Your Cruise Epicurean Delights of the Adriatic: the Food & Wine Of

Epicurean Delights of the Adriatic: The Food & Wine of Italy & Croatia

From 16/9/2021 From Venice Ship: LE LYRIAL to 23/9/2021 to Venice

Created specially for like-minded travellers.

We invite you to join us on this very specialexploration of the foods and wines of the Adriatic coasts of Italy and Croatia, round-trip from Venice.

To enhance your cruise, you will be joined byrenowned wine educators highly recommended by Wine Spectator School – Croatian wine educator and Master of Wine Jo Ahearne, and Italian wine educator Suzanne Branciforte – who will lead a series of talks, tastings, and discussions on board.

Food— its cultivation, preparation, and consumption—has always been central to the Italian way of life. In Croatia, the rich culinary tradition includes influences from myriad neighbouring regions. This one-of-a- kind program is an extraordinary opportunity both to explore and to Quintessential Collection Included Cruise Programme experience the various roles food and wine play in our lives and its relation to physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Immerse yourself in the bounty of Italy and Croatia’s regional cuisines as we sample local fare during our comprehensive cruise across the Adriatic Sea.

In Croatia, highlights include the white truffles of Istria and the renowned oysters of Mali Ston, taken from the waters along the Dalmatian Coast north of Dubrovnik. While in Italy, we will explore olive oil and burrata from Puglia, and the famedhard cheeses, pastas, and balsamic vinegar of Emilia-Romagna. Taking advantage of the area’s rich soils and a variety of splendid grapes, wonderfulreds and whites and sparkling wines characteristic of each region abound. We will taste them all.

A sure highlight of your cruise will be a visit toWine the Spectator School-recommended Masseria Pizzariello, a 4th generation family wine estate celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021, for a gala wine tasting and lunch of traditional Puglia cuisine. After walking through the vineyards, you may enjoy all the foods of the region to your heart’s content, while your sommelier pours the most famous DOC and DOCG wines from Puglia. Traditional, live music played by local musicians provides the perfect backdrop to your lunch. Relax and enjoy a hearty dose ofLa Dolce Vita!

In addition to these culinary-tailored activities, you will have the opportunity to explore important cultural and historic sites along the way, including the Old City of Dubrovnik, the Historic Center of Urbino, and the Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna – all UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The information in this document is valid as of 8/10/2020 Epicurean Delights of the Adriatic: The Food & Wine of Italy & Croatia YOUR STOPOVERS :

VENICE Embarkation 16/9/2021 from 16h00 to 17h00 Departure 16/9/2021 at 18h00

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica , Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

PULA Arrival 17/9/2021 early morning Departure 17/9/2021 late afternoon

The Pearl of the Adriatic, lying at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is undoubtedly the most Roman of all Croatian towns. Some of the greatest pages in history were written here, as the breathtaking ancient remains testify. Take your pick exploring the amphitheatre, the Twin Gates, the Gate of Hercule and the triumphal Arch of the Sergii. Stroll through the busy lanes in the old town, enjoying the warm welcome of the locals, and perhaps you will be tempted to try the famous Kvarner scampi or Istrian ham.

AT SEA Arrival 18/9/2021 Departure 18/9/2021

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment. DUBROVNIK Arrival 19/9/2021 early morning Departure 19/9/2021 evening

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now alisted UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as youwalk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

BARI Arrival 20/9/2021 early morning Departure 20/9/2021 early afternoon

Extending out along a fertile plain facing the Adriatic Sea amid infinite landscapes sculpted by the water and wind, Bari bears the traces of the peoples which, over the centuries, have conquered it, settled it, or simply visited it fleetingly before making their way to faraway lands. Though its exact origins are lost among the mysteries of archaeology, the many sites here provide evidence of the town’s rich past. The Saracens, Byzantines, Normans and Swabians have left a trace here, each bringing their own cultural baggage. During your stop here, stroll along the minuscule streets in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre, where you will find small churches and monuments from bygone eras.

ANCONA Arrival 21/9/2021 early morning Departure 21/9/2021 early evening

Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 390 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbour, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. When your ship calls here, take the time to discover the city’s many buildings, such ascathedral the dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its façade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan, which is considered to be the port’s main embellishment, or the 15th century mansion where the painter Raphael was born and raised.

RAVENNA Arrival 22/9/2021 early morning Departure 22/9/2021 late afternoon

Linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal, the city of Ravenna and its countless monuments offer you a rich journey back in time. Roman and Byzantine cultures intermingle here, and the fruits of this history adorn the interiors of the cityﾒs religious buildings: the abundance of classical mosaics is the most stunning witness to Ravennaﾒs glorious past. Eight UNESCO World Heritage listed Paleo-Christian sites punctuate your journey into the historic heart of the city. Still verylively despite the weight of its history, Ravenna has much to offer to visitors.

VENICE Arrival 23/9/2021 early morning Disembarkation 23/9/2021 at 07h00