ХОРВАТИЯ: ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬ АДРИАТИКИ 8 ДНЕЙ

Departure at 1pm towards Rab, known as the “island of love”, with an old town of the same name.  Join our guided city tour and see the medieval walls and the famous four towers (and maybe climb one of them later!) together with palaces, churches and squares. There’s a slight Montmartre feel with many artists painting and exhibiting out on the streets. Legend has it that local nuns created a special Rab cake for a visiting Pope and we will sample this after the tour. The recipe remains forever secret. Overnight in Rab.

After breakfast you head for Zadar, the oldest university town in Croatia with an amazing heritage and where history looks you in the eyes: The Roman Forum from the 1st century, St Donat church from the 9th century - the most famous medieval Basilica and the city’s symbol. The mighty city walls, over 30 churches, museums and former noble families’ palaces and villas in the old town. In recent years Zadar has added a touch of cool with the famous Sea Organs and “Greeting to the Sun” light installations, both located on the city's waterfront. Watch the fabulous sunset from here. Guided city tour. 

Wine and waterfalls! Cruise towards Skradin then board your coach. First stop is the famous Bibich winery for wine tasting and light tapas lunch. Back in Skradin you walk through the Krka Waterfalls National Park and visit “Skradinski Buk”. Jaw droppingly beautiful, this is the most popular part of the waterfall area. There are 17 waterfalls, with cascades up to 100 m wide, and the Krka river tumbles 45.7 meters. Šibenik is almost in the very central part of Croatia’s Adriatic coast and is your afternoon destination. Explore the glorious old town, the cultural monuments and possibly the most famous one here, the UNESCO listed Cathedral of St James.  Wander and discover the historic core and waterfront. Some good boutique shopping too. dinner on board.

You continue south to Split, Croatia’s second largest city where Roman Emperor Diocletian built himself a retirement palace now under UNESCO protection. Split waterfront is a happening place and there’s a buzz along the beautiful wide promenade. A local guide meets you on arrival for a walk through the heart of the bustling old town and the market.

Today you discover one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. You cruise to Metković, on the banks of the river Neretva after which the delta is named. Here, mandarins grow by the water channels and you take a barge ride to explore the groves, the flora and fauna, wild birds and the traditional way of life of the Neretva people. There’s a delightful, “time warp” feeling like nowhere else on the coast. Narona archaeological museum in Vid, which you visit, was formally inaugurated in 2007 as the first „in situ“ museum in Croatia exhibiting the remains of a Roman temple. Narona holds remains of a Roman temple – the Augusteum – and seventeen monumental marble sculptures of Roman emperors and their family members. This is where the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, Romans once sailed, and, according to legend, the pirates of Neretva planned their raids on enemy galleys. Captain’s dinner with live entertainment on board scheduled for this evening. 

Departure towards Korčula, an island best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. Swim stop and lunch on board. Korčula Town commonly referred to be a “miniature Dubrovnik”, as it is encased by medieval stone ramparts and towers. Sightseeing with a local guide through the old town and tiny streets, built in a fish bone pattern for a reason that you will hear about! Lots of simple konobas, restaurants and cool cocktail bars for chill out time. Overnight in Korčula.

There is no better way to catch the first sight of your final destination - the famous town Dubrovnik - than approaching from the sea. It is one of the few walled cities on the sea in the world. Writer George Bernard Shaw described it as “heaven on earth”.  You cruise alongside the old city walls for a true perspective of the majesty of this place. Lunch is served on deck as you head for Gruz harbor to dock. Once moored, join a transfer to the old town for a guided walking tour. In your own time, why not walk those famous ramparts, all 1940 metres long! Take the cable car from the Old Town to Srđ mountain for fabulous views of the city itself and the Elaphiti Islands (ticket included). If you want to explore any of the museums in more detail, such as Sponza or Rectors, now is the time.

Breakfast and time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends.  

Legend: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner, T – tasting, CD – Captain`s dinner