Trieste to Athens

Trieste is the capital city of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. A port city, it occupies a thin strip of land between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia’s border on the limestone-dominated Karst Plateau. Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Slovenian influences are all evident in its layout, which encompasses a medieval old city and a neoclassical Austrian quarter.

The principal seaport and third largest city in Croatia, Rijeka charms with its Habsburg grandeur and multitude of cultural offerings. For marvelous views of the city and the surrounding river valley, visit the 13th-century Trsat Castle and explore its bastions and ramparts. Take a stroll along the Korzo, the city’s main promenade, which showcases the full splendor of its Austro-Hungarian architecture and rich history, including the distinctive City Tower. Pause at St. Vitus’ Cathedral, which was modeled after the famous Venetian church of Santa Maria della Salute and is the only Baroque rotunda of monumental proportions in Croatia.

Once the western capital of the Roman Empire, Ravenna boasts an incredible eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, most of them early Christian mosaics. The oldest, most breathtaking mosaics are in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The tomb of the revered Italian poet Dante within the Dante Museum is also well worth a visit.

Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector’s palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.

Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral, consecrated in 1166.

Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea, or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock.