Mediterranean Odyssey: Natural Wonders and Cultural Jewels of Dalmatia

Day 1 - Venice

Venice, Italy: Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading centre between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point, you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Day 2 - Rovinj

Rovinj, Croatia: One of the true jewels of the Mediterranean, Rovinj is a jaw-droppingly beautiful town, which juts out into the sparkling Mediterranean. Dominated by the pencil-like bell tower of the Venetian Saint Euphemia Cathedral, pine tree forests flow to the borders of the quaint Old Town, evoking the romantic, tangled backstreets of Venice. Rovinj, or Rovino in Italian, is a city of split personalities, with two official languages, having been owned by the Kingdom of Italy between 1919 and 1947.

Day 3 - Zadar

Zadar, Croatia: Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is often overlooked by travellers heading to Split or Dubrovnik. They miss out on a remarkably lovely and lively city, rich with tumultuous history. The Old Town, on a peninsula, is bustling and beautiful with marble pedestrian streets surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. Its complex past includes many rulers such as the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, contributing to its architectural diversity.

Day 4 - Split

Split, Croatia: Split's ancient core is spectacular and unusual, primarily centred within the walls of the Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, built in the 3rd century AD. Inside these stout walls, the vast imperial apartments have evolved into an urban centre, which developed beyond the ancient walls by the 11th century. Split boasts splendid Renaissance palaces, making it one of the Adriatic's main trading ports during Venetian rule from 1420 to 1797. The historic centre of Split is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5 - Hvar Island

Hvar Island, Croatia: The Croatian island of Hvar prides itself as the "sunniest island in the Adriatic," with an annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine. It provides a unique guarantee to visitors, offering a refund if there are seven consecutive days of snow. This sporting proposition is unlikely to be fulfilled, given the climate and allure of this stunning island.

Day 6 - Korčula

Korčula, Croatia: Off the Croatian coast in the southern Adriatic Sea lies Korčula, considered the most beautiful of Croatia's thousand islands. With an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, the island is rich with Mediterranean vegetation, leading travellers to compare it to a latter-day Eden. Known for the medieval ambiance and as the birthplace of Marco Polo, it offers numerous attractions including the City Museum and the Bishop's Treasury, providing a fascinating history that beguiles each visitor.

Day 7 - Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro: Nestled within Europe's most southerly fjord, Kotor exudes more charm than its popular counterpart, Dubrovnik. Its medieval Stari Grad, or Old Town, is surrounded by well-preserved defensive walls, offering a labyrinth of cobbled streets and splendid piazzas. The town's historic economic and cultural importance is reflected in its Venetian, Austrian, and French architectural influences, remaining an enchanting site with its untouched authenticity.

Day 8 - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia: One's first encounter with Dubrovnik is unforgettable. Known for its stunning coastal location, this fortified city boasts massive stone ramparts and fortress towers. Originating in the 7th century AD, the city evolved over centuries, flourishing as a powerful independent republic from 1358 to 1808. Despite the challenges of the 20th century, Dubrovnik has been meticulously restored, preserving its beauty and earning its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.