Cruise the Dalmatian Coast

• Exclusive journey from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Venice, Italy.
• Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
• Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and an included excursion in each port.
• Visits to three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, Montenegro; Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, Croatia; and Skocjan Caves, Slovenia.
• Distinguished guest speaker Jim Laurie, award-winning war correspondent and author.
• Dubrovnik Pre-Tour Extension and Venice Post‑Tour Extension.

Savor your breakfast on the deck this morning as the ship cruises the Adriatic to the Balkan country of Montenegro, stopping in Kotor.

Kotor. In the most secluded corner of Kotor Bay lies the historical walled town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An important artistic and commercial center in the Middle Ages with its own famous schools of masonry and iconography, the town fell under the rule of the Republic of Venice between 1420 and 1797 — leaving a permanent imprint on its architecture. While a large part of Kotor was damaged during a 1979 earthquake, it is fully restored today and stands as one of the best preserved fortified medieval towns in the Mediterranean.

Stroll through these storied streets and squares on a morning walking tour. Return to the ship for lunch on board. Later this afternoon you may disembark for a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, one of two islets off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor.

Captain’s Welcome Reception: Join your fellow passengers for a Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board the ship.

Enjoy breakfast on board the ship this morning as we arrive at the island of Hvar on the Adriatic Sea for a walking tour. Enjoy the resort town's lovely yacht-filled harbor and secluded beaches during your stroll.

Return to the ship for lunch on board as we continue to cruise toward the isle of Korčula, where you may disembark this afternoon.

Korčula. Rising from the water’s edge on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula, this ancient, fortified town by the same name is known for its narrow streets arranged in a herringbone pattern, allowing free circulation of air while protecting it against strong winds. The history of Korčula can be witnessed at the entrance of the Land Gate, where you will see a bas-relief with the winged lion of St. Mark — symbolizing the reign of the Venetian Republic — and a stone tablet commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of the coronation of the first Croatian king, Tomislav. This is also said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant who famously traveled along the Silk Road in the late 13th century.

Our tour begins with a walk through Korčula’s medieval old town to see lovely squares flanked by historical palaces of nobility, including the one where Marco Polo was reputedly born. Visit the Abbey Treasury of St. Mark, perhaps the most significant treasury of its kind in Dalmatia. With gold treaded robes; ancient and medieval pottery; illuminated manuscripts; and an important collection of icons and religious art — including the 1431 polyptych of “The Virgin & Child with Saints” by Blaž Jurjev of Trogir —this incredible museum is housed in the 14th-century Abbey Palace.

You will have the option to return to the ship for dinner on board this evening or remain in Korčula for dinner on your own and continued exploration. Tenders will provide transportation between the ship and the town until the ship departs later this evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board the ship and behold spectacular views as we arrive in Split.

Split. This ancient imperial city is the second largest in Croatia. Founded as the Greek colony of Aspálathos in the 2nd century B.C., Split was the site of a grand fortified palace for the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. Today, it’s a bustling blend of Old World charm and contemporary chic where pre-Romanesque churches, Gothic chapels, historic museums, art galleries and cosmopolitan cafes comingle along picturesque cobblestone streets.

Experience the sights and sounds of Split on a panoramic tour that includes a visit to the Meštrović Gallery — home and gallery of Ivan Meštrović, the greatest Croatian sculptor of all time. After viewing a display of his works of art in the 1930s-era mansion, continue to the entrance of Split’s Old Town, which is built around the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-inscribed Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the palace, including a visit to its well-preserved cellars. Next, visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the patron saint of Split, and the Temple of Jupiter. Conclude you tour with exterior visits to the Golden Gate, Silver Gate and Peristyle Square — ancient Roman entry points to the Old Town that were originally a part of Diocletian’s Palace.

Return to the ship for lunch on board, followed by an excursion to Kryka National Park to see its magnificent waterfalls.

Special Performance: Return to the ship this evening to delight in a traditional klapa, an a cappella folk music performance, followed by dinner on board. The klapa is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning amid views of Zadar, an ancient coastal city filled with Roman ruins and Venetian treasures.

Zadar. Known as the oldest continually inhabited city in Croatia, this former Roman colony is UNESCO designated for its ancient temple ruins and a medieval-era Episcopal complex — which includes several orthodox churches, a palace and a Benedictine nunnery. Today its preserved monuments and scenic waterfront promenade are a delight to behold.

Walk through the cobblestone streets of Zadar’s old town and visit the Museum of Ancient Glass, located in the restored, late 19th-century palace of the Cosmacendi family. An archaeological museum that specializes in ancient glass, it boasts a distinctive collection of more than 5,000 glass objects that date to antiquity.

Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic coast as the ship sails away early this evening, followed by dinner on board.

After breakfast on board, disembark for a walking tour of Pula, a coastal town on the Istrian Peninsula.

Pula. This ancient settlement has a storied history that includes a Roman conquest and subsequent victories by the Byzantines, Franks and Venetians. Its population declined dramatically during the plagues of the 17th century, after which it fell under the rule of several countries — Austria in the late 18th century, passing to Italy in 1920 and then Croatia (as the former Yugoslavia) after 1947. Highlights of the town today include an elliptical Roman amphitheater that once hosted gladiator fights, a restored Byzantine basilica and a temple of Augustus.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose one of the following included excursions. Indicate which you prefer on the separate Traveler’s Choice Excursions Reservation form.

Pula Visit & Rovinj Tour. After the Pula walking tour, continue to the coastal city of Rovinj for lunch at a local restaurant and a walking tour.

Pula Visit & Truffle Hunt. After the Pula walking tour, continue to the truffle region of the area for a presentation that includes a truffle tasting and light lunch before meeting the group back in Rovinj.

Pula Visit & Winery/Olive Oil Estate. After the Pula walking tour, continue to a local winery for a wine and olive oil tasting before meeting the group back in Rovinj for the walking tour.

Enjoy time at leisure after the excursions to explore Rovinj, where you will meet the ship to continue your cruise. Dinner is on board this evening.

This morning the ship arrives in the Slovenian city of Piran. Disembark for an excursion to visit the remarkable Škocjan Caves Regional Park.

Experience the natural wonder of the UNESCO-designated Škocjan Caves, a limestone cave system that includes one of the world's largest known underground river canyons. Marvel as the river disappears into the karst underground, reappearing at another point in a cavernous maze filled with waterfalls, roaring rapids and rare endemic species.

Return to the ship for lunch on board and an afternoon at leisure.

Captain’s Farewell Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception, followed by dinner on board this evening.