7 nights. Italy, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia

Day 1

Trieste, italy

Departure: 17:00

Trieste is a city located in the northeastern part of Italy. It was once a significant and influential hub of politics, literature, music, art, and culture under the rule of the Austrian-Hungarian empire. However, its prominence declined towards the end of the 20th century, and today, Trieste is often overlooked as tourists flock to larger Italian cities like Rome and Milan. Despite this, Trieste remains a charming and underrated city, boasting a serene and lovely atmosphere reminiscent of Eastern Europe, numerous pubs and cafes, stunning architecture, and a beautiful view of the sea. For a time, it was even home to renowned Irish writer James Joyce. Trieste is the most cosmopolitan city in the region, balancing a rich history as the "Little Vienna on the Sea" with its modern, international identity. A trip to Trieste is a journey through the city's history, literature, and art, from its Roman roots to its medieval marvels, and up to its Habsburg grandeur. The city's architectural wealth is impressive, with Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Eclectic, and Baroque styles coexisting harmoniously alongside Roman ruins, 18th-century buildings, and Hapsburg-style structures. Coffee is a staple product of Trieste. Since the 18th century, it has been a Free Port for coffee importation, making the port of Trieste the most significant in the Mediterranean for coffee trade. The beans that arrive here are destined not only for local coffee roasters but also for those worldwide. Moreover, coffee in Trieste is intertwined with literature. The city is home to numerous literary cafes—historic establishments with a retro charm—frequented by poets and writers such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo, and Umberto Saba.

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Day 2

bari, italy

Arrival: 14:00 - Departure: 20:00

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 3

kotor, montenegro

Arrival: 07:30 - Departure: 17:30

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 4

corfu, greece

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 18:00

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 5

katakolon, greece

Arrival: 07:30 - Departure: 13:30

Olympia is a city in the Peloponnese region of Greece. This was the location of the original Olympic Games. These games, which took place every four years in honor of the Greek god Zeus, continued throughout the entire Classical Age. The main sanctuary, or Altis, contained temples, altars, shrines, and public buildings for both religious and secular uses. The flame for each modern Olympic Games is still ignited in this city, using a reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror, and then transported by torch to the location where the games are to be held.

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Day 6

dubrovnik, croatia

Arrival: 12:00 - Departure: 20:00

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 7

split croatia

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in the Dalmatia region, with approximately 250,000 residents in its urban area. It is located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and extends over a central peninsula and its surroundings. As an intraregional transport hub and a popular tourist destination, the city is connected to the Adriatic islands and the Apennine peninsula.

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Day 8

Trieste, italy

Arrival: 09:00

Trieste is a city located in the northeastern part of Italy. It was once a significant and influential hub of politics, literature, music, art, and culture under the rule of the Austrian-Hungarian empire. However, its prominence declined towards the end of the 20th century, and today, Trieste is often overlooked as tourists flock to larger Italian cities like Rome and Milan. Despite this, Trieste remains a charming and underrated city, boasting a serene and lovely atmosphere reminiscent of Eastern Europe, numerous pubs and cafes, stunning architecture, and a beautiful view of the sea. For a time, it was even home to renowned Irish writer James Joyce. Trieste is the most cosmopolitan city in the region, balancing a rich history as the "Little Vienna on the Sea" with its modern, international identity. A trip to Trieste is a journey through the city's history, literature, and art, from its Roman roots to its medieval marvels, and up to its Habsburg grandeur. The city's architectural wealth is impressive, with Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Eclectic, and Baroque styles coexisting harmoniously alongside Roman ruins, 18th-century buildings, and Hapsburg-style structures. Coffee is a staple product of Trieste. Since the 18th century, it has been a Free Port for coffee importation, making the port of Trieste the most significant in the Mediterranean for coffee trade. The beans that arrive here are destined not only for local coffee roasters but also for those worldwide. Moreover, coffee in Trieste is intertwined with literature. The city is home to numerous literary cafes—historic establishments with a retro charm—frequented by poets and writers such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo, and Umberto Saba.

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7 nights. Italy, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia

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