Route Rovinj to Split

Day 1, embarkation ROVINJ; sailing to Brijuni (1) or Pula (2); in each case 2 h of sailing time Overnight on Brijuni or in Pula

ROVINJ

On the magnificent coast of Istria (Croatia), right below the Lim Fjord, is the most romantic place in the Mediterranean! The town of Rovinj is the right destination for all of you seeking a sentimental atmosphere of the times that have forever gone by. In the Mediterranean, you can find it here, in the town that has begun its romantic life on an island, its restricted area resulting in crowded houses, narrow streets and small squares, still untouched by modern urbanism. On the seaside, the town is protected by a high rocky shore and house walls built on cliffs, while the mainland side is protected by solid walls. The town is dominated by the baroque St. Euphemia’s Church, its 60-meter tower providing a view of grey and red rooftops and chimneys, streets and squares, the port and pier with ships and boats, and the marina harboring yachts. This unique old town core, the 67-kilometer shoreline, 2,289 ha of protected green surfaces and improved park forests, 16 islands, islets and reefs, make this town unique. Built upon a rich fishermen’s tradition, it has become distinctive for its unique boat called batana and its songs bitinada. Its beauty was particularly appreciated by artists who have painted the most beautiful motifs here and exhibited them on Grisia, the street of artists. This is place providing endless options – walks in wonderful nature, sport and recreation activities, sailing, diving, climbing, biking, discovering hidden beauties, cultural antiques, archeological sites and culinary specialties, all combined with accommodation in high-quality hotels, tourist resorts and camps providing numerous possibilities for a pleasant holiday, wellness delights, business conferences and sporting activities. Romantic and mysterious, yet full of options for an unforgettable time, Rovinj has become and will remain a town you want to revisit.

BRIJUNI

When on the Istrian island of Brijuni all the yet unexplored and mostly inaccessible monuments from all ages, from the early periods of the pre-Roman Istria until the 16th century, will be discovered and made accessible to research then this beautiful island will be a unique museum rich in architectonic inventory of high artistic and historic importance. To all the cultures, which settled through history on the northern Adriatic coast, will be possible to ascribe at least one monument of architectonic heritage or some other artefact witnessing its presence. A. Gnirs, 1911. The archipelago of Brijuni is an extraordinary blend of natural, historical and cultural heritage. The mild climate and the favourable geographical conditions, deep retracted bays and easily defendable elevated fortifications, have secured a continuum in the human activity on the island from a pre- historic age until the present day. On a relatively small archipelago, of an area of around 7km2, have been registered some hundred sites and buildings of archaeological and cultural-historical value and which comprise the period from the first Neolithic settlements, the dugouts in the bay of Soline, until the creation of an elite summer and health resort at the beginning of the last century and the presidential residency visited by statesmen from one third of the world’s countries in its 25 years of existence (1954-1979). This concise curriculum vitae of the island, which carefully preserves the traces of 5000 years of human history, makes the legend of its creation even more real and when arriving to the island a part of Heaven discloses in front of our eyes in the unique harmony of the island’s flora, fauna and heritage. A unique bland of the green islands sank into the turquoise-blue sea whose bays and hills are laced with the white Istrian rocks.

PULA Pula is one of Istria's most authentic and complex cities. Unlike other Istrian destinations, Pula has a flourishing life apart from the tourist business. It's an important shipbuilding centre, an industry that dates back to the days when it was an important naval port under the Austro-Hungarian empire. Even the Romans liked Pula's position and made it their administrative headquarters. The town centre is dotted with Roman ruins, the most impressive of which is the spectacular Roman amphitheatre.Try to catch an open-air performance there in the busy summer season. Note also the 1st century Triumphal Arch of Sergius. Artists and architects from Michelangelo to Robert Adam studied and sketched this exceptionally well-preserved monument. In the centre of town is the Roman Forum containing the Temple of Augustus. Pula

Day 2; Brijuni or Pula to Mali Losinj; 5h of sailing Overnight Mali Losinj MALI LOSINJ - One of the more popular of the Croatian islands, Losinj is famous for its lush green vegetation. Like Cres, this island was also under Venetian rule until 1797, although it was overshadowed by its neighbour. It rose to more prominence under Austro-Hungarian rule when it became an important base for shipbuilding, and was already becoming popular for tourism. The main resort is the town of Mali Losinj, whose harbour is said to be the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic. The tourist area is centred around Cikat bay, which is well known for its beach and good windsurfing. The town of Veli Losinj is quieter and there is easy access to it from Mali Losinj.

Mali Losinj

Day 3: Mali Losinj to Zadar; 4 h of sailing Overnight Zadar ZADAR The particularity of the city is irresistible for those who respect and admire historical monuments andcultural heritage, artists, tourists and its citizens. Zadar is a city monument, surrounded by historicalramparts, a treasury of the archaeological and monumental riches of ancient and medieval times,Renaissance and many contemporary architectural achievements such as the first sea organs in theworld.Zadar is a city where huge spaces are left for pedestrians. Your walk along thecobblestone streets of the city will become a walk through history, and also an experience of thecontemporary life of the city. When tired, do try to take a break in one of many restaurants, pastry shops or coffee shops. Enjoy listening to the concerts, visit the theatre, museums, and exhibitions.

Day 4: Zadar to Kornati islands; 5 h of sailing Overnight Kornati KORNATI „On the last day of Creation God desired to crown his work and thus created Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath.” George Bernard Shaw (1929) 220 km2 : 89 islands, islets and reefs, 238 km of coastline; ¼ of total park area is land, ¾ of park area belongs to marine ecosystem

Day 5: Kornati islands to Zlarin; 4 h of sailing Overnight Zlarin ZLARIN Coral pearl of Adriatic – this small island with only 270 inhabitants is famous for its' red corals and therefore coral jewlery. Cars are not allowed on this island, so it's dreamy, romantic atmosphere will show you how simple and easy life can be.

Day 6; Zlarin to Trogir; 3 h of sailing Overnight Trogir TROGIR Trogir is a town-museum in the very meaning of the word. Lovers of cultural and historical monuments, art, original architecture and nice alleys are given the opportunity in Trogir to learn about the manifold and complex heritage - from the Romanesque yard to the modern interiors. The unique historical core, Radovan's portal, the art collections which have been arousing excitement among visitors and travellers for centuries offer a tourist beauty, personified in the relief of Kairos as an appropriate souvenir.

Day 7; Trogir to Split; 2 h of sailing Overnight Split

SPLIT Split is the largest and most important Dalmatian city, the second-largest urban center in Croatia. Split is also one of the oldest cities in the area, and is traditionally considered just over 1,700 years old. However, recent archaeological research relating to the ancient Greek colony of Aspálathos (6th century BC) establishes the city as being several hundred years older. UNESCO protected Diocletian Palace in Split was built between the late 3rd and the early 4th century A.D by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He built the Palace in a large bay on the southern side of the peninsula, close to his birth place Salona. Today the Palace is still home to many residents and to major historical buildings. Architectural historians consider it one of the best preserved late Roman villas, but also cherish the elements of the medieval city as well as the layers of the subsequent historical styles found in the eclectic makeup of the Split city core.

Split

Day 8: disembarkation Split