Croatia's Dalmatian Coast by Sea

Venice: La Serenissima — 3 days, 2 nights

At the height of its imperial power, Venice proudly referred to itself as La Serenissima, the Most Serene Republic. Even today, the city remains a masterpiece of timeless grandeur, where gilded palazzos line winding canals and echoes of history linger in every piazza. From the shimmer of the lagoon at sunrise to the enchanting glow of twilight over St. Mark’s Square, Venice invites you to lose yourself in its beauty, artistry and romance.

Day 1 – Venice, Italy

Upon arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you will be warmly greeted and escorted to Splendid Venice hotel by private water taxi—your first glimpse of the city's iconic waterways. In the afternoon, a dedicated hospitality representative will be available to assist with recommendations for dining and independent exploration, ensuring you make the most of your first day in Venice. As evening falls, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel, where you can toast to the start of your journey. Dinner is at your leisure, offering the perfect opportunity to discover one of Venice’s many charming restaurants.

Splendid Venice

Day 2 – Venice

After breakfast at the hotel, join your guide for an exploration of two of Venice's most emblematic crafts: fashioning the masks worn during the Venetian Carnival and manufacturing the gondolas for which the city is famous.

Your first visit is to the studio of an expert mask-maker, who will introduce you to the mysterious origins of the use of masks in Venice and their association with Carnival from the 13th century onward. You will learn how the masks are designed and produced and will see some of the magnificent variety of their decorations.

A walk through some lesser-known neighborhoods of the city will bring you to one of the few remaining squeri—the workshops where gondolas are built and maintained. In the past, these boatyards were located all along the Grand Canal, attesting to the importance of gondolas in the life of the city. A local artisan will describe the traditional methods of designing a boat to meet the individual needs of each gondolier and will explain the history of this uniquely Venetian method of transport. After your visit to the boatyard, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Splendid Venice

Day 3 – Venice | Embark

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, set out on a guided walking tour that brings Venice’s storied past to life. Begin in the heart of the city with a visit to the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that served as the political and judicial hub of the Venetian Republic. Explore its grand chambers, adorned with priceless artworks and echoes of centuries of governance during Venice’s golden age as a maritime power.

As you exit the palace, stroll through St. Mark’s Square, pausing to admire the ornate façade of St. Mark’s Basilica. While interior access is no longer included, your guide will share the fascinating history of this iconic structure, originally built to house the remains of St. Mark, the city’s patron saint. Learn about the basilica’s unique blend of Byzantine and Venetian influences and its symbolic role in the city’s spiritual identity.

Following the tour, enjoy lunch at your leisure or take some time to explore Venice independently. Later, reconvene at the hotel to transfer to the pier for embarkation.

Your hotel:

Splendid Venice is a 4-star property in the center of the city, near St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. It features 165 rooms, a restaurant, two lounge bars, 24-hour room service, marvelous views of the surrounding area, and all the services you would expect from a luxury hotel in a major European city.

Your program includes:

• 2 nights at Splendid Venice (or similar)
• Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
• Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
• Welcome Reception on Day 1
• Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
• Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
• Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

• It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
• Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
• This pre-tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility as it requires a lot of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and steps.
• The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
• This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
• Program is offered on a space available basis.
• Program is subject to change without notice.

Dubrovnik and the Traditions of Southern Dalmatia — 3 days, 2 nights

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

Post-cruise Program:

This carefully curated program offers an introduction to southern Croatia through the cultural, culinary, and coastal traditions that have shaped life around Dubrovnik for centuries. Begin with a guided walk through Dubrovnik’s storied Old Town, including a visit to the Rector’s Palace, before traveling into the Konavle countryside, a region known for its distinctive embroidery, silk production, family farms, and local wines. After a night at a landmark hotel, escape the bustle of the city for a relaxed day among the Elafiti Islands, where pine forests, stone villages, inviting beaches, and Adriatic views reveal a gentler side of the Dubrovnik coast.

Day 1 — Disembark | Dubrovnik Old Town | Konavle Traditions & Wine

After breakfast aboard, disembark and meet your guide for an introduction to Dubrovnik, one of the Adriatic’s most historically significant port cities. Begin with a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, whose limestone streets, fortified walls, churches, monasteries, and palaces speak to the former Republic of Ragusa’s long maritime and diplomatic influence. Your visit includes the Rector’s Palace, once the seat of government, and one of the city’s finest examples of Gothic Renaissance architecture.

Leaving Dubrovnik behind, continue south into the Konavle region, a fertile countryside of vineyards, stone villages, cypress trees, and traditional estates. Enjoy lunch at Seoska Kuća Čilipi, where local hospitality and regional flavors offer a glimpse into the rural traditions of the Dubrovnik hinterland. After lunch, visit AR Atelier, dedicated to preserving the traditional silk production and embroidery of Konavle. Here, you will learn about the cultural significance of silk in the region, observe techniques that have been passed down for generations, and gain insight into Konavle costume making and textile heritage.

Your day concludes at Winery Crvik, a family-run estate known for producing local varietals, including Dubrovačka Malvasia. Tour the winery and enjoy a tasting of several wines that reflect the character of this distinctive coastal wine region.

In the late afternoon, return to Dubrovnik and check in to the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent.

Hilton Imperial Hotel

Day 2 — Dubrovnik | Elafiti Islands | Dubrovnik

The Elafiti Islands, set just off the coast of Dubrovnik, are known for their natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, pine forests, stone villages, and clear Adriatic waters. Today’s excursion offers a refreshing change of pace, with time to cruise, stroll, dine, and swim.

After breakfast at the hotel, walk with your guide to Dubrovnik’s Old Port and board a local boat for a scenic cruise along the city ramparts. Continue across the water to Koločep Island, a peaceful island known for its wooded paths, quiet coves, and seaside charm. Enjoy a brief refreshment stop before rejoining your boat for the short cruise to nearby Lopud Island. Once a retreat for Dubrovnik’s nobility, Lopud remains one of the most appealing escapes from the city. Take time to explore its village of stone houses, palms, and waterfront cafés before gathering for lunch at Restaurant Dubrovnik on Lopud Island.

Following lunch, enjoy time at leisure for swimming or relaxing by the sea. In the late afternoon, cruise back to Dubrovnik’s Old Port and return on foot to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Hilton Imperial Hotel

Day 3 — Dubrovnik | Depart

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

Your hotel:

The Hilton Imperial Hotel in Dubrovnik is a landmark property that combines historic charm with modern luxury, situated just outside the city’s Pile Gate. Originally opened in 1897, the meticulously restored hotel played host to aristocrats, diplomats, and celebrities throughout the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, the hotel features a refined restaurant serving Dalmatian cuisine with a modern twist, as well as a sophisticated bar and lounge. Other amenities include a wellness center, indoor pool, and fitness facilities.

Your program includes:

• 2 nights at the Hilton Imperial Hotel (or similar)
• Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on disembarkation day
• Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
• Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
• Lunch on Days 1 and 2
• Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

• Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
• Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:

• It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
• Late check-out is possible depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact Reservations or your travel agent for further details.
• The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
• This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
• The program is offered on a space available basis.
• The program is subject to change without notice.