14-Day Western Mediterranean & Adriatic Medley

Chania, the jewel of western Crete, is a city where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create a captivating experience. Known for its Venetian harbor, Chania boasts a unique blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. The harbor's old lighthouse, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, stands as a timeless sentinel over the bustling waterfront, which is lined with colorful buildings, inviting cafes, and vibrant tavernas. A stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town reveals charming alleyways filled with traditional shops, historical buildings, and hidden courtyards—a living museum of Chania’s storied past.

The city's rich history is best explored through its various museums and landmarks. The Archaeological Museum of Chania, housed in a former Venetian church, showcases artifacts from Minoan to Roman times, providing a deep dive into the island's ancient civilization. Meanwhile, the Maritime Museum of Crete takes you through the island’s naval history, from the Minoan era to the Battle of Crete during World War II. The Agora, a bustling marketplace built in 1913, offers a sensory delight with its plethora of local produce, cheeses, olive oils, and handmade goods—a perfect spot to immerse yourself in Cretan culture.

Chania is also a gateway to some of Crete's most stunning natural landscapes. The Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through towering cliffs, lush forests, and a riverbed that winds for 16 kilometers. For a more relaxing day, head to the famous Balos Lagoon or Elafonissi Beach, where crystal-clear waters and pink-hued sands create a paradise for beach lovers. For wine enthusiasts, the nearby vineyards offer tours and tastings, showcasing Crete's ancient wine-making traditions.

A fun fact about Chania: It is believed that the city sits on the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia, one of the most important centers of Minoan civilization. This connection to the Minoan era adds an extra layer of intrigue to exploring the city's history-laden streets. Whether you’re captivated by history, drawn to its natural beauty, or eager to savor authentic Cretan cuisine, Chania promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Crete.

Bar, a coastal town in Montenegro, offers a blend of history and nature. Located along the Adriatic Sea, this port city is known for its scenic beaches and centuries-old landmarks. With a mix of modern development and historic sites, Bar provides visitors with opportunities to relax and explore.

One of the town’s most significant historical sites is Stari Bar, an ancient fortress settlement set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Rumija. The ruins of Stari Bar tell the story of various civilizations, from the Romans and Byzantines to the Ottomans and Venetians. Walking through its stone archways and narrow pathways, visitors can admire remnants of medieval churches, Turkish baths, and old aqueducts. Just outside the fortress, the Old Olive Tree, believed to be over 2,000 years old, stands as one of the oldest trees in Europe.

Bar’s coastline offers a mix of sandy and pebble beaches. The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic invite visitors to enjoy water sports, boat trips, or a leisurely seaside stroll along the town’s modern promenade. With its Mediterranean climate, Bar is also known for its olive groves and vineyards, producing some of Montenegro’s finest olives and wines.

Perched at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a captivating destination where British and Mediterranean influences seamlessly blend. Dominated by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, this British Overseas Territory is a haven for travelers seeking both adventure and history. The Rock itself is a limestone monolith that stands 426 meters high and offers breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. A ride on the cable car to the summit unveils these stunning vistas, alongside a chance to encounter Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkey population.

Gibraltar's rich history is etched into its landscape. The Great Siege Tunnels, carved into the Rock during the late 18th century, are a testament to the ingenuity of British soldiers defending the territory against French and Spanish forces. Today, these tunnels are part of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, which also houses St. Michael's Cave, a mesmerizing natural grotto used for concerts and events due to its remarkable acoustics. Wander down to the historic city center to explore Casemates Square, the heart of Gibraltar’s social life, where lively cafes and restaurants spill out onto cobbled streets and visitors can soak in the lively ambiance.

For those intrigued by Gibraltar's military and cultural significance, the Gibraltar National Museum offers a comprehensive look at the territory’s 2,000-year history, from the Phoenicians to World War II. Just a short stroll away is the Moorish Castle, built in the 8th century and symbolizing Gibraltar's strategic importance throughout the ages. The castle's Tower of Homage, with its commanding views, serves as a reminder of the diverse civilizations that have left their mark on Gibraltar's soil.

Fun fact: The Rock of Gibraltar is one of the two Pillars of Hercules, the ancient mythological gateways to the Mediterranean. According to Greek mythology, Hercules separated Europe from Africa, creating the Strait of Gibraltar. Today, the territory remains a unique blend of history, myth, and natural beauty, offering a distinctive travel experience that caters to both the adventurous spirit and the culturally curious traveler.

Marseilles is an enticing port city known for its delectable seafood, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and diverse melting pot of cultures. Less travelled by tourists than its other Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur counterparts, including Cannes and Nice, this seaside city is a vibrant, artistic, and historically significant stop worth exploring!

Believed to have been established in the seventh century by the Phoenicians or Greeks, Marseille is now the second largest French city after Paris and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Marseille is a city of and for immigrants, with a blend of cultures and religions from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more, reflected in the gastronomic and architectural diversity of Marseille itself. Visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, constructed in an Arabic architectural style, for an immersive experience with exhibits showcasing the artifacts of Marseille’s extensive history. The city’s most frequented attraction, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, is a stunning display of Roman and Byzantine design and provides spectacular views of the city below.

A trip to Marseille wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Le Vieux Port and Le Panier, popular neighborhoods for tourism and lined with markets boasting fresh and authentic cuisine. Bouillabaisse, a delicious stew filled with local and fresh-caught seafood, is well-known as a Marseillaise specialty, but don’t pass up the chance to eat other scrumptious eats, including squid, sardines, and mussels, piping-hot pizzas, and a sip of anise-flavored Pastis. There’s a reason why the city was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite gastronomic destinations!

Be sure to take advantage of Marseille’s natural beauty. The variety of sandy and rocky beaches are perfect spots to revel in striking ocean scenes. Just south of Marseille, the Parc national des Calanques offers great hiking, biking, and boating excursions for any nature-lover.

With so much to see and do, Marseille, France, will delight and astonish you.

Pisa, Italy, is more than just its world-famous Leaning Tower; it's a city where history, art, and culture intersect to create a fascinating experience for visitors. The Leaning Tower, part of the Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles, is an architectural wonder that draws millions each year. Built as a bell tower for the adjacent Pisa Cathedral, its unintended tilt has become a global icon. Climbing its 294 steps to the top rewards you with sweeping views of the city and the Tuscan landscape beyond. Nearby, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery—the largest in Italy—are masterpieces of medieval architecture that shouldn't be missed.

Pisa's charm extends beyond its famous piazza. Wander through the Borgo Stretto, a historic street lined with arcades, boutique shops, and cafes that offer a taste of local life. Here, you can explore the ancient streets where Galileo Galilei, Pisa’s most famous son, once walked. His birthplace, a modest house, is now a museum that pays homage to his revolutionary contributions to science. Pisa is also home to the University of Pisa, founded in 1343 and one of the oldest in the world, which infuses the city with a vibrant and youthful energy.

The city's Arno River offers a different perspective of Pisa's beauty. Stroll along the Lungarni, the riverbanks lined with Renaissance palaces, quaint cafes, and historical churches, including the Gothic marvel, Santa Maria della Spina. For art enthusiasts, the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo houses an impressive collection of medieval art, including works from Pisa's own school of painting, offering a deep dive into the region’s artistic heritage.

Fun fact: The Leaning Tower of Pisa began tilting during its construction in the 12th century due to unstable subsoil. Efforts to stabilize the tower over the centuries have been largely successful, and engineers now believe it will stand for at least another 200 years. Interestingly, the tower's lean has given it an unexpected advantage—it survived at least four major earthquakes in the region, as its tilt and the soft soil allow it to absorb seismic shocks better than a perfectly vertical structure would.