Dubrovnik, Croatia

Voyage to the Pearl of the Adriatic

George Bernard Shaw once said, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” We tend to agree. For in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, paradise is found behind the massive stonewalls that protect winding streets, charming squares, and red-roofed buildings dating back to the 7th century.

Even the walls themselves are spectacular and a “must walk” along the top. Not only will you get wow-worthy photos, but you can also scout the pedestrian-only Old Town for the stalls you’ll want to visit on your next adventure: shopping.

Look for shoes, leather, and traditional Konavle embroidery—and with a goldsmith trade that goes back to the 13th century, the quality and price of gold, coral, and filigree silver jewelry here is outstanding. After a little retail therapy, go to the Franciscan Monastery Museum, home to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies where many of the lotions and potions are still made from ancient recipes. Take the cable car up to the top of Mount Srd, then relax at the end of the day with a glass of rakija.

(By the way, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may be experiencing a little déjà vu, since Dubrovnik stands in for King’s Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms in the popular TV series.)