Best of Dubrovnik with City Walls - Private Tour

About the destination: 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.

About the destination: Split is the second biggest city in Croatia and the largest in the Dalmatia region, with approximately 250,000 residents in its urban area. It's located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea and spans across a central peninsula and its surrounding areas. As a key transportation hub within the region and a popular spot for tourists, the city is connected to the Adriatic islands and the Apennine peninsula.

About the destination: Rovinj is a charming and scenic small town located on the western coast of the Istria peninsula. Its mild weather, sunny days, warm sea, appealing landscapes, historical landmarks, and old town make it a favorite destination all year round. The islands of the Rovinj archipelago offer a delightful afternoon getaway; the most visited islands are Sveta Katarina and Crveni Otok (Red Island), also known as Sveti Andrija. The Old Town is enchanting with its lovely cobblestone paths and Mediterranean-style old houses lining the streets. Grisia is the heart of the town, the main street of the old core, filled with a wide variety of art galleries and a must-see for any visitor to Rovinj. This winding, irregularly shaped street leads up to the cathedral. The street is paved with the same white Istrian stone used to construct many prestigious palaces and churches in Venice. The cathedral of St Euphemia towers over the Rovinj skyline. The church dates back to early Christian times. It was reconstructed in 1736 with its facade added in the mid-20th century in Venetian-baroque style. At the top of the 60 m. high bell tower, there is a copper statue of St. Euphemia, the town's patron saint, that rotates with the wind. The Local Museum, Zavicajni muzej, features an archaeological and ethnographic collection, a gallery of paintings by old and contemporary masters, a library, and an archive. The museum is located in a 17th-century Baroque palace that once belonged to the Califfi counts. In addition to being a museum, the palace also serves as a significant exhibition space. Red roofs, yellow walls, the blue sea, and a constant stream of boats create a picture-perfect scene. To put it simply, Rovinj is incredibly beautiful, likely one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

About the destination: 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.

About the destination: Perhaps no city is as extraordinary as Venice, a metropolis constructed on stilts, a maze suspended over a lagoon. Venice has been referred to as Europe's living room, and indeed for centuries, the city was a haven for ideas and idealists, a junction of the Byzantine and Roman worlds. Today, Venice is a different kind of living room. Affluent visitors scramble into gondolas to marvel at the Byzantine palaces while being serenaded by accordionists and art enthusiasts strain to catch a glimpse of Renaissance masterpieces. No monument is as unforgettable as the city itself, so use the major attractions only as a pretext for exploration. Venice revolves around Piazza San Marco. The best feature of the mosaic-covered Basilica di San Marco is the Pala D’Oro, a dazzling gold Byzantine bas-relief. The Torre dell’Orologio, to the left of San Marco, is a beautifully adorned clock tower. For culture enthusiasts, check out the Accademia for the finest Venetian paintings. Some say that the tourist Venice is indeed Venice, but there are other versions of Venice as well. To discover them, stray from the major attractions and into the quieter outlying residential neighborhoods, you won’t be disappointed, this labyrinth of stone and color radiates charm from every brick.