Visiting Croatia's Adriatic Coast

Diocletian's Palace viewed from the south (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Naomi Wilson

Situated at the crossroads of central Europe, the Mediterranean and the Balkans, Croatia is hub of activity with a history that dates back to the early seventh century. With lovely summer weather and a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea, it is an ideal place to go for a holiday that is focused on sailing. Croatia's coastal region is rife with inlets, small islands, and archipelagos that create a vastly differing and visually stunning sailing experience that changes as you travel down the coastline and in and out of the smaller waterways. While you are exploring the waters, take a bit of time to sail down to the large island of Mljet. Then, head inland for a spot of kayaking on the country's rivers, before going on land at Split to see the huge structure that is Diocletian's Palace.

Visiting the Tuscany Umbria Border Area of Italy

Orvieto Le Dôme-Façade-Ombrie-Italy- (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Emma Cordingley

South eastern Tuscany meets its smaller neighbour Umbria, on Umbria's  north
eastern border.  The border area of Tuscany and Umbria in Italy is a wonderful place
to stay as the visitor is able to visit the many cities and towns of the two regions
while staying in one of the most picturesque areas the world has to offer and
enjoying one of its greatest cuisines.  The area is largely rural, the main crops are
sunflowers, maize, olives, vines and tobacco which is being phased out.  Modernity
has been slow to reach this area and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, many
visitors feel as if they had stepped back in time 30 or 40 years.   Staying in this area
you are within 90% of UNESCOs world art treasures: Rome and Florence are within
two hours drive and one must not forget the important art works of nearer towns
such as Arezzo, Siena, Perugia and Assisi.  Apart from their art treasures these
towns are places everyone enjoys visiting.  All have their own architectural delights
and meandering lanes and interesting shops and restaurants. Also worth visiting are
the Tuscan towns of ; Cortona and Sansepolcro and the Umbrian towns of
Gubbio,Citta di Castello, Todi and Orvieto.  Lovers of ceramics will also want to visit
Deruta famous for its production of some the world's finest majolica.