Day 1 — Venice, Italy

Arrive in legendary Venice, built on the edge of a lagoon in the 5th century. Together the city and its lagoon—which played a major role in the power and defenses of the Venetian Empire—make up a World Heritage site. Transfer to the port and embark the ship this afternoon. (D)

Day 2 — Rovinj, Croatia

Our first port of call is Rovinj, set on the shores of Croatia’s Istria Peninsula. The seat of the Venetian government in Istria from the 14th to the 18th century, Rovinj still displays the influence of the Venetian Empire in its history and architecture.  Drive to Motovun, a medieval, hilltop town in the Istrian interior to visit a family-run truffle farm just outside of town.  Set out on a truffle hunt through the woods, then sample traditional dishes featuring the local truffles.  Alternatively, explore the town of Porecc before driving through the Istrian countryside to the village of Kruncici, for a visit of the Matosecic wine cellar, where you will meet the family and sample the wines. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Zadar

In Zadar, learn all about the rich history of this beautiful old town with visits to ancient Roman ruins and medievel churches. Walk along the waterfront and listening to the sounds of the Sea Organ, then taste Maraschino liqueur, made from maraschino cherries, one of the most famous liqueurs in Croatia.  Or, explore the unique vegetation and marine fauna of the uninhabited Kornati Archipelago, a protected area.  (B,L,D)       

Day 4 — Primosten and Split

Today begins with a top in Primošten and a visit to Krka National Park to see its famous travertine waterfalls.  Then set sail to Split, home of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace, a massive structure that encloses the entire medieval town. This evening, enjoy free time to wander the streets of the 2,000 year old city; home to the Temple of Jupiter, one of the world’s best‑preserved Roman temples, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (A.D. 305), regarded as the world’s oldest Catholic cathedral still in use in its original structure.B,L,D)

Day 5 — Hvar, Croatia

Since the 4th century B.C., Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians have all left their mark on the island of Hvar. Known for its fields of rosemary, lavender, and laurel, this fertile island has produced olives and wine since the ancient Greeks. Discover Hvar on your choice of two excursions today. Step into history on a walking tour of Hvar Town with a visit to the handsome Renaissance Franciscan Monastery and its museum, the Cathedral of St. Stephan and its four-story bell tower, and the Venetian Loggia. At the Benedictine Cloister, learn about Hvar lace, crafted by local nuns out the fibers of dried agave leaves, and see their handiwork at a small museum. Your final stop is the 17th-century Arsenal, which houses Europe's oldest Municipal Theater, established in 1612 and still in use today. Alternatively, head into the island’s interior on a scenic drive to the Stari Grad Plain to Hora and the Agroturizam Pharos, where a local family is continuing the traditions of the ancient Greeks today. This working farm produces a range of organic food and wines as well as processing lavender. Take a guided tour of their lavender distillery and learn about the importance of lavender to Hvar's economy and way of life. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Korcula and Pomena

About 30 miles from Hvar is the island of Korcula, where a morning tour of the quaint streets of this medieval city, once home to Marco Polo, includes a performance of the Moreška sword dance. This charming island city retains its original 13th-century walls and fishbone-shape layout, within which sits the the 15th-century, Gothic Renaissance-style Cathedral of St. Mark, housing masterful works by Tintoretto.  During lunch, sail to nearby Mljet Island, which local legend identifies with Calypso and Odysseus’s seven-year dalliance, to explore Mljet National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Kotor, Montenego

Montenegro is one of the newest nations in the world, having gained its independence in 2006. The spectacular Bay of Kotor, deeply carved into the Montenegrin mountains, leads to the charming medieval town of Kotor, a World Heritage site known for the incredible Venetian and baroque architecture of its fortified Old Town. On a walking tour, admire 14th-century frescoes at the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and explore the town’s seafaring and naval traditions at the Maritime Museum. Then take a scenic drive to Perast for a walking tour of its historic old town and a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks. Alternately a full day tour includes a scenic drive towards the mountain of Lovćen to a viewpoint overlooking the World-Heritage protected Boka Bay. Continue to Cetinje, the old Royal capital and cultural center of Montenegro. After a walking tour, enjoy a lunch of traditional Montenegrin specialties. Descend the mountains to the coastal town of Budva, known for its perfectly preserved walls. End the tour in Kotor for a guided tour of the Old Town. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Dubrovnik, Croatia

Arrive in Dubrovnik and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)