Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard Sea Cloud II, back to summer on the azure Adriatic. Starting in Venice, a city of canals, palaces, and art, welcomes you with its charm. Rovinj, a slice of Venetian history, offers Mediterranean delights and Istrian wines. Zadar showcases its rich history through Roman and Byzantine treasures, while Korcula boasts lush landscapes and Marco Polo's birthplace. In Dalmatia, Split's ancient city takes you on a journey through time within Diocletian's Palace. Otranto and Lecce in Italy exhibit captivating Baroque architecture, earning Lecce the moniker "Florence of the South." Taormina, perched with a view of Mount Etna, dazzles with elegance. Syracuse in Sicily offers a blend of Greek and Roman history, while Valletta in Malta boasts UNESCO-listed architecture and powerful history.
Highlights
Explore the Venetian charm of Rovinj in picturesque Istria
Journey through medieval streets in Korcula, Marco Polo's birthplace
Witness Lecce's Baroque charm with honey-colored tufa, facades and churches
Experience Roman-Venetian fusion in Split, an Adriatic metropolis
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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, and nowhere else has plaster that crumbles so elegantly. Venice is a unique work of art and, with its lagoon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gateway to the city is probably the most magical of any in the world. Slowly and majestically you glide past the proud palaces along the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, giving you a long look at the fairytale setting of St Mark's Square with the Doge's Palace and Campanile.
Rovinj lies on the western coast of Istria. The old town was built on a hill and was part of the Republic of Venice for over 500 years. St Euphemia's Basilica sits above the terracotta roofs in solitary splendor and its tower has become the town's landmark. A stroll through the winding lanes transports you straight into the Mediterranean lifestyle and the region's culinary delights. Istrian wines seem to embody the sun's rich heat, the oak forests conceal precious white truffles and the region's olive oil is among the finest in the world.
As if on display, the Croatian city of Zadar stretches its beautiful old town towards visitors: The historical quarter is separated from the new town on a peninsula in the blue of the Adriatic Sea. As soon as you step through one of the Venetian gates, you walk right through the 3,000-year history of the old fortified city. Passing the Square of the Five Fountains and the Roman Forum, you will reach the landmark of Zadar, the Donatus Church with its pre-Romanesque and Byzantine elements. At sunset, locals and guests meet in a very modern way - at the sea organ and the installation Greetings to the Sun".
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 Marco Polo was born.
Dalmatia is the southernmost region of Croatia, and Split is its most beautiful cultural center and secret capital. Gothic, Romanesque, Venetian, Roman, and Baroque – a stroll through the old city of Split is like a journey through time. Diocletian's Palace, once the Emperor's retirement retreat, is at the heart of the beautiful old city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A vast palace complex of around 30,000 square meters (322,917 square feet) was erected in just 10 years at the end of the 3rd century AD. A city within a city.
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Otranto is the most easterly port in Italy and, due to its geographic location in the Adriatic, has had an extremely eventful history over the centuries. Not far away is Lecce, one of the most beautiful and affluent cities in southern Italy whose heyday was immortalized in stone over 200 years. The Baroque cityscape, in the idiosyncratic "Barocco leccese" style, is characterized by a marble-like stone known as Lecce stone. The numerous palaces and the Basilica di Santa Croce have profusely decorated facades and art feels right at home here. There is a good reason why people are proud of its evocative nickname, the Florence of the South.
Taormina is perched on a rock with a majestic view over the sea. In the 19th century, this small town had already developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travelers and artists. The town's fascination lies in its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate, and the view over the silhouette of Etna. Europe's largest volcano is over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) high, has four summit craters and around 400 subsidiary craters, and is covered with snow almost all year round. In ancient times it was considered the seat of the gods, but nowadays large sections of it are a nature reserve.
The municipal area of Syracuse boasts relics from cultural history going back more than three millennia. In ancient times, the city was the most powerful in the known world and was famed for its splendor. The island of Ortigia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Syracuse began its rise as an ancient city. The huge cathedral is at the heart of the old town, magnificent palaces line the Piazza and wide promenades invite you to take a stroll. The archaeological park brings Greek and Roman history back to life. Yet Syracuse exudes southern Italian charm, with washing and drying outside the windows.
Day 11: Valletta, Malta | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilization existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Just like proud Valletta, these are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St John, founded a modern fortified city on a rock in 1566, between the two splendid natural ports of Marsamxett and Grand Harbor. Long rows of facades made from golden-yellow blocks of chalk stretch along the straight streets. Splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings are evidence of riches and power, such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,4202-3 travelers
Select a Date
Category F
Two portholes, chair, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category E
Two portholes, sofa, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category D
Two portholes, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category C
Panorama windows, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category B
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, decorative fireplace, console with TV/DVD and mini-bar, dressing table, walk-in closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Select a Date
Category A
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, desk, decorative fireplace, TV and DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, four closets, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests (connectivity permitting)
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
