Kotor, Montenegro

Simply arriving in Kotor is an unforgettable experience. One of the world’s most breathtaking waterways, the fjord-like Bay of Kotor follows a winding path through the forested mountains that rise on all sides of the sparkling sea. Nestled along the most inland cove are the coral-tiled roofs of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fortified during Venetian rule, medieval ramparts surround the Old Town, where visitors will find historic landmarks such as the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Maritime Museum. The physically fit should climb the 1,350 steps to clifftop St. John’s Fortress for gorgeous views of the town and the bay. A more leisurely option would be a boat tour to the unique Our Lady of the Rocks Church, situated on a tiny manmade islet, or a drive to the charming medieval town of Budva.