About Italy

Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Together with Greece, it is known as the birthplace of Western culture. Full of high art and monuments, almost every small village in Italy offers a few interesting locations. From the Roman ruins, Byzantine cities and Renaissance masterpieces to cobblestone streets, beautiful churches and wide variety of stunning beaches, Italy is a place that provides rare experiences that can never be overrated. Italy is the ideal departure country for those travelling by ferry with numerous amazing destinations, many of them domestic on offer. With so many miles of coastline and famous islands to choose from, the list of destinations is truly unrivalled. In terms of international travel, Italy is connected to almost all of the countries in the Adriatic Sea as well as featuring numerous links to Greece, Tunisia and Spain. The short island crossings are usually made with small passenger vessels while the longer international journeys are operated by luxurious cruise ferries.

About Korcula Island

Korčula is a Croatian island lying just off the Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic Sea. Its scenery is made up of dense pine forest, charming villages and beautiful vineyards. To the south, there are over two hundred pretty coves and some small, sandy beaches. The standout feature is Korčula’s ovular shaped Old Town. It’s an architectural masterpiece, characterised by tall towers and a cluster of red-roofed houses along fish bone shaped streets. They were designed this way to shelter the citizens from the blistering wind. Be sure to visit St Mark’s Cathedral in the Old Town’s square. Using local limestone, it was built in a Renaissance style with fascinating bronze statues and Venetian paintings inside. The southeastern town of Lumbarda cultivates Grk vineyards, which are used to produce the island’s famous Grk wine. Lumbarda is a peaceful retreat from the bustling Korčula Town, with its quiet sandy beaches. Olive oil is an important export, which is primarily produced in Vela Luka on the west coast. There is an olive oil museum on the outskirts of town, selling fine oils and featuring wicker gathering tools. Korčula has a rich cultural history and a number of customs. One such tradition is the Moreska, a spectacular sword dance dating back to the early 17th Century. It involves two groups of dancers engaging in a mock battle over the fate of a veiled woman. It was originally performed on special civil occasions but is now put on every week for visiting tourists. You can sail to Vela Luka from the Italian coastal town of Pescara. The route is operated by SNAV, who provides a few sailings every week with an average journey time of four and a half hours.