Adriatic Cruise With Romantic Venice

( 5 Star )

Visit: Dubrovnik, Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, Split, Trogir, Zadar, Plitvice, Opatija, Postojna, Venice

Dubrovnik - Mljet National Park - Korcula - Hvar - Split - Krka National Park - Kornati National Park - Zadar - Plitvice National Park - Pula - Postojna - Venice

You are transferred from the airport or from your hotel in Dubrovnik to Gruz Harbor, where embarkation begins at noon. Later, join your fellow travelers and your cruise manager for an onboard welcome reception with dinner. This evening, you can relax on board, or take a stroll through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. (D)

We start the day with breakfast and a walking tour of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of Adriatic” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We visit the Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy before returning to the ship. While we set sail for Mljet Island, lunch is served. 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). Spectacular scenery accompanies us all the way to Korcula, believed to be the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. Dinner tonight is on board. (B, L, D)

This morning, after breakfast, we go on a walking tour through the narrow, cobble-stone streets of Korcula town. We visit to the majestic Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark. Thereafter, we enjoy lunch on board. A swimming stop follows en route to Hvar where we arrive late afternoon. Among the many places we see on our sightseeing tour, the Franciscan Monastery stands out. Our evening is free in Hvar to explore even more and dine on your own at one of the many restaurants in town. (B, L) Note: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbor (during peak season in July and August) the port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad/Jelsa. In that case, transfers by bus will be organized to and from Hvar

We sail to Bol, home of the Golden Horn, one of the most breathtaking beaches in Croatia. This vast, golden pebble beach is unique in that it changes shape and position depending on the direction of the winds. During lunch on board, we sail to Split. Here, a walking tour shows off the historic inner city, built around the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The evening is free to discover more of Split. (B, L)

In the morning, we sail to the UNESCO-listed city of Trogir. Our time here is free to explore on your own. Back on board, lunch is served while we cruise to Sibenik. En route, we make a stop for a swim. In Sibenik, a walking tour shows the highlights of the city. The evening is at leisure. (B, L)

The Sibenik area is home to two National Parks: Krka, with its breathtaking waterfalls, and Kornati, comprised of more than 140 islands with numerous coves and crystalclear water. Our day is devoted to tour these scenic destinations. Afterward, we sail to Sali. Tonight, aboard our ship, enjoy the Captain’s dinner with live entertainment and a glass of wine. (B, L, D)

As we cruise, and weather permitting, we stop for a swim in the morning. After lunch, we arrive in Zadar. The city’s compact pedestrian zone is perfect to explore on foot. Admire the 16th century walls built by the Venetians as a defense against the Turks. We see the Port Gate, where the Venetian lion still guards the entrance, the Square of the Five Wells, the Church of St. Donat, the Roman Forum and the largest cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. After the tour, we stop for a tasting of traditional Maraschino liqueur. Our evening is free in Zadar. (B, L)

After breakfast, we disembark and bid farewell to our crew. We journey north by motorcoach for a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we enjoy the breathtaking beauty while we walk around several of the lower lakes. The Park is a natural wonder with 16 terraced lakes surrounded by wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Afterward, we motor on to Opatija where dinner is served at our hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast, we drive to Pula for an orientation tour of this strategic port city. We visit the preserved Amphitheater, the sixth largest in the world. Then we continue on to the beautiful resort of Rovinj. There’s free time to explore the old town and its narrow streets before we return to Opatija. (B)

After breakfast, we travel to Slovenia and visit the unique and beautiful Postojna Cave, one of the largest in Europe. We tour this wondrous subterranean world by miniature electric train. Later, we continue to Italy where Venice beckons with its idyllic setting on 119 islands. (B)

We begin our exploration of Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. In a working glass factory, we see master craftsmen demonstrate the art of traditional Venetian glassblowing. We then depat for St. Mark’s Square, for a walking tour with visits of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take in views of the Bell Tower and the 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. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in a local restauran. (B, D)

You will be transferred to Venice’s airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can continue your journey and join Kompas’ “Quintessential Italian Trio” tour. (B)

Inclusion

Arrival transfer from Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik hotel to the port
12 day/11-night cruise and tour vacation from Dubrovnik to Venice:
7 nights aboard the brand new M/SPremier featuring:
Deluxe cabins with private bathroom, air-conditioning, and LCD TV
Free Wi-Fi
Daily housekeeping (fresh bed linen and towels midweek)
Amenity kit
Bathrobe and slippers
Complimentary bottled water, coffee, tea and fresh fruit
Daily buffet breakfast on board
6 lunches on board
4 dinners:
Welcome reception with dinner on board
Captain’s dinner with live music and a glass of wine
1 dinner on board
Farewell dinner in Venice
2 nights at the GH Adriatic Hotel in Opatija
2 nights at the Carlton on the Grand
Canal Hotel in Venice
Professional cruise and tour manager throughout
Port taxes
Luggage handling
Sightseeing tours with licensed local guides
Whisper technology enhanced touring
Admissions included where indicated
Departure transfer from the hotel in Venice to Venice airport.

Exclusion

International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included

Note

Upgrade to Superior Cabin, price available on request
Tourist tax & Port tax to be paid on board in cash

Cruise spotlights:
Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”
Mljet National park
Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo
Hvar: the sunniest Croatian island
The Golden Horn beach on Bol island
Split built around Diocletian's Palace
Sibenik’s medieval Old Town
Krka National Park
Kornati National Park
Tasting of traditional Maraschino liqueur in Zadar
Plitvice National Park
The Amphitheatre in Pula
Rovinj, an Adriatic gem
Postojna caves
The splendor and romance of Venice

HOTELS:
Opatija: GH Adriatic I (F)
Venice: Carlton on the Grand Canal (F)

Tour Category

Tour Guide

Local English only guide

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