Croatia to the Greek Islands: Zagreb Nights & Santorini Views

The Gothic Zagreb Cathedral is a must see for those who love architecture. Someone is definitely watching out for this holy site, it’s been damaged by invaders and earthquakes and somehow is still standing (using numerous repairs of course). Sitting atop a tall column is a golden statue or Mary, surrounded at the base by four angels. The exterior is covered in sculptures and reliefs while the inside has large pillars, stained glass windows, and paintings.

Not far from St Mark’s Square in Zagreb, the Church of St Mark has some unique architecture features compared to most Gothic style churches. The roof is tiled in a pattern of colours, patterns, and the coat of arms of the city. The church interior is usually closed off to visitors, but take a stroll by to take a few photos of the exterior.

The Gothic Zagreb Cathedral is a must see for those who love architecture. Someone is definitely watching out for this holy site, it’s been damaged by invaders and earthquakes and somehow is still standing (using numerous repairs of course). Sitting atop a tall column is a golden statue or Mary, surrounded at the base by four angels. The exterior is covered in sculptures and reliefs while the inside has large pillars, stained glass windows, and paintings.

Not far from St Mark’s Square in Zagreb, the Church of St Mark has some unique architecture features compared to most Gothic style churches. The roof is tiled in a pattern of colours, patterns, and the coat of arms of the city. The church interior is usually closed off to visitors, but take a stroll by to take a few photos of the exterior.

The Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area.

Take an excursion to the historic city of Trogir, where the Old City core is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Found in the centre of Dalmatia on the eastern coastline of Adriatic sea, this pretty seaside town is a great place to walk and explore.

Originally constructed over 400 years ago, St. Stephen's Cathedral still plays an important role in the lives of local residents. Located in Hvar's main square, step inside the cathedral to admire beautiful altar paintings and bas reliefs made during the Dalmatian Renaissance.

Explore the 16th century fortress that looks over the city of Hvar. Tour the interior and see some of the artifacts on display like the canon. Climb hundreds of stairs to reach the top for an incredible panoramic view of the city, nearby islands, and the ocean.

Opt to take a walking tour or head out on your own to explore the city's ancient walls. A trip to Dubrovnik isn't complete without doing this 2km (1.1 mi) walk. See highlights along the way that include Fort Minceta, Fort St. John, Fort Lawrence, Fort Revelin, and St. Luke’s Tower. There are three main entrances to the city walls, the principal one located by the Inner Pile Gates.

Originally built in the 12th century, today's Rector's Palace is a cultural history museum with an intriguing past. A mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, it began as the seat of Dubrovnik's rector, becoming a place for merchants and citizens of the republic to gather by the 16th century. In the atrium, you'll find a statue of Miho Pracat, one such merchant who bequeathed his wealth to the city. Wander the galleries and admire paintings, sculptures and furniture from Croatia's past. Today the courtyard is a venue for music and cultural performances - and is often used as a filming location for shows such as Game of Thrones.

Take a wander through this Franciscan Monastery complex. Originally constructed as a public pharmacy in 1317, the Friars Minor pharmacy is the third oldest functioning pharmacy in the world today.

Opt to take a walking tour or head out on your own to explore the city's ancient walls. A trip to Dubrovnik isn't complete without doing this 2km (1.1 mi) walk. See highlights along the way that include Fort Minceta, Fort St. John, Fort Lawrence, Fort Revelin, and St. Luke’s Tower. There are three main entrances to the city walls, the principal one located by the Inner Pile Gates.

Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.

Hike up the medieval steps to Sveti Ivan Fortress and be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the Old City, harbour and Bay of Boka Kotorska. This hike takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but a highlight when visiting the area. Climb up just before sunset for the best experience.

Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.

Visit the small seaside town of Perast for a taste of the quaint in Montenegro.

Risan, once the capital of Kotor Bay, is a lovely town. Its most famous characteristic is the archaeological site is known as the Roman Mosaics. The mosaics are found in what remains of an ancient Roman villa, built sometime between the 2nd and 3rd century BC.

Hike up the medieval steps to Sveti Ivan Fortress and be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the Old City, harbour and Bay of Boka Kotorska. This hike takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but a highlight when visiting the area. Climb up just before sunset for the best experience.

Take a visit to this obscure, culturally-significant building from 1987. It's vandalized state is reflective of the ongoing debate on what, exactly, it should be used for today; originally intended to be used as a museum, and currently being considered for "memorial" status for Albania's 45-year isolation after WWII. Until someone decides, it continues to be the turf of grafitti artists, and skaters.

Take a taxi south to Mirror Beach, a secluded natural bay. If you are looking for some quite time in paradise (read: turquoise waters and limestone cliffs), this is the place.

Take a walk along the town's horseshoe shaped beach. Grab a scoop of ice cream, rent a paddle boat, or try the catch of the day at a seaside restaurant,

The Temple of Artemis was built in 580 BC and is the first known example of a Doric temple built with stone. Though many of the temple's preserved columns have been transferred to a nearby museum, the ruins are still considered a milestone of Greek architecture.

Marvel at Queen Sissi of Bavaria's tribute to Greek mythology at the Achilleion Palace, 30 minutes south of Corfu. Built in 1890, the palace grounds are filled with marble statues, delicate fountains and beautifully landscaped gardens that overlook the coastline. Used as a set for the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only", this splendid sanctuary is worth the drive out of town.

Take a stroll through the former marketplace for old Athens, the Roman Agora was built in the first century BC.

Discover the most famous of Athens’ eight hills: the Acropolis, the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Visit the Parthenon, built for the Goddess Athena in 447 BC. This Greek temple, despite the gradual state of ruin and damage sustained over time, still symbolizes the key ideals of harmony and balance that defined the Classical style of Greek architecture.

Most of Athens important sights and interesting neighbourhoods border this central square. The square was built in the early 19th century in front of the Old Royal Palace of King Otto of Greece. Walk around to admire the architecture, stop at a café and people watch, or watch the ceremonial changing of the guards called Evzones.

Take a stroll through the former marketplace for old Athens, the Roman Agora was built in the first century BC.

Most of Athens important sights and interesting neighbourhoods border this central square. The square was built in the early 19th century in front of the Old Royal Palace of King Otto of Greece. Walk around to admire the architecture, stop at a café and people watch, or watch the ceremonial changing of the guards called Evzones.

Discover the most famous of Athens’ eight hills: the Acropolis, the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Visit the Parthenon, built for the Goddess Athena in 447 BC. This Greek temple, despite the gradual state of ruin and damage sustained over time, still symbolizes the key ideals of harmony and balance that defined the Classical style of Greek architecture.