Croatia & Montenegro

Sitting on a rocky promontory thrust into the inconceivably blue ocean, the pale shimmer of limestone and warm glow of terracotta roofs in Dubrovnik’s old town are unforgettable. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, this magnificent complex never ceases to amaze visitors with its ancient fortifications and treasure of architectural and cultural masterpieces. Wander the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, backed dramatically by the Dinaric Alps inland, and marvel at this most beautiful of Mediterranean cities.

The lovely Croatian town of Cavtat sits peacefully across the brilliant blue water from Dubrovnik. Fishing boats and shining yachts bob in Cavtat’s tree-lined harbour, where cafés and restaurants are reflected in the still waters. The ancient town emerges from wooded hills, and is home to fascinating architecture from throughout the ages.

Old town Budva in Montenegro has it all: not only heaving with historic monuments, hushed monasteries, cobbled streets and lovely cafés, it is also surrounded by beautiful bays. The long stretches of golden beach are lapped by the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, and are lively with bars and restaurants.

Montenegro may be tiny, but it is packed with treasures to explore. The stunning Bay of Kotor has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its rich maritime traditions. The surrounding mountains loom over the sparkling bay dramatically, and are dotted with pretty medieval towns such as Perast. With its inordinate amount of churches and crumbling palazzos, Perast’s architecture reveals its Venetian past and hints at its days of grandeur. Sitting pretty in the waters around Perast is Our Lady of the Rocks, a sailors’ shrine where a chapel of the Virgin Mary sits atop a rocky islet. Scenic coastal roads snake around the bay, and lead inland through the Lovcen National Park to Cetinje – the old royal capital of Montenegro. Cetinje has an impressive number of museums, and the Cetinje Monastery houses precious relics.