The Sunny Side of the Adriatic – Exploring Ports on Your Own
Trieste
We usually arrive in Trieste super early – which is perfect if you want to catch a morning train to Venice. The main station (Trieste Centrale) is easy to reach on foot or with a short taxi ride, and the journey takes around two hours. If you go with regional trains, you’ll pay around €15–20 one way.
I haven’t made it to Venice myself (yet!), but loads of my colleagues love it. A few hours wandering the canals, grabbing a gelato in St. Mark’s Square, and seeing the city from the water – then heading back to the ship in the evening. Classic bucket list stuff.
But honestly, some of the best times I’ve had in Trieste were when we were lucky enough to dock the night before. That gave us the whole evening to explore the Italian nightlife – and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Just a couple of streets from the port there’s this long stretch full of bars and restaurants where locals of all ages hang out. The atmosphere is so relaxed – perfect for grabbing a spritz, people-watching, or just wandering through the night with music in the background.
And the real highlight? Our unofficial crew tradition: ending the night at this little kebab shop that always came through for us with hot food before heading back to the ship. Absolute lifesaver.
If you stay in Trieste the next day, it’s a nice walk up to the Castello di San Giusto – with awesome views over the city and the sea. Then go full Italian with a plate of pasta, a quick espresso at the bar, maybe a bit of shopping – the sweet life, Adriatic edition.
Italian Pizza
I loved eating out in Trieste instead of onboard – there’s just something about Italian pizza… it hits different. So simple, but seriously next-level.
The view from the ship
The view from the ship in Trieste is an absolute dream – especially at sunset. You can see half the city right from the deck, and it honestly feels like we parked the ship straight in the middle of town.
Trieste is such a beautiful city
Full of stunning buildings, elegant old architecture, and little details that make you stop and stare. It’s got this classy, slightly old-school charm, but still feels super relaxed and real.
Split
Split is one of those places where everything’s just around the corner. In less than ten minutes from the ship, you’re already standing in the middle of Diocletian’s Palace – a Roman emperor’s ancient digs, now packed with cafés, shops, and photo ops at every turn.
You can get lost in the little alleyways for hours, snapping pics and soaking it all in. Sure, the restaurants in the old town can be a bit pricey, but honestly? The pizza, pasta, or local grilled meat dishes are always worth it.
Best tip? Go early. It’s way more magical before the crowds roll in.
Port City
is just beautiful to have a walk, go shopping or go for lunch
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is straight-up stunning. The old town looks like it’s been pulled from a movie – which makes sense, since parts of Game of Thrones were filmed here. But this city has way more to offer than just its film-famous walls.
Every corner here is photo-worthy – ancient stone buildings, narrow alleys, old city gates… there’s a real sense of history everywhere you go. And the food? Amazing. From fresh seafood to local grilled dishes, this is one of those places where eating out feels like a must, not just an option.
If you’re feeling brave, there’s even a spot just outside the city walls where you can jump straight off the cliffs into the sea. The locals love it – and it’s surprisingly easy to find.
But my personal highlight? Kayaking. You sit two to a kayak, and from the little beach just outside the city walls, you paddle out along the coastline and into a small, hidden bay where you can actually stop, get out, and swim. The water is crystal clear, the cliffs around you feel untouched, and it’s honestly one of the coolest things I’ve done in a long time. Total freedom, total chill.
And if paddling’s not your thing, there’s also a super fun option with an inflatable air-cushion. You lie on it while a jet ski pulls you across the water – fast, bouncy, and a guaranteed laugh.
There’s a beach right by the old town too – really pretty, but it gets crowded fast, especially if you’re not renting a sunbed. So if you want a good spot on the public area, get there early.
Also – it gets hot in Dubrovnik. Like, seriously hot. Sunscreen, water, and maybe a hat will save your life here.
City Beach
Dubrovnik’s city beach is beautiful, but it can get crowded quickly. There are also places nearby where you can grab something to eat.
Old Town
The old town of Dubrovnik is absolutely stunning – like stepping back in time with its ancient walls and charming stone streets.
Water activities
There are lots of cool water activities to try here – we chose to go kayaking!
Kotor
Kotor has honestly become one of my favorite ports on this whole route – I completely fell in love with the place. The vibe, the scenery, the laid-back energy… it just hits different.
If you want to make the most of your time here, get up early – trust me, it’s worth it. The town wakes up slowly, the light is soft, and you’ll have the little alleys almost to yourself for a while.
I’ve had some of my absolute best days here – one time I was literally lying on a dock in my bikini, just like everyone else around me, soaking up the sun with the mountains and sea all around. Later, I threw on a dress and went straight into town for some amazing local food. That’s just the kind of place Kotor is – totally relaxed and beautiful without trying too hard.
Wandering through the old town is honestly such a joy. The narrow stone streets, little squares, colorful shutters – it’s like walking through a fairytale. Every corner feels like a photo waiting to happen.
If you’re craving a bit of adventure, Kotor’s harbor is the perfect jumping-off point for some unforgettable boat tours. You get to choose from several exciting routes — whether it’s exploring charming island churches, diving into the mysterious Blue Cave, or hopping off for refreshing swims in crystal-clear bays. I loved it so much the first time that I couldn’t resist booking the exact same tour again on my second visit!
But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can also grab a taxi to the cable car station and glide effortlessly up the mountain. Once you reach the top, get ready to be blown away by views that rival the fjords of Norway — only with glorious sunshine and warm weather. Up there, you’ll find cozy little restaurants perfect for a relaxed meal, picture-perfect spots begging for that next Instagram shot, and — believe it or not — a tiny skate ramp. It’s a quirky little surprise that adds a fun twist to the whole experience.
Boat Trip
In Kotor, you can book a boat trip to explore the bay – one highlight is the little church on the water, Our Lady of the Rocks, with its beautiful blue dome. A really charming and unique spot!
Cable Car
The cable car in Kotor offers amazing views and some great photo spots! You can even see the bay and the ships from up there – definitely worth it.
City
Kotor is a charming old town with narrow streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the bay.