpieces. No monument is as unforgettable as the city itself, so use the major attractions only as a pretext for exploration. Venice revolves around Piazza San Marco. The best feature of the mosaic-covered Basilica di San Marco is the Pala D’Oro, a dazzling gold Byzantine bas-relief. The Torre dell’Orologio, to the left of San Marco, is a beautifully adorned clock tower. For culture enthusiasts, check out the Accademia for the finest Venetian paintings. Some say that the tourist Venice is indeed Venice, but there are other versions of Venice as well. To discover them, stray from the major attractions and into the quieter outlying residential neighborhoods, you won’t be disappointed, this labyrinth of stone and color radiates charm from every brick.

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7 nights. Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy

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