The Splendors of the Northern Adriatic Sea - Historic and Naturally Beautiful Ports of Call in Croatia and Montenegro (port-to-port cruise)

Set off on a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 for its exceptional beauty. Nestled between two mountain ranges and surrounded by centuries-old forests, the park contains a string of 16 lakes intertwined with thundering waterfalls and bubbling cascades. We'll stroll along wooden footbridges, enjoying the sounds of nature and discovering the beauty of the crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. This excursion is a total immersion in nature—where water, forests, and wildlife offer a natural spectacle of exceptional beauty. We’ll have lunch in a restaurant.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

The walls of Dubrovnik, built between the 12th and 17th centuries, are the best-preserved medieval fortified walls in the world. They were initially erected to protect Ragusa, a powerful coastal city-state, from foreign invasions. You'll discover these famous two-kilometer ramparts encircling the old part of the city, along with towers, bastions, and imposing fortresses. During this guided walk, you'll enjoy spectacular views at every turn as you explore several of the bastions and towers. The tour will end overlooking Dubrovnik’s old harbor, where you can enjoy a refreshing and relaxing moment.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We’ll take a coach to the bottom of the Kotor Cable Car. You’ll go from sea level to the highest peak in just 11 minutes, taking in the spectacular panoramic views of one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Once we reach the top, we’ll set off for a hike through Lovcen National Park. We'll return to the ship via the cable car and coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.

We'll travel by small boat and coach to the small village of Punat, where you'll board local vessels that will take you to the quaint, picturesque island of Kosljun and its Franciscan monastery. At the monastery, you'll discover the various collections of rare books and sacred objects. Afterwards, we’ll return to Krk for a guided tour of the city. During this tour, you'll see the outside of Frankopan Castle and the 16th-century town hall, as well as the cathedral—an early Christian basilica dating back to the 5th century that was built on the vestiges of Roman baths.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Already cited by Greek authors during their time, the town of Pula grew progressively during the Roman occupation. Roman vestiges are omnipresent throughout the city. The amphitheater, built under Augustus, is the country’s best-preserved ancient monument and one of the world’s sixth-largest Roman arenas still standing. The amphitheater hosted gladiator and wild-animal combats for 24,000 spectators up to the 5th century AD. Today, it serves as a stage for festivals and concerts, including the famous Pula Film Festival. During this guided tour, you'll also see ancient and medieval ramparts such as the 2nd-century Porta Gemina, the Gate of Hercules—the oldest Roman vestige in the city—and the Arch of the Sergii. Other Roman ruins include the ancient Forum and the adjacent Temple of Augustus and the magnificent Communal Palace.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

You'll discover Rovinj's Old Town and all its treasures on foot. The rocky islet was connected to the coast during the 13th century. Covered passageways crisscross its narrow streets. Vaulted ceilings adorned with ancient frescoes will surely remind you of Venice. We'll visit the Church of Saint Euphemia, a baroque treasure from the 18th century. Its soaring bell tower rising from the city center is the most striking symbol within the Istria Region. Built over the ruins of a Romanesque church and remodeled during the 17th century in the Baroque style, the church contains the relics of Saint Euphemia—relocated from Constantinople in the 9th century—in a beautiful marble sarcophagus. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore the city and its picturesque streets at your own pace.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Zadar—Northern Dalmatia’s main city—contains 3,000 years of a vast historical, cultural, spiritual, and monumental heritage. We'll visit the city’s emblem, the Church of Saint Donatus, and the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia—the largest church in Dalmatia. You’ll also discover the city’s modern wonders: The sea organ—which makes the water sing—and the Monument to the Sun.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

The former Republic of Ragusa is famous for its medieval walls and its wide variety of historical architecture.

We'll visit the Dominican Friary, its lovely Gothic cloister, and its extraordinary museum of religious art - with several valuable paintings, including a triptych by Nikola Bozidarevic depicting Dubrovnik before the great earthquake of 1667. We'll then see the Rector's Palace, once the seat of the government and now a museum housing furniture, portraits, coats of arms, paintings, coins, and the original keys to the city gates. We'll also visit the cathedral which keeps in its core gold and silver reliquaries as well as paintings from Titian’s workshop, before moving on to the Onofrio Fountains and Sponza Palace, a superb Gothic-Renaissance structure.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

It is estimated that Kotor owns 70 % of the historic and cultural monuments of Montenegro. That is why Kotor is classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Founded by the Romans on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro, Kotor developed into an important commercial and artistic center in the Middle Ages. You'll visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, which was seriously damaged and rebuilt after the earthquake of 1667 - the reason its two towers are so different from one another. Then you'll visit the maritime museum in the Grgurina Palace and its collection showing the development of past maritime and cultural activities.

PLEASE NOTE

• The tours are mostly done on foot, either on cobblestone roads or dirt paths (national parks). Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.