Adriatic Sea: Venice to Dubrovnik

The floating city of Venice sits on millions of wooden piles and more than 400 bridges cross 150 canals. No other city possesses such an abundance of stunningly beautiful churches, monasteries, palaces and artistic treasures. Venice is a unique work of art and as such it, along with its lagoon, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gateway to the city is probably the most magical of any in the world. Slowly and majestically glide past the proud palaces along the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, permitting a long look at the fairytale setting of St. Mark's Square with the Doge's Palace and Campanile. Explore the city before boarding your ship and setting off on your cruise.

Ravenna, once a lagoon city and important naval base, is now located about nine kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea. Its main heyday was between the 5th and 7th centuries, when it was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. It was in this period that the most important early Christian and Byzantine religious buildings were constructed, as well as the delightful mosaics which, like large parts of Ravenna, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, the Piazza del Popolo forms the lively heart of the city and creates a magnificent backdrop for colorful modern-day life.

Today relax aboard your ship as you sail to your next destination. 

The city of Zadar is known for the ruins of its old town, which reflect the history of the city under both Roman and Venetian rule. A Forum dating to Roman times lies next to an 11th-century convent, which today houses hundreds of years' worth of religious art. Explore the winding streets of the old town to spot the various preserved Venetian gates scattered throughout the city. Or sit and listen to the sea organ, an architectural instrument and art installation that plays music as the sea waves pass through a series of tubes under a set of marble steps. 

The charming principal town of the small Dalmatian island of Hvar is picturesquely situated in a sheltered bay. Today, in the same spot where the Venetian fleet used to spend the winter and the proud republic of the Doges bequeathed its influence, yachts from all over the world bob about and transform this hotspot into the "St Tropez of Croatia". From the sea you can see the elegant harbor esplanade, the cathedrals with their distinctive bell towers, the old defensive walls and, towering above everything else, the medieval Spanjola fortress. The winding streets of the old town, with its many cafés, bars and restaurants around the lively main square trodden to a shine, have become a picturesque backdrop for today's sophisticated lifestyle.

The Adriatic island of Korcula is one of the greenest in the region. Vineyards and olive groves stretch across rolling hills. The island's main town of the same name is protected by a city wall. It is one of the best-preserved medieval Mediterranean towns. Some buildings evoke the time when the maritime power of Venice ruled. Tintoretto is immortalized in the cathedral, and in one of the narrow streets you can search for the house where, according to legend, Marco Polo once lived.

Today cruise the gulf of Kotor, a winding bay in southwestern Montenegro and a region that has been inhabited since antiquity. Enjoy the region's stunning natural beauty and rich culture. This afternoon, arrive in Dubrovnik.

When Venice still ruled the Adriatic, Dubrovnik was an important maritime republic and the floating city's chief rival. Dubrovnik proudly calls itself the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and its fortress is one of the best-preserved in Europe. As you walk around the imposing walls of the old town, look out across the deep blue Adriatic and a sea of red roof shingles. The old town, with its beautiful squares, magnificent boulevards and narrow winding alleyways, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark after breakfast to explore the city before returning home or continuing on your independent journey.