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Discover the beauty of the Adriatic with PONANT on an exceptional 8-day cruise in Croatia and Monténégro. Aboard Le Lyrial, fall under the spell of the hidden treasures of the Dalmatian coast and its turquoise waters.
Your voyage will begin in Italy with an embarkation in Venice. An opportunity to discover or rediscover the sublime city of the Doges, with its many canals, its vaporetti and its mythical gondolas.
Le Lyrial will then call at Korcula, full of olive groves, vineyards and ancient buildings. An island marked by history, the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo.
Split will open its doors to you to discover its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with treasures such as Diocletian's Palace or the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.
You will then head to the aptly named “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, its terracotta-tiled roofs, its palaces, cloisters and fountains are bound to impress you and will plunge you into the heart of Croatian history.
Your ship will then set sail towards Montenegro, for an unforgettable cruise in the Bay of Kotor. This impressive gap between two mountain ranges is home to a veritable inland lake with a magical atmosphere; the medieval city of Kotor and its many historical monuments are its jewels.
After a stop on the magnificent island of Hvar, the last stage of your trip will take you to Rovinj, giving you an opportunity to discover this city with Venetian influences. Moreover, it proudly bears Venice’s symbolic winged lion on the Balbi's Arch, which you’ll be able to admire during a stroll through its picturesque town centre.
As a grand finale, your voyage will draw to an end in Venice the Serenissima and its lagoon.
Ref : Y240622
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the lagoon of Venice, the old town of Dubrovnik and Kotor, the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Discover during one single cruise 5 Croatian cities, amazing for their cultural and...
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For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, double occupancy, is based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of cabin to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
June 24, 2022 Venice
Embarkation 6/24/2022 from 15h30 to 16h30
Departure 6/24/2022 at 17h30
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
June 25, 2022 Korcula
Arrival 6/25/2022 early afternoon
Departure 6/25/2022 evening
This harbour town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the north-eastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. To get there, you can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, you’ll see the bell-tower of Saint-Mark’s cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.
June 26, 2022 Sibenik to Krka Falls (optional)
Arrival 6/26/2022 early morning
Departure 6/26/2022 early morning
When your ship drops anchor across from the Croatian village of Sibenik, in the heart of Central Dalmatia, you will have the possibility of discovering the exceptional Krka Waterfalls. Krka National Park, with its eight waterfalls formed by calcium carbonate deposited by the water as it flows along the Krka river, is one of the most spectacular in Croatia. During an optional excursion, visit this lush natural site boasting an incredibly rich fauna and flora.
June 26, 2022 Split
Arrival 6/26/2022 midday
Departure 6/26/2022 evening
On the Dalmatian coast, the town of Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Close to the seafront shaded by palm trees, the historical centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Here you will explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, as well as a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If you get peckish, stop off at a terrace in the Pjaca, the main square in the old town, where you can try a palacinka, a kind of pancake topped with melted cheese.
June 27, 2022 Dubrovnik
Arrival 6/27/2022 early morning
Departure 6/27/2022 late evening
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
June 28, 2022 Kotor
Arrival 6/28/2022 early morning
Departure 6/28/2022 late afternoon
Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colourful costumes are often organised.
June 29, 2022 Hvar
Arrival 6/29/2022 early morning
Departure 6/29/2022 late afternoon
Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that haven’t changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.
June 30, 2022 Rovinj
Arrival 6/30/2022 early morning
Departure 6/30/2022 evening
Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi arch, you will see the winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell-tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of St. Marc in Venice. From the top of the tower, you can scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre and sepia-coloured streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.
July 1, 2022 Venice
Arrival 7/1/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 7/1/2022 at 08h00
Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.
Built on a peninsula, the streets of Korcula are organised around its main artery according to a "fishbone" plan drawn in the 13th century. To overcome the lack of space within the walls of the old town, squares are small, houses are narrow, churches and public buildings are constructed vertically. Fully fortified in the 16th century; its walls were destroyed in the 19th century and only a section of a wall still faces the harbour.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the old town.
Your first visit will be the Bishop’s Palace and its Icon museum. The museum contains a unique collection of Byzantine Icons from the 13th to the 15th century and ceremonial pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is primarily from Korcula sailors, who acquired the pieces on their journeys, especially to Crete, in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Then, you will discover Saint Mark’s Cathedral. This cathedral is probably the most important building in Korcula Old Town. Completed in the 15th century at the place of another church from 13th century, it is built in Gothic-Renaissance style. It was erected by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry, very well known for their Renaissance and Baroque pieces in Dubrovnik and Venice.
Continue your exploration with the visit of the Korcula Town Museum. Facing the cathedral, the museum is housed in Gabrielis palace, a 3-storey building with basement and attic built between the 15th and 16th century. The museum presents various collections covering the history and culture of the town from the Ancient times to nowadays.
During your walking tour, you can see the monumental staircase which joins the Revelin Tower. This 14th century portal and its 15th century Revelin tower frame the only land access to the walled Old Town. The gate is embellished on the inside with a sculpture of Saint Mark's lion over its arch. You will also discover the Marco Polo house, where the famous explorer is said to have been born in 1254.
Finally, you will have the choice between following your guide to join your ship or strolling on your own.
On this tour, discover nature’s wonders: the Krka National Park and its famous waterfalls. A natural frontier between northern and central Dalmatia, the Krka River joins the Adriatic Sea at Sibenik. On its journey, the Krka drops down from a height of 45 metres in a succession of no less than 17 natural falls, before forming a lake and then narrowing down again to Skradinski Buk.
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute scenic drive to Skradinski Buk, the largest waterfall of the national park. Located on river banks, Skradinski Buk houses mills and wash houses. Upon your arrival, you will have the opportunity to discover the ethnological museum.
Located in the park, the museum provides a great deal of knowledge and history explaining how the park became a wildlife sanctuary for many different species of animals and plant life. If time permits, you can enjoy some free time at the National Park for swimming or just relaxing.
You will then discover some old water-mills where cereals are still ground by water-spun grindstones.
After enjoying some free time, you will re-board your coach and continue to the Village of Stankovci.
In the House of Dalmatian prosciutto, you will be able to learn about the production method of Dalmatian prosciutto and taste different products prepared here. The manufacturing facility is equipped with the latest technological devices, but whenever possible, they still use a natural drying system with the strong Mediterranean wind – “bura”.
After visiting the house of Dalmatian Prosciutto and having your lunch, you will join your coach and return to your ship harboured at Trogir, 1-hour drive.
After the short walk (15 minutes) from the port to the Old Town you will start with the walking portion of the tour.
The Old Town of Split is built on and around the spectacular Roman Palace erected by the Roman Emperor Diocletian (born in Salona - todays Solin) in the 4th century. The walking tour starts with a visit of the Palace on the ground gallery that is still very well preserved. It offers a good view at how the life in the Palace was organised.
You will also visit the very interesting Cathedral of St. Duje (patron saint of the city). According to medieval sources, Archbishop John of Ravenna purified in 650 the mausoleum of Diocletian by getting rid of its idols and founded the Cathedral whose bell tower is now the symbol of Split.
The Cathedral is built on the remains of an ancient shrine and is supposed to be the oldest in the world. A visit will also be made to the charming Temple of Jupiter, turned into the baptistery by Christians. Observe the front panel or the ceiling with grotesque faces. Cross the Palace of the southern gate to the North door and discover the ramparts and the immense "statue of Gregory of Nin" by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.
After the walking tour you will head back to the ship. If you wish to spend some time on your own, you can visit the colourful open market (largest on the coast) or spend some time in the town before returning to the ship.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your stroll through the streets of this medieval town.
Along the way you will visit, among other places, the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. The Monastery houses also the oldest still working pharmacy in Europe and the third oldest pharmacy in the world founded in 1317. It is still active and still offers creams manufactured according to ancestral recipes.
After visiting the monastery, you will go to the Assumption Cathedral built in the 18th century on the ruins of a church dating from the 12th century destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. This one might surprise you by its simplicity and the clarity of its interior, but its treasure is among the richest in Europe, with a unique collection of relics in gold and silver.
You will continue with the Dominican Monastery, soberer than the previous one, and its museum with a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, including the triptych of N. Bozidarvic representing Dubrovnik before the earthquake or the table of Sainte Madeleine and Saint Blaise, the work of Titian.
Other fine buildings will be viewed from the outside, like the Sponza Palace notable for its columned courtyard with elaborate stone carvings, Church of Saint Blaise, Onofriou’s Fountain, etc.
Then, you will go to the Dubrovnik cable car. A short ride will take you up to the top of Srd hill from where you can admire Dubrovnik Old town, Elaphite Islands and Lokrum.
Finally, you will get back to your ship.
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour scenic drive along the Adriatic Road toward the town of Ston.
Ston was built according to the plans approved by the Dubrovnik government in 1335 and amended in 1370 and is considered one of the best planned and best structured cities in Europe. The walls of Ston were a massive architecture and construction feat. Originally 7,000-metre long (22,965 ft.), they consist of several parts; the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. Its forts and towers are strengthened by 10 round and 31 square flanking towers, as well as 6 semi-circular bastions. It took almost four centuries to finish these complex defence walls, as the builders had to adapt to the rough terrain and advancements in warfare technology. The walls were last used for defence in the 19th century, and today they are a priceless monument of immense architectural and cultural value.
Once arriving at Ston’s walls, you will start your hiking passing distance of almost 4 kilometres over demanding terrain with more than 400 steps before reaching Mali Ston, the “oysters capital” of Croatia.
Upon arrival in Mali Ston, you will board a local boat which will take you to oyster and mussel beds. Your host will welcome you on board and introduce you with oyster & mussel farming in this area. You will have the opportunity to learn about the oyster & mussel production as well as to taste freshly prepared oysters & mussels including mussel buzara (mussels cooked with wine, garlic and olive oil).
Finally, re-board your coach for a 1-hour return ride back to Dubrovnik along the old historical road passing through the old villages of Dubrovacko Primorje.
It is by an original way of transportation, kayak, that you will discover Dubrovnik’s charms. You will go along the city walls and navigate among caves and islands.
From the pier, meet your guide and stroll through the main street of Dubrovnik toward Pile Gate to the kayak centre.
After listening to the safety instructions, you will board your kayak and start your adventure.
You will row between the fortresses of Bokar and Lovrijenac.
The Bokar fortress is listed among Dubrovnik’s medieval fortresses and overlooks the south-west part of the old town. This circular fortress, dating from the 15th century, was built over a period of more than one century. This important monument, overshooting the medieval walls, was a key element in Dubrovnik’s defence system, including Pile Gate and City Bridge. In addition to its defensive role, it also served as a prison during the 19th century. Fort Bokar is one of the oldest castles of its kind in the world.
Built upon a 37-metre-high sheer rock overlooking the sea, fortress Lovrijenac is one of the most impressive locations in Dubrovnik. This detached fortress was of prime importance for the defence of the western part of Dubrovnik, both against attacks from land and the sea. Chronologists date the fort to 1018 or 1038. However, first records of the fort’s existence are from 1301 when the council elected the Commander of the Fort. According to legend, in the 11th century Venice planned to send its troops to this rock in front of Dubrovnik and build a fortress in order to conquer the city. However, Dubrovnik learned about this plan and the citizens were mobilised to erect a fortress at the very same spot before the Venetians arrive. While all the other fortresses are part of the city wall system, this one stands high on its own rock, a position which earned it the title ‘the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik’.
Leaving the forts behind, you will steer a course round the city walls to Lokrum. According to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore here after being shipwrecked in 1192 when he came back of his 3rd crusade. You will make a stop at the island, enjoy some refreshments and have time at leisure to discover the island or have a swim.
From the pier, board your motor boat for a 20-minute sail to Palmizana Island.
Palmizana is part of an archipelago called the Pakleni Islands, a group of 20 small islets facing Hvar. This one features a large bay with pebble beaches and deep crystal-clear water, bordered by a forest of hundred-year-old pine trees, a host of exotic plant species, and aromatic bushes such as rosemary and thyme.
After disembarking, your guide will point out the most important sites to be seen. This small island is a haven of natural beauty housing pretty bays and beaches.
Then, you will go to a local restaurant for some refreshment before heading for the beach where you will be free to swim, walk or just relax.
Having made the most of this beautiful place, you will return to Hvar in the motor boat, and then to your ship.
This small and charming town is located around a natural port and it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous seaside resorts of Dalmatian coast.
A lot of splendid monuments as the Cathedral, the ancient Arsenal and different palaces are bearing witness to a rich history of gothic and renaissance arts.
From the pier, follow your guide through narrow tiny streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery. The cloister with its rounded arches and a well in the middle dominates the Renaissance monastery. The former spacious refectory and a small, adjacent room have been turned into the monastery museum. Along with a collection of old books and coins, the famous "Last Supper", a work belonging to the Venetian School of Palma the Younger from the end of the 16th century, has the strongest claims on the attention of the numerous visitors.
After crossing the main square, you will pass by the Cathedral of St Stephan (outside visit). It was built in stages during the 16th and 17th centuries, while the interior was not wholly completed until the 18th century. From outside, it has the characteristics of the Renaissance style and inside the baroque style.
Then, you will visit the Benedictine Monastery, which holds a rich collection of lace made of agave leaves.
After this walking tour you may follow your guide back to the pier or stay in town for some time at leisure.
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute drive to the kayak centre.
Your tour will allow you to combine shore-side and off-shore visits. You will have the chance to paddle and swim across the exotic coastal scenery of the small islands.
After receiving your safety instructions, board your kayak and start your adventure towards hidden coves, secluded pebble beaches and caves.
Then, you will head to a beach for some time to relax or go for a refreshing swim.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
On arrival, follow your guide on a walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal Palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements. This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
Then, you will enjoy some free time in Porec, before driving through the Istrian country-side to the village of Kruncici, for the visit of the Matosecic wine cellar. After spending some time with the Matosevic family, you will be invited to sample their wines – white and red, accompanied with home-made cheese and Istrian Pršut (raw ham).
Finally, re-board your coach to get back to your ship.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, the stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or your shore visits, this expert will be there to share his precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Built on a peninsula, the streets of Korcula are organised around its main artery according to a "fishbone" plan drawn in the 13th century. To overcome the lack of space within the walls of the old town, squares are small, houses are narrow, churches and public buildings are constructed vertically. Fully fortified in the 16th century; its walls were destroyed in the 19th century and only a section of a wall still faces the harbour.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking tour of the old town.
Your first visit will be the Bishop’s Palace and its Icon museum. The museum contains a unique collection of Byzantine Icons from the 13th to the 15th century and ceremonial pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is primarily from Korcula sailors, who acquired the pieces on their journeys, especially to Crete, in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Then, you will discover Saint Mark’s Cathedral. This cathedral is probably the most important building in Korcula Old Town. Completed in the 15th century at the place of another church from 13th century, it is built in Gothic-Renaissance style. It was erected by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry, very well known for their Renaissance and Baroque pieces in Dubrovnik and Venice.
Continue your exploration with the visit of the Korcula Town Museum. Facing the cathedral, the museum is housed in Gabrielis palace, a 3-storey building with basement and attic built between the 15th and 16th century. The museum presents various collections covering the history and culture of the town from the Ancient times to nowadays.
During your walking tour, you can see the monumental staircase which joins the Revelin Tower. This 14th century portal and its 15th century Revelin tower frame the only land access to the walled Old Town. The gate is embellished on the inside with a sculpture of Saint Mark's lion over its arch. You will also discover the Marco Polo house, where the famous explorer is said to have been born in 1254.
Finally, you will have the choice between following your guide to join your ship or strolling on your own.
On this tour, discover nature’s wonders: the Krka National Park and its famous waterfalls. A natural frontier between northern and central Dalmatia, the Krka River joins the Adriatic Sea at Sibenik. On its journey, the Krka drops down from a height of 45 metres in a succession of no less than 17 natural falls, before forming a lake and then narrowing down again to Skradinski Buk.
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute scenic drive to Skradinski Buk, the largest waterfall of the national park. Located on river banks, Skradinski Buk houses mills and wash houses. Upon your arrival, you will have the opportunity to discover the ethnological museum.
Located in the park, the museum provides a great deal of knowledge and history explaining how the park became a wildlife sanctuary for many different species of animals and plant life. If time permits, you can enjoy some free time at the National Park for swimming or just relaxing.
You will then discover some old water-mills where cereals are still ground by water-spun grindstones.
After enjoying some free time, you will re-board your coach and continue to the Village of Stankovci.
In the House of Dalmatian prosciutto, you will be able to learn about the production method of Dalmatian prosciutto and taste different products prepared here. The manufacturing facility is equipped with the latest technological devices, but whenever possible, they still use a natural drying system with the strong Mediterranean wind – “bura”.
After visiting the house of Dalmatian Prosciutto and having your lunch, you will join your coach and return to your ship harboured at Trogir, 1-hour drive.
After the short walk (15 minutes) from the port to the Old Town you will start with the walking portion of the tour.
The Old Town of Split is built on and around the spectacular Roman Palace erected by the Roman Emperor Diocletian (born in Salona - todays Solin) in the 4th century. The walking tour starts with a visit of the Palace on the ground gallery that is still very well preserved. It offers a good view at how the life in the Palace was organised.
You will also visit the very interesting Cathedral of St. Duje (patron saint of the city). According to medieval sources, Archbishop John of Ravenna purified in 650 the mausoleum of Diocletian by getting rid of its idols and founded the Cathedral whose bell tower is now the symbol of Split.
The Cathedral is built on the remains of an ancient shrine and is supposed to be the oldest in the world. A visit will also be made to the charming Temple of Jupiter, turned into the baptistery by Christians. Observe the front panel or the ceiling with grotesque faces. Cross the Palace of the southern gate to the North door and discover the ramparts and the immense "statue of Gregory of Nin" by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.
After the walking tour you will head back to the ship. If you wish to spend some time on your own, you can visit the colourful open market (largest on the coast) or spend some time in the town before returning to the ship.
From the pier, meet your guide and start your stroll through the streets of this medieval town.
Along the way you will visit, among other places, the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. The Monastery houses also the oldest still working pharmacy in Europe and the third oldest pharmacy in the world founded in 1317. It is still active and still offers creams manufactured according to ancestral recipes.
After visiting the monastery, you will go to the Assumption Cathedral built in the 18th century on the ruins of a church dating from the 12th century destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. This one might surprise you by its simplicity and the clarity of its interior, but its treasure is among the richest in Europe, with a unique collection of relics in gold and silver.
You will continue with the Dominican Monastery, soberer than the previous one, and its museum with a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, including the triptych of N. Bozidarvic representing Dubrovnik before the earthquake or the table of Sainte Madeleine and Saint Blaise, the work of Titian.
Other fine buildings will be viewed from the outside, like the Sponza Palace notable for its columned courtyard with elaborate stone carvings, Church of Saint Blaise, Onofriou’s Fountain, etc.
Then, you will go to the Dubrovnik cable car. A short ride will take you up to the top of Srd hill from where you can admire Dubrovnik Old town, Elaphite Islands and Lokrum.
Finally, you will get back to your ship.
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour scenic drive along the Adriatic Road toward the town of Ston.
Ston was built according to the plans approved by the Dubrovnik government in 1335 and amended in 1370 and is considered one of the best planned and best structured cities in Europe. The walls of Ston were a massive architecture and construction feat. Originally 7,000-metre long (22,965 ft.), they consist of several parts; the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. Its forts and towers are strengthened by 10 round and 31 square flanking towers, as well as 6 semi-circular bastions. It took almost four centuries to finish these complex defence walls, as the builders had to adapt to the rough terrain and advancements in warfare technology. The walls were last used for defence in the 19th century, and today they are a priceless monument of immense architectural and cultural value.
Once arriving at Ston’s walls, you will start your hiking passing distance of almost 4 kilometres over demanding terrain with more than 400 steps before reaching Mali Ston, the “oysters capital” of Croatia.
Upon arrival in Mali Ston, you will board a local boat which will take you to oyster and mussel beds. Your host will welcome you on board and introduce you with oyster & mussel farming in this area. You will have the opportunity to learn about the oyster & mussel production as well as to taste freshly prepared oysters & mussels including mussel buzara (mussels cooked with wine, garlic and olive oil).
Finally, re-board your coach for a 1-hour return ride back to Dubrovnik along the old historical road passing through the old villages of Dubrovacko Primorje.
It is by an original way of transportation, kayak, that you will discover Dubrovnik’s charms. You will go along the city walls and navigate among caves and islands.
From the pier, meet your guide and stroll through the main street of Dubrovnik toward Pile Gate to the kayak centre.
After listening to the safety instructions, you will board your kayak and start your adventure.
You will row between the fortresses of Bokar and Lovrijenac.
The Bokar fortress is listed among Dubrovnik’s medieval fortresses and overlooks the south-west part of the old town. This circular fortress, dating from the 15th century, was built over a period of more than one century. This important monument, overshooting the medieval walls, was a key element in Dubrovnik’s defence system, including Pile Gate and City Bridge. In addition to its defensive role, it also served as a prison during the 19th century. Fort Bokar is one of the oldest castles of its kind in the world.
Built upon a 37-metre-high sheer rock overlooking the sea, fortress Lovrijenac is one of the most impressive locations in Dubrovnik. This detached fortress was of prime importance for the defence of the western part of Dubrovnik, both against attacks from land and the sea. Chronologists date the fort to 1018 or 1038. However, first records of the fort’s existence are from 1301 when the council elected the Commander of the Fort. According to legend, in the 11th century Venice planned to send its troops to this rock in front of Dubrovnik and build a fortress in order to conquer the city. However, Dubrovnik learned about this plan and the citizens were mobilised to erect a fortress at the very same spot before the Venetians arrive. While all the other fortresses are part of the city wall system, this one stands high on its own rock, a position which earned it the title ‘the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik’.
Leaving the forts behind, you will steer a course round the city walls to Lokrum. According to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore here after being shipwrecked in 1192 when he came back of his 3rd crusade. You will make a stop at the island, enjoy some refreshments and have time at leisure to discover the island or have a swim.
From the pier, board your motor boat for a 20-minute sail to Palmizana Island.
Palmizana is part of an archipelago called the Pakleni Islands, a group of 20 small islets facing Hvar. This one features a large bay with pebble beaches and deep crystal-clear water, bordered by a forest of hundred-year-old pine trees, a host of exotic plant species, and aromatic bushes such as rosemary and thyme.
After disembarking, your guide will point out the most important sites to be seen. This small island is a haven of natural beauty housing pretty bays and beaches.
Then, you will go to a local restaurant for some refreshment before heading for the beach where you will be free to swim, walk or just relax.
Having made the most of this beautiful place, you will return to Hvar in the motor boat, and then to your ship.
This small and charming town is located around a natural port and it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous seaside resorts of Dalmatian coast.
A lot of splendid monuments as the Cathedral, the ancient Arsenal and different palaces are bearing witness to a rich history of gothic and renaissance arts.
From the pier, follow your guide through narrow tiny streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery. The cloister with its rounded arches and a well in the middle dominates the Renaissance monastery. The former spacious refectory and a small, adjacent room have been turned into the monastery museum. Along with a collection of old books and coins, the famous "Last Supper", a work belonging to the Venetian School of Palma the Younger from the end of the 16th century, has the strongest claims on the attention of the numerous visitors.
After crossing the main square, you will pass by the Cathedral of St Stephan (outside visit). It was built in stages during the 16th and 17th centuries, while the interior was not wholly completed until the 18th century. From outside, it has the characteristics of the Renaissance style and inside the baroque style.
Then, you will visit the Benedictine Monastery, which holds a rich collection of lace made of agave leaves.
After this walking tour you may follow your guide back to the pier or stay in town for some time at leisure.
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute drive to the kayak centre.
Your tour will allow you to combine shore-side and off-shore visits. You will have the chance to paddle and swim across the exotic coastal scenery of the small islands.
After receiving your safety instructions, board your kayak and start your adventure towards hidden coves, secluded pebble beaches and caves.
Then, you will head to a beach for some time to relax or go for a refreshing swim.
Finally, you will head back to your ship.
From the pier, board your coach and start your 45-minute scenic drive to Porec.
On arrival, follow your guide on a walking tour of the old town.
You will begin with the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec. The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and Episcopal Palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements. This complex was enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
Then, you will enjoy some free time in Porec, before driving through the Istrian country-side to the village of Kruncici, for the visit of the Matosecic wine cellar. After spending some time with the Matosevic family, you will be invited to sample their wines – white and red, accompanied with home-made cheese and Istrian Pršut (raw ham).
Finally, re-board your coach to get back to your ship.