Croatia… The Way the Mediterranean Once Was

With a vibrant history dating back over 2,000 years, Croatia has been seducing travelers for decades with its unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Situated on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea (across from Italy) and bordering Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, Croatia is home to a number of urban centers, traditional villages and pristine landscapes, including over 1,100 islands and over 600 miles of coastline.

With extensive collections of meticulously preserved architectural and historical treasures scattered throughout the country, it appears as though much hasn’t changed in here since the country’s founding on the ruins of the Roman Empire. But don’t be mistaken—Croatia’s youthful zeal keeps pace with the latest trends in fashion, music, film and art, making it a magnet for celebrities.

Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic, couples only getaway, Croatia’s rich tapestry of history, art and modern thrills has something for everyone. And since the country has a non-euro economy, exploring Croatia is much easier on the wallet than many European countries.

Dubrovnik

Described by Lord Byron as “The Pearl of the Adriatic” and believed to have been founded in the 7^th century, the ancient city of Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most loved and visited spots. Located on the country’s southernmost coast, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fairytale fortress (within the Old City) is packed with medieval stone buildings and romantic winding passageways. Dubrovnik is mainly a cultural destination, which aside from monuments of interest, also offers a series of cultural events and festivals. If you plan to visit the city anytime between July 10^th and August 25^th be sure to check out Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Held since 1949, this annual summer festival features a diverse program of classical music, theater, opera and dance in a variety of settings and venues.

Hvar Island

Sun worshippers and romantics, this is your place! Considered one of the most inspiring of all Croatian islands, Hvar is a magical blend of natural surroundings and Mediterranean luxury. The island’s largest city, also named Hvar, is rich in culture as it was an important center for early Croatian literature, painting, sculpture, music and architecture. Towering medieval walls (dating from 13^th century) and fields of lavender surround the city making for one of the world’s most romantic scenes. Take a walk through the city’s ancient stone streets and spend some time in the city’s main square, the Pjaca. Surrounding the square is where you’ll find many of Hvar’s architectural gems such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace, the Arsenal, and the Governor’s Palace, all dating from the 15^th to 17^th century. The Hvar Summer Festival takes place late June to late September and includes classical music concerts performed by national and international artists, and performances by amateur groups from Hvar.

Cruise the Mediterranean with Albright College

As an Albright alum, it gives me great pleasure to announce their upcoming Mediterranean cruise.

The Alumni Association has gone through all of the trouble of planning so all that’s left is to join in! You can catch up with old friends and make some new ones as well all while cruising the beautiful Mediterranean. Not an Albright alum? That’s quite alright too. Come along and join the fun!

Set sail on October 26 for a 12-night Mediterranean and Greek Isles Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas. Stop in wondrous ports such as Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey and more!

This cruise also includes four days at sea, but never fear, there is plenty to do onboard. The Serenade of the Seas is a floating paradise!  She has panoramic vistas and wide-open spaces at every turn. Acres of glass enclose a nine-story central atrium, while glass elevators and floor-to ceiling windows ensure incredible views throughout your day. Bask in the warmth and sun at the tranquil Solarium pool, recharge at Vitality Spa, or reach new heights on Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall. When the sun goes down, the night heats up with Broadway-style shows, Casino Royale, plus 16 bars and lounges that never feature a cover. Plus, the Serenade of the Seas has been recently renovated with the cruise line’s newest offerings.

Talk about an all-inclusive vacation! This package not only includes twelve nights accommodation aboard Serenade of the Seas, but also includes roundtrip air transportation between Newark and Barcelona, roundtrip airport to pier transfers in Barcelona, Spain, all included meals and entertainment while aboard the ship and $100 shipboard credit per cabin.

All of the hard work is done! Now all you have to plan is what to pack. (I suggest swimsuits, sunscreen and the readiness to relax!)

For more information or to book this cruise, call Boscov’s Group Travel at 800-782-5605 or email grouptravel@boscovs.com.