Croatia is one of those unforgettable places that people keep returning to time after time, drawn by the exquisite coastline, cobalt waters and quaint towns boasting tremendous history and cultural appeal. Known as the ‘jewel of the Adriatic’, this is one of the Mediterranean’s best kept treasures, where hundreds of islands converge to form one breath-taking country that offers visitors the perfect seaside retreat.

There are a number of international holiday packages on offer that are intended to showcase the ‘best of Croatia’ – allowing visitors to drift between the charismatic villages, familiarising themselves with various highlights, while getting a taste for Croatian life. Here, old mingles with new and the area’s proud past and ancient heritage is evident in many of the gorgeous historical buildings lining the maze of streets, some of which date back to the Roman Empire.

Croatia’s scenery is unsurpassed; here, exquisite, golden beaches are interspersed with wooded mountains, pristine coves and beautiful bays, where the azure ocean’s waves crash to shore in a frothing, powerful symphony. International travel and tours broaden the mind and allow you to appreciate a culture other than your own, immersing yourself in remarkable scenery and exploring charming Renaissance towns. Here are some of the villages you can expect to see on your Croatia holiday travel tour of :

·         Dubrovnik: one of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations, this historical city has a rich past that remains tangible today. Established from the maritime trade, the city rivalled Venice in affluence and prominence during the middle ages and developed significantly in the 15th and 16th centuries. The home of artists and poets, the spectacular city is perhaps Croatia’s best-known tourist hot spot, with phenomenal natural beauty that prompted George Bernard Shaw to say, ‘those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.’ Make sure you add a visit to the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector’s Palace to the top of your agenda, to witness incredible architecture and to learn about the city’s history and residents.

·         Split: an ancient city that was built around a Roman Palace erected by Emperor Diocletian. Established in AD 305, the city is traditionally considered to be over 1,700 years old, although archaeological findings suggest that in fact, the region is even older than that. Split is proud of its past and also boasts of being the largest Dalmation city and the second-largest Croatian city, making it a trendy tourist spot. Visit the remains of Diocletian’s Palace and marvel at the striking St. Duje’s cathedral.

·         Zadar: the centre of Zadar County and one of Dalmatia’s foremost historical centers, this picturesque city is known for its natural beauty and somewhat turbulent, fascinating past. Numerous architectural examples showcase the town’s rich and varied history, with some Roman ruins remaining, along with Venetian inspired Renaissance architecture, as well as Austrian influenced promenades and buildings. Zadar’s chief attraction is its churches, such as St. Donatus’s Church which was erected in the 9th century in a pre-Romanesque style.