Itinerary:

Day 1 – Saturday: Split – Arrival (WR, D)

You will be transferred from Split airport to the port, where embarkation begins at 2 pm. Get settled in your cabin before attending a Welcome reception followed by dinner.

Day 2 – Sunday: Split – Bol – Jelsa (B, L)

Morning sail towards Bol on Brač Island, where you will discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean – “Zlatni Rat” (the Golden Horn), which is constantly changing its shape due to the ocean currents. Swim stop if weather permits. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for Jelsa on the island of Hvar. One of the most picturesque towns on the island of Hvar; Jelsa is nestled in amongst hills dense with pine woods. The town quay extends all the way around the harbour with numerous laid moorings. Walk around stone street, squares, see churches, and parks. Enjoy a coffee in the main square and the Mediterranean atmosphere of this bustling town. Your evening is free to explore Jelsa on your own.

Day 3 – Monday: Jelsa – Korčula (Wine tasting) (B, L, T)

Early in the morning we set sail for the island of Korčula, with swim stop, weather permitting, in one of pristine bays, time to relax and lunch on board. Continue towards Korčula, the most preserved medieval town, and birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour of Korčula which takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets full of history and enjoy wine tasting in one of the local wine bars. Evening is free to explore the town on your own.

Day 4 – Tuesday: Korčula – Dubrovnik (B, L)

In the morning sail to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, you will enjoy a guided tour of the historical centre of Dubrovnik, walk through Stradun – both a street and a square, the most famous place inside the town walls, where your guide will show you the most interesting sights of Dubrovnik. After city tour, you will be on your own to explore the city, visit City Walls, the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s second oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace, and the Cathedral, or take a boat ride to Lokrum island or take the cable car to the top of the Mount Srđ. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 5 – Wednesday: Dubrovnik – Mljet National Park (B, L, CD)

In the morning head further north to the Island of Mljet. Mljet National Park encompasses five types of forest, many species of birds and two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Join the Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to explore the National Park or island on your own. In the evening, enjoy Captain’s dinner on board.

Day 6 – Thursday: Mljet National Park – Hvar (B, L)

Take a break for a swim during your morning cruise. Continue sailing during a lunch, afternoon arriving this afternoon in Hvar, a charming seaside town with 8 centuries of architecture, and also a favourite holiday destination for international celebrities. During a walking tour, visit the many historical sights of the town, such as St Stephen’s Square and Cathedral, the Arsenal with the theatre built on its first floor, the first municipal theatre in Europe. Above the Town is the impressive fortress Fortica offering magnificent views over the bay and Pakleni islands. Your evening is free in Hvar. You can explore more and dine on your own in one of the many restaurants in town.

Day 7 – Friday: Hvar – Split (B, L)

In the morning we head to our final port Split with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax, if weather permits, with lunch on board. In the late afternoon we arrive in Split. Take a walking tour of the historic inner city that takes us to 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. Your evening is free in Split.

Day 8 – Saturday: Split -Plitvice – Opatija (B, D)

After breakfast it’s time to disembark and bid our crew farewell. We journey north by motorcoach for a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Plitvice, 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. After our visit, we motor on to Opatija where dinner is served at our hotel.

Day 9 – Sunday: Opatija – Postojna – Venice (B, D)

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. Afterward, we drive to Venice. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure before dinner.

Day 10 – Monday: Venice (B)

We began exploring Venice with a boat ride to 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, viewing the 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 join an optional gondola ride.

Day 11 – Tuesday: Venice to Ferrara, Pisa and Florence (B)

Drive to Ferrara, a Renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. After an orientation tour, continue to Pisa where you’ll view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Then on to Florence for the night.

Day 12 – Wednesday: Florence (B)

This morning begins with a city tour of the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Walk across the famous old bridge- “Ponte Vecchio”. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way.

Day 13 – Thursday: Florence to Assisi and Rome (B, D)

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Rome for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 14 – Friday: Rome (B)

A full-day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of the incomparable Eternal City. Visit the Vatican Museums with moving Sistine Chapel and grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Then on to view the Coliseum, ancient Palatine Hill overlooking Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace, and the Roman Forum.

Day 15 Rome, Saturday (B, D)

Your day is free in spectacular Rome! Your Tour Director will have suggestions on how to spend your time. You might want to visit some of the chic shops, galleries, and museums; do some more sightseeing on your own or relax in a sidewalk cafe with a glass of fine Italian wine, a cold Limoncello, some refreshing gelato, or a hearty dish of pasta. Tonight, a festive farewell dinner with your fellow travelers is the perfect way to celebrate your glimpse of Italy. Farewell dinner in your hotel.

Day 16 – Sunday: Rome – Departure (B)

Breakfast in your hotel before checkout.

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner, WR-Welcome Reception, CD-Captain’s dinner, T-Tasting