9 Nights Mediterranean

One of the world's most romantic cities is a powerful, delicate synthesis of sumptuous palaces and romantic waterways. Amidst the 400 bridges and 114 canals is the Basilica Di San Marco, famous for its 43,055sq ft of stunning mosaics, and Piazza San Marco, dubbed by Napoleon as "the most beautiful drawing room in all of Europe.

From the brightly painted buildings and fishing boats that line the seafront, to the hilltop baroque church that stands watch over old town?it's no wonder Rovinj is one of the most-photographed coastal towns along Croatia's Istrian Peninsula.

Zadar is one of the Dalmatian Coast's best-kept secrets? and adventure in this tucked-away treasure teems with centuries of charm. As the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, its timeworn history is perpetually on display among old city walls and Venetian gates. And its zany way of life keeps this dynamic city thriving today, from the waterfront Riva promenade to the untouched surrounding islands. One minute you might mingle over coffee in People's Square, the next plunge into turquoise waters off Ugljan Island. You can enter church treasuries, bicycle around Old Town, or check out fascinating museum exhibits. Adventure in Zadar leads you away from the crowds to discover off-the-beaten-path wonders.

Hvar, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, is best known as a summer resort. Highlights of the port town Hvar include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and a main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral

Croatia's seaside city is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Attractions include a 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the Cathedral and the Gothic Rector's Palace. Within the ancient fortifications is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and a striking Renaissance boulevard called the Stradun.

Croatia's seaside city is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Attractions include a 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the Cathedral and the Gothic Rector's Palace. Within the ancient fortifications is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and a striking Renaissance boulevard called the Stradun.

Looking at a map of Europe, you might be forgiven for missing Kotor ? a tiny port in the already-tiny country of Montenegro. But from the moment your Kotor cruise docks, youll enter a larger-than-life world of mighty forts and towering sea cliffs, the air filled with the refreshing smell of the ocean. With a Montenegro cruise, you can explore the attractions inside Kotors fortified Old City, one of the Mediterraneans best-preserved medieval towns. Dont miss the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, an ornate church first consecrated in 1166. Then, scale St. Johns Fortress ? the hilltop fortifications, dating back to the 6th century, offer the best views of the city, the harbor and the surrounding mountains.

Piran is a resort city on Slovenia's Adriatic coast, known for its long pier and Venetian architecture. Tartini Square is flanked by the Gothic red Venetian House and the frescoed Tartini House. The latter is the birthplace of violinist Giuseppe Tartini. The 19th-century town hall has a stone lion, a symbol of the former Republic of Venice. St. George's Cathedral, nearby, has 17th-century paintings and marble altars.

One of the world's most romantic cities is a powerful, delicate synthesis of sumptuous palaces and romantic waterways. Amidst the 400 bridges and 114 canals is the Basilica Di San Marco, famous for its 43,055sq ft of stunning mosaics, and Piazza San Marco, dubbed by Napoleon as "the most beautiful drawing room in all of Europe.