Adriatic
Wine Routes

The iconic image of Venice shows a city with no roads, only canals, because it’s built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon amid the Adriatic Sea. In the heart of the city close to Piazza San Marco you will find the Bridge of Sighs, an architectural jewel amid so many historical wonders. Venetian cuisine is renowned throughout Italy for its high-quality seafood. Positioned within a lagoon, local chefs and restaurants have the advantage of fresh-caught fish directly from the source and bringing it straight to their tables.

The iconic image of Venice shows a city with no roads, only canals, because it’s built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon amid the Adriatic Sea. In the heart of the city close to Piazza San Marco you will find the Bridge of Sighs, an architectural jewel amid so many historical wonders. Venetian cuisine is renowned throughout Italy for its high-quality seafood. Positioned within a lagoon, local chefs and restaurants have the advantage of fresh-caught fish directly from the source and bringing it straight to their tables.

Sitting amid the Istrian Peninsula’s vineyards, olive groves and semi-saline wetlands is the charming town of Koper. Within its picturesque old town, cobblestone streets and Venetian, Baroque and Gothic architecture bring the past to life. Adding to the enchantment is the breathtaking Bled Castle, rising prominently out of a small island amid a cloudy blue alpine lake, an image straight out of a fairy tale. The vibrant energy of the local atmosphere entices your explorer group to look more closely as you wander the alleys filled with restaurants, bars and artisan shops. Between adventures, sit down together to share a frtalja omelet, a mouthwatering combination of asparagus, prosciutto, truffles, whipped eggs and sausage prepared with locally produced olive oil. Venture outside of city limits with your new friends to find Lipica, where the famed white Lipizzaner horses of Vienna Spanish Riding School renown are bred. Or discover the aromas of the Istrian forest on a truffle-hunting adventure..

The medieval city of Rijeka holds a treasure trove of history, from the stately Trsat Castle to its signature symbol, the 18th-century City Tower and clock. Once standing as the palace of the Austro-Hungarian governor, the Maritime and History Museum exudes grandiosity with ornate staircases and shimmering chandeliers. Gather with your newfound friends and get to know the locals at the Korzo, the main promenade filled with cafés and boutiques. Stop at the City Market for local produce, cheese, honey and snacks to nibble on as you enjoy your adventures. Pasta lovers can come together over a shared dish of šurlice, a rustic cuisine traditionally made by wrapping dough around knitting needles, giving it its nickname needle macaroni. Outside the city, Rijeka’s long stretches of beach and secluded coves beckon sunbathers, snorkelers and swimmers to revel under the Adriatic sun.

You’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special from the moment you stroll along the Sibenik promenade. Surrounded by epic views of the islands just off the coast, it may just take the throne as the best city in Dalmatia. For an even more impactful view, pedal the path that runs along St. Anthony’s Channel. At the end of the trail, reward yourself with a selfie at the UNESCO masterpiece of the Fortress of St. Nicholas. Fans of the television series Game of Thrones will recognize this as the city of Braavos. If you prefer real-life fantasy, journey to Krka National Park, where a wonderland of thundering waterfalls awaits you.

Medieval ramparts, narrow alleys and cobblestone streets bring the past to life in the town of Otranto, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Its cathedral though, is the shining star among a treasure trove of architecture with a dazzling mosaic tile floor depicting the Tree of Life. As you and your fellow explorers wander the Old Town’s cozy streets, you will discover an array of modern restaurants, wine bars and shops housed in antiquated stone buildings. Stop in at one of these eateries to share a meal of Puglia’s famed orecchiette, a favorite pasta of the region usually served with delicious ricotta. Raise a glass of the region’s wine, such as Primitivo or Bombino Nero, and toast to new companions and new adventures. Join the locals of Otranto for a passeggiata along the seaside promenade overlooking the sparkling ocean.

Along the Adriatic coast of Montenegro lies the fortified town of Kotor, known for its medieval old town with winding streets and historic squares, as well as its many Romanesque churches and Maritime Museum. For unbelievable views of the Bay of Kotor, hike to the top of San Giovanni Fortress. Stroll through the many vendors, taking in the sounds, scents and colors as they call out their daily specials, produce and homemade goods. Swim the stunning azure waters of the bay with a boat tour to the Blue Cave.

Standing on a settlement dating back to the fourth century BCE and close to the archaeological site of Nikopolis, founded in 31 BCE, the Greek town of Igoumenitsa holds a rich history. Delve into that history at the Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa with a permanent exhibition displaying relics ranging from the Middle Paleolithic to Ottoman rule. Drepano and Makrigialos beaches are the more popular spots for a day in the sun, complete with sunbeds and concessions nearby, but for a more secluded adventure, find your way to Korfu Beach, a pebbled shore isolated from modern conveniences. Stop at a local, family-owned taverna for fresh seafood or the catch of the day. Nearby, you can visit the famous Meteora and its monastery atop a cliff.

Its natural wonders, from geological arches lining the coast to enticing caves among cerulean waters, create an unparalleled scene that must be appreciated in person. The island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is an unspoiled paradise along the Ionian Sea. It’s easy to spend a relaxing day getting some sun as you lay on silky white sands along the shore of water that goes from blue to bluer. For the traveling beach bum that likes to go shore hopping, Zakynthos is the perfect destination. Along Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Beach, if you are looking for stories of adventure, you will not be disappointed. Following the paths along the cliffs above the beach will take your breath away as you look upon the unbelievable horizon. The square in Zakynthos town comes alive at all hours, abuzz with activity throughout the day and into the night. Shops, cafes, and restaurants abound, making it the perfect place to grab a helping of spanakopita, spinach pie, while perusing the local wares and trinkets to take home. There is nothing like sitting at a café with a cup of brew in hand while a soothing sea breeze blows by. Zante’s nightlife rivals that of more famous Greek islands Mykonos and Ios. Many establishments that operate as restaurants during the day convert into clubs with drinks and dancing at night. But you can always choose a quieter evening. A midnight stroll under the lights along the port’s walkway, inhaling sea salt, and listening for the lull of water lapping against the ships makes the perfect end to the day.

Spend the day at sea pampering yourself at SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE or enjoying time on deck while your Captain expertly navigates the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Calabria region. Mingle with your fellow explorers at one of the lounges, swapping stories of your adventures and making plans for new ones together once you reach shore.

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

Civitavecchia acts as the main terminal for all cruises heading into Rome or the less-crowded, nearby Tarquinia. From there a shuttle bus takes you to the Service Center of Largo della Pace where you can embark on adventures through the Eternal City. Rome maintains its position in the world as a powerful influence in religion, politics, and art, as it is well known as the site for intellectual and artistic achievements past. From the iconic Roman Coliseum aboveground to the mysterious catacombs of the Capuchin Crypt below ground, the capital of Italy beckons the adventurous to discover its many secrets and stories. The city holds a certain cosmopolitan feel as well with countless rooftop bars that are a prime location for an evening sunset. For explorations further off the beaten path, Tarquinia offers historic treasures such as the Monterozzi Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an authentic, Italian small-town feel.