Mr. Black's Croatia and Italy

Surrounded by Medieval walls, entering the city of Dubrovnik is like stepping back in time. Once inside, you’ll first visit the historic Dominican monastery, followed by a stop at the picturesque Franciscan monastery—home to the third oldest European pharmacy, open continuously since 1317. Next on the agenda is Onofrio’s Fountain, a 16 sided drinking fountain built in 1438, and still in operation today. Finally, the ornate beauty of Rector’s Palace provides a perfect exclamation point to the rich culture of this ancient city.

See the medieval city walls of Dubrovnik, a stunning fortification that encircles the old town. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, these walls are remarkably well-preserved and offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. They are a testament to Dubrovnik's rich history and architectural prowess.

The Dominican Monastery in Dubrovnik, dating back to the early 14th century, is a historic landmark featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Constructed alongside the city walls, it was designed to fortify the northeastern section of the town.

Visit the Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik, a historic complex that includes a church, cloister, library, and one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Dating back to the 14th century, it showcases beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, the ancient city of Split represents the historical and cultural magnificence of Croatia’s storied past. Perhaps the most splendid and well-known attraction to be seen in this enchanting city is Diocletian’s Palace. Finished in 305 AD, the Palace today represents the world’s most complete remains of a Roman Palace. Further heightening your experience is a visit to Peristil Square, coupled with a stop at the impossibly beautiful Cathedral of St. Duje. As a true testament to the importance of the historic center of Split, the entire area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Let Zadar’s story unfold as you walk its marble streets, where Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Venetian facades reflect centuries of shifting empires. Let the Sea Organ be your soundtrack, an architectural instrument carved into the coastline, playing an eternal, wave-powered hymn to the Adriatic.

The Zadar Sea Organ is exactly what its name implies: a real musical instrument built into Zadar’s harbor and played by the lapping waves of the Adriatic Sea. With roughly 35 organ pipes built into the concrete, the Sea Organ can be heard by passersby and offers the listener a truly unique aural experience each and every time.

The Sun Salutation, a series of solar cells that absorb the sun's energy during the day, convert the sun's energy into electricity to illuminate the waterfront with colorful lights at night.

One of Croatia’s biggest attractions, Plitvice Park is known for its grand collection of waterfalls, lakes and forests. You’ll be entranced by the continually changing colors of the park’s sixteen lakes, and you’ll feel at peace as you soak in the natural beauty of the region. The park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, a tribute to its unique and stunning beauty.

Bubbling up on more than 100 islands in a lagoon off the Adriatic, Venice is an absolutely unique and unquestionably beautiful city. Step into Piazza San Marco, an airy expanse of arches, sunlight, and pigeons. The multi-domed Basilica on one end, completed in 1094 but decorated for centuries afterward, is the final resting place of the apostle St. Mark, Venice’s patron saint. The mosaics beneath the basilica’s outside arches depict the arrival of St. Mark’s body, stolen from Egypt in 828 by Venetian traders. The frothy Venetian Gothic Doge’s Palace stands next door. Continue on to a glass-blowing demonstration. Venetian glass has long been considered the best in the world, and its production was such a state secret that during the Middle Ages, any Venetian glassblower who attempted to ply his trade outside the city was immediately arrested.

Stroll through St. Mark's Square. Bordered by Venice's greatest historic buildings, St. Mark's Square is the center of both the city and its water transportation system, as well as a popular tourist attraction.

Enjoy a visit to the Doge's’ Palace, residence of the rulers of the Serenissima Republic. We will explore the ornate and grandiose rooms of the palace, including a walk across thefamous Bridge of Sighs to the cells, where Casanova was once imprisoned, as well as the Grand Council chamber, featuring Tintoretto's Paradise, said to be the world's largest oil painting.