EXTRAORDINARY ADRIATIC: CROATIA and SLOVENIA UNDER SAIL Current Route: Dubrovnik, Croatia to Venice, Italy
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EXTRAORDINARY ADRIATIC: CROATIA AND SLOVENIA UNDER SAIL Current route: Dubrovnik, Croatia to Venice, Italy 9 Days Sea Cloud 58 Guests Expeditions in: Jul From $13,970 to $26,930 * The Venetian influence in Croatia and Slovenia endures today, providing a powerful reason to visit this culturally- and historically-rich, naturally beautiful region—aboard Sea Cloud, the quintessence of sailing in the land of sail. Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com DAY 1: Dubrovnik, Croatia/Embark padding Arrive in Dubrovnik. Known as the “pearl of the 2023 Departure Dates: Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. 18 Aug Embark Sea Cloud in the late afternoon and settle Advance Payment: into your cabin. (D) $1,500 DAY 2: At Sea padding Join the Expedition Leader for a play-by-play description of the crew in the rigging and the action of the setting of square sails, staysails, and jibs as Sea Cloud shows her full glory. Bask in the comfort and intrigue of this legendary and historic square-rigger—enjoy delicious meals, complimentary drinks, and talks by the expedition staff as we sail toward the island of Vis. (B,L,D) DAY 3: Komiža, Vis Island padding Once ruled by the Greeks, Liburnians, Romans, and Venetians, Vis’ history stretches back to the Neolithic period. Its location and geography made it a prime military and trade center for centuries and was opened for tourism only in 1989. The island is rampant with fragrant wild herbs, carob trees, citrus orchards, and a rare and exotic silver palm tree. Most of the island is comprised of vineyards and is populated by gregarious, warm, and welcoming islanders. Enjoy a walking tour of the seaside town of Komiža. Learn about falkušas, the unique sailing vessel endemic to this island since the 16th century, and about the oldest known regatta in the Mediterranean—originally a means of protection for fishermen from pirates. The Vis Archipelago Geopark visitor center will reveal the amazing geological evolution of this volcanic region. Venture inland and marvel at the magnificent views of Vis’ surrounding islands. Visit a family-owned winery for a tasting and enjoy a traditional lunch of peka, a typical meat or fish dish that is slowly cooked under a bell covered with hot coals. Explore “Tito’s Tunnels,” which served as the primary hideout for Yugoslav resistance leader Josip Broz Tito during Nazi occupation of the region in World War II. Venture to secret hillside barracks and gun turrets, and peer inside hidden bunkers used to berth submarines and warships. Set sail late this evening for Šibenik. (B,L,D) DAY 4: Šibenik/Krka National Park/At Sea padding Step ashore to discover the majestic city of Šibenik and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Cathedral of St. James, built entirely from stone, and the forbidding, triangular St. Nicholas Fortress situated on a tiny triangular island off the coast. Visit Krka National Park, a protected natural area that extends along the Krka River, which is an enchanting landscape of woods and gorges. Access the park’s gushing waterfalls via a series of boardwalks and flights of stairs. Enjoy an evening of sailing Croatia’s stunning coast, passing craggy cliffs and dramatic white stone isles scattered likes jewels in the cool blue water. If conditions are right, we’ll sail through Kornati National Park, one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the Adriatic. (B,L,D) DAY 5: Zadar padding Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. Explore its defensive walls, gates, and bastions, developed during the 16th century to thwart Ottoman incursions. Stroll the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum and visit St. Mary’s Church, a Benedictine convent dating back to the 11th century. Here, we’ll have an opportunity to meet some of the resident nuns who serve as caretakers of the church as well as the adjoining treasury, which houses priceless ecclesiastical artifacts of Byzantine and Venetian craftsmanship. Visit a local winery for a tasting of indigenous vintages and unique cheeses from the area. As the sun sets, we’ll cast off for Rovinj and the ancient land of the Illyrians. (B,L,D) DAY 6: At Sea/Rovinj/Pula padding Enjoy a morning at sea as we sail the ancient coast of Istria to Rovinj. Drive to Pula, on the Istrian Peninsula. Archeological evidence shows that Pula was inhabited as much as 40,000 years ago. It rose to prominence as settlement of Histri, an Illyrian tribe, in the 11th century BC. However, it was under Caesar Augustus that Pula saw its height of power and expansion. Today, the city’s crowning jewel is the best preserved Roman colosseum outside of Rome herself, built by Emperor Flavius in the 1st century AD. Since then the region has been part of countless empires and the crossroads of as many cultures, making it one of the most historically rich and interesting places in Europe. Then, explore the old city of Rovinj, once one of the most important cities in the Venetian empire. The Church of St. Euphemia is a Venetian Baroque structure restored between 1725 and 1736, and Milanese architect Alessandro Monopola designed the bell tower to resemble that of St. Mark’s Church in Venice. Rejoin Sea Cloud as she sails to Slovenia. (B,L,D) DAY 7: Piran & The Slovenian Coast/At Sea padding Slovenia is a country abundant with natural history, a coast rife with Karstic plateaus and ridges, tranquil countryside, and picturesque Istrian villages. First enjoy a scenic drive along Slovenia’s winding coastline to see typical fishing villages before venturing to the interior to sample some of the local flavors at a farmer’s market. Savory wines, fruits, olives, sweets and more are a tradition here. Back in Piran, explore cobblestone avenues and ancient sites, including the Church of St. George, modeled after St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, and from where you have commanding views of the Adriatic and the Julian Alps. Explore quaint Tartini Square to hear stories of the town’s fishing history and of native son Giuseppe Tartini, Italian Baroque composer and violinist for whom the town was named. Stroll the charming harbor before seeing the Venezia House to marvel at the Venetian-Gothic architecture and to hear the story of the eternal love a Venetian merchant had for the woman for whom he built this house. The open-air sea breeze accompanies you through the narrow streets and secret corners of this beautiful seaside town. This afternoon we sail to Venice where you can enjoy all Sea Cloud has to offer, along with relaxation and reflection of your journey. (B,L,D) Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com DAY 8: Venice, Italy/Disembark padding Disembark in the port of Venice, Italy this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) * See our website at https://world.expeditions.com/ for the most up-to-date pricing, which may vary by departure date. Prices are subject to modification, and are not guaranteed until booking and required deposits are made. For best pricing, book early. (1) Travel Protection Plan We strongly recommend our guests to take advantage of our Travel Protection Plan. This plan offers comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damage or loss of baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels. Our Travel Protection Plan is available for U.S. residents only, and may be purchased any time prior to final payment due date, Travel Protection premiums are non- refundable once plan is purchased. Learn more about our Travel Protection “Plus” Plan: https://world.expeditions.com/terms-conditions/travel-protection-plan/ (2) Cancellation Policy Review our cancellation policy: https://world.expeditions.com/cancellation-policy/ Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com.