Magic of Italy & Croatia Cruise Tour

Your magical trip begins with your arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, where our driver will be waiting. After a warm welcome, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, just over a 5-minute walk from the famous St. Mark’s Square. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. With many enticing cafes, just a short walk away, you might want to find a spot to sip a glass of wine while soaking up the atmosphere. If you have the energy, you can climb Campanile di San Marco, the large bell tower next to the basilica on St. Mark’s Square for a breathtaking view over Venice.

• Excursions Included: N/A
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia

Today you’ll enjoy the private Taste of Venice tour, starting from St. Mark’s Square which houses the magnificent St. Mark’s Cathedral, Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Your guide will reveal the history behind the landmarks and the city before concluding with a stroll through the narrow streets to the Grand Canal and the Rialto area with its lively market where Venetians like to pick up fresh ingredients. It’s also home to the Rialto Bridge, a monumental bridge that’s the oldest of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. It’s been rebuilt multiple times with the original pontoon bridge built in 1173.

• Excursions Included: Private guided Taste of Venice tour
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia

With a train ride bringing you from Venice to Florence, you’ll be assisted with a trip by water taxi this morning to travel to the train station with premium class tickets in hand. Upon arrival in Florence, our driver will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel in the city. Get settled in and then enjoy a guided walking tour that includes many highlights, like the 13th-century Santa Croce Church, one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture, and the burial place of Galileo, Michelangelo, and other Italian greats. The Accademia Gallery is a highlight that includes Michelangelo’s original statue of David.

• Excursions Included: Private Florence with the Academia Gallery walking tour
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Balestri

A day trip with your private driver/guide brings you into the Tuscan countryside to visit the hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Siena. San Gimignano is encircled by 13th-century walls and has a famous skyline of medieval towers that can be seen from a distance. After your visit, you’ll enjoy a typical local meal at a nearby farmhouse. The second portion of your adventure explores Siena. Upon arrival, a local guide will provide a walking tour that includes the main square, Piazza del Campo which hosts the biannual II Palio horse race. The 13th-century City Hall and a soaring bell tower are also found here.

• Excursions Included: San Gimignano & Siena guided day trip
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Balestri

Saying farewell to Florence, private transfer brings you to the train station for a premium class ride to Rome. Another driver will meet you upon arrival for a transfer to your hotel in the historic center. The remainder of the day is yours. If you want to stretch your legs, the Spanish Steps are just 15 minutes away, a famous staircase that connects Trinita de Monti and Piazza di Spagna. Or toss a coin into Trevi Fountain, less than a half-mile away. There are lots of outdoor cafes for fuelling up with an espresso or unwinding with a glass of wine while people watching too.

• Excursions Included: N/A
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Artemide

Today you’ll enjoy a half-day tour of Vatican City. It’s in Rome yet it’s an independent state home to a vast museum complex where you’ll get to marvel at one of the most impressive collections of Renaissance works, explore the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Geographical Maps, and more. See Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel that were painted between 1508 and 1512, a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art, and visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Taking 120 years to complete between 1506 and 1615, it’s the world’s largest church, said to be the final resting place for St. Peter.

• Excursions Included: Half-day tour of Vatican City
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Artemide

This afternoon, immerse yourself in the heart of Ancient Rome with a visit to the Roman Colosseum. Completed in 80 AD and used for nearly 500 years, this was where some 50,000 spectators watched gladiatorial competitions, including battles between man and beast. Visit the Roman Forum nearby as well which is surrounded by ruins of several important ancient government buildings. This was the scene of law courts, public meetings, and gladiatorial combats, once lined with open-air markets and shops. Highlights include the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the temples of Saturn, Vesta, Romulus, and the Deified Caesar.

• Excursions Included: Half-day tour of Ancient Rome
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Artemide

The excitement continues as you begin the second half of your adventure by taking a transfer to the airport in Rome. You’ll catch your flight to Split where you’ll be welcomed by another driver for a private transfer to your deluxe vessel in Split’s harbor. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll enjoy a private tour led by a local guide through the narrow streets and alleyways of the historic center, including the 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy time to explore on your own afterward, returning in time to prepare for this evening’s Welcome Cocktail Reception and dinner, with time to get to know your fellow passengers.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Split
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Welcome dinner and cocktail

This morning we’ll depart Split’s harbor heading toward medieval Trogir nearby, but our first stop will allow you to take advantage of the enticing crystal-clear blue waters in a secluded bay.  Docking right outside of Trogir’s walled Old Town, you’ll have time to marvel at its impressive architecture that gives it the feel of an open-air museum. Discover the 13th-century St. Lawrence Cathedral, the star attraction, along with many other landmarks like the Town Gate and Town Hall. A stroll along the waterfront promenade brings a view of Kamerlengo castle/fortress, built by Venetians around 1400, hosting summertime performances today.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Trogir
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

This morning we’ll sail to Brac Island, home to one of Europe’s most photogenic beaches, Zlatni Rat. Also known as the Golden Horn, it’s a white pebbly stretch that glistens in the sun, surrounded by translucent turquoise water on three sides. It’s the perfect place for a swim stop but if you aren’t in the mood to get wet you might grab a coffee in Bol town nearby. Afterward, we’ll continue to sunny Hvar where you’ll enjoy a tasting at one of the top family-run wineries. Enjoy time on your own in Hvar town this evening to sample the dining scene and renowned nightlife. 

• Excursions Included: Wine tasting tour on Hvar Island
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Today we sail to the peaceful island of Vis, famed for its seclusion and isolation. To get to Vis we sail through the beautiful Pakleni island archipelago which is known for its stunning secluded bays with crystal clear water. Our captain will dock in one of these bays giving the guests an extended swim stop and time to snorkel or use the various water toys on the yacht. We will arrive in Vis in the mid-afternoon. Vis was once a strategic Yugoslav naval base and off-limits to visitors. Due to the island’s seclusion and isolation, Vis has retained a very unique charm that typifies ‘the Mediterranean as it once was’. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

• Excursions Included: Wine tasting tour on Vis Island
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Today begins with a short cruise to nearby Bisevo Island, home to the Blue Cave where an optional tour through its narrow entrance may be possible, provided conditions allow. Please note that entry to the Blue Cave is subject to weather and sea conditions, which is why it’s listed as an optional tour with a EUR20pp entrance fee payable on the day.  With luck on your side, you’ll see it illuminated in a stunning blue glow before continuing Korcula Island, where a local guide waits to provide a tour of the walled Old Town. With its gates, bastions and towers, it looks like something out of a storybook. Inside, the narrow streets, laid out in the shape of a fishbone to help protect residents from the elements, are home to centuries-old buildings with significant Venetian influence.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of the Blue Cave (entrance fee payable locally), Guided tour of Korcula
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Mljet Island is our last island, home to Mljet National Park. We’ll anchor nearby so you’ll have easy access to its star attractions. Follow your cruise manager to the two saltwater lakes in dazzling emerald and turquoise hues, with Great Lake home to an islet topped by a 12th-century monastery. You can visit it with a short boat ride or perhaps relax on one of the small beaches. Once back on board, we’ll cruise to coastal Slano on the mainland, visiting nearby Ston for a fresh oyster tasting. The Captain’s Dinner with live music will be hosted this evening.

• Excursions Included: Entrance to the Mljet National Park / Oyster and mussels tasting
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Captain's Dinner

Departing early for Dubrovnik, you’ll be provided with a fantastic photo-op featuring the Old City walls. Afterward, a local guide will bring you on a walking tour so you can see what’s inside the medieval historic center. Magnificent examples of Gothic-Renaissance architecture line the limestone-paved streets, including Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace. You’ll learn more about the city and its iconic landmarks with time to explore at your leisure upon conclusion. We recommend a walk atop the city walls with a view of the red-tiled roofs on one side and the sea on the other, perhaps followed by dinner with a sunset view.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Dubrovnik
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After a 14-night adventure, it will soon be time to disembark. One last breakfast will be served on board which will be followed by farewells to new friends made, the captain, and crew. You’ll be met by your driver for a private transfer to the airport or your local hotel if you plan to stay longer. Our travel experts are here to help with any assistance you might need, otherwise, we wish you a safe journey.

• Excursions Included: N/A
• Meals Included: Breakfast