Tema to Dakar

Civitavecchia

Rome is like a living museum, liberally
dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological
sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each
new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and
gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy
sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of
Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio
Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the
architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need
only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona
or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance
splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically
Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From
early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and
the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying
heights of the empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but
Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the
new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced
with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, it’s known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic center is a warren of narrow alleys that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloiste

Kotor

Tourists to Montenegro will most likely spend the bulk of their
time exploring the small Balkan country's natural landscape. From
snowy peaks to tall pine forests, from the coastlines to the
fjords, Montenegro is an outdoor lover's dream come true.

However, for those looking to get to grips with the culture of
Montenegro, the medieval city of Kotor is certainly the place to
visit, especially in recent years as Montenegro has swiftly
established itself as one of Europe's top tourist destinations.

It's not hard to see why this is. The surrounding Mediterranean
coastline, with its limestone cliffs and thick vegetation, is
punctuated by the port of Kotor, which in turn is surrounded by
city walls that were built by the Republic of Venice. These
ramparted and bastioned city walls, together with the
Venetian-inspired old city, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage
Site, and lauded for their role in the diffusion of Mediterranean
culture in the Balkan region.

A small city, with a population of just under 14,000 permanent
inhabitants, Kotor is a wonderful place to navigate on foot,
soaking up the scenery and admiring the medieval buildings. In
terms of tourist sights, the Maritime Museum is a must-visit
attraction, as is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166)
and the Church of Our Lady of Health, which is located on a small
promontory overlooking Kotor and provides unbeatable views of the
bright blue Adriatic Sea beneath.

Split

The pretty city of Split has a rich
history. Since ancient times, it has served in various guises as
the economic and administrative centre of the beautiful Croatian
Adriatic coastal region, today called Dalmatia.

The city is mainly sprawled on a peninsula
on the eastern part of the island of Ciovo, although it has spread
onto the mainland and encompasses the mouth of the River Cetina.
From the 5th to the 2nd century BC, Greek colonists settled the
mainland and adjacent islands.

Later came the Romans, in particular the
Emperor Diocletian. Being of Dalmatian origin, he elected to build
a huge palace at a spot then called Salona in the year 303 AD. A
town grew around the palace and by the Middle Ages, the city of
Split had begun to develop.

Diocletian's Palace still stands in the
very heart of the old quarter of Split, charming visitors with its
cobbled streets and classical architecture. The greater region is
characterised by lush vegetation and verdant greenery, particularly
Marjan Hill on the west of the peninsula with its ancient
indigenous forest.

The city makes an ideal base from which to
explore the wondrous islands, beautiful locations and historic
villages in central Dalmatia. Split is also world renowned among
seafarers for the quality of its some 44 marinas, drawing yachts
and catamarans from all over Europe and making it a great cruising
destination in the Adriatic.

Zadar

Zadar, located on Croatia's picturesque Dalmatian Coast, is a charming and historic city that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. With its rich history dating back to Roman times, Zadar has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia.

One of the highlights of Zadar is its well-preserved old town, which is bursting with ancient architecture and historical sites. The Roman Forum, built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The St. Donatus Church, a symbol of the city, is an impressive Byzantine-style building that dates back to the 9th century.

A unique attraction in Zadar is the Sea Organ. This innovative musical instrument is built right into the city's waterfront promenade and produces hauntingly beautiful sounds as the waves of the Adriatic Sea push air through its pipes. Nearby, the Sun Salutation is a large circle of solar panels that light up in various patterns at night, creating a mesmerizing light show.

For those seeking a bit of natural beauty, Zadar is surrounded by stunning landscapes. The nearby Kornati Islands National Park is a collection of 89 islands known for their untouched beauty, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Visitors can take boat trips to explore the islands, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or simply soak up the sun on one of the many secluded beaches.

Zadar is also the gateway to two other national parks—Plitvice Lakes and Krka. Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes, while Krka National Park boasts a series of waterfalls, historic monasteries, and beautiful hiking trails.

Food lovers will find Zadar's culinary scene to be equally enticing. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, and the local cuisine incorporates traditional Dalmatian flavors. Don't miss trying the traditional Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese, as well as tasty seafood dishes like black risotto and octopus salad. Pair your meal with a glass of locally produced Maraschino cherry liqueur, a specialty of Zadar.

Zadar is also a vibrant cultural center, hosting numerous music festivals throughout the year. The most well-known is the Zadar Summer Theater Festival, which brings theatrical performances, concerts, and film screenings to various venues across the city during the summer months. The Zadar Film Festival is another notable event, showcasing both national and international films.

In terms of accommodations, Zadar offers a range of options to suit every budget. From luxury hotels with waterfront views to cozy guesthouses in the old town, there is something for everyone. The city's central location also makes it a great base for exploring other parts of Croatia, such as the nearby city of Split or the stunning islands of Hvar and Brač.

With its historical sites, natural beauty, lively cultural scene, and delicious cuisine, Zadar has all the ingredients for a memorable vacation. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway by the sea, Zadar is a destination that should definitely be on your travel radar.

Koper

Today a port town surrounded by industrial suburbs, Koper nevertheless warrants a visit. The Republic of Venice made Koper the regional capital during the 15th and 16th centuries, and the magnificent architecture of the Old Town bears witness to the spirit of those times.The most important buildings are clustered around Titov trg, the central town square. Here stands the Cathedral, which can be visited daily from 7 to noon and 3 to 7, with its fine Venetian Gothic facade and bell tower dating back to 1664. Across the square the splendid Praetor's Palace, formerly the seat of the Venetian Grand Council, combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. From the west side of Titov trg, the narrow, cobbled Kidriceva ulica brings you down to the seafront.

Fusina

Venice is unique, its elegant buildings and
palaces peering over an ancient maze of narrow streets and
labyrinth of canals. Tourists here wake up to the morning calls of
gondoliers before venturing out to lose themselves among the twists
and turns of this famously romantic haven.

The city rests on one of 117 islands
distributed throughout the Venetian lagoon. The aptly named Grand
Canal splits the city, running from the Santa Lucia railway station
past the famous Rialto Bridge to Piazza San Marco, home to the
cathedral of Basilica di San Marco which is adorned with endless
mosaics that sparkle at sunset.

The historic centre is divided into six
quarters: San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio
and Castello. Countless waterways wind their way through the city.
While some choose to pick their way over the more than 400 bridges,
by far the most popular way to get around is to cruise the
waterways onboard vaporetto boats or iconic gondola.

Known for its inventive cuisine, lavish
spreads of cicheti (Venetian tapas) can be found in bars around the
city while canalside bistros offer spectacular fine dining
experiences. Venice's penchant for outlandish fashion gave the
world eyeglasses, dresses without corsets and platform shoes, and
the annual carnival is renowned for the elaborate masks on
display.

Venice extends beyond its six sestieri to
the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. These are known for
glass and lace-making respectively, and Torcello is noted for the
magnificent Byzantine Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta resting on
its soil. Trips by boat to the islands provide a pleasant escape
from the busier historic quarters.