Star Collector: Italian Charms & Croatian Coastlines

Get off the beaten path as you journey through four countries, from Southern Italy to the Istrian Coast. You'll get off the beaten path in Vibo Valentia as you take a boat tour to see the white cliffs, rugged coastline, and stunning beaches of southern Italy. Down at the toe of the boot of Italy, you can visit the National Archeological Museum in Reggio Calabria to see the Bronze Statues of Riace Warriors before you gaze across the Strait of Messina at Sicily. As you hook around the heel of the boot, you will stop in Taranto, located in the Puglia region, to meander down a labyrinth of narrow streets and gaze at Greek ruins. Once you reach Otranto, you will have a chance to see the historic conical homes (known as Trulli) in Alberobello, an iconic architectural in Puglia. From Puglia, you will detour to the island of Rab in the northern Dalmatia region of Croatia. Rab charms with its historic Old Town filled with shops and cafes. Continue your voyage into Croatia with stops in the coastal towns of Rovinj, Hvar, Zadar, and Dubrovnik. Walk through Rovinj's maze of cobblestone streets up to the St. Euphemia Cathedral, hear the soothing sounds of the Zadar Sea Organ, and enjoy an overnight stay in Dubrovnik, where you will have plenty of time to tour the city's UNESCO sites. Your New Calabrian to Istria pilgrimage continues in Montenegro, as you sail into the narrow fjord that leads to Kotor, a UNESCO site. Your final stop is in Piran, Slovenia. Take a full-day tour to Lake Bled where you will visit Bled Church on an island in the middle of the lake or visit the Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO site. Your expedition ends in Venice, where you can continue to explore the city at your own pace.