The Adriatic coast is a subtle blend of cultural influences. Towering white limestone cliffs give way to the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, dotted with thousands of tiny emerald isles, each more precious than the last. From Slovenia in the north, along the shores of Croatia and Italy, down to the tiny jewels of Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania, until it touches the tips of Greece in the south, where it flows into the Mediterranean. A Pandora’s Box of Venetian steeples, Roman ruins, Greek fortifications, balmy beaches, blue grottos, seafood that melts in your mouth, and fruity and flavorful wines.
From the Julien Alps to the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia, the lush natural beauty of the lakes at Plitvice and the Kornati archipelago in Croatia, and the pristine blue lagoons of Albania, every hairpin bend along these coasts opens up a vista that makes you gasp in wonder!
Friendly fishing communities lie in the shadow of ancient ramparts, where you can dine on the catch of the day cooked in olive oil from the backyard grove, with a smudge of home-grown garlic, along with a glass of wine from the neighbor’s vineyard, and perhaps a scoop of truffle ice cream for dessert! Take a stroll among fields of purple lavender as their gentle fragrance mingles with the salt in the air. Explore the sleepy settlements along the islands in the Adriatic Sea, in the Istrian Peninsula, and down the Dalmatian coast.
Our Simply Exeter programs feature the top highlights of each major city, and are ideal for the more independent traveler who still wants Exeter's 24-hour on-the- ground support.
On a cruise? We can help with private shore excursions in Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Hvar, Split, Kotor and Durres.
Alternatively, our Croatia Self-Drive itinerary is ideal for those that prefer more independence.
We can also customize a program based on our Croatia Ultimate programs for the Dalmatian Coast and Istria.
The Adriatic has always been the apple in many an emperor’s eye – most notably the Roman monarch, Diocletian, whose enormous palace still dominates the Croatian city of Split. While the region became a Roman territory around the 2nd Century BC, the Etruscans, Illyrians and Greeks had lived here long before that. There were strong Byzantine influences, which pervaded the area, some of which can still be seen in cities like Porec and Pula. In later years, the Venetians ruled over these parts until the Hapsburgs and Ottomans took over, and made their mark. In the post World War I era, the entire region came under Yugoslavia, and historic remnants of Marshal Tito’s reign still remain as a testament to that period in history. After the civil war that shook the entire region and broke up the former Yugoslavian territory, these nation states have remained resilient to resurrect their economy and society and flourish as independent countries.
Many great leaders, from Diocletian to Tito, aspired to grandeur and prominence from these shores, and rose to lead some of the world’s greatest empires. Many artists have fallen prey to its beauty – and we don’t blame them. The Adriatic Coast has been home to some of the finest artists, musicians, writers and sculptors in Europe. Fellini’s poignant films, to Pascoli’s dreamy poetry, and Rossini’s beautiful music have made the Adriatic coast iconic. Even today, their music and art continues to thrive at various cultural festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
Like the fine wines that grow in the vineyards along its shores, the Adriatic only gets better and better as you move from one place to the next. Savor its indescribable beauty, exquisite cuisine, and genuine friendliness of its inhabitants, as you bask in the rays of its sunshine. Uncover its different textures and nuances. We promise you the after taste will be so divine that it will leave you yearning for more.
Allow Exeter International to open the doors of luxury travel, tours and vacations to the Adriatic, contact one of our travel experts.
