Welcome to Venice (UNESCO)! Your tour begins in this enchanting city, with its 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.
This evening, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner and toast to the beginning of a memorable voyage. (D) Stay: Starhotel Splendid (2 Nights)
This morning, travel by boat to Murano Island for an expert glass-blowing demonstration – a centuries-old tradition on the island. Then, join your local guide for a walking tour of Venice's most iconic sights. Pause for a perfect view over the Bridge of Sighs and take in St. Mark's Square, adorned with marbled palaces and gilded basilicas. The rest of the day is yours to explore. (B)
This morning, say ciao to Venice as you head towards Croatia. Along the way, experience the Italian region of Collio. Tucked in the northeast corner of Italy and covered with sunny hills and slopes, this region is home to some of the world's best and most unique white wines. Pause for lunch in a family-owned winery before continuing your journey to Croatia. You'll finish your day exploring the coastal city of Rijeka independently. (B/L) Stay: Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa (2 Nights)
After breakfast, take time to enjoy beautiful beaches and the coastline of the Adriatic Sea.
Later, set off to discover Hum, situated on one of the numerous hilltops in Istria, which is also the smallest town in the world. Enjoy the views from Istrian countryside landscapes at an olive farm – known to be one of the best producers in the Istrian Peninsula – and learn the process of producing olive oil and local flavors when you sample this aromatic culinary staple. A true farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant in the hills of Motovun allows you to end your day sampling regional wines and classic Istrian delicacies. (B/D)
Today, it's off to Opatija to board your ship for a 7-night private cruise on the Adriatic. When you arrive in Opatija, it's your choice! Discover the views from Ucka Mountain and take a hike through the oakwood and chestnut forests -OR- get to know the elegant resort town on a guided tour and stroll along the scenic seaside promenade of Lungomare to the beautiful water, rich coastal vegetation, and pristine beaches that lie around every corner. After, enjoy free time for lunch independently in one of the many quaint cafés in town.
This afternoon, meet the captain and crew of your private cruise and settle for a welcome dinner onboard the ship. (B/D) Stay: MS San Spirito (7 Nights)
The open, pristine waters of the Adriatic bring you to the colorful island of Cres, a lovely port town where the streets are lined by yellow, cream, tan, and brown terraced houses dotted with blue awnings and umbrellas. A city tour takes you through homes winding into a maze, which draws you to the center of Cres' Old Town. Medieval architecture harkens back to simpler times when the island was simply a fisherman's paradise. Relish an evening at leisure to take in the coast, culture and charm of Cres independently. (B/L)
Today, sail to the largest island in the Adriatic: Krk. During a guided tour of Krk Town, learn about the long history and rich cultural heritage still reflected in the present-day town. See the 5th-century Krk Cathedral, dating back to the island's time under Roman rule and the 12th-century Frankopan Castle built by Croatian noble people. Each well-preserved wall, cathedral, temple, square and monument reflects a different part of the islands' story and there is a piece of history underfoot with each step you take. After exploring Krk, return to your ship and enjoy dinner. (B/L/D)
Take advantage of a morning at leisure and have some more time to visit Krk Town or swim in the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to get a taste of the region's past with visits to the Kornic Ethnographic collection, the traditional coastal village of Punat and a boat trip to the tiny natural wonder of Košljun Island.
Return to the ship for lunch onboard. After, head towards the narrow island of Rab. An included tour of Rab, which is enclosed by ancient stone walls, highlights the four majestic church towers that welcome visitors to its old town, the beautiful park that winds around wooded hills to the beaches, and the large collection of sacral art at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Bernardino.
This evening, a pastry chef will show you how to make a Croatian delicacy local to the island: Rab cake. Bite into this delectable almond spiral while you sip on a gin and tonic made with locally made gin. The night is yours to explore Rab your way. (B/L)
Pass picturesque Pag, Olib, and many of the other smaller islands of the Zadar Archipelago on your way to Zadar this afternoon. When you reach Zadar, explore this fascinating city's irresistible blend of old and new during a guided tour. Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century, Byzantine architecture of the 9th century, and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Anastasia speak to Zadar's rich history, while exciting modern art instillations on the seafront engage you in the present.
Listen to the mystical warbling of the Sea Organ, whose sound comes from ocean water rushing through tubes below marble steps and witness the art installation Greeting to the Sun, creating beautiful evening light shows powered by the day's sunshine for experiences that could only happen in Zadar.
This evening is at leisure for you to stroll Zadar's streets, perhaps sampling Dalmatian cuisine during dinner at a local café or indulging in one of the many gelato shops. (B/L)
Convene with nature this morning as you enjoy the opportunity to sun, swim and get an up-close look at the unrivaled beauty of Telašcica Nature Park on Telašcica Bay and the Kornati Archipelago. Made up of 140 islands, islets and reefs, the Kornati Archipelago's tranquil waters are lined with stunningly beautiful, rugged terrain and abundant wildlife.
This afternoon, soak in one of the most beautiful parts as your cruise travels through the Kornati National Park and relax during a peaceful trip to Vodice. This evening, enjoy a special Captain's Dinner with a glass of champagne, accompanied by traditional Klapa singing, a form of a cappella. (B/L/D)
Explore the resort town of Vodice independently or you may choose to disembark early for an optional morning tour to the breathtaking Krka National Park.
Later, sail on to Šibenik, the last port of this journey. Don't miss this unforgettable sight as you sail into St. Anthony's channel and pass by tiny islands and St. Nicola's Fortress (UNESCO). This is one of the best-preserved works of defense, and a unique monument of the world's architectural heritage.
Explore the city's historical center on a locally-guided walking tour past medieval alleys, well-preserved fortresses, and the Cathedral of St. James, a stunning domed Catholic basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the evening to find unexpected surprises around the ancient streets before returning to the ship. (B/L)
Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to Split for your flight home. Say goodbye to Croatia as your tour of the Adriatic Coast ends today. (B)
Welcome to Croatia! Once you arrive in Split, transfer to Šibenik – a beautiful place where the Krka River flows into the Adriatic Sea. Explore the city's historical center on a locally guided walking tour through medieval alleys, well-preserved fortresses, and the Cathedral of St. James – a stunning domed Catholic Basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later this afternoon, board your ship and settle into your home for the next 7 nights.
This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner accompanied by local entertainment. With a glass of Croatian wine, toast to the beginning of your adventure! (D) Stay: MS San Spirito (7 Nights)
Venture off to breathtaking Krka National Park where waterfalls tumble through dramatic gorges right before your eyes. Wander the surrounding trails before boarding a boat to sail along the river to Skradin. Take in unforgettable sights as you sail through St. Anthony's channel and pass by the tiny islands and St. Nicola's fortress, a UNESCO heritage site and one of the world's best-preserved works of defense dating back to the 16th century.
This afternoon, soak in one of the most beautiful parts of your cruise as you travel through Kornati National Park. The Kornati Archipelago's tranquil waters are made up of 140 islands, islets, and reefs lined with beautiful terrain and abundant wildlife. Continue toward Telašcica and savor a dinner this evening. (B/L/D)
Cruise towards the Zadar Islands this morning and marvel at the beauty found in Telašcica Nature Park.
Disembark in Zadar to explore this city's irresistible blend of old and new during a guided tour. Roman ruins, Byzantine architecture, Nikola Bašic's art installations, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia are just a few of the incredible sites along the way. Learn more about Zadar how you like it because it's your choice! Visit the Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar alongside a local guide -OR- visit the historicistic palace of the Cosmacendi family to see the Museum of Ancient Glass. During free time this evening, stroll Zadar's streets and savor Dalmatian cuisine at a local café if you wish. Perhaps you'll indulge in dessert at one of the many gelato shops. (B/L)
Pass picturesque Pag, Olib, and many of the other smaller islands of the Zadar Archipelago on your way to Rab this afternoon. During a tour, admire Rab's ancient stone walls that enclose the city, four majestic church towers, and a beautiful park that winds around wooded hills to the beaches. You'll also explore a large collection of sacral art at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Bernardino.
This evening, a local will show you how to make Rab cake – a Croatian delicacy local to the island. Bite into this delectable almond spiral while you sip on a locally made gin and tonic.
Tonight, you're free to explore Rab how you want. (B/L)
Set sail to Krk – the largest island in the Adriatic. During a guided tour of Krk Town, learn about its long history and rich cultural heritage. See the 5th-century Krk Cathedral, dating back to the island's time under Roman rule. Stand in awe at the 12th-century Frankopan Castle built by Croatian nobles. Each well-preserved wall, cathedral, temple, square, and monument reflects a different part of the islands' story.
This evening is yours to continue exploring this paradise-like island. Perhaps you'll sit down for dinner at one of the many local restaurants. (B/L)
Spend this morning at leisure exploring more of Krk Town how you like. Perhaps you'll take a swim in the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic. If you're curious about the region's past, join an optional tour to the Kornic Ethnographic collection. This option will take you to the coastal village of Punat where you'll board a boat to Košljun Island.
This afternoon, depart Krk and continue to the colorful island of Cres. The streets of this port town are lined with shades of yellow and brown terraced houses dotted with blue awnings and umbrellas. During a city tour, admire the winding maze of houses leading you to the center of Cres' Old Town. Medieval architecture takes you back to when the island was a fisherman's paradise. Spend the evening at leisure taking in the coast, culture, and charm of Cres. (B/L)
Onward to Opatija! Embark on a morning cruise through the Istrian Peninsula. Perhaps you'll test out the water and jump in for a swim before curing your appetite with lunch. Arrive in Opatija and join your local guide while getting to know this elegant resort town. Stroll along Lungomare, a scenic seaside promenade where natural beauty and pristine coastlines lie around every corner. Spend time at leisure to explore this town independently before a dinner onboard the ship. (B/L/D)
Bid farewell to your ship as you disembark in Opatija. Discover the views of Ucka Mountain as you set off to discover inlands of the Istrian peninsula. Visit a local distillery where the owners use regional plants, fruits, and herbs to produce brandies and other treats – yum! Discover the picturesque hilltop Istrian town of Hum before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch in a family-owned restaurant.
This afternoon, soak in the beauty of Portorož – a resort town on Slovenia's Adriatic coast. (B/L) Stay: Life Class Hotel Riviera (2 Nights)
Spend time exploring the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea this morning. Perhaps you'll take an optional excursion to discover the wonders of Postojna caves. Set off to one of the biggest wetlands on the coastline, Salina Nature Park, where locals harvest salt using a 700-year-old method. Visit the Museum of salt making and learn how the salt pond and its associated canal work together to provide sea salt. Toast to Slovenia at a dinner in a local restaurant this evening. (B/D)
Say “nasvidenje” to Slovenia this morning as you continue your journey towards Venice. Along the way, experience the Italian region of Collio. Tucked in the northeast corner of Italy and covered with sunny hills and slopes, this region is home to some of the world's best (and most unique) white wines. Pause for lunch in a family-owned winery before venturing towards Venice. Among the most romantic cities in the world, Venice welcomes you with its 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B/L) Stay: Hotel Avani Rio Novo (2 Nights)
This morning, travel by boat to Murano Island for an expert glass-blowing demonstration – a centuries-long tradition on the island. Then, join your local guide for a walking tour of Venice's most iconic sights. Pause for a picture-perfect view over the Bridge of Sighs and take in St. Mark's Square, adorned with marbled palaces and gilded basilicas. The rest of the day is yours to explore.
This evening, toast to this memorable voyage during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B/D)
Say “ciao” to Italy, the Slovenian coastline, and the Croatian islands as your tour comes to an end. (B)
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