ITINERARY
ITINERARY
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Ancient city walls. Higgledy-piggledy red rooftops. Cobbled streets worn by time. That’s Dubrovnik, a heart-stealing city that you just know you’re going to love themoment…
Departs: 21:00;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Kotor, Montenegro
For years, the travel-savvy have kept Montenegro under their sunhats. But now the cat’s creeping out of the bag – and it’s hardly surprising. A tiny republic in southeast…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00 | Tender to shoreShow Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Highlights of Montenegro
The port of Kotor finds a home on the world’s southernmost fjord - or the ‘Bride of the Adriatic’, as it’s also known. As places go, it’s beautiful. Think blue seas. A stony shore. Green mountains. All drenched in the heavenly scent of lemons, oranges, mimosas and camellias. And here’s your chance to explore this gorgeous part of the world. First you’ll stop at the mountain village of Njegusi to taste the region’s delicious smoked ham and cheese. Stomach full, you’re ready for Cetinje. Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, it was once the smallest European capital and it’s filled to bursting with beautiful buildings. Here you'll visit the King Nikola's palace before having some free time to stroll around. Next you’re off to Budva - the most popular tourist destination on Montenegro’s map. And quite rightly so. Beautiful architecture meets seductive sandy beaches in this spot. Perhaps that’s why lots of millionaires decide to live here. Want to join them?
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Walking Tour of Kotor
When a town is two thousand years old like Kotor there are plenty of stories to tell. Its ancient Roman beginnings. Its Middle Ages struggle of ownership between Goths, Saracens and Serbians. Its Venetian past. With a history like this, it’s no surprise Kotor has got itself a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And what better way to explore it than with a guided walking tour? In every stone of its timeworn walls, on every fresco painting and every hidden alley, you’ll relive its glorious past. The old town centre is still really well preserved and the criss-crossed narrow streets and squares have monuments at every corner. From Prince’s Palace and Napoleon’s Theatre to the most recognisable symbol of the city - the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon – you’ll be mesmerised from the word go. And how many towns in this part of the world have preserved their fortifications from the Middle Ages? Not many. But Kotor is one of the few. The chunky walls surrounding the old town are impressive to say the least - at some places they reach 20 metres in height and 16 metres in thickness. If you don’t believe us, you’ll have plenty of time to measure them in the free time you’ll get here. Have we given you enough reasons to join our guided visit to Kotor? We think so.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Traditional Kotor
The olive farm starring on this trip is perched on the Bay of Kotor. Spectacular scenery comes as standard in these parts, thanks to the huge expanse of water mirroring the surrounding mountains. Pretty villages speckle the coastline and – after stopping to take a quick photo of the bay – we’ll reach a small peninsula called Luštica, home to a farm owned by the Moric family. A welcome drink in the 900-tree-strong olive grove marks the start of the tour, during which your guide will reveal all about the family’s artisan style of olive cultivation, harvest and production. We’ll then wander towards the village of Tići, checking out the old and new mills on the way. The best is saved for last – you’ll get to taste-test the family’s extra virgin olive oils alongside a spread of homemade breads, seasonal fruit and local brandy. To top things off, the day will finish with a whistle stop tour of Kotor.
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Trieste, Italy
This Italian city showcases cobbled, café-lined piazzas, Baroque churches and an old town that’s packed with pastel-coloured buildings. It’s a great jumping-off point…
Time in port: 07:00 - 19:00Show Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
A Taste of Trieste
This day out pairs a sightseeing tour of Trieste with a taste of the olive oil and wine produced in the area. From the port, you’ll take a short stroll into the heart of Trieste, through the cobbled, café-lined squares this part of Italy does best. After you’ve got a feel for the city’s piazzas and cathedrals, you’ll hop onboard a bus for a drive through the Carso district. This region of picturesque highland extends across the border into Slovenia, and is separated from the sea by huge white cliffs. Thanks to its position on the globe, the area has a microclimate that lets plant and animal life thrive, creating a lovely contrast to the ruggedness of its coastline. Later on, you’ll visit a nearby factory that uses locally-sourced produce to bottle their own wines and olive oils, which you’ll get to sample alongside some tasty breads and cheeses.
%3Bimg.resize(height:130)%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Aquileia & Wine Tasting
Travel back to toga-wearing days in Aquileia, an Ancient Roman town that dates back to 181 BC. Your guide will show you all the star sights of this riverside settlement, the highlight of which has to be the cathedral. Built in a Romanesque-Gothic style, it’s an unmissable landmark that comes wallpapered and carpeted with beautifully-preserved mosaics. You’ll also see open-air Roman ruins, believed to be the largest Roman city to be fully excavated. It’s then on to a local vineyard, where you’ll have a chance to try some of the region’s superb red and whites.
Trieste Walking Tour
This walking tour’s a great way to see Trieste's galaxy of sights. Some of the best bits can be seen from Capitol Hill, like the San Giusto Castle and the Roman theatre. But nothing beats getting up close. You'll wander the narrow alleyways of the old town and the wide avenues of the new town, seeking out all of Trieste's must-sees. There's the town's main square, Piazza dell'Unita, on the old harbour. The grandiose Neo-classical contours of the Old Exchange. The great curve of the Roman ampitheatre. And the Canal Grande, a waterway that echoes the shape of its Venetian sibling. Not to mention a clutch of religious buildings that would make even the most church-laden Italian town green with envy. Think Serb-Orthodox chapels, Greek-Orthodox sanctuaries, and a Catholic Cathedral - to name but a few.
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Rijeka, Croatia
Although a busy working port, Rijeka has plenty of old world charm squirrelled away. Peach and lemon-coloured buildings march along the pedestrian streets, topped byterracotta…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Opatija & Kastav
You can tick two popular Croatian towns off your list on this tour. Opatija occupies the foothills of Mount Učka, and stretches right down to Kvarner Bay. It’s a lovely place to explore – Venetian-style villas freckle the cliffsides, leafy parks spread out for acres, and there’s a traffic-free coastal promenade that was made for strolling. There’ll be a walking tour of the town and, afterwards, you’ll move on to Kastav. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the first stop-off, but you’ll climb an almost 400-metre-high hill in that time. Kastav is located right at the top, so expect spectacular views on the way up. The big highlight here is the historic old town. Its stone walls wrap around a castle dating back to the 13th century.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Plitvice
Croatian scenery doesn’t get any more spectacular than at Plitvice National Park. This huge body of land spreads out over more than 73,000 acres, in the mountainous area of central Croatia. It’s so impressive, it was one of the first natural sites to make it onto the coveted UNESCO register. You’ll lace up your hiking boots for a walking tour of the place today. There are 16 lakes here – some tiny, some vast – and they’re watched over by soaring cliff-faces cloaked in moss, and foaming waterfalls. There’ll be a guide with you, so you can learn about the wildlife thriving in the park’s perimeters. Around 50 different species of mammal live happily in these parts, including the European brown bear.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Rijeka & Trsat
You’ll tick off two Croatian towns on this tour. We’ll start off in Rijeka itself, beginning our route through the town at the mouth of the River Rjecina. From here, we’ll pass through the City Tower into the old town, where we’ll wander through the narrow streets, pit-stopping at sights including the Roman forum, the cathedral and the ‘leaning tower’ of Rijeka. Once we wrap up here, we’ll jump on a coach and head up to Tstat hill, the oldest part of Rijeka. Up here you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary – the oldest in Croatia – and the ancient Gradina Castle, which has watched over Rijeka and Kvarner for centuries.
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Koper, Slovenia
Set along a wide horseshoe-shaped bay, Koper's a Medieval town where old and new go hand-in-hand. Lose yourself in the maze of streets, passing historical sights andbrowsing…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Caves & Castles
Explore the world famous Postojna Caves. Enter the mysterious world of underground caves and echoing halls. And be mesmerised by disappearing rivers and babbling brooks. A train will take you through the halls and corridors chiselled by the Pivka River. The remarkable ‘brilliant’ stalagmite, and the ‘spaghetti’ and ‘congress’ halls will take your breath away. Not to mention the artificial pool with the mysterious ‘human-fish’ in it. Continue on for a beautiful photo stop and some free time at Predjama Castle. Perched high up in the cliff, this Renaissance castle dates back to the 16th century, but some features of the old cave castle from past centuries still survives today.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Piran & Portoroz - Little Italy
Piran’s a quaint town bursting with Italian charm. The whole place is one big attraction as it’s barely changed in 400 years. The old seaport of Piran lies at the end of the Piran peninsula, which gradually narrows between the bays of Strunjan and Piran. The peninsula reaches Cape Madona, ending with the Savrini hills. So needless to say, the setting’s really something. You'll experience a 60-minute walking tour around the town's Medieval layout, with winding streets and higgledy-piggledy houses rising in steps from the coast up into the hills. This will stand you in a good stead to explore Piran on your own during the extra 60-minutes of free time. Next, you will head over to the nearby Portoroz. This is the place to be if you want to kick back and relax. Use your 45-minute free time to visit the Blue Flag beach - the only natural sandy swathe in Slovenia. Or uncover the town's cultural attractions and a selection of Slovenian cafes and restaurants.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Slovenia Off-road
You’ll discover a different side of Slovenia today – a part that coaches can’t reach. You’ll leave Koper port and head into the countryside, before jumping aboard a comfortable 4x4. Your driver doubles as your guide, and they’ll share knowledge on local specialties, while driving along forgotten country lanes between remote, picturesque villages. You’ll take in unforgettable viewpoints that can only be accessed using these smaller vehicles. This tour has limited spaces due to the amount of vehicles available.
;img.crop(width:1080%2Cheight:608))
Split, Croatia
Over the past few years, Split has been staking its claim on the city-break map of Europe. Right in the heart of the Dalmatia region, this heart-stealer of a city has…
Time in port: 09:00 - 18:00 | Tender to shoreShow Top Things to Do
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Walking Split
What better way to explore the picturesque city of Split than on foot! Split, Dalmatia’s largest city, has a lot to offer the visitor, from cultural and historical monuments to a rich choice of shops and elegant sea-front cafes. You will walk with your guide from the pier towards the old part of Split, where you will find the impressive 3rd century Diocletian’s Palace. Here you will visit the cellars, the Peristyle, the Golden and Silver Gates, the Cathedral (Mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian), the Temple of Jupiter and other interesting and historic sights. Following that you will walk around the ‘heart’ of the Old Town and finally you will be given free time to shop and take pictures. Just so you know... At the end of your tour you can choose to stay in the city centre if you wish to do so OR walk back to the ship with your guide.
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Salona & Trogir
If you have been to Split before, why not venture out of the city and see other places of interest the beautiful Croatian coast has to offer? On this lovely tour you will discover the Roman settlement of Salona, which supported a population of 60,000 in ancient times. Here you will walk with your guide around the ruins and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area before proceeding to Trogir. Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an impressive, fortified, Medieval town, built on an island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. You will be given free time to explore on your own, wander around the quaint, narrow streets, view the fashionable and very picturesque marina or do some shopping in the many souvenir shops!
%3Bimg.crop(width:232%2Cheight:130))
Best of Split & its Countryside
You’ll get up close and personal with Croatia’s second-largest city on this day out. It begins with a walk around the old town, and you’ll take in the well-preserved cellars beneath the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed fortress from the Roman times. Gothic cathedrals, cobbled squares, and ancient city gates are all on the itinerary, too. Afterwards, you’ll take a drive along the coast into the mountains to visit Omiš, a small town on the banks of the Centina River. You’ll climb aboard a boat to set sail through the canyon, and head to a local restaurant where you'll get to sample local smoked ham, cheese and olives.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Ancient city walls. Higgledy-piggledy red rooftops. Cobbled streets worn by time. That’s Dubrovnik, a heart-stealing city that you just know you’re going to love themoment…
Arrives: 04:00
