Dalmatia's Historic Cities. Exploring Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, & Bosnia-Herzegovina. 9 Days.
Never mind that Americans know so little about this part of the world on the gorgeous (and slightly wild) Adriatic coast. Others have come before us to set the tone. Shakespeare. Agatha Christie. Wallis Simpson and her king (who escaped together to Dalmatia after he abdicated the throne). Eugene Ionesco, whose love for Croatia was boundless. And of course the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a native son who retired to these parts in a palace that would become a town.
Begin your luxury tour in Zagreb, Croatia, one of Europe’s oldest cities and youngest capitals. Poke around inside the romantic old walls, and day-trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, where Tivoli Castle seduces. The history here is deep and multicultural. See what Slovenians, Romans, the Habsburg clan, and the Italians left behind.
Jet to charming Split, where Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement home. The palace still stands, as do remnants of Barbarian and Venetian occupations. In fact, it’s the only Roman palace that’s been lived in continuously since ancient times.
Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, next, settled by Muslims in the 1400s. There’s a story of the old bridge, the sultan, and the architect we want you to hear during your excursion here. Tour Tabacica Mosque, built before 1600 and used for prayer by
the tanners, tabaci, whose workshops were close by.
Then Dubrovnik, on a rocky peninsula overlooking the sea. On a walk, tour the main promenade to the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. There are palaces, a cathedral, and museums to discover, a bustling outdoor market to experience.
The diminutive Republic of Montenegro was recently carved from a portion of what was once Yugoslavia. Herceg Nori, founded in 1382, gives us a taste of those who came before us—Turks, Venetians, Spaniards, Habsburgs, Russians... Kotor boasts some of the most exquisite medieval streets in all Europe. UNESCO agrees. Take in this World Heritage site on a walking tour.
Back to Dubrovnik and then home, much the wiser for your travels. Or add a day to take in the sites on the Croatian island of Hvar. Neolithic people came before us, as did
Illyrians and ancient Greeks. The Greeks founded the colony of Pharos
in 384 B.C. on Hvar at the site of today’s Stari Grad, making it one of
the oldest towns in Europe.
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