Adriatic Odyssey Perfect Trip

• Introduction
• 2
• Venice

Imagine Big Sur wrapped up in Italy’s Amalfi Coast and folded into the cultural potpourri that is the Balkans. The 600-mile Adriatic coastal road, passing through the former Yugoslav republics of Slovenia and Croatia, is a curve-a-minute highway that hugs steep slopes above the azure-colored sea and pushes through ancient sun-bleached towns, offering some of the most spectacular sightlines this side of the old Iron Curtain. Cold War politics made this stretch of stark cliffs and pristine pebbly beaches nearly off-limits a few decades ago, and a devastating war kept travelers away for most of the ’90s. But today, it’s wide open. Adventurers who journey down the Adriatic Coast into Slovenia and Croatia feel like they’ve stepped into a kind of alternate Italy—which makes sense because Venice was once the superpower here. Much of the population along the coast is bilingual, speaking perfect Italian; menus up and down the shoreline feature seafood-heavy pasta dishes; and towns are clad in a distinctive blend of architecture that mixes European Gothic with Arab and Byzantine influences.

To make the most of this dramatic terrain, we’ve planned a once-in-a-lifetime driving adventure (see Making it Happen for information on renting a car) down the Adriatic coastline. Two weeks is best for experiencing this blend of cultures. But, whether you hit each point on our itinerary (which we recommend) or only choose a few, the area is enchanting and the trip unforgettable. Combine the bustle of Venice and Dubrovnik with the tranquility of the Istrian Peninsula, add in the chicness of Hvar, and you have the ultimate Adriatic adventure.

See Dubrovnik Travel GuideSee Venice Travel Guide