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Home to the Roman Emperor Diocletian and birthplace of Marco Polo, the Dalmatian coast is a treasure trove of history. From Venice, cruise aboard the intimate M.Y. Monet to view Ravenna’s mosaics, then explore the charming Croatian towns of Split, Korčula, Dubrovnik, and Pula, all rebuilding after the breakup of Yugoslavia.
October 3 and 4 New York/Venice, Italy
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Venice. Upon arrival in Venice, transfer to the M.Y. Monet. This evening, gather for a festive welcome reception and dinner.
(D)
October 5 Venice
This morning, take a walking tour of Venice, including the Piazza San Marco. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, where the Great Council met from the 13th century onward and see the famous Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is free to explore on your own, perhaps strolling to the famous Rialto Bridge. In the evening, attend a talk by John Millerchip, a representative of UNESCO, who will discuss the efforts to protect Venice from the waters of its lagoon. Enjoy a Venetian-themed dinner as the ship departs.
(B,L,D)
October 6 Ravenna
Threatened by barbarian hordes in A.D. 402, the capital of the Western Roman Empire was moved by Emperor Honorius from Rome to Ravenna on the well-defended Adriatic coast. As a result, Ravenna became home to the most elaborate Byzantine mosaics in the world. Over the course of the morning, visit San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and Sant’Apollinare en Classe, where these mosaics are preserved. This afternoon cruise the Adriatic and enjoy a talk by Tom Allen.
(B,L,D)
October 7 Split, Croatia/Korčula
Split bears the strong imprint of the late Roman Empire. The Emperor Diocletian, after abdicating in A.D. 305, built an enormous palace here. Walk through the ancient Peristyle and the emperor’s Mausoleum—now a cathedral—and see how this ancient landmark has been integrated fully into modern Split. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon cruising. Late this afternoon, dock against the 13th-century walls of Korčula, one of the best preserved medieval towns in eastern Europe. Take a walking tour to the 15th-century cathedral, see the relics of the Abbey Treasury, the house reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and explore the Museum of Icons.
(B,L,D)
October 8 Dubrovnik
Today, explore the city that Lord Byron called the "pearl of the Adriatic." By the 15th century, Dubrovnik was the only part of Dalmatia not under Venetian control. For the next three centuries, it would be an independent republic rivaling Venice. Following the Serbo-Croat War, Dubrovnik became one of the largest UNESCO conservation sites, and the entire city is now on the World Heritage Monument List. There is time free this afternoon to visit the 14th-century arsenal, which offers a lovely view of the Adriatic. Later, attend a talk by a prominent member of the Institute for the Reconstruction of Dubrovnik on the city’s postwar reconstruction.
(B,L,D)
October 9 Šibenik/Kornati National Park
Today, cruise through the maze of the Šibenik archipelago to the town of the same name. In Šibenik’s lovely medieval quarter, admire the 15th-century Cathedral of St. James, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, take a walk in Krka National Park and admire seven fascinating waterfalls where limestone formations are continually growing and being shaped through the process of sedimentation. Conclude your day sailing north through the beautiful islands of Kornati National Park, the Dalmatian coast’s most spectacular national park, known for its indigo waters.
(B,L,D)
October 10 Pula
Spread out over seven hills at the sunny tip of the Istrian peninsula, Pula has a wealth of ancient Roman monuments. First, visit the Roman Arena, founded in 27 B.C. for 23,000 spectators. From 40 B.C., the Roman Empire used Pula as a military outpost, and a remarkable number of monuments remain from the occupation. Visit the massive Triumphal Arch of the Sergii, the Hercules Gate, and the beautiful Temple of Augustus. This afternoon, there is free time to go outside the city to Medulin, known for its forests and sandy beaches.
(B,L,D)
October 11 Venice/New York
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight to New York.
(B)
The Monet is a 30-cabin vessel, beautifully appointed and designed for cruising to the smaller ports of the Adriatic Sea. All cabins are outside facing; air-conditioned; and equipped with double or twin beds, portholes or windows, private bathroom, satellite TV, VCR, hair dryer, in-house safe, and private telephone. Meals are served in a single seating. Public spaces include a piano bar offering musical entertainment nightly and two sundecks.
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