Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may know this city before even setting foot here. Fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s Square, the basilica, Doges Palace, the Grand Canal, and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, ramble through its squares, and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. Studying the Balbi arch, you can see the winged lion, a symbol of Venice. The bell tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. You can scan the entire historical district from the top of the tower. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, walk in the ochre and sepia-colored streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.

The old fortified city of Zadar stands on a peninsula in Northern Dalmatia. It has survived since Antiquity, as the ruins of a Roman forum illustrate. Besides these ruins, the architecture of the church of Saint Donat is Byzantine, while the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia is of Italian design. Diverse encounters with history will punctuate your walks in the old town. As you reach the shoreline, be brought back to the modern day because two contemporary architectural creations animate this front. Maybe you can hear the sound of the “Sea Organ” music played by the surf and the “ Sun Salutations ” solar light installation reflecting its luminous rays.

Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast. Its charm is distilled via its narrow streets, pretty stone houses, and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historical city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century. In Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge.” The high point of the village, the Church of St. George, watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babić varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting.

On the Dalmatian coast, Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Near the seafront, shaded by palm trees, the historical center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Here, you can explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, and a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If you get peckish, stop at a terrace in the Pjaca, the main square in the old town, where you can try a palacinka, a pancake topped with melted cheese.

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you with its traditions that have stayed the same since Antiquity. The country's oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the northwest coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites because they were built during the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.

This harbor town has an exceptional location, presiding on a spur on the northeastern coast of the island of Korcula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. You can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower to get there. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you walk through the little streets, you can see the bell tower of Saint Mark’s Cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, indeed imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, admire the impressive castle that dominates the town. Let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colorful costumes are often organized.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here and is now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site in this ancient city. You may be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.