Close by. And far from everyday life.

For several centuries, Venice dominated the northwestern Adriatic, leaving magnificent palaces, formidable citadels, and romantic cobblestone streets from Istria to Dalmatia. Additionally, in the sun-drenched southeast of Italy, there are a few real gems. The medieval Otranto and the enchanting fishing village of Monopoli are worth a trip in themselves. At the same time, they open the door to two European Capitals of Culture: Matera with its cave dwellings and the Baroque city of Lecce.