Exploring the Balkans & Adriatic with Venice

Founded in the 8th century BC, Sicily’s second largest city, Catania, is located on the shores of the Ionian Sea, in the shadows of Mount Etna. The volcano has had much to do with the history of Catania, as its eruptions destroyed much of the original architecture. They were replaced with Baroque monuments made from the volcano’s lava - most notable of which is the Cathedral, one of the highlights of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, and completely unique to Catania.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatric’, Dubrovnik is nestled between the mountains and sea on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The deeply historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and still has magnificent medieval walls surrounding it, protecting monuments from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The pedestrianised Old Town is full of narrow cobbled streets leading to the 14th century Dominican Monastery, which houses rare books and manuscripts.

Situated on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is famous for its beaches and magnificent Riva Waterfront. However, just a 10 minute walk away is the pedestrianised old town, protected by the walls of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. The cobbled streets are full of alleys and courtyards, where perfectly preserved examples of Roman architecture can be found, including St. Dominus Cathedral, the Vestibule and Narodni Trg – The People’s Square.

The oldest continually habited city in Croatia, Zadar is located on the northern Dalmatian coast, and is full of narrow marbled streets within the old town. This beautiful part of Croatia is close to five national parks and has at least 300 hidden islands where there is an abundance of marine life, such as dolphins and octopus, which roam around the underwater caves and shipwrecks hidden below the surface.

Located in Western Croatia on the Kvarner River, Rijeka offers authentic culture and history within its compact city centre, such as the Gradski Tower, with its four clock faces, and the impressive Ivan Zajc National Theatre. Just outside the city, perched high on a hilltop is Trsat Castle, once home to Croatia’s first king. Rijeka also has greatly preserved tunnels which were built during the Second World War for the military and shelter, connecting the two ends of the city.

Capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, UNESCO listed Venice is spread over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. The whole city is an architectural work of art, where even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists. The ‘City of Canals’ is connected by beautiful bridges, the oldest of which is the famous Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal, and gondolas are used to navigate these waterways.

Known as the ‘town of a hundred suns’ and the oldest town in Slovenia, Koper has unforgettable sea views, extensive vineyards and olive groves. After the Second World War, Koper became part of Yugoslavia, but then regained independence in 1991, and officially became part of Slovenia. The spectacular Lake Bled, nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is close by and is considered one of the most picturesque spots in the country.

Located on the Adriatic Coast, the town of Neum is mainly positioned on a steep hillside, close to the Pelješac Peninsula. It’s ideally placed for discovering the rich history of the country’s capital city, Sarajevo or Mostar – home to the famous bridge, Stari Most. The UNESCO World Heritage Site bridge is used for the annual oldest diving competition in the world, where brave young men jump from its apex into the River Neretva, signalling their transition into manhood.

Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor has towering peaks and a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns, and is stunning to see at sunrise or sunset. The Orjen Mountains to the west and the Lovćen mountains to the east, surround this bay of water; where there are many architectural and natural sites, including the Saint George Benedictine Monastery on the waters edge and the twin islands of St George and Our Lady of the Rocks, both of which are religious pilgrimage sites.

Located on the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the town of the same name is one of the best-preserved Medieval towns in the Adriatic. Kotor has ancient architecture that’s displayed in Venetian palaces and Romanesque churches, earning itself a listing as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. The winding cobbled streets are also home to numerous museums, including the Maritime Museum which explores the town’s maritime history.

Located on a small peninsular of the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Durres is one of Albania’s most popular holiday destinations. Aside from the beautiful beaches, this 3,000 year old city, known as the Eternal City, is rich in history. A large Roman amphitheatre, dating back to the 2nd century AD is of archaeological importance; but an noteworthy find is the Monument of Resistance, dedicated to the struggle against Fascist invasion during World War II.

Located between the eastern tip of Sicily and the western tip of Calabria, the Strait of Messina separates mainland Italy with the island of Sicily with its narrowest point measuring just 1.9 miles. The strait is home to strong tidal currents and a unique marine ecosystem, with a natural whirlpool at the northernmost point of the strait, said to be linked to the Greek legends of Scylla and Charybdis.

Situated just north of Sicily, Stromboli Island is one of the smallest Aeolian Islands, but arguably the most famous thanks to its intense volcanic activity.

One of the Europe's most active volcanos after Mount Etna, Stromboli has been erupting for over 2000 years and almost non-stop since 1932. The island's eruptions are so distinctive that geologists use 'Strombolian' to describe similar eruptions around the world.

Cruising by Stromboli is always a memorable experience and from the comfort and safety of your ship you'll take in unforgettable views of stunning landscapes moulded by unstoppable molten rock and lava flows. Look out for black sand beaches and tiny inhabited settlements dotted along the lower slopes of the cone-shaped island. You may even be lucky enough to witness volcanic activity as you sail by too.

The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is dominated by The Rock, a 426m-high limestone ridge, home to the mischievous Barbary apes, which are hugely entertaining but must be remembered that they are still wild animals. Elsewhere, the town is resolutely British, with red pillar boxes, helmeted police officers, traditional pubs and even Marks & Spencer. The waters surrounding Gibraltar are also a haven for various cetaceans, including three species of dolphin.

The 9th-century port town of La Coruña, on the Iberian Peninsula, is a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with the shimmering glass of modern buildings prompting the nickname of ‘The Crystal City’, juxtaposed against the deeply historical medieval district. The centrepiece of this region is the Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where is it said the Relics of James the Apostle are buried – an incentive for the pilgrims who make the journey along the Camino de Santiago each year.

One of the oldest active Roman lighthouses in the world, and arguably one of the most architecturally impressive too, the Tower of Hercules – located between the Orzán cove and the Gulf of Ártabro – is a sight to behold as you sail into, and depart from, the historic Spanish city of La Coruña.

While the light cast by the tower is visible from 32 miles out to sea, from on board your smaller ship you’ll enjoy a much closer view of this Roman gem, which originally dates from 2^nd century CE and was restored to the glory it is today by order of King Charles IV of Spain in 1788.