Last day of our great cruise! Small town of Rovinj. Toured the old town and had a very relaxing final day.

Outstanding cruise and highly recommend Silversea...small ship (around 600), great food and entertainment, fun smaller excursions, all inclusive (no drink packages, they do not nickel and dime you).

Thanks to Trina, Gary, Judi, and Bob for joining us! In case folks are wondering why they weren't in many pictures...our rule is we are together every day for drinks before dinner then eat dinner together. The rest of the day we explored or relaxed on our own!

Will sign off for this trip....next blog will be Panama Canal to Miami in Feb 2027 on a Regent Cruise! Thanks for following us!

A Brief History of Croatia

The territory of modern Croatia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but during the era of Christ it formed part of the Roman Empire. The Romans built important cities, roads, and ports throughout the region, including settlements that would later become major Croatian centers such as Split and Pula.

During the 6th and 7th centuries, Slavic tribes, including the Croats, migrated into the area and gradually established their own communities. By the 9th century, Croatia had developed into a recognized medieval state and became closely connected to Western Christianity.

In 925 AD, King Tomislav united Croatian territories and is traditionally regarded as the first King of Croatia. The medieval Croatian kingdom flourished for nearly two centuries before entering a dynastic union with Hungary in 1102.

From the 15th to the 17th centuries, Croatia stood on the frontier of Europe against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. Much of the country endured warfare, earning Croatia the nickname "the Bulwark of Christianity."

After centuries under Hungarian and later Habsburg rule, Croatia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. National identity strengthened during the 19th century as Croatians sought greater cultural and political autonomy.

Following World War I, Croatia joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became Yugoslavia. During World War II, the region experienced occupation, resistance movements, and significant loss of life.

After the war, Croatia became one of six republics within socialist Yugoslavia under Josip Broz Tito. While enjoying relative stability and economic growth, many Croatians continued to seek greater political independence.

In 1991, Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, leading to the Croatian War of Independence. After several years of conflict, Croatia secured its sovereignty and international recognition.

Since independence, Croatia has developed as a democratic nation, joined NATO in 2009, became a member of the European Union in 2013, and adopted the euro in 2023. Today, Croatia is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning Adriatic coastline, historic cities such as Dubrovnik and Split, and its role as a modern European nation bridging Central Europe and the Mediterranean.

Croatia's history reflects more than two millennia of influences from the Romans, medieval kingdoms, the Byzantine and Ottoman worlds, the Habsburg Empire, Yugoslavia, and the European Union, creating a unique national identity that endures today.