Adriatic Gems

Like many Croatian towns, Rovinj’s charm lies in its maze of winding alleys and gleaming cobblestone streets. However, with its pastel-colored facades and a history rooted in Venetian rule, Rovinj feels like a romantic blend of Italy and Croatia.

Wander through its streets to see the iconic Balbi’s Arch, decorated with the winged lion of Venice, and marvel at the Church of St. Euphemia, crowned by Istria’s tallest bell tower at 61 meters. The Adriatic’s deep blue waters and Rovinj’s inviting beaches beckon for a swim.

As the sun sets, the sky ignites in vibrant hues, offering one of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world—a fitting close to a day spent in Rovinj’s enchanting embrace.

The Brioni Archipelago has long captivated visitors, from Roman emperors to the former Yugoslav leader Tito, who made it his private paradise. Today, this group of 14 islands in the Adriatic, crowned Croatia’s most beautiful archipelago, is a designated National Park.

While Vanga remains reserved for political leaders, Veli Brijun is open to visitors. Along its shores, ancient ruins tell the island’s history: a Roman villa, a Byzantine castrum, a 5th-century church, and a temple dedicated to Venus. These remnants, along with untouched landscapes, create an aura of timelessness.

Among olive groves, including a 1,600-year-old tree, the Brioni Islands invite you to experience a natural retreat, where history and beauty blend seamlessly.

Trieste is a city of contradictions and charm, where history and cultures collide. For over five centuries, it was a free port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before joining Italy in 1919, earning it the nickname "Little Vienna on the Sea." This rich heritage is visible everywhere, from the grand palaces lining Piazza Unità d'Italia, Europe’s largest sea-facing square, to the stately Miramare Castle overlooking the Adriatic.

Trieste’s deep-rooted coffee culture—once the coffee gateway of Europe—still thrives today, with the city even hosting its own coffee university. The famous La Lanterna beach remains Europe’s last single-gender bathing establishment, a relic of another era.

Whether you’re captivated by Trieste’s architectural grandeur, its blend of Venetian, Germanic, and Slavic influences, or its lively street cafés, this city promises an experience as vibrant and unique as its past.

Venice is a city that exists like no other—a floating wonder, crisscrossed by canals and steeped in history. You may think you know Venice—St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the gondolas gliding beneath the Bridge of Sighs—but the city has a way of surprising even seasoned visitors.

Stroll through the medieval streets, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, explore the vibrant Rialto market, or browse the unique shelves of the Acqua Alta bookstore. The Venice Film Festival, Carnival, and timeless beauty of La Fenice theater are just a few of the city’s many cultural gems.

At nightfall, with only the soft murmur of voices, footsteps, and water lapping against stone, Venice becomes a dreamscape—one that invites you to lose yourself and discover hidden wonders at every turn.

Extend your Venetian experience with a stay at Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, an elegant retreat set within a historic 15th-century palace.