ADRIATIC EXPLORE Venice - Dubrovnik 11 Days
11 Days : VENICE – OPATIJA (ISTRA) – RAB – ZADAR – KRKA WATERFALLS / ŠIBENIK – SPLIT – METKOVIĆ – KORČULA - DUBROVNIK
Tour overview:
A fabulous tapestry of blue and green will amaze every traveler while cruising and exploring the stunning Adriatic coastline and islands. The intermingling of various influences in the past has crystallized Croatia's spectacular scenery. Small coves where bathers drift on crystal-blue waters, historical towns and sites, the natural sublimity of national parks and so much more, words can hardly express. A delightful experience to memorize forever!
Day 1 - VENICE (MAINLAND) - OPATIJA
Pick up at the Tronchetto bus station or Venice airports (Marco Polo or Treviso).Transfer to Opatija, Croatia, a charming resort-town situated on the north coast of the Adriatic.
Overnight in Opatija
Day 2 - OPATIJA
Guided tour of Opatija, a coastal town situated on the picturesque Kvarner Bay and a cradle of Croatian tourism. It used to be the favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy as well as the 19th-century elite Gustav Mahler and Isadora Duncan. Walking through the colourful Angiolina park and along the Lungomare sea promenade surrounded by charming Austro-Hungarian villas and residences, you can still feel the unique glamour of Opatija. (B)
Overnight in Opatija.
Day 3 - ISTRIA EXCURSION
Today it's time to get to know the Istrian peninsula and visit the 2000-year-old roman Colosseum in Pula. Explore Rovinj, a charming coastal gem considered to be the most beautiful city in Istria and an inspiration to many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj to stroll the cobbled streets, visit the art galleries or relax over a glass of cocktail in one of the cliffside bars. (B)
Return to Opatija for overnight.
Day 4 - OPATIJA – RAB
Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Transfer to Katarina Line cruise, starting in Opatija. Departure at 13h towards Rab, known as the “island of love”, with an old town of the same name. Join the guided city tour, visit the medieval walls and the famous four towers together with palaces, churches and squares. There’s a slight Montmartre feel with many artists painting and exhibiting out on the streets. Legend has it that local nuns created a special Rab cake for a visiting Pope and we will sample it after the tour. The recipe remains forever secret. (L,T)
Overnight in Rab.
Day 5 - RAB – ZADAR
After breakfast, head for Zadar, the oldest university town in Croatia with an amazing heritage and where history looks into the eyes: the Roman Forum from the 1st century, St Donat church from the 9th century - the most famous medieval Basilica and the city’s symbol. The mighty city walls, over 30 churches, museums and former noble families’ palaces and villas in the old town. In recent years Zadar has added a touch of cool with the famous Sea Organs and “Greeting to the Sun” light installations, both located on the city's waterfront. Watch the fabulous sunset from here. Guided city tour. (BL)
Overnight in Zadar.
Day 6 - ZADAR – KRKA WATERFALLS / ŠIBENIK
Wine and waterfalls! Cruise towards Skradin, then get aboard the coach. The first stop is the local winery for wine tasting and light tapas lunch. Back in Skradin, walk through the Krka Waterfalls National Park and visit “Skradinski Buk”. Jaw-droppingly beautiful, this is the most popular of the Krka waterfalls. There are 17 waterfalls, with cascades up to 100 m wide, and the Krka river tumbles 45.7 meters. The afternoon destination is Šibenik, a town situated in the very central part of Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Explore the glorious old town, the cultural monuments and possibly the most famous one here, the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James. Wander around and discover the historic core and waterfront. Dinner on board. (B, T, D)
Overnight in Šibenik
Day 7 - ŠIBENIK - SPLIT
Cruise southern to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, where Roman Emperor Diocletian built a retirement palace now under UNESCO protection. Split waterfront is a happening place and there’s a buzz along the beautiful wide promenade. Join a local guide for an informative walk through the heart of the bustling old town. (B, L)
Overnight in Split.
Day 8 - SPLIT – METKOVIĆ
Today, discover one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. Cruise to Metković, on the banks of the river Neretva, after which the delta is named. Here, mandarins grow by the water channels. Take a barge ride to explore the groves, the flora and fauna, wild birds, and the traditional way of life of the Neretva people. There’s a delightful, “time warp” feeling like nowhere else on the coast. Visit the Narona archaeological museum in Vid, formally inaugurated in 2007 as the first Croatian „in situ“ museum, exhibiting the remains of a Roman temple. Narona holds the remains of the Roman temple – the Augusteum – and seventeen monumental marble sculptures of Roman emperors and their family members. This is where the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans once sailed, and, according to legend, the pirates of Neretva planned their raids on enemy galleys. Captain’s dinner with live entertainment onboard is scheduled for this evening. (B, L, CD)
Overnight in Metković.
Day 9 - METKOVIĆ – KORČULA
Departure towards Korčula, an island best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. Swim stop and lunch on board. Korčula town is commonly referred to be a “miniature Dubrovnik”, as it is encased by medieval stone ramparts and towers. Sightseeing with a local guide through the old town and tiny streets, built in a fishbone pattern for a reason you will learn about on the guided tour! Lots of simple konobas, restaurants and cool cocktail bars for chill-out time. (BL)
Overnight in Korčula.
Day 10 - KORČULA – DUBROVNIK
There is no better way to catch the first sight of your final destination - the famous town Dubrovnik - than approaching from the sea. It is one of the few walled cities on the sea in the world. Writer George Bernard Shaw described it as “heaven on earth”. Cruise alongside the old city walls for a true perspective of the majesty of this town. Lunch is served onboard as headed for the Gruž harbour to dock. Once moored, join a transfer to the old town for a guided walking tour. In your free time, why not walk a 1940 metres long famous ramparts! Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srđ mountain for fabulous views of the city itself and the Elaphiti Islands (ticket included). If you want to explore any of the museums in more detail, such as Sponza or Rectors, now is the time. (BL)
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 11 - DUBROVNIK
Gather for one final breakfast on the vessel, followed by goodbyes with the crew and new friends, before they see you off in Dubrovnik. (B)