Messina is Sicily's panoramic gateway — located on the northeastern corner of the island, the city just kisses the boot of mainland Italy's southern tip. Get lost among the patchwork of churches and antique palaces. The Messina Cathedral is in the heart of the city, and its famous bell tower houses the largest mechanical clock in the world — every day at noon, the statues move to Schubert's "Ave Maria." In front of this church, you'll find the Fontana di Orione, a 16th-century fountain that's a work of art in itself, with sculptures of figures from ancient mythology. Cruise to Sicily and take a leisurely walk to the Sacrario di Cristo Re, a hilltop church with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.

Day at sea

The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is located in the northern part of Montenegro, close to the border with Croatia and open to the Adriatic Sea. While cruising through it, you will enjoy of breathtaking and majestic views of towering peaks and a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns. You can see divine medieval towns through your eyes as well as reflecting in the bay water. Peek through the town and find monasteries, citadels and extraordinary eateries. It is often called Europe’s most southernmost fjord for its stunning scenery, but it is more like a long, narrow inlet formed by a submerged river canyon. The four smaller gulfs - gulf of Herceg Novi, gulf of Tivat, gulf of Risan, and gulf of Kotor, and the connecting bays create a big butterfly shape that goes around the cost getting inland occasionally.

Thick 16th-century stone walls encase the entire Old Town of Dubrovnik. But there are no boundaries on the endless adventures you’ll discover among its orange-roofed ramparts. With a made-for-TV appeal— Game of Thrones was actually filmed here— the city commands your attention with the perfectly preserved Rector’s Palace, elaborate Onofrio’s Fountain, and baroque St. Blaise’s Church, named after the city’s patron saint. You can browse museum collections showcasing Croatian artwork, period furniture and shipbuilding traditions. Stand in awe of the Franciscan Monastery library’s 30,000 volumes. Or to get your heart pumping, go cliff diving into the sea and kayak crystal blue waters, with the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ shimmering in the distance.

Lying on the Adriatic Sea's eastern shore, Split is known for its terracotta roofs, whitewash buildings, palm tree-lined promenade and azure waters. Split has a long history, as it's home to Diocletian's Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which were built for the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Always buzzing with tourists, Split balances its historic setting with a plethora of modern restaurants, bars and shops. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Split receives over 2,600 hours of sunshine every year. Jump onboard a Croatia cruise and take advantage of its sunny weather by exploring its beautiful beaches — most namely Bacvice and Kastelet Beaches — year-round.

Split, Croatia, is a captivating coastal city graced by the Adriatic Sea. Central to its allure is the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, a 4th-century marvel that anchors the city. This historic gem seamlessly intertwines with modern life, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past through charming streets, lively markets, and a vibrant waterfront. With a perfect blend of ancient grandeur and contemporary vitality, Split beckons as a captivating destination on the Croatian coast.

Lying on the Adriatic Sea's eastern shore, Split is known for its terracotta roofs, whitewash buildings, palm tree-lined promenade and azure waters. Split has a long history, as it's home to Diocletian's Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which were built for the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Always buzzing with tourists, Split balances its historic setting with a plethora of modern restaurants, bars and shops. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Split receives over 2,600 hours of sunshine every year. Jump onboard a Croatia cruise and take advantage of its sunny weather by exploring its beautiful beaches — most namely Bacvice and Kastelet Beaches — year-round.

Split, Croatia, is a captivating coastal city graced by the Adriatic Sea. Central to its allure is the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, a 4th-century marvel that anchors the city. This historic gem seamlessly intertwines with modern life, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past through charming streets, lively markets, and a vibrant waterfront. With a perfect blend of ancient grandeur and contemporary vitality, Split beckons as a captivating destination on the Croatian coast.