VILLAGE LIFE ALONG THE DALMATION COAST ITINERARY

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1
Depart U.S. on an overnight flight to Venice, Italy.

Day 2
Venice, Italy. Arrive in Venice and embark on the M.Y. Monet in the afternoon. Attend the captain’s welcome champagne reception on the ship, which overnights in Venice.

Day 3
Venice, Italy. Take a walking tour of the Piazza San Marco. Within its boundaries, view the Basilica di San Marco, a masterpiece of Byzantine and Romanesque art. Continue on to explore the Doges’ Palace, whose vast Sala del Maggior Consiglio, adorned with an extraordinary Tintoretto painting, is a powerful testament to Venice’s longtime status as one of Europe’s most important centers for art, culture and trade. Conclude the morning at the Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of the romance of Venice, which connects the Doges’ Palace and prison.

Following lunch, the early afternoon is at leisure to further explore the treasures of Venice on your own. Later, learn about efforts to preserve and restore Venice’s historical character during a specially arranged presentation by John Millership, a former director of UNESCO in Venice. The ship departs Venice early this evening.

Day 4
Pula, Croatia. According to legend, Pula was founded by Jason and Medea after they absconded with the Golden Fleece in the famed mythological story. Archeological evidence suggests it to be the most ancient town on the eastern Adriatic, with a continuous record of civilization for 3,000 years. Spread out over seven hills at the sunny tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula retains its heritage in proud fashion as the “eternal capital of Istria.”

Begin this morning’s excursion in Pula’s imposing Roman Arena. Constructed in 27 B.C. and large enough to hold 23,000 spectators, this massive amphitheatre ranks as one of the largest and best preserved Greco-Roman monuments still standing. From 40 B.C. the Roman Empire used Pula as a military outpost, and remarkable monuments still stand from the occupation, including the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, Hercules’ Gate, and the impressive Temple of Augustus. Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 5
Split/Hvar, Croatia. This morning, explore Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. Begin in the center of town, where one of the grandest remnants of classical antiquity has been integrated into the heart of life in 21st-century Split. After his abdication in A.D. 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built an enormous palace here. Walk past the ancient peristyle and the emperor’s mausoleum, now a cathedral. Following a short cruise during lunch, dock beside 13th-century fortifications, which surround the picturesque port of Hvar, and set out on an afternoon tour. Located near the tip of a narrow limestone island off the Dalmatian Coast, Hvar traces its foundation to settlers from Sicily in the 4th century B.C. In subsequent eras, Romans, Byzantines, Croatians and Venetians all left their mark on its history and architecture. During the excursion, visit the 15th-century Franciscan monastery and the Church of Our Lady, which houses several exceptional Renaissance paintings reflecting the city’s dual Slavic and Italian heritage. Within Hvar’s picturesque walled old town, see the Renaissance Cathedral of St. Stephen and its famous Italianate bell tower, which soars above the bustling Main Square.

Day 6
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Lord Byron once called Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic.” By the 15th century, it was the only part of Dalmatia not under Venetian control. For the next three centuries, it would be an independent republic, rivaling Venice in control and influence. Following Croatia’s war for independence in 1991, Dubrovnik was transformed into the world’s largest UNESCO conservation site as the city embarked on a monumental rebuilding effort. For its incomparable beauty and historic treasures, the entire city has been named a World Heritage Site.

During a walking tour through the streets of Old Town, visit the Gothic and Renaissance-era Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery (1424). Following lunch, the afternoon is free for individual pursuits in Dubrovnik. This evening, attend an exclusive presentation by Vjekoslav Vierda, Director of the Institute for the Reconstruction of Dubrovnik, who will provide an insider’s perspective on the extensive restoration undertaken to preserve historic Dubrovnik.

Day 7
Mljet National Park/ Korcula, Croatia. This morning, visit Mljet National Park. Established in 1960, the park occupies the western end of its namesake island and preserves both Dalmatia’s natural and human heritage. Here, forests of Aleppo pine and holm oak overlook sheltered coves and inlets, Roman ruins and medieval monasteries fringe the shoreline, and residents of sun-dappled fishing villages follow the lifestyles of their forebears. The park also shelters an abundance of sealife, including dozens of species of fish and the monk seal, one of Europe’s rarest mammals. Following lunch, explore the treasures of Korcula, one of the most authentic medieval towns in eastern Europe. A walking tour through its narrow alleys leads to the 15th-century Cathedral of St. Mark, which is home to fine artifacts including a major work by Tintoretto. See the dazzling relics of the Abbey Treasury and pass the house reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Also explore the Museum of Icons’ splendid collection of religious art.

Day 8
Zadar, Croatia. Zadar emerged as one of the great Adriatic port cities during the Middle Ages and was the seat of Croatian and Croat-Hungarian kings until 1409. A formidable bastion of Slavic culture, it fiercely resisted Venetian domination. After the ship docks in Zadar, enjoy a tour highlighting St. Donatus, a ninth-century church regarded as one of the finest examples of Old Croatian architecture in existence. Its inimitable circular nave was built on the old Roman Forum, incorporating the pagan sacrificial altar into its design. While visiting the Cloister Museum, attend a specially arranged discussion with a nun about the role of religion in Croatia.

Day 9
Venice, Italy/U.S. Arrive in Venice and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.

Venice Pre-Program Option
Spend two nights in Venice, Italy, a dazzling city and center of the Italian Renaissance. Discover this city’s irresistible romance and charm while enjoying accommodations in the deluxe Hotel Bauer, a landmark property ideally located near the Piazza San Marco in the heart of the city along the famous Grand Canal. This special option includes a full-day excursion to the ancient port of Ravenna, renowned for its magnificent Byzantine basilicas, which house some extraordinary mosaics. Also included is a half-day excursion to the lagoon islands of Burano, a charming medieval fishing village known for its colorful houses, and Torcello, home of the splendid 1,400-year-old Cathedral of Santa Maria dell’Asunta. Complete information will be provided with your reservation confirmation.