MEDD

Go behind Kotor’s Venetian-built defensive walls to stroll the pedestrian-only cobbled alleys, narrow streets and charming piazzas that make this city’s medieval Old Town such a delight to explore. Your guide will lead you into the heart of historic Kotor to visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a symbol of the city, consecrated in 1166 on the site of an even older church. It contains priceless art and artefacts, including paintings by local masters, golden altarpieces and elaborate frescoes.

Nestled along a fjord-like waterway embraced by forested mountains, discover one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval fortified towns of the eastern Mediterranean, and add some zip to the journey with a nip of traditional brandy. In the heart of magical Kotor, adorned in coral-tiled roofs, you will see the Cathedral of St. Tryphon dating to the 12th century, the relatively modern St. Nicholas Church, and the Maritime Museum housed inside the Baroque former palace of the Grgurina family.

Experience Montenegro’s rich cultural heritage around the Bay of Kotor on this diverse tour. It’s a short, scenic drive along the waterfront from Kotor to Perast, a tiny, historic town that flourished under Venetian rule. Take a walk along the narrow streets with your guide who will highlight local history and the many once-grand Baroque palazzi and churches that still stand here, and take you inside the never-completed Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Just off Perast’s shores is the unique church and religious monument, Our Lady of the Rocks.

The Venetians began working on Kotor’s fortifications in 1420, work that continued into the middle of the 18th century. The city walls, 5 kilometers long, completely encircled the Old Town, protecting it from attack and allowing it to endure sieges. Your guide will share Kotor’s complex history as you hike around the town up to St. John’s Fortress, the highest point. You’ll take a break to rest and admire the beautiful views of Kotor and Boka bays before continuing the hike back down

Set sail on a luxury cruiser to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Venetian Lagoon, created by the estuaries of three rivers and separated from the Adriatic by a row of sand bars. Cruising the tranquil waters, you will have tremendous views of Venice’s iconic landmarks, as well as other lesser known islands that play host to fishing villages, palaces, resorts and monasteries. Nearly half of the islands are completely uninhabited and offer simply beautiful natural vistas. Sit back with a glass of champagne and take in the views as you explore hidden corners of the lagoon.

On this delightful adventure, imagine yourself transported back hundreds of years as you glide through the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola. Having evolved over centuries, these sleek vessels effortlessly transport you through narrow waterways and maneuver under bridges, allowing for the most picturesque views of the floating city. As the sun descends and the sky transforms from bright blue to deep orange and red, watch the shadows grow longer and the city begin to glow.

The immense power and wealth of the Republic of Venice during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance is on dazzling display in the Doge’s Palace, one of Venice’s most iconic sites. And there is no better way to experience the opulence of the official residence of the once powerful rulers of Venice than on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour that takes place in the morning before the public is allowed to enter. You will have the palace to yourself as you explore lavish rooms, sumptuous decorations, breathtaking works of art and the renowned Golden Staircase.

Standing in the center of St. Mark’s Square, you will be surrounded on all sides by ornate palaces and other magnificent relics of the once powerful and wealthy Republic of Venice. On a tour of the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace, peruse a prodigious collection of breathtaking artworks by Venetian masters, climb the Golden Staircase, and marvel at the famous Bridge of Sighs that connects the palace to the former prison. Then explore St. Mark’s Basilica, the crown jewel of the Piazzo San Marco with its five domes and its foundations dating to the 9th century.

Gondolas are an iconic symbol of Venice, and the local gondoliers take great pride in their vessels and their craft as they navigate the waterways in a city of labyrinthine canals and historic bridges. This means of transportation dates to the 16th century and was designed specifically for the Venetian lagoon. Climb aboard your sleek gondola and let the expert gondolier take you on a marvelous journey through the ornate palaces, grand cathedrals and iconic squares that line the canals of Venice.

After strolling past the eateries, and shops of the Dorsoduro district, stop to take in the views of Squero di San Trovaso, the oldest and most picturesque of Venice’s three surviving boatyards. Not far from the historic boatyard, enter the famous Gallerie dell'Accademia for a guided tour of its celebrated collection. Behold the Legend of Saint Ursula, by Vittore Carpaccio, a cycle of nine magnificent paintings from the late 15th century.