Fusina to Fusina/Silver Whisper
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Silver Whisper

Fusina to Fusina - 7 night cruise



Cruise only from €3,554

Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.


Description

Gratuities

Dates and Prices

Cabins

The amenities of a larger ship with the charm of a boutique hotel. Silversea's Millennium Class ships Silver Whisper and sister ship Silver Shadow invite you to enjoy Silversea's world-class accommodation, shipboard conviviality and warm, personal service. Revel in the pampering treatments of an expanded spa, enjoy dynamic full-scale productions in a multi-tiered show lounge and dine on delectable cuisine in her four superlative restaurants. Silver Whisper has it all.

Cruise ID: 27793

Setting sail on Silversea promises peace of mind from start to finish. That means no worrying about tipping the butlers or staff. Our crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1 ensures flawless service from pole to pole, but with us, you never have to think about who should get a tip, how much you should give and when. It's all included! We believe that not having to deal with tipping helps make your luxury cruise even more special and stress-free. And that is worth every penny.

Date Time Price * Booking
08 July 2024 19:00 €4,277 Call us to book
23 August 2024 19:00 €3,554 Call us to book

* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.

Cabins on Silver Whisper

Deluxe Veranda Suite
1-3

Spacious and immaculate, the Deluxe Veranda is just perfect to for relaxing whether it's morning, noon or night! A perfect mid-ship location, why not enjoy a pre-dinner drink, breakfast with a view or just enjoy the gentle evening breeze on your private teak veranda? From relaxing in the ultra-luxury marble bathroom to enjoying your best night's sleep ever, the Deluxe Veranda is the savvy traveller's choice.

One bedroom: 32 sq.m. including veranda

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 6, 8, 9
  • Section: Forward, Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival
  • Amenities
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Bath
  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service

Superior Veranda Suite
1-3

Superior by name and superior by nature! Where do we begin? From beautiful bed linens to sumptuous furniture, our Superior Veranda suites are luxury inside and out! Whether enjoying some down time with the state of the art entertainment system or taking in the most spectacular views from the comfort of your suite veranda, the Superior Veranda is the cosiest home away from home on the high seas.

One bedroom: 32 sq.m. including veranda

Wheelchair accessible suites: 535 and 537

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Section: Forward, Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Bath
  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Suite Benefits
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Pillow Menu Available

Classic Veranda Suite
1-3

After a busy day of exploring, welcome home to the haven of the Classic Veranda Suite. With butler service, a queen size bed (which can be separated on demand) and beautiful marble bathroom, you won't want to leave! However, the best part of our Classic Veranda suite is by far the large, private, teak veranda for which the suite is named. Pure bliss.

One bedroom: 32 sq.m. including veranda

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 5, 6
  • Section: Forward, Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Suite Benefits

Vista Suite
1-2

A quiet sanctuary. The sitting area of the Vista suite has plenty of room to relax. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views. The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed during the cruise.

One bedroom: 27 sq.m.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 4, 5
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Large Balcony Window
  • Sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Suite Benefits

Owner's Suites
1-4

The name says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic, as is the Silver Whisper itself. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Vista Suite.

One bedroom: 85 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 117 sq.m. including veranda

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 7
  • Section: Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Second Bedroom
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Coffee Machine
  • Bath

Grand Suite
1-5

Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. Ideal for entertaining friends on your luxury cruise or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”. Available as a one-bedroom suite configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.

One bedroom: 87-101 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 119-133 sq.m. including veranda

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 6, 7, 8
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Second Bedroom
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Coffee Machine
  • Bath

Royal Suite
1-5

Stately describes the Royal suite. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining while you cruise. Enough living space to roam.The pinnacle of good living. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.

One bedroom: 90-94 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 122-126 sq.m. including veranda

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.


Essentials

  • Deck(s): 6, 7
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Second Bedroom
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Coffee Machine
  • Bath

Silver Suites
1-3

Stylish and sophisticated. Separate dining and living rooms. Larger verandas. Situated midship. Perfection in design for comfortable living. Silver Suites accommodate three guests.

One bedroom: 61-65 sq.m. including veranda

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.


Essentials

  • Deck(s): 7
  • Section: Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Suite Benefits
  • Coffee Machine

Medallion Suite
1-3

A mark of distinction. Sumptuous. Spacious. Rich textures and panoramic views surround you with distinguished luxury.

An extravagant suite for an extravagant cruise.

One bedroom: 49 sq.m. including veranda

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 7
  • Section: Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Suite Benefits
  • Coffee Machine

View Itinerary By Date



Day 1 Fusina, Italy

Day 2 Rab Island, Croatia

Day 3 Sibenik, Croatia

Šibenik's main monument, its Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built of pale-gray Dalmatian stone and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on a raised piazza close to the seafront promenade. From here a network of narrow, cobbled streets leads through the medieval quarter of tightly packed, terra-cotta–roof houses, and up to the ruins of a 16th-century hilltop fortress. The city has never been a real tourist destination. Before the Croatian war for independence, it was a relatively prosperous industrial center, but when the factories closed, Šibenik sank into an economic depression. However, the cathedral more than warrants a look, and it makes a decent base for visiting the waterfalls of Krka National Park.

Day 4 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploce Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It's only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Day 5 Hvar Island, Croatia

The Croatian island of Hvar bills itself as the "sunniest island in the Adriatic." Not only does it have the figures to back up this claim—an annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine—but it also makes visitors a sporting proposition, offering them a money-back guarantee if there are seven consecutive days of snow (snow has been known to fall here; the last time being February 2012).

Day 6 Zadar, Croatia

Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik. What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history. The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula some 4 km (2½ miles) long and just 1,640 feet wide, is bustling and beautiful: the marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. Parts of the new town are comparatively dreary, a testament to what a world war followed by decades of communism, not to mention a civil war, can do to the architecture of a city that is 3,000 years old. A settlement had already existed on the site of the present-day city for some 2,000 years when Rome finally conquered Zadar in the 1st century BC; the foundations of the forum can be seen today. Before the Romans came the Liburnians had made it a key center for trade with the Greeks and Romans for 800 years. In the 3rd century BC the Romans began to seriously pester the Liburnians, but required two centuries to bring the area under their control. During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St. Donat's Basilica. It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries. The city then experienced successive onslaughts and occupations—both long and short—by the Osogoths, the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the Venetians, the Turks, the Habsburgs, the French, the Habsburgs again, and finally the Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia and, in 1991, the independent republic of Croatia. Zadar was for centuries an Italian-speaking city, and Italian is still spoken widely, especially by older people. Indeed, it was ceded to Italy in 1921 under the Treaty of Rapallo (and reverted to its Italian name of Zara). Its occupation by the Germans from 1943 led to intense bombing by the Allies during World War II, which left most of the city in ruins. Zadar became part of Tito's Yugoslavia in 1947, prompting many Italian residents to leave. Zadar's most recent ravages occurred during a three-month siege by Serb forces and months more of bombardment during the Croatian-Serbian war between 1991 and 1995. But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold. There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.

Day 7 Piran, Slovenia

Day 8 Fusina, Italy

Day 1 Fusina, Italy

Day 2 Rab Island, Croatia

Day 3 Sibenik, Croatia

Šibenik's main monument, its Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built of pale-gray Dalmatian stone and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on a raised piazza close to the seafront promenade. From here a network of narrow, cobbled streets leads through the medieval quarter of tightly packed, terra-cotta–roof houses, and up to the ruins of a 16th-century hilltop fortress. The city has never been a real tourist destination. Before the Croatian war for independence, it was a relatively prosperous industrial center, but when the factories closed, Šibenik sank into an economic depression. However, the cathedral more than warrants a look, and it makes a decent base for visiting the waterfalls of Krka National Park.

Day 4 Hvar Island, Croatia

The Croatian island of Hvar bills itself as the "sunniest island in the Adriatic." Not only does it have the figures to back up this claim—an annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine—but it also makes visitors a sporting proposition, offering them a money-back guarantee if there are seven consecutive days of snow (snow has been known to fall here; the last time being February 2012).

Day 5 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploce Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It's only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Day 6 Zadar, Croatia

Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik. What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history. The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula some 4 km (2½ miles) long and just 1,640 feet wide, is bustling and beautiful: the marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. Parts of the new town are comparatively dreary, a testament to what a world war followed by decades of communism, not to mention a civil war, can do to the architecture of a city that is 3,000 years old. A settlement had already existed on the site of the present-day city for some 2,000 years when Rome finally conquered Zadar in the 1st century BC; the foundations of the forum can be seen today. Before the Romans came the Liburnians had made it a key center for trade with the Greeks and Romans for 800 years. In the 3rd century BC the Romans began to seriously pester the Liburnians, but required two centuries to bring the area under their control. During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St. Donat's Basilica. It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries. The city then experienced successive onslaughts and occupations—both long and short—by the Osogoths, the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the Venetians, the Turks, the Habsburgs, the French, the Habsburgs again, and finally the Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia and, in 1991, the independent republic of Croatia. Zadar was for centuries an Italian-speaking city, and Italian is still spoken widely, especially by older people. Indeed, it was ceded to Italy in 1921 under the Treaty of Rapallo (and reverted to its Italian name of Zara). Its occupation by the Germans from 1943 led to intense bombing by the Allies during World War II, which left most of the city in ruins. Zadar became part of Tito's Yugoslavia in 1947, prompting many Italian residents to leave. Zadar's most recent ravages occurred during a three-month siege by Serb forces and months more of bombardment during the Croatian-Serbian war between 1991 and 1995. But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold. There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.

Day 7 Piran, Slovenia

Day 8 Fusina, Italy

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TRAVEL AWARE - STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY ABROAD

The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise