Extraordinary Adriatic: Croatia and Slovenia aboard Sea Cloud

Days 1-2

U.S. / Venice, Italy / Embark Ship

Fly overnight and arrive in Venice. Embark Sea Cloud in the late afternoon and settle into your cabin. Dinner is served on day 2.

Day 3

At Sea

Join the chief mate 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 as we sail toward Slovenia.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Piran, Slovenia / Ljubljana

We anchor off the gem-like harbor town of Piran, and drive through the countryside to charming Ljubljana. Architect Jože Plečnik designed the city center when Ljubljana suddenly became a capital city after World War I, and his harmonious blending of old and new, linked by waterways and green spaces, recently earned the city designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a walking tour, see the 15th-century town hall, and the castle perched above the city, and admire the diverse architectural styles of Prešernov Square. Cross Triple Bridge and stroll along the café-lined Ljubljanica River before a lunch of Slovenian specialties. En route back to the ship, stop for a visit to the 800-year-old Predjama Castle, nestled high on a cliffside. Tonight, sail along the coast of the Istrian Peninsula.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Rovinj, Croatia / Pula

Go ashore in Rovinj, once one of the most important cities in the Venetian Empire, and travel inland to Pula. Settled by an ancient Illyrian tribe, it reached the height of its power under Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. Venture to its well-preserved amphitheater, built by Emperor Vespasian in the first century A.D. and believed to have held around 20,000 spectators. Drive through olive groves and vineyards to the Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Winery, sample award-winning vintages, and hear tales of when the region was ruled by the Austro-Hungarian empire. After lunch aboard Sea Cloud, venture into Rovinj’s charming old town set on a tiny peninsula that was an island until 1763. Walk the cobbled streets, peruse the local open-air market, and see sites that illustrate the city’s close ties with Venice.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

At Sea

Spend a relaxing day sailing the Adriatic. Join our expedition staff on the Lido Deck for talks about the region’s history, culture, and geography. Take in stunning views of the craggy cliffs and white stone isles that line Croatia’s coast, and sit down to regionally inspired meals accompanied by fine wines. This afternoon, cruise along Kornati National Park, an archipelago of more than 80 rugged islands. Arrive in Split this evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Split / At Sea

Delve into the bustling port city of Split this morning, and discover the World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace. Built by Emperor Diocletian as a sumptuous place to retire, this site is now a beguiling maze of marble streets, churches, and fortifications that tell the history of the city from the Romans and Byzantines to the modern day. Enjoy an afternoon of sailing as we continue to the far-flung island of Vis.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Komiža, Vis

One of the outermost of Croatia’s many islands, Vis was ruled successively by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, and Italians. It became a central Yugoslav military base during World War II, and only opened to tourists in the 1990s, making it less developed and less populated than many of its neighbors. Set out on a walking tour of the fishing town of Komiža, and see the traditional sailing vessels called falkušas, which have been used here since the 16th century. Hear about age-old regattas originally designed to keep pirates at bay. Take in expansive views from the rugged interior and visit a family-owned winery for a tasting and traditional peka lunch. See the tunnels where Yugoslav resistance leader Josip Broz Tito hid from the Nazis during World War II, and venture to hillside barracks and hidden bunkers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Hvar / At Sea

At the height of Venetian rule, Hvar was the region’s most prosperous center. Set off on a walking tour along the waterfront and inside the delightful walled city. Visit the 15th-century Franciscan monastery, the arsenal, and Croatia’s oldest active theater. If desired, hike up to the citadel for spectacular views of the island and the azure Adriatic beyond. This afternoon, take to the seas on our final sail.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Dubrovnik / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Dubrovnik this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast