It is easy to understand why Italy is one of the world’s most celebrated tourist destinations. This is a country that truly does have it all: exquisite landscapes, an abundance of art and architectural treasures, world renowned museums and a national obsession with decadent food and fine wine. Not to mention the country’s sun-kissed olive groves, glacial lakes, fiery volcanoes and snow capped peaks. Dive the clear green waters of the Mediterranean, browse the market stalls in Naples or experience the diverse wildlife inhabiting the country’s national parks. And if you find the vast range of choices overwhelming, take some advice from the locals: sit back, relax and take a moment to indulge in the “bella vita” (the good life). As they say: when in Rome!
Venice is a small, unique city in Italy’s Veneto region, a historical centre consisting of 118 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, linked together by a complex web of canals and footbridges. The stately palaces and ancient churches exist as fascinating remnants of what was once an important trading centre between Europe and the Orient. From the famous Gothic Palazzo Ducale, and the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco to the incomprehensible radiance of Titian's Assunta altarpiece illuminating an entire cathedral, Venice has remained virtually unchanged in the past 600 years. Other must-see attractions include the Bridge of Sighs, the spectacular Peggy Guggenheim Collection (art gallery), fascinating Gallerie dell’Accademia (museum), and of course, gondola rides along the canals.
Appropriately dubbed 'Europe in Miniature', the tiny central European country of Slovenia offers dramatic snow-capped alps, exquisite Mediterranean coastline, striking emerald-green lakes and rivers, historic churches, and medieval castles that look like they're straight from a fairy tale. Travellers seeking some exhilarating outdoor adventure in this natural wonderland will be spoiled for choice, with plenty of skiing, cycling, hiking, canyoning, rafting, ballooning, caving and boating on offer. Suppose all this sounds like a bit too much activity for your liking. In that case, you can escape to the coast to sunbathe on the beaches overlooking the Adriatic or head to the capital of Ljubljana, where you can cafe hop along the river bank and explore countless museums.
Appropriately dubbed 'Europe in Miniature', the tiny central European country of Slovenia offers dramatic snow-capped alps, exquisite Mediterranean coastline, striking emerald-green lakes and rivers, historic churches, and medieval castles that look like they're straight from a fairy tale. Travellers seeking some exhilarating outdoor adventure in this natural wonderland will be spoiled for choice, with plenty of skiing, cycling, hiking, canyoning, rafting, ballooning, caving and boating on offer. Suppose all this sounds like a bit too much activity for your liking. In that case, you can escape to the coast to sunbathe on the beaches overlooking the Adriatic or head to the capital of Ljubljana, where you can cafe hop along the river bank and explore countless museums.
Resting in the foothills of the magnificent Julian Alps, the Slovenian resort town of Bled lies on the shores of the surreal emerald glacial Lake Bled. Perched high on a cliff overlooking the placid lake visitors can discover the 11th-century picture Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia home to a chapel, museum, and even a printing press. The undeniable highlight is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, crowned by a steep staircase and bell tower set atop a small islet. Explore the network of walking trails traversing this incredible landscape, discover the collection of hidden swimming spots, sample the delicious local Bled Cream Cake, ring the famous Wishing Bell, or enjoy active time biking, hiking, enjoying water sports, and canyoning among the breathtaking natural landscapes.
Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital and largest city, is set on the magnificent Ljubljanica River that gently meanders through the Old Town, providing a picturesque backdrop to the quaint cafes and tempting restaurants that line the banks. This tranquil setting belies a dynamic and fast-growing capital packed with compelling sights and a lively nightlife bolstered by its vibrant student population. Ljubljana is known for its many fascinating museums. These include the National Museum of Slovenia, displaying historical exhibitions, and the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures. While seminal Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik shaped the city’s overall appearance, Ljubljana has also been heavily influenced by the Hungarians, Austrians and Italians. These eclectic influences permeate many aspects of city life, including its food, drink and its myriad architectural styles.
Located on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, the medieval city of Piran is set on a tiny sliver of land that extends into the sea. This seaside resort city boasts stunning Venetian architecture, red-tiled roofs, winding lanes, and an old-world atmosphere. The surrounding landscape features snow-capped mountains, undulating hills and turquoise waters. Take a scenic stroll along the pier, enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures and sample Slovenia’s mouthwatering cuisine. Other highlights include the St. George’s Cathedral, the frescoed Tartini House, the Gothic red Venetian House, Tartini Square and the ancient city walls of Piran.
Gorgeous sunny beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, breathtaking scenery and some serious old-world charm are just some of the highlights that await you in this historically rich Eastern European nation. With kilometres of seafront and more than a thousand islands blanketed in lush vegetation, Croatia's coastline is often referred to as Eastern Europe's Riviera. Even during the busy season, there are still enough off-the-beaten-track islands, secluded coves, and stone fishing villages to make nature lovers feel uninhibited. Those seeking modern luxury will be equally well catered for by the wide range of upmarket venues, yacht-filled harbours, glitzy cocktail bars, and world-class restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine. With its gorgeous historic walled cities full of fairytale castles and its rural areas blessed with impressive national parks, it is no surprise that Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s premier seaside destinations.
Gorgeous sunny beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, breathtaking scenery and some serious old-world charm are just some of the highlights that await you in this historically rich Eastern European nation. With kilometres of seafront and more than a thousand islands blanketed in lush vegetation, Croatia's coastline is often referred to as Eastern Europe's Riviera. Even during the busy season, there are still enough off-the-beaten-track islands, secluded coves, and stone fishing villages to make nature lovers feel uninhibited. Those seeking modern luxury will be equally well catered for by the wide range of upmarket venues, yacht-filled harbours, glitzy cocktail bars, and world-class restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine. With its gorgeous historic walled cities full of fairytale castles and its rural areas blessed with impressive national parks, it is no surprise that Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s premier seaside destinations.
Split, the second largest town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is famed for its exquisite beaches and the fortress-like complex at its centre - Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site is encircled by white stone walls and contains some lovely courtyards lined with an array of galleries, shops, bars, cafes, cathedrals, and several historical houses. Add to this an impressive backdrop of dramatic coastal mountains and the glistening waters of the Adriatic, and it is not difficult to see why the locals frequently claim that theirs is, "The most beautiful city in the world".
Dubrovnik is a well-preserved historical city in southern Croatia, known for its distinctive 16th century Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls. After a disastrous earthquake in 1667, the medieval town was rebuilt by Baroque planners and the city’s historic core seems to have been suspended in time ever since. Set-piece churches and public buildings blend seamlessly with green-shuttered stone houses, forming a perfect ensemble relatively untouched by the twenty-first century. Its impressive buildings range from the Baroque St. Blaise Church to the Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace, which is now a history museum. Add to this a few exquisitely manicured gardens and some panoramic views of the Adriatic, and it is not difficult to see why Dubrovnik has long been Croatia’s most popular tourist destination.
