10 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

Zadar is one of the Dalmatian Coast's best-kept secrets? and adventure in this tucked-away treasure teems with centuries of charm. As the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, its timeworn history is perpetually on display among old city walls and Venetian gates. And its zany way of life keeps this dynamic city thriving today, from the waterfront Riva promenade to the untouched surrounding islands. One minute you might mingle over coffee in People's Square, the next plunge into turquoise waters off Ugljan Island. You can enter church treasuries, bicycle around Old Town, or check out fascinating museum exhibits. Adventure in Zadar leads you away from the crowds to discover off-the-beaten-path wonders.

Croatia's seaside city is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Attractions include a 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the Cathedral and the Gothic Rector's Palace. Within the ancient fortifications is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and a striking Renaissance boulevard called the Stradun.

Looking at a map of Europe, you might be forgiven for missing Kotor ? a tiny port in the already-tiny country of Montenegro. But from the moment your Kotor cruise docks, youll enter a larger-than-life world of mighty forts and towering sea cliffs, the air filled with the refreshing smell of the ocean. With a Montenegro cruise, you can explore the attractions inside Kotors fortified Old City, one of the Mediterraneans best-preserved medieval towns. Dont miss the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, an ornate church first consecrated in 1166. Then, scale St. Johns Fortress ? the hilltop fortifications, dating back to the 6th century, offer the best views of the city, the harbor and the surrounding mountains.

This Sicilian port city is noted for the Duomo, an elegant reconstruction of the medieval cathedral built by Roger II, and the detached campanile, which contains the largest astronomical clock in the world. Ruins salvaged from past natural disasters are housed in the Museo Regionale.

Salerno is a port city southeast of Naples, in Italy. Atop Monte Bonadies, the centuries-old Arechi Castle has sea views, plus Museo Medievale del Castello, exhibiting medieval ceramics and coins. In town, built on the ruins of a Roman temple, is Salerno Cathedral. It has Byzantine bronze doors, a baroque crypt and a marble altar. The terraced Minerva's Garden has been growing medicinal plants since the 14th century.

This beautiful coastal town is idyllically situated on a harbour, and is thus one of the world's favoured yachting locales. A little parish church of San Giorgio, built on the site of a sanctuary that Roman soldiers dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the port and the bay.

The northern Italian port city of La Spezia, on the border of Liguria and Tuscany, offers an ideal gateway to two of the countrys most famous cities: Pisa and Florence. Just one hour by car or train will bring you to Pisa, where you can check out the white-stone arches of the citys famous leaning tower and its sister-structure, the Pisa Cathedral

The "Eternal City", with its 2,700 years of ancient history, is simply incomparable. Its formidable legacy is rooted in a plethora of masterpieces, including The Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, The Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza Novana.