From Split to Venice Cruise & Stay – M/S Desire | 12 Days

Morning sail towards Bol on Brač Island, you will discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean – “Zlatni Rat” (the Golden Horn), which is constantly changing direction due to the ocean currents with optional swim if weather permits. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for Jelsa on the island of Hvar. One of the most picturesque towns on the island of Hvar; Jelsa is nestled in amongst hills dense with pine woods. The town quay extends all the way around the harbour with numerous laid moorings. Walk around the town to see old stone streets, squares, churches, and parks. Enjoy a coffee in the main square and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere of this bustling town. Your evening is free to explore Jelsa on your own.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning we set sail for the island of Korčula, with swimming stop, if weather permits, in one of pristine bays, time to relax and lunch on board. Continue towards Korčula, the most preserved medieval town, thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour of Korčula which takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets full of history and enjoy wine tasting in one of the local wine bars. Evening is free to explore the town on your own. Overnight in Korcula.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning sail to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, you will enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Old Town with a panoramic bus ride above the Old Town. After the panoramic view, we will arrive at the historical centre of Dubrovnik, walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, the most famous place inside the town walls, the famous city enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage site, where your guide will show you the most interesting sights of Dubrovnik. After city tour, you will be left on your own to explore the city, visit City Walls, the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s second oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace, and the Cathedral, take a boat ride to Lokrum island or take the cable car to the top of the Mount Srđ. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning head further north to the Island of Mljet. Mljet National Park encompasses five types of forest, many species of birds and two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Join the Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to explore the National Park or island on your own. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s dinner on board. Overnight in Mljet.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a break for a swim during your morning cruise. Continue sailing through lunch, arriving this afternoon in Hvar, a favourite holiday destination for international celebrities, but it’s also a charming seaside town with 8 centuries of architecture. On a walking tour visit the old town with the picturesque little streets and the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK), the Franciscan Monastery and much more. Your evening is free in Hvar. You can explore more and dine on your own at one of the many restaurants in town.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Next, we head to our final port Split with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax, if weather permits, with lunch on board. In the late afternoon we arrive in Split to take a walking tour of the historic inner city takes us to the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. Your evening is free in Split. Overnight in Split.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we disembark and bid farewell to our crew. We journey north by motorcoach for a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we enjoy the breathtaking beauty while we walk around several of the lower lakes. The Park is a natural wonder with 16 terraced lakes surrounded by wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Afterward, we motor on to Opatija where dinner is served at our hotel. Overnight Opatija.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive to Pula for an orientation tour of this strategic port city. We visit the preserved Amphitheatre, the sixth largest in the world. Then we continue to the beautiful resort of Rovinj. There’s free time to explore the old town and its narrow streets before we return to Opatija for overnight.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

After breakfast, we travel to Slovenia and visit the unique and beautiful Postojna Cave, one of the largest in Europe. We tour this wondrous subterranean world by miniature electric train. Later, we continue to Italy where Venice beckons with its idyllic setting on 119 islands. Overnight Venice.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

We begin our exploration of Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. In a working glass factory, we see master craftsmen demonstrate the art of traditional Venetian glassblowing. We then depart for St. Mark’s Square, for a walking tour with visits of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take in views of the Bell Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, shop, or perhaps join an optional gondola ride. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Venice.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

You will be transferred to Venice’s airport for your flight home. End of our services.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Professional English speaking cruise manager on 7 night cruise

Touring with licensed local guides

English speaking tour director for land portion

Tours as per itinerary

Tours of Split, Hvar, Korčula, Mljet National Park and Dubrovnik

11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Transportation by air conditioned vehicle

Deluxe superior cruise by M/S Desire (or similar)

Optional gondola ride on day 11

Water dispenser during cruise

Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh fruits available daily during cruise

Daily cabin servicing, fresh bed linen and towels midweek during cruise

Luggage handling

Free Wi-Fi

Whisper technology enhanced touring

Hotel taxes

Wine tasting in Korčula

Entrance fees to Mljet National Park

Tips and gratuities

Passport or visa fees

Baggage and personal insurance

Any beverages or food not listed in itineraries

All other entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions

Any other items of personal nature

Tourist and Port taxes of €35 per person. This is to be paid locally