THERE are few seas as beautifully blue as the Adriatic. You can see all shades from deep royal blue to the shimmering turquoise of the shallow shores. Once you dive into that gorgeous blue, you’ll discover the Adriatic is perfectly clear and you can see smooth pebbles or soft sand lining the sea bed. It’s a true masterpiece of Mother Nature!

From little islets to larger islands like Cres and Krk that are home to farming and fishing communities, you’ll find over a thousand islands to explore in the Adriatic. We especially love the heart-shaped Croatian Island of Galešnjak known as the Island of Love, or the volcanic islands of Jabuka and Brusnik. There’s also the Island of Brač, home to the tallest peak in the Adriatic Sea and the famous Zlatni Rat beach, which changes shape depending on the wind and currents.

Cities such as Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, and Dubrovnik dot the Croatian coast, with Hvar being one of many islands; while Kotor, Budva, Perast, Ulcinj, Herceg Novi, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, and Bijela dot the coast of Montenegro.

Some say Italy has it all, which could be true. It has beautiful scenery ranging from its scenic coastal areas to its colorful mountain ranges. It has a vast wealth of culture, architecture, and ancient sites. It has modern cities that embody contemporary Italy, and don’t forget Italy’s gifts to the world’s taste buds, its wonderful cuisine and wines. 

Starting with the eternal city of Rome, one can find ruined wonders of the Roman Empire and some of the world’s best-known archaeological sites. However, Rome also provides all the amenities of an International, world-class city. Florence, sometimes known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, is Tuscany’s top attraction but the nearby hill towns of Siena, Pisa, and Lucca all have much to offer the visitor. Next door is Umbria, dotted with many picturesque towns such as Perugia, Orvieto, Gubbio, and Assisi. Everyone knows the canals of romantic Venice, and a visit here will never disappoint. For “Foodies”, there are the gastronomic delights of Bologna. 

In the northern part of Italy are several delightful cities such as Parma and Verona. They offer not only true Italian character but also history and culture. The South Tyrol and the cosmopolitan city of Trieste offer a uniquely Central European flair. Turin is a world-class city and the industrial capital of Italy. The country’s largest port is Genoa on the Mediterranean Sea. Milan is the main business centre but also offers other attractions such as its Cathedral and excellent shopping. Also setting Italy apart are its beautiful and scenic lakes, all located in the north of the country. Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Lugano (shared with Switzerland) and Lake Maggiore (also shared with Switzerland) are the principal ones. Naples is a cosmopolitan city with grit and character to spare, not to mention being the birthplace of pizza. Close by are the dramatic ruins of Pompeii, the volcanic Mount Vesuvius, the romantic Amalfi Coast and the stunning islands of Capri and Ischia.