Natural Wonders and Cultural Jewels of Dalmatia

Proud and enduring, Venice has presided over its lagoon since the 6th century. While its iconic landmarks—St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, and the gondolas are instantly recognizable, and the city's true character lies beyond the postcard views. Venture into the lesser-known corners of Venice: its narrow alleyways, quiet canals, and charming piazzas. Step inside centuries-old churches and discover a more intimate side of the Serenissima. Amid its remarkable heritage, enjoy a glass of Spritz and sample traditional tramezzini, embracing the everyday rhythm of Venetian life.

Rovinj, situated in the Istrian region near the Slovenian border, reveals its Venetian heritage at every turn. As you stroll through the old cobblestone streets, you notice clear architectural influences, such as the Balbi Arch adorned with the winged lion of Venice. The bell tower beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was modeled after Venice’s St. Mark’s Campanile and offers panoramic views over the historic town. To fully experience Rovinj’s character, wander through its ochre and sepia-toned lanes, leading to lively squares and cafe terraces shaded by canvas awnings.

The old fortified city of Zadar stands on a peninsula in Northern Dalmatia. It has survived since Antiquity, as the ruins of a Roman forum illustrate. Besides these ruins, the architecture of the church of Saint Donat is Byzantine, while the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia is of Italian design. Diverse encounters with history will punctuate your walks in the old town. As you reach the shoreline, be brought back to the modern day because two contemporary architectural creations animate this front. Maybe you can hear the sound of the “Sea Organ” music played by the surf and the “ Sun Salutations ” solar light installation reflecting its luminous rays.

Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast. Its charm is distilled via its narrow streets, pretty stone houses, and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historical city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century. In Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge.” The high point of the village, the Church of St. George, watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babic varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting.

On the Dalmatian coast, Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Near the seafront, shaded by palm trees, the historical center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Here, you can explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, and a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If you get peckish, stop at a terrace in the Pjaca, the main square in the old town, where you can try a palacinka, a pancake topped with melted cheese.

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you with its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country's oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the northwest coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites because they were built during the Ancient Greeks' time. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. 

This harbor town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the northeastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. You can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower to get there. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you walk through the little streets, you can see the bell tower of Saint Mark’s Cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.

Discover Mljet Island off the Peljesac peninsula. Known for its national park and protected forests, this splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two saltwater lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island, is home to an old Benedictine monastery.

Much of Tivat's elegance comes from the beauty of its marina, Porto Montenegro, which attracts many influential personalities. The port's promenade, emphasized by its line of palm trees facing the mountains of the Bay of Kotor, is a unique setting. Built-in the 14th century, the town was successively governed by the Venetians and the Austro-Hungarians before the creation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia following the First World War. Today, Montenegro's most prosperous city welcomes visitors, particularly those visiting its old town or walking along its magnificent beaches.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Dubrovnik.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, and this ancient city is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You may be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. Its sheer width can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.