Dubrovnik to Athens: Beachfronts & Fortresses

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.

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.

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.