Adriatic Discovery with Croatia

Nestled between Europe and Africa, iconic Gibraltar makes for a fascinating visit with its traditionally British red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, and even Marks & Spencer, but with a delightful blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. After wandering through the town and indulging in duty-free shopping at Main Street, you are perfectly placed to explore the Rock and enjoy unrivalled views across to Africa, Spain, and over the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as meet the famously mischievous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkey population. There will be opportunities to sample local dishes like calentita (chickpea flour bread) and rosto (a delicious meat and tomato pasta). You may also wish to discover the network of tunnels within the Rock, which played a strategic role in World War II.

In the pleasant October sunshine, a visit to Cartagena beckons, with its variety of historical sites awaiting exploration. The undoubted highlight is the Roman amphitheatre, rediscovered in 1988 and located within the city and close to the harbour, holding thousands of years of history to delve into. After a stroll through the city to admire its Art Nouveau buildings, you could be enjoying a refreshing glass of Licor 43 or an Asiatico at a local bar or café, sitting in the autumn sun, before ascending to the top of Concepcion Castle via its panoramic lift for outstanding views across the harbour.

Gateway to Sicily, the historic city of Messina gazes across the strait that shares its name, towards the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot. As you stroll through Messina, you’re greeted by a city that has weathered time with resilience. Its cathedral, the Duomo di Messina, stands proudly in the heart of the city, home to one of the world's largest astronomical clocks, which chimes every day at noon. As you continue your stroll, the seafront promenade is dotted with statues and fountains, telling stories of the city’s Greek, Roman and Norman heritage, including the Madonnina del Porto statue guarding the harbour. You’ll have opportunities to sample delicious local dishes like arancini (rice balls stuffed with meats or cheese), a rich parmigiana, sweet cannolo filled with ricotta, followed by a chilled granita. Situated nearby is iconic Mount Etna, Europe’s largest still active volcano, well worth an exploration on a shore tour from your ship.

Nestled along the southeastern shores of Sicily, the coastal gem of Siracusa is a historic city steeped in culture and Mediterranean charm. You will have opportunities to stroll through the charming streets of Ortigia, the city’s ancient heart, where elegant piazzas and winding alleyways showcase stunning Baroque architecture. Siracusa is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkelling; before you indulge in dishes of fresh seafood, homemade pasta and irresistible treats like cannoli and granita, accompanied by a glass of local Nero d’Avola wine, as you sit in the warmth of the Sicilian sun.

Located on the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the town of the same name is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic. Framed by steep mountain peaks and rocky shorelines, you will be able to see the spectacular Orjen Mountains to the west and Lovćen Mountains to the east. You can easily explore the Old Town on foot at this time of year and admire its beautifully crisscrossed streets and squares lined with centuries-old buildings, like the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. During your explorations, there will be opportunities to discover Lovcen National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna that thrive in the Mediterranean climate, or visit Lustica Bay Village, where you can wander through an olive tree plantation, learn about the production of olive oil, and enjoy a taste alongside other local delicacies like goat’s cheese and prosciutto.

As you arrive in Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the medieval walls of this deeply historic city are bathed in the autumn sun, protecting Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance monuments and an array of impressive architecture, including the 14 th -century Dominican House, home to rare books and manuscripts. Best explored on foot, the old town has a number of tiny, cobbled streets, hidden squares, and staircases begging for exploration, while the cable car to Srdj Hill offers beautiful views of the city and surrounding area. Meanwhile, the nearby island of Lokrum offers opportunities to explore the monastery and botanical garden, or venture further afield to Konavle Valley to discover how Croatians live here, enjoy local brandy and figs, or experience typical Dalmatian music and songs.

The striking city of Split is well-known for its beaches and waterfront area, but just a short walk away is the old town, protected by the UNESCO-listed walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Best explored on foot, wander through the cobbled streets, alleyways, and courtyards as you admire the perfectly preserved Roman architecture of St. Dominus Cathedral and Narodni Trg, the People’s Square. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Dalmatian life and culinary traditions, sampling local fish and shellfish, accompanied by locally produced wine, or experience village life in the Croatian mountains by listening to a local musician playing the fiddle, showcasing traditional songs from the region. You’ll also be ideally placed to witness the impressive Krka waterfalls, including Skradinski Buk, the last of seven magnificent waterfalls cascading into the river below.

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.

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. Zadar is your gateway to Krka National Park, a region full of waterfalls and an abundance of plants and wildlife. Declared a national park in 1985, its purpose is to offer recreational, scientific and educational activities to those who visit.

Gateway to Puglia’s spectacular coastline, Bari offers the perfect blend of Italian history, culture and natural beauty. As you step ashore, explore the historic Old Town with its maze of alleyways and narrow streets, where the aroma of fresh pasta and local seafood fills the air. Enjoy the region's famous orecchiette pasta with turnip tops or savour focaccia barese, garnished with fresh tomatoes and olives, before strolling along Bari’s promenade, offering magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea. Meanwhile, the deeply significant destination of pilgrimage for Catholics and Orthodox Christians, Basilica di San Nicola, invites exploration.

Nestled on Albania’s beautiful Riviera, Sarandë, once a quiet fishing village, has grown into a thriving coastal town steeped in history. Known for its Mediterranean climate, and nicknamed the pearl of Albania, one of its main attractions is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, with its important archaeological ruins situated in a national park, along with the Blue Eye Spring – a deep, natural pool set in woods close by. Cuisine here is heavily influenced by Italian, Greek and Balkan traditions, so be sure to sample dishes such as Qofta – rissoles of minced lamb, or Byrek, a delicious triangular pastry filled with cheese or meat.

Located at the top of the Gulf of Angels, Cagliari is considered to be the most Italian city of the autonomous region of Sardinia. The local language is Sardu, and so Cagliari is known as Casteddu, meaning castle. The ancient city is dominated by palazzi and domed structures, leading to the iconic hilltop citadel Il Castello, where the old medieval city is a maze of intriguingly narrow high-walled alleyways.

Ceuta is an autonomous Spanish town on the North African coastline of Morocco. Located on a peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean, Cueta offers a blend of fine architecture, intriguing museums, excellent cuisine and stunning natural landscapes. The city’s museums include the Museo de la Basilica Tardorromana and the Military Museum of the Legion, established in 1940 to celebrate the Spanish Legion. The Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo is a leisure complex consisting of three artificial lakes of salt water, filtered directly from the sea.