Croatia

Welcome to Croatia! A land whose rich cultural heritage is not discovered only from within the walls of numerous museums, galleries and churches, many of which today, as zero category monuments, are included in a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, but much more in that magical place on the Mediterranean, where even the shortest stroll becomes a journey down a staircase thousands of years old which takes one through a history that is at the same time turbulent, exciting and glorious. Whether walking the intricate grid of narrow white stone streets and alleys, or reveling in the teeming life of the port towns of Istria, Kvarner or Dalmatia, or climbing the green serpentines of Central Croatia to the fairy-like fortresses and castles, each step is an ever fresh experience, made special by the fact that on her territory as many as four cultural circles meet, intertwine and complement one another - west, east, Central European and the southern spirit of the Mediterranean. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean.

If you are interested in the days of antiquity, you should start from the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, through Zadar and its forum - the largest excavated forum on the eastern shores of the Adriatic - and then to the magnificent palace of Emperor Diocletian in Split. Walk through time, from the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Domnius in Zadar dating from the IX century, to the world of the Romanesque that is the magical monument city of Trogir, or the islands of Krk and Rab. Follow the Gothic period in Zagreb, Pazin, or, for instance, the town of Ston on the Pelješac peninsula. Discover the Renaissance in Osor on the island of Cres, Šibenik cathedral, the islands of Hvar and Korčula, and finally, the one and only Dubrovnik. The towns of Varaždin, Bjelovar and Vukovar glow with the splendor of the Baroque, while the heritage of the XIX century is at its best in Rijeka, Osijek and, of course, in downtown Zagreb.

Italy

Italy, a land of art and history

Italy is a synonym for culture, art, and history. Artistic wonders can be found everywhere, and every corner of the country holds countless and wonderful surprises. Our artistic and cultural heritage is one of the most valuable in the world. Italy has more cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country. Rome, Florence, Assisi, Venice, Siena, Pisa, and Naples are its most renowned cities of art, but the whole country can boast towns of breathtaking beauty, as these numbers demonstrate: 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles, 30,000 historical residences with 4,000 gardens, 36,000 archives and libraries, 20,000 historical cities and towns, 5,600 museums and archaeological sites, and 1,500 convents.

Tourists can explore and discover the private residences of ancient and noble families; visit world famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Capitoline Museums in Rome, or the Brera Art Gallery in Milan; explore impressive archaeological sites, such as Pompei and Herculaneum, to immerse themselves in an exciting, grandiose past. That is by no means all - there are numerous cultural, artistic, and musical events that animate Italian life.

Italy offers a rich combination of masterpieces from different areas, blending landscape and culture, history and art, architecture and city planning - it offers an exciting journey through time, from the Ancient Greeks and Romans to the present day, which is also filled by a wealth of art and culture.

Slovenia

Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country. Less

In Slovenia you can still walk through virgin forest, or watch the grapes ripen on the oldest vine in the world. You can hear tales of bears, and eat forest fruits that you have foraged yourself on a brief walk out of town. Here you can uncover the secrets of the land, and what lies beneath it. Here you are part of nature.

Slovenia has numerous sites of special natural interest, with features of all four main areas: the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain. It also has a wealth of diverse architecture and urban design. You can truly feel at home in Slovenia’s towns.

Slovenia is a land of greenery, which offers great opportunities for activity holidays. Its high-quality accommodation guarantees a comfortable stay. It is perfect for a summer holiday, a winter break or a weekend away. Slovenia is famed for its excellent food, accompanied by one of its fine wines. The friendly, hospitable and attentive locals will guarantee you a pleasant stay. You can feel Slovenia.

Montenegro

“Black” mountains, blue sea, green alpine meadows, awe-inspiring canyons, idyllic lakes, a universe in a nutshell – far apart from the beaten tourist tracks. A re-discovered paradise opens up to its guests.

Holiday at the seaside with lovely beaches, hidden coves, fascinating small historical coastal towns with modern flair: yes, naturally! You may choose from cozy quarters in a hospitable private home to international 5-star hotels with the complete wellness program. The gastronomy offers delicious regional specialties as well as international classics.

Hiking on marked trails, through majestic mountain massifs with spice-scented meadows; discover the boundless high plateaus on a mountain bike; white-waters, the awe-inspiring canyon (Europe’s deepest) of the river Tara, a hot spot for rafters! Eerie caves and ravines where bears and wolves may hide (and maybe goblins and fairies): yes, naturally!

National parks appeal to all nature lovers. Montenegro already has four very distinctive ones and will soon have six. For instance Biogradska Gora, the wildly romantic primeval forest, which you can explore on an easy trail. Or the area around Lake Skadar, Europe’s largest bird sanctuary. With this and many other measures our country endeavors to fulfill the article of our constitution as an “Ecological State”. Growing areas of our land are being established as nature reserves and protected by law - naturally!

Historical treasures from the earliest settlements to the Njegoš Mausoleum on top of the mountain Lovćen: yes, naturally! Our varied history left its tracks from the Roman buildings that are still used as venues up to the fortifications built by the Habsburg realm – with a breathtaking view of the unique Bay of Kotor with its fascinating heart. Follow the Adriatic coastline south to the charming medieval village Budva and to the largest beach near Ulcinj: there is a lot waiting to be discovered. But we would like to induce you also to explore the interior of the country: the historical royal town Cetinje is just north of Budva. A very interesting excursion would be a trip to the Ostrog Monastery, where miracles are said to happen even today.

And you ought to meet the Montenegrin mountain people, too. Throughout our diverse history they learned to valiantly repulse invaders of all kinds – and to receive welcome guests with genuine hospitality. Do look them up in the scattered alpine cottages and experience a visit to friends.

Who will enjoy a holiday in Montenegro? Sunbathers and beach runners, adventurers and discoverers, fans of day- and nightlife, nature lovers and people looking for places of spiritual power: as a matter of fact, everybody.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is the heart shaped land that lies in the heart of southeast Europe. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history. Few lands can boast as the ancient crossroads of modern European civilization. The Balkan Peninsula itself is the bridge between Europe and Asia Minor, with Bosnia and Herzegovina lying at the heart of it.

It is here that the Byzantines from the east met the Romans from the West. It was here that the Ottomans and the oriental cultures stayed for over 500 years before falling to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, each bringing the treasures of their cultures and customs.

The wonderful Ottoman bridges that span the mighty mountain rivers of Bosnia and Herzegovina truly bridge the many civilizations and cultures that call their homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here you will find an amazing blend of east and west, allowing you to cross bridges you never thought possible.