From the Adriatic to Europe's Heart: Exploring Croatia, Budapest, and Prague

See the beautiful courtyard which was once the center of the palace, and is now the heart of Split.

The Peristyle was the central courtyard of the palace complex and the crossing point of its main streets. The columns around the courtyard were pillaged from Egypt, though the officer in charge of the operation must have forgotten to get some extras as four of the columns are clearly different from the others. There's also a black granite Egyptian sphinx on one side dating from 1500 BC which originally flanked the entrance to Diocletian's mausoleum (other sphinxes around the palace were decapitated by Diocletian to allay his superstition that they posed a threat to his rule). If you sit on one of the red cushions scattered around the Peristyle you'll be approached by a waiter with a menu of very expensive drinks, but it may be worth it just to sit and lap up the history and watch people go by. At the southern end of the Peristyle, steps lead up to a cone-shaped, roofless chamber which once served as the palace vestibule. Visitors would wait here before being summoned before the ex-emperor into his private apartments.

Enter this ancient gateway to discover palace cellars used as film sets for Game of Thrones.

While today about 200 feet (60m) from the water, the Bronze Gate originally sat directly on the sea, allowing boats to pull directly up to the palace. As you enter the gate you will find a mass of souvenir and arts & crafts stalls, but just inside the entrance on either side are the substructures, or cellars of the palace. After the palace fell into disrepair, the cellars were used as rubbish pits. Families occupying the apartments above would simply create holes in the floor and voila, they had an instant trash dump with a seemingly unending supply of space. Of course centuries of trash did eventually them fill up and they were only rediscovered in 1956; the excavations continue to this very day. While entrance to the cellar is not free, it provides an excellent idea of what the palace must originally have looked like, as they're an exact mirror image of the imperial living quarters above. Game of Thrones fans will also be happy to learn that the cellar was used as a filming set, including as Daenerys Targaryen's grand Meereen throne room.

See the beautiful courtyard which was once the center of the palace, and is now the heart of Split.

The Peristyle was the central courtyard of the palace complex and the crossing point of its main streets. The columns around the courtyard were pillaged from Egypt, though the officer in charge of the operation must have forgotten to get some extras as four of the columns are clearly different from the others. There's also a black granite Egyptian sphinx on one side dating from 1500 BC which originally flanked the entrance to Diocletian's mausoleum (other sphinxes around the palace were decapitated by Diocletian to allay his superstition that they posed a threat to his rule). If you sit on one of the red cushions scattered around the Peristyle you'll be approached by a waiter with a menu of very expensive drinks, but it may be worth it just to sit and lap up the history and watch people go by. At the southern end of the Peristyle, steps lead up to a cone-shaped, roofless chamber which once served as the palace vestibule. Visitors would wait here before being summoned before the ex-emperor into his private apartments.

Enter this ancient gateway to discover palace cellars used as film sets for Game of Thrones.

While today about 200 feet (60m) from the water, the Bronze Gate originally sat directly on the sea, allowing boats to pull directly up to the palace. As you enter the gate you will find a mass of souvenir and arts & crafts stalls, but just inside the entrance on either side are the substructures, or cellars of the palace. After the palace fell into disrepair, the cellars were used as rubbish pits. Families occupying the apartments above would simply create holes in the floor and voila, they had an instant trash dump with a seemingly unending supply of space. Of course centuries of trash did eventually them fill up and they were only rediscovered in 1956; the excavations continue to this very day. While entrance to the cellar is not free, it provides an excellent idea of what the palace must originally have looked like, as they're an exact mirror image of the imperial living quarters above. Game of Thrones fans will also be happy to learn that the cellar was used as a filming set, including as Daenerys Targaryen's grand Meereen throne room.

Take a swim in one of Croatia's most famous and beautiful beaches.

Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) is a beautiful tongue of white pebble beach jutting into the sea, and is one of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in Croatia. Its summer breezes also make it a favorite among wind surfers. Huge crowds flock to it in the summer months, so it is not ideal for those looking for an isolated spot to themselves. You can easily reach the beach from the town of Bol, as it is only a 20 minute walk along a tree-lined promenade. In high season you'll find all manner of diversions here, including food options, bicycles for hire, scooters and quad bikes, boat rentals, windsurfing, water taxis to more isolated coves and beaches, and snorkeling and scuba diving courses.

Explore the picturesque town of Bol and take a quick walk to the Dominican monastery.

Bol's setting is indeed quite beautiful, hugging the coastal flanks of Brac's tallest mountain, but it attracts huge crowds in the summer months that flock to the nearby beautiful beach of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape). The town of Bol itself is thankfully free of high rise package hotels and somehow manages to retain some modesty and charm around its attractive harbor. Take time to pop up to the Dominican monastery which is dramatically located high on an outcrop just east of Bol's center - the assiduously maintained monastery gardens overlooking the sea are worth the walk up.

Visit this seaside hamlet recently rated as one of the top ten most picturesque villages in all of Europe.

The stone-quarrying village of Pučišća is hidden in the western arm of a long Y-shaped inlet and is assembled around a rough-hewn pair of medieval defensive towers and a gnarled church belfry. The harbor is clean enough to swim in and there are pleasant rocky beaches on the northwestern side of the inlet. There's a stone-carving school in the village and white-stone souvenirs are the stock-in-trade here.

Discover the oldest continually inhabited settlement on the island.

Located on the interior of the island, Škrip has an entirely different atmosphere from the ritzy beach towns. Indeed, it's a sleepy nest of stone houses with heavy stone roof-tiles and feels a bit lost in time - in a good way. You'll also find 16th-century castle ruins and the island's museum at its eastern end. The museum contains a well-preserved Roman relief of Hercules and miscellaneous 19th-century agricultural tools. There's a Roman mausoleum outside that allegedly contains the wife or daughter of Diocletian.  At the top of the village you'll find an ancient church and graveyard from where you'll enjoy a wonderful view of the countryside.

Enjoy an intriguing and bitter-sweet visit to a unique museum focused on heartbreak.

One of Zagreb's most quirky museums is the Museum of Broken Relationships. At first a temporary exhibition only, it struck such a chord with the public that it became a permanent museum in 2010, displaying objects connected with all aspects of human relationships and break-ups. A compelling and sometimes visceral monument to wistful memory and raw emotion, visitors are invited to overcome a difficult separation by donating memories and thus recognizing the end of a relationship.

Be sure to stop by the picturesque square and church at the heart of Old Zagreb.

Markov trg at the center of Gradec hosts the surprisingly modest Sabor or national parliament and the rather squat but nonetheless attractive St Mark's Church, with its famously multi-colored roof tiles displaying the coat of arms of Zagreb and Croatia. The interior has been ravaged over time by earthquake, fire, and 19th-century "restorers", but some parts, like the south portal, are original. The building on the other side is the Banski dvor, or Ban's Palace, originally the seat of the Hapsburg-appointed governor and now the seat of Croatia's government.

Historic lookout tower

A tower that once protected the southern city gate from danger. A spiral staircase inside leads to a small wooden terrace offering superb views of Zagreb's roofscape. 

Enjoy an intriguing and bitter-sweet visit to a unique museum focused on heartbreak.

One of Zagreb's most quirky museums is the Museum of Broken Relationships. At first a temporary exhibition only, it struck such a chord with the public that it became a permanent museum in 2010, displaying objects connected with all aspects of human relationships and break-ups. A compelling and sometimes visceral monument to wistful memory and raw emotion, visitors are invited to overcome a difficult separation by donating memories and thus recognizing the end of a relationship.

Enjoy a leisurely coffee and cake in one of Budapest's most storied cafes.

Over 160 years old, with a grand, high-ceilinged dining room, the cafe is deservedly one of Budapest's most popular attractions. It serves coffee, mouthwatering Hungarian pastries, and traditional bistro dishes. It retains the elegance and sophistication of its 19th century origins, and the terrace sits on the lively Vörösmarty Square. 

Take a peak at this pearl of art nouveau architecture, which now houses a Four Seasons Hotel.

The hotel doesn't mind tourists exploring the lavish arcade on the first floor, as it is lined by shops and a café. Be sure to note the organic themes of the façade and the beautiful wrought iron peacock gate on the north side of the building.

Enjoy an awe-inspiring visit to this vast cupola-topped church; the most famous in Budapest.

Completed in 1905, the construction of the neo-classical Catholic church took over 50 years. The mummified hand of Hungary's first king, St. Stephen, is kept in a small chapel in the rear. Take a lift to the dome to enjoy one of Budapest's most interesting panoramic views. The church hosts frequent concerts. 

Stroll across a beautiful landmark 19th-century suspension bridge which is a symbol of Budapest.

This was Budapest's first permanent bridge over the Danube, enabling the cities of Buda and Pest to merge. Named after Count István Széchenyi, it hangs from iron chains (hence, the Chain Bridge) anchored by two towering river piers. These piers were the only elements to survive WWII fighting. The rest was rebuilt.

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

See a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.

The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.

Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.

The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country. 

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

Visit a museum of coin minting located in a former royal palace.

This grand building is the former royal mint and a residence of the kings of Bohemia from the 13th century. It has served as the town hall since the 19th century. You can visit a coin exhibit, see a coiner stamping coins, and tour the former royal palace, including a beautiful Art nouveau chapel filled with valuable wooden altars.

Take a peak at a richly decorated family house built in medieval times.

In addition to admiring the home from outside, you can visit two museum expositions: Bourgeois Culture and Life in Kutná Hora between 17th and 19th century, and a lapidary showing the structural development of the town.

Confront your own mortality in the crypt of a small Gothic church decorated with garlands of human skulls, plus a bone chandelier & chalices.

As macabre as it might appear, one cannot help but admire the imaginative ways in which thousands of human bones have been put to decorative use. There's everything from huge pyramids of skulls, to a chandelier to an aristocratic coat of arms composed of the remains of those who sought their final resting place in Sedlec. It’s a breath-taking reminder of the medieval practice of reflecting on mortality, summed up in the Latin expression ‘Memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’.

See a spectacular church decorated with sharp spines, flying buttresses & frescoes.

The church, which many mistake for a cathedral, is the exquisite result of a centuries-long struggle for autonomy in religious affairs that raged between Kutná Hora and the nearby Cistercian monastery. The church was built outside of the town walls, but on land not owned by the monastery, as a symbol of the city's independence from the monastery. It was fittingly dedicated to St. Barbara, the miners' patron saint.