Adriatic Classic, Croatia and Italy 2020 (Dubrovnik - Venice)

Day 1 Dubrovnik
Your cruise commences with a transfer to your ship. Embarkation is from 12.00hrs. After settling in to your cabin, meet your fellow passengers and cruise manager for a welcome drink, and then venture out to explore the walled, medieval city of Dubrovnik.

Day 2 Dubrovnik - Mljet - Korcula
This morning, join a walking tour of this World Heritage listed city, including visits to Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery’s pharmacy. After lunch on board, cruise to Mljet Island. Mljet National Park features five types of forest, many species of birds and two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the beautiful National Park. In the late afternoon, continue to Korcula, considered the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. After dinner on board, take a stroll to discover Dalmatia’s ‘Little Dubrovnik.’ (B, L, D)

Day 3 Korcula - Hvar
After breakfast, take a walking tour of Korcula Town with its narrow, cobblestone streets and baroque Cathedral of St. Mark. After setting sail, you will stop for lunch and a swim before your arrival at the popular island of Hvar. Step ashore for a sightseeing tour of Hvar Town including the oldest public theatre in Europe, the Franciscan Monastery and much more. In the evening, dine at one of Hvar’s many seaside restaurants and enjoy its lively nightlife. (B, L)

Note: Due to the limited capacity of Hvar harbour during the peak season of July & August, the ports of Stari Grad or Jelsa (both on Hvar island) maybe substituted as your overnight port with a bus transfer to / from Havr Town included.

Day 4 Hvar – Brac - Split
Today you cruise to Bol on the island of Brac to visit the famous beach at Zlatni Rai (Golden Horn) where you will have lunch and a swim. Enjoy lunch on board as you continue to Croatia’s second largest city of Split. On arrival, embark on a walking tour of the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Witness the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its renaissance and gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Your evening in Split is at leisure. (B, L)

Day 5 Split – Trogir - Sibenik
Leaving Split, cruise along the coast to the nearby coastal town of Trogir, where you will have for some free time to walk around this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Lunch will be served on board as you continue to Sibenik with a stop on the way for a swim. Upon arrival embark on a city tour and discover the city highlights. The rest of your evening is free for dinner at one of Sibenik's many restaurants. (B, L)

Day 6 Sibenik - Sali
Cruise this morning to beautiful Krka National Park to admire its lovely waterfalls and cascades. This afternoon, after lunch, depart for Kornati National Park and travel through almost 140 islands of the archipelago. Tonight, enjoy a Captain's Dinner with live music aboard in Sali. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Sali - Zadar
After breakfast, cruise along Croatia’s scenic coastline with a swim stop on the way before arriving in Zadar in the late afternoon. A city walking tour will introduce you to the historic centre where you will uncover the 16th century walls built by the Venetians, Port Gate, Square of Five Wells, St. Donat’s Church and the 1st century Roman Forum. The rest of your evening is free to explore the city. (B, L)

Day 8 Zadar – Plitvice Lakes - Opatija
Disembark your cruise ship after breakfast, bidding your crew farewell, before travelling north by coach to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you will take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder with its 16 terraced lakes surrounded by wooded mountains and lush vegetation. After your tour continue to Opatija, where you will have an evening at leisure to take a walk along the famous ‘Lungo Mare’ promenade to see the city’s famous villas and other interesting sights. (B, D)

Stay at:
Grand Hotel Adriatic I

Ideally situated, just meters from the Adriatic sea above the famous "Lungo Mare" promenade, this resort style 4-star hotel offers not only a lovely location and comfortable rooms but also a wealth of amenties including two pools, several restaurants, bars and spa treatments.

Day 9 Opatija – Istria - Opatija
Today, head to Pula and take an orientation tour of this strategic port and also visit the Roman amphitheatre, the sixth largest of its kind still in existence. Continue to beautiful town of Rovinj where you have free time to explore the tangle of cobbled streets in the old town, before returning to Opatija with free time at the Grand Hotel Adriatic I. (B)

Day 10 Opatija – Postojna - Venice
After breakfast, travel into Slovenia and visit the unique and beautiful Postojna Caves, one of the largest cave systems in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train, before driving to Venice, idyllically set on 119 islands. This evening is free for you to explore this romantic city. (B)

Stay at;
Carlton on the Grand Canal

Many tours will have you stay at hotels well outside the historic heart of Venice - however on ths tour your home for the next two nights is the 4-star Carlton Grand Canal. Owned and managed by the same Venetian family for over three decades this property has been carefully choosen for its comfortable guest rooms and most importnatly its ideal location on the Grand Canal in a realtively quiet area of the historic city. Step outside the hotel door and your instantly among the canals and narrow streets that Venice is famous for.

Day 11 Venice
Begin your exploration of Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of the traditional Venetian art. After embark on a walking tour starting from St. Mark’s Square. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, enjoy the views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. The rest of the day is free to discover Venice at your own pace, shop, or perhaps take an optional gondola ride. Later, join your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Day 12 Venice
Your tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)

Or stay a little longer and enjoy the charms of Venice!
Additional nights are available on request.

Note: The Carlton Grand Canal Hotel location is ideal for onward connections, not only is it directly opposite the main railway station but it is also a short walk to the main transport piazza in Venice (Piazza Roma).