Star Collector: Adriatic Odyssey

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it's like to live in the city that's neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don't mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.

Situated on a tiny piece of land jutting into the sea and considered to be the most beautiful of Slovenia's coastal towns, Piran is full of medieval architecture, narrow streets, and compact houses.  A walk to the beautiful oval-shaped main square will greet you with a statue of Giuseppe Tartini, composer and virtuoso violinist, and the most famous man of Piran.  Around the square are attractions like Venetian House, and a delightful Gothic-Venetian structure, The Sergei Masera Maritime Museum and the Church of St. George with its gorgeous view over the city and the harbor from the bell tower. Take a tour to the nearby Skocjan Caves National Park, a UNESCO site.

Ravenna is connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Candiano Canal. It is known for its colorful mosaics adorning many of its building. There are many well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine structures with eight buildings comprising the Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The lovely fishing port of Rovinj on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula bordered on three sides by the Adriatic Sea. You can tour the maze of cobblestone streets that lead to the hilltop St. Euphemia Cathedral with its towering steeple dominating the skyline. Old Town Rovinj is a delightful tangle of medieval streets and twisting stairways. Seek out the Bronze Age ruins of Monkodonja, the hidden beaches or the breathtaking natural beauty of the 6-mile-long Lim Fjord.

Something here will capture your heart. A Roman amphitheater, 9th century churches, and museums packed with Byzantine-era artworks crowd the peninsula that tidily contains the Old Town. It's a tempting way to spend the day for sure. While away the day listening to Zadar's giant Sea Organ, a haunting musical improv performed by the surging Adriatic or share a bench with a sun-drunk cat as you bite into a truffle.

Situated along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir showcases centuries of history within its streets and stunning architecture. Its well-preserved Old Town is a captivating maze of cobblestone alleys and elegant churches, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece. Nearby, the Kamerlengo Fortress offers panoramic vistas of the Adriatic. Beyond its historical and architectural charm, Trogir's vibrant markets brim with local life, showcasing fresh produce and seafood. Culinary delights await in its charming eateries, offering traditional Dalmatian cuisine and local wines. Trogir also serves as a gateway to Adriatic adventures with its rich maritime history. Indulge in a sailing along the coastline or explore the neighboring islands.

Celebrities from Prince Harry to Beyoncé have made Hvar their go-to place. Follow the city walls to sweeping views from the fortress on the hill. Head to the town square for a look at the Venetian Cathedral or find the large bay of Stari Grad on an optional tour to this famous UNESCO site.

While larger ships must pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera - and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it) watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea.

This is one of Montenegro's most beautiful bays, and the approach offers one breathtaking fjord-like view after another. Just when you've reached your fill of blues and greens, the bright red rooftops of the medieval Old Town come into view. The entire area has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming streets of Old Town remain car free, filled with 12th century Baroque palaces and Romanesque churches. For a fresh perspective, climb to the fortress on the hill for a breathtaking vista.

Quaint and charming, Monopoli has many sites within easy walking distance.  Start at the colorful street market and head toward the cathedral, built in 1693 with a tower that is 197 feet high. Past the cathedral is part of the seafront and a promenade and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Zaffira and the impressive Charles V Castle, built in 1552. The little harbors that make up the port are full of brightly colored boats and fishermen busily mending their nets.

Fishbone streets feed off the main arterial of this walled settlement making the humped peninsula look a bit like a rust-red tortoise. Beyond the medieval town lie woods, vineyards, and the idyllic island of Mljet, where Odysseus met the nymph Calypso and stayed for seven years. Visit Marco Polo's supposed home and ponder why he would ever leave this divine place, then end the day with some white grk wine, Mediterranean sunshine in a glass.

One of Croatia's oldest coastal cities and a small ship exclusive, Šibenik offers a perfect blend of medieval history and seaside beauty. Stroll through stone streets to discover St. James Cathedral, quaint cafes, and views of the Dalmatian coastline.

In the heart of the Riviera, with the longest tradition of tourism in Croatia, dating back to 1844, Opatija is an elegant seaside resort town of classic beauty.  Known as the "Old Dame," Opatija presents 7.5 miles of illuminated coastal promenade, known as Lungomare, manicured beaches, fountains, magnificent villas and hotels, charming old buildings and modern comforts.  Along the Lungomare Walk are many impressive villas of Belle Epoque architecture, monuments and statues honoring local heroes, as well as the stunning beauty of strolling by the sea.

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it's like to live in the city that's neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don't mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.