Day 1, arrive to Rome, Wednesday

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until you gather with your Tour Director and traveling companions for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2, in Rome, Thursday

This morning, we visit the Colosseum, a symbol of Rome. After our visit, we continue to see the splendid Arch of Constantine, climb the ancient Palatino Hill, overlook Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace; and stop on the legendary Via Sacra or “Sacred way”. In the afternoon we have time at leisure for more discoveries and activities on your own or join an optional tour of the Grand Piazzas & food tour.

Day 3, in Rome, Friday

Today we visit the Vatican Museums, located within the city’s boundaries. We see the works of Raphael & Michelangelo and admire the Sistine chapel’s magnificent frescoes. We continue to St. Peter’s Square where some of the most important Papal ceremonies take place.

In the afternoon 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, some refreshing gelato, or a hearty dish of pasta.

Day 4, Rome to Assisi and Florence, Saturday

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Here you will take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis.

Continue to Florence for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 5, in Florence, Sunday

Our morning city tour begins at 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.” Then, we visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is free to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital on your own or take an optional tour Visit of San Gimignano with wine tasting.

Day 6, from Florence to Ferrara and on to Venice, Monday

Drive to Pisa where you will view the famous Piazza Dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Continue to Ferrara, a renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. After an orientation tour of Ferrara, we continue to Venice for a dinner and free evening.

Day 7, in Venice, Tuesday

We begin our exploration of Venice at St. Mark’s Square with a walking tour which includes visits to the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take in the amazing views of the Bell Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. We also take 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. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice on your own or join an optional Gondola serenade with Aperol spritz Venetian style drink.

Day 8, from Venice to Opatija, Croatia, Wednesday

Drive to the seaside town of Opatija. A gem on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, nestled along the striking Gulf of Kvarner. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the town on your own. Perhaps take a stroll along the “Lungo Mare” seafront and enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf, sheltered by soaring mountains.

Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 9, in Opatija, Thursday

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the seaside town of Opatija, with its rich history, picturesque surroundings and once a gathering spot for the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Alternatively, join the optional tour to the Istrian Peninsula that begins in Pula, a strategic port since the times of the ancient Romans. Afterwards, the tour continues to the resort town of Rovinj. Tonight, return to Opatija and explore the charming town with its wealth of fine seafood restaurants.

Day 10, from Opatija to Split, Friday

Depart today for a drive along spectacular Adriatic coast to Split. Comfortable stop on the way for a delicious lunch included. Continue traveling past old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split. Upon arrival, a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Finally, see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The reminder of the day is at leisure.

Day 11, Split embarkation, Saturday

After breakfast, transfer from the Split’s hotel to harbour, where embarkation begins at 1 pm. Get settled in your cabin before attending a Welcome Reception followed by dinner this evening.

Day 12 Split – Stari Grad, Sunday

Morning sail towards Stari Grad, swimming stop and lunch on board. Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe with many friendly and cheap konobas and restaurants in the backstreets of the old town. The Stari Grad Plain and the old town centre of Stari Grad have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2008. Your evening is free to explore Stari Grad on your own.

Day 13 Stari Grad – Hvar – Korcula, Monday

Morning departure towards Hvar, the most popular island in the Adriatic and a meeting point for the international jet set. A sightseeing tour of this charming town, with 8 centuries of architecture, will show you the picturesque little streets and the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK). Afterwards we set sail for Korcula, with swimming stop in one of pristine bays and lunch on board. Early afternoon arrival to Korcula, thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour through this fortified town which is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean and enjoy wine tasting in one of the local wine bars. Your evening is free to discover the town and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many good restaurants.

Day 14 Korcula – Dubrovnik, Tuesday

In the morning sail to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, you will enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Old Town with a panoramic bus ride above the Old Town. After the panoramic view, we will arrive at the historical centre of Dubrovnik, walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, the most famous place inside the town walls, the famous city enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage site, where your guide will show you the most interesting sights of Dubrovnik. After city tour, you will be left 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, take a boat ride to Lokrum island or take the cable car to the top of the Mount Srđ. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 15 Dubrovnik – Mljet, Wednesday

Today we turn our compass back north towards Mljet Island, with plenty of time for morning swim along the sail. Upon arrival join the Cruise Manager for a visit to the famous salt lakes in the National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St. Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a Church dating back to the 12th Century. Mljet National Park encompasses five types of forests, many species of birds, and two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Your evening is free in Mljet.

Day 16 Mljet – Pucisca, Thursday

Take a break for a swim during your morning cruise. Continue sailing through lunch, arriving this afternoon in Pucisca, a beautiful little town on island of Brac. Pucisca, village of the stone sculpture, where you can visit amazing stonemason school (optional), features a spectacular steep-sided natural harbour and authentic Mediterranean architecture. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s dinner on board.

Day 17 Pucisca – Omis – Split, Friday 

Next, we head to our final port Omis with its fortresses as silent stone reminders of the power of the pirates who once made their homes and fortunes here. You will have a possibility to book a short walking tour, followed by boarding a small boat and sail into Cetina River Canyon, a protected nature area, continuing to Radman Mills for a local specialty snack (optional). After visiting Omis set sail to Split with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax, weather permitting, followed by lunch on board. In the late afternoon we arrive in Split to take a guided tour of the historical centre of the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your evening is free in Split.

Day 18 Split, departure, Saturday

After breakfast it is time to disembark. You will be transferred to Split airport or your Split hotel.

Route for “K400” – Adriatic Cruise and Land