Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage city, rises from a lagoon on more than 100 small islands linked by canals. A gondola ride passes under the Rialto Bridge and along the Grand Canal. At Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace reflect Venetian power. Art highlights include the Gallerie dell'Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Nearby Murano is known for glassblowers, and Burano for colorful shops and lace makers.

Dubrovnik, dubbed by Lord Byron the pearl of the Adriatic and by George Bernard Shaw a place to seek paradise on earth, is a UNESCO World Heritage city of red-tiled roofs, green hills, and the blue Adriatic. Its thick medieval walls encircle Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains. It also featured prominently in Game of Thrones. Its ancient ramparts, surviving centuries of sieges, remain deeply inspiring.

Dubrovnik, dubbed by Lord Byron the pearl of the Adriatic and by George Bernard Shaw a place to seek paradise on earth, is a UNESCO World Heritage city of red-tiled roofs, green hills, and the blue Adriatic. Its thick medieval walls encircle Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains. It also featured prominently in Game of Thrones. Its ancient ramparts, surviving centuries of sieges, remain deeply inspiring.

Life in this vibrant city centers on UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace. Far from a quiet museum, it's a sprawling ancient complex of 220 buildings and the living heart of the city. Around 3,000 people live there, carrying on daily life amid this Roman treasure. Its narrow alleys are lined with great restaurants and bars-try local pašticada, then head to the Riva waterfront for excellent wine and people-watching.

Zadar, one of Croatia's oldest cities, charms with its cultural heritage, spectacular sunsets, and nightlife. Its walled Old Town sits on a tiny peninsula with a waterfront promenade. Inside Venetian fortifications are narrow streets and landmarks like a Roman Forum, a Byzantine church, and a 12th-century Romanesque cathedral. A bridge links it to the mainland, but you can still cross between the sea gate and marina by rowboat. End the day with a drink or dinner while watching its famous sunset.

Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage city, rises from a lagoon on more than 100 small islands linked by canals. A gondola ride passes under the Rialto Bridge and along the Grand Canal. At Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace reflect Venetian power. Art highlights include the Gallerie dell'Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Nearby Murano is known for glassblowers, and Burano for colorful shops and lace makers.