Adriatic Cruise - Croatia and Venice 12 Day, 11 Nights K200
Day 1: Sat: Arrive Dubrovnik, Saturday NOTE: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbor (during peak season in July and August) port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad/Jelsa. In that case transfer by bus will be organized to and from Hvar.
You will be transferred from Dubrovnik’s airport or your Dubrovnik hotel to Gruz Harbor, where embarkation begins at noon. Meet your fellow travelers and your Cruise Manager later at an on-board Welcome reception. This evening, you can relax or take a walk-through Dubrovnik’s vibrant streets. (WR)
Day 2: Dubrovnik – Mljet – Korćula, Sunday
Start the day with a walking tour of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of Adriatic” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll visit the Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy before returning to the boat for lunch. As you dine, set sail for Mljet Island. Mljet National Park features five types of forest, many species of birds, and two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). After, time to enjoy the spectacular scenery, continue cruising to Korcula, believed to be the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. Dinner tonight is on board. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Korćula – Hvar, Monday
This morning, a walking tour of Korcula takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets and includes a visit to the majestic Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark. Board your boat for lunch and a swimming stop as you cruise. Late this afternoon, arrive in Hvar. On a sightseeing tour, see the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK), the Franciscan Monastery and much more. Your evening is free in Hvar. You can explore more and dine on your own at one of the many restaurants in town. (B, L)
Day 4: Hvar – Bol – Split, Tuesday
Sail to Bol, home to one of the best beaches in Croatia, the Golden Horn. This vast, golden pebble beach is unique in that it changes shape and position depending on the winds. Over lunch on board, continue sailing to Split. Here, a walking tour shows off the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. Your evening is free in Split.
(B, L)
Day 5: Split – Trogir – Sibenik, Wednesday
In the morning sail to the UNESCO-listed city of Trogir. Your time here is free to explore on your own. Back on board, enjoy lunch as you cruise to Sibenik, with stop on the way for a swim. Arriving in Sibenik, a walking tour shows you the highlights of the city, then your evening is at leisure.
(B, L)
Day 6: Sibenik – Sali, Thursday
The Sibenik area is home to two National Parks,Krka, with its breathtaking waterfalls, and Kornati, comprised of more than 140 islands. Your day is devoted to these scenic destinations before you sail to Sali. Tonight, enjoy captain’s dinner on board.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Sali – Zadar, Friday
As you cruise this morning, stop for a swim (weather permitting). Late this afternoon, arrive in Zadar. A walking tour shows you Zadar historical center with the defensive walls built in 16th century, the ancient Port Gate where the Venetian lion still stands guard, the Square of the Five Wells, Church of St. Donat, Roman Forum (1st century BC) and the largest cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. Your evening is free in the city.
(B, L)
Day 8: Zadar - Opatija, Saturday
Disembark after breakfast, bidding your crew farewell. Journey north for a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder with its 16 terraced lakes surrounded by wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Then continue to Opatija. Dinner is at your hotel.
(B, D)
Day 9: Pula & Rovinj Excursion, Sunday
Head to Pula and take an orientation tour of this strategic port since the times of the ancient Romans. You’ll also visit the Amphitheater, the sixth largest of its kind to be preserved in the world today. Continue on to the beautiful resort of Rovinj. There’s free time to explore the old town and its narrow lanes before we return to Opatija. (B)
Day 10: Opatija – Postojna – Venice, Monday
After breakfast, travel to Slovenia and visit the unique and beautiful Postojna Cave, one of the largest in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Continue to Venice, with its idyllic setting on 119 islands. (B)
Day 11: Venice, Tuesday
We begin our exploration of Venice with a boat ride to the Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. Then, on to St. Mark’s Square, for the walking tour, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and enjoying views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop, or perhaps join an optional gondola ride. Later, gather for a Farewell Dinner with new friends. (B, D)
Day 12: depart Venice, Wednesday
You will be transferred to Venice’s airport for your flight home. (B)
Ship Highlights:
Cruise Includes:
Hotels:
Opatija (2 nights)
Venice (2 nights)