Friday - Split
Embarkation in lovely Split. After the Welcome Reception we set sail to Pula.
Saturday - Pula
Early the morning, we reach Pula, the “Heart” of the Istria region, spreading over seven hills and an ancient Roman colony, called Pollenta. Your optional ½ day excursion showcases important Roman monuments including the beautifully preserved Arena that could seat 23,000 people, the Temple of Augustus, the lovely Sergians triumphal Arch and the Hercules Gat, the town’s oldest monument. The Temple of Jupiter was converted to a church in the 4th century and is an amazing combination of Roman and Byzantine architecture. The tour includes a stop at the Village of Kruncici at Matosevic local wine cellar where you will chance to try one of the best wines of this region. Overnight at sea to Venice.
Sunday - Venice
Venice, the city of Love and culture! The city the great traders and philosophers created is an extraordinary place. The elegant carved gondolas and vaporetti that ply the Grand Canal to the magnificent Piazza San Marco make it a unique city. Our ½ day excursion includes Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace. You will admire great Renaissance Masters’ works of art housed in the Academia and at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, a canal-side palazzo. Your afternoon is free to explore this romantic city. Overnight in Venice.
Monday - Rovinj
Today we reach Rovinj in the morning. After breakfast you may join our optional excursion through the exciting city discovering the old town, which used to be surrounded by seven gates of which only three remain nowadays: the Saint Benedict Gate, the Portico and the Holy Cross Gate. The baroque archway, which serves as the entrance into the old town, was built on the site of the former outer gate in the seventeenth century. In the afternoon you have the possibility to take another optional excursion to Dvigrad – an abandoned medieval town - Bale - with its extraordinary Bembo Palace - and Sminj or just relax and see more of Rovinj. After dinner, you may enjoy an evening walk through the popular city to sample some of its entertainment offerings. Overnight is at sea on the way to Zadar.
Tuesday - Zadar
We arrive to Zadar early morning, a fortified town located on the Adriatic Sea. Your optional ½ day excursion will allow you to discover the street nets built by the Roman architects, a surrounding wooden bulwark built by the Venetians in the 16
th
C., and the New Waterfront built in the 19
th
C. The historical part of Zadar is fascinating to all those who like historical monuments and cultural heritage. The church of St. Donat, the symbol of the city, is a must see in each itinerary, as well as the Permanent Exhibition of Sacral Art. Your afternoon is free for you to explore this colourful town. Overnight in Zadar.
Wednesday - Sibenik
Today we reach Sibenik, the oldest native town of Croatia, the heart of the Adriatic coast, at the mouth of the river Krka, hidden among the channels, Sibenik’s name was given by the great Croatian King Petar Kresimir IV. Today, Sibenik is a youthful and lively town. Little streets lead to attractive squares where modern shop windows unite really nice with the fine and stylish architecture of the vanished centuries. Your optional ½ day walking excursion will include a UNESCO World Heritage site, the great cathedral of St. Jakov which took over a century to build and is the eternal and indestructible symbol of the town. Overnight in Sibenik.
Thursday - Hvar
After leaving Siebenik early in the morning we reach the lush and beautiful Hvar Island, a Greek colony, known as Pharos 'lighthouse'. Hvar served as an important harbor for Venice's Adriatic fleet from the late 12th century through most of the eighteenth century. When we think of Hvar - we think about the island of heather, sunshine and crickets, the island of lavender, sage and wine and the island of rosemary and secluded coves. Your afternoon ½ day walking excursion is adapted to the relaxed rhythms of island life. One of the best ways to do this is to following the way up to the Renaissance cathedral, round the sixteenth-century town well, down to the Arsenal with its striking portal, and over to the docks, visiting St. Stephan's cathedral and Franciscan Monastry along the way. Overnight in Hvar.
Friday - Split
Early morning sailing to Split.
Arrival 8.00 a.m. and disembarkation 9:00 to 10.00 am.
