Mountains, Islands & Lakes of The Dalmatian Coast

Facilities in Liverpool are constantly being improved to make boarding, stopping off or leaving your cruise ship easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

Dominated by ‘the Rock’, a towering 1, 396 ft sentinel that guards the Straits, the Arabs’ Gebel el Tarik or Tarik’s Rock is today simply ‘Gib’. Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, its unique setting unites the oddly familiar – from the helmeted policemen to Marks & Spencer – with an extrovert Mediterranean mood. Test the shops and pubs in Main Street and Irish Town, take a cable-car ride to enjoy the grandstand views to a nearby Africa, and of course make a call on those Barbary apes!

Strategically situated midway between Sicily and North Africa, Malta is in every sense a Mediterranean crossroads – a tiny island with an epic and heroic history in which invasion and siege have seen the influence Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and, of course, Britain all leave an enduring mark upon its cultural heritage. The16th century walled capital of Valletta with its Grand Harbour is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture, its narrow streets a tempting honeycomb of colourful shops and stalls.

There’s no mistaking the past wealth and proud spirit of this ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, perched on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. An independent city-state for 600 years until conquered by Napoleon, Dubrovnik survives, despite recent events, as one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities – a timeless architectural showpiece, whose graceful churches and cloisters, palaces and fountains, mellow Baroque facades and encircling ancient walls, all seem more stage set than reality.

Hvar is a port and resort town on the Croatian island of Hvar. Yachts fill its harbor in summer. Ferries connect the town with the several Pakleni Islands just offshore. These are home to secluded beaches, such as those around Ždrilca Bay, as well as rocky coves and pine forests.

An island until the 19th Century, Koper is the main port in Slovenia and the gateway to Central Europe. The old town is abundant with architecture and cultural monuments. The richness of the culinary heritage, as well as the hospitality, kindness and attention of the native Slovenians, guarantees a pleasant visit.

The walled port of Zadar lies on the dramatic northern Dalmatian coast. Located between Rijeka and Split, it is quieter than its neighbouring resorts on the south coast and rich in history and natural beauty.

The capital of Dalmatia for many centuries, Zadar has an old network of narrow streets in which you can lose yourself marvelling at the roman ruins and Romanesque churches. The Zadar region oozes natural beauty and boasts 200 hidden islands and islets, bays and isthmuses that create an opportunity for all types of water sport activities.

Exploration of the archipelago is a must and a short boat ride will take you to the islands of Dugi Otok, Pašman and Ugljan.

If you want to explore further afield, Zadar is also the perfect base from which you can explore this part of Croatia and especially its national parks. It’s barely an hour from Krka National Park for some swimming and walking or Paklenica National Park if you fancy a spot of hiking or rock climbing.

In the heart of Dalmatia, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast dates back to the days of Diocletian. The old town is built around the harbour and much of the old city remains to this day. A visit to the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian is well worth a visit. Other notable site include the cathedral; the Temple of Jupiter; the Golden Gate; the Silver Gate; and Peristyle Square.

The Old City is a highly preserved example of life in the Middle Ages, and the medieval architecture there has ensured its place as a UNESCO listed ‘World Natural and Historical Heritage Site’.

This beautiful Greek island may have a chequered past, but its interesting history, stunning natural beauty and glorious climate make it one of the most appealing holiday destinations in Europe. Ruled by many foreign powers in its time, the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, French, and British influences are seen within the wide avenues, narrow flagstone alleys, open squares, ancient churches and fortresses of historic Corfu Town.

Aside from Corfu’s seemingly endless stretches of fine beaches and azure blue waters, the island’s main attraction is the historic Old Town – an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognised for its diverse mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture, the Old Town is home to stunning palaces, vast fortresses and charming public buildings. The 15th century Old Fortress, New Fortress and imposing Church of St. Spyridon in particular are must-visit sites, while Spianáda – the largest square in the Balkans and one of Corfu’s most impressive places – is awash with stunning French architecture from the 19th century and worth visiting too.

Tunis is a city where 19th century French boulevards and cosmopolitan western-style shops and entertainments rub shoulders with Arab tradition. Its maze-like 13th century Medina of Moorish houses and souks are amongst the best preserved of its kind in the Islamic world. Nearby are the poignant ruins of Carthage.

Overlooking a vast sweeping bay, Tangier is the traditional gateway to Morocco. Though no more than 15 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar from Europe, this is a cosmopolitan city that stands on the threshold of Africa. Its world of soaring minarets and domes, ancient casbah (once the sultan’s walled palace and gardens) and animated souks express the rich part-Arab, part-African heritage of a city that has seen occupation by 12 nations since the 5th century.

Facilities in Liverpool are constantly being improved to make boarding, stopping off or leaving your cruise ship easy, enjoyable and stress-free.