The identity of its people is shaped by its seafaring lifestyle, its 5,000 km of rugged coastline, its diverse geography, and its rich continental culture influenced by a host of foreign travelers, conquerors and traders throughout the centuries traipsing between the East, Dubrovnik, Continental Europe and Istria.
Explore this fascinating region from north to south . . .
- Unspoiled Croatia
- Charming Slovenia
- Mystical Montenegro
- Historic Bosnia & Herzeogovina
- Glorious Greece
- Stunning Sardinia & the Amalfi Coast
Seeking access to the sea and trade routes between east and west, the region became a safe passage for trade and intruders – each visitor leaving their mark on the landscape, architecture and culture. The Illyrians date back to 1000 BC, the Greeks to the 4th century BC, followed by the Romans, the Venetians, the Ottomans, the Austro Hungarians and the Italians.
Today you can even visit sites of 13th century battles between the Croatians and the Mongols. Napoleon marched all the way through Istria to southern Dalmatia, leaving his indelible influence on Croatia. After the battle of Austerlitz, most of Croatia became a satellite of Napoleon’s French Republic. Some claim that Napoleon said “Give me 100,000 Croatian soldiers and I will conqure all the world”. Even Ghengis Khan and Daenerys Targaryen left their footprints in Croatia.