Coastal CROATIA

The tour starts at 5.00pm on Sunday 21 September, at the Hotel Split, Split.

The tour ends after breakfast on Tuesday 7 October, at the Imperial Hilton Hotel, Dubrovnik.

Individual transfers from Split Airport to our first hotel will be arranged by Academy Travel. Meeting in the hotel lobby late in the afternoon, we set out for a short orientation walk, followed by a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Split (D)

The history of Split stretches back to the 3rd century BCE when it was originally founded by the Greeks as they began pushing north-west through the Balkans and around the Adriatic, encountering Illyrian tribes who had lived in the region since the end of the Bronze Age. Over the centuries its landscape has been shaped by Romans, Croatian Kings, Venetians, Hungarians, French rulers and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We begin our day with a walking tour of the city’s charming promenade and gates, before entering the heart of the city, deeply intertwined with the grand marble and limestone palace which it grew around, built by Roman emperor Diocletian in 239CE as a royal retirement complex. We spend the morning exploring the palace complex, visiting key locations such as St Domnius Cathedral, originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum before being converted into the Cathedral of St Domnius in the 7th Century, the Temple of Jupiter, the towering circular Vestibule, once the entrance hall to the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s apartment, and the beautiful colonnaded Peristyle courtyard. After a break for lunch, we then enjoy a curator-guided tour of Split’s archaeological museum, with its impressive collection of prehistoric, Greek, Roman, early Christian and Medieval artefacts. The evening is at leisure, with time to enjoy this charming city. Overnight Split (B)

Today we embark on a day trip, crossing the border into Bosnia Herzegovina to visit the enchanting Mostar – a Balkan city with Ottoman influences which straddles the deep valley of the Neretva River. Mostar dates back to the golden age of the Ottoman Empire, its cityscape dotted with the minarets of the splendid mosques built by Suleiman the Magnificent’s chief architect, Mimar Sinan. Connecting the Muslim and Catholic sides of the town is the magnificent “Stari Most”, the Balkans’ most celebrated bridge, which forms a majestic stone arc between medieval towers over the emerald river below. On our arrival we will enjoy a walking tour of the town, following the winding cobblestone roads lined with towers, houses, Turkish baths, and Kujundžiluk, or the Old Bazaar, teeming with stalls and artisan shops. After our tour we will enjoy lunch of traditional Balkan cuisine in a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore the town before our return to Split. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Split (B, L)

Today’s excursion takes us to the ancient ruins of Salona, founded in the 3rd century BCE as the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia during the reign of Emperor Augustus, who called it “Colonia Martia Iulia Salona.” Salona is one of the most important archaeological sites in Croatia, and as we stroll among vineyards and orchards, our guided tour takes us through remains of the Forum, theatre, and the Temple of Dionysus. We then travel a short distance to Stella Croatica, an authentic tavern and garden that produces Dalmatian specialties and delicacies. Here we enjoy lunch and savour the gastronomic heritage of Dalmatia, including a tasting of the region’s most prized ingredients: olive oil. There will also be time to enjoy a walk through the lush botanical collection of typical Dalmatian flora. Before our return to Split, we stop for a visit to the famed Klis Fortress, which has dominated the landscape above the town of Klis for almost 2,000 years. On return to Split, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Split (B, L, T)

Departing Split, this morning we journey north to Zadar. We first stop in the historic and coastal city of Šibenik, which was first mentioned in 1066, the same year William the Conqueror invaded England. Unlike Dubrovnik or Split, which were founded by the Greeks, Šibenik (or Sebenico as it was historically known) is one of the few cities built by the Croats, and we devote the first part of the day to a guided tour of the city, including the impressive stone Cathedral of Saint James – an architectural marvel with its magnificent Gothic and Renaissance stone vaults and dome. After a break for lunch, we explore the fortress of St Michael – the oldest in Šibenik – which is perched above the town and commands sweeping views of St. Anthony’s Channel, the bay, and the mouth of the Krka River. After delving into the history of the fortress, which has protected the city since the 12th century, we continue our journey to Zadar, with dinner in our hotel this evening. Overnight Zadar (B, D)

The history of Zadar spans almost every stage of Croatian history and is said to be the oldest settlement in the country, its heritage woven with the threads of Roman, Byzantine, and medieval empires which have all left their mark. We begin our day with a walking tour of the old town, exploring key sites such as the ancient Roman Forum, the round, pre-Romanesque edifice of Saint Donatus Church, the medieval Church of Saint Mary, and the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia. There will also be time to enjoy the more modern seaside promenade to see the famous musical Sea Organ, its melodies powered by the Adriatic. We then visit the Museum of Church Art, also known as The Museum of Silver and Gold, which houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, manuscripts, sculptures, tapestries, and gold and silver objects collected during the time of the Venetian Republic. After a break for lunch, our final stop is the Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection spanning the history of the region, from Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages to the Roman, Byzantine and medieval periods. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy the city. Overnight Zadar (B)

We depart Zadar by coach this morning, travelling back to Split. After free time to explore the city in the late morning, we arrive at the marina to board our vessel, the MS Adris, for our seven-night cruise down the coast. The afternoon is devoted to meeting the crew and settling into our accommodation, before we embark on one final excursion into Split’s old town, this time for an exclusive wine-tasting, featuring some of the famed local varieties of the region. We return to our vessel to enjoy the slowly setting sun, going through the itinerary for the week, and then enjoying a lively welcome dinner onboard. Overnight MS Adris (B, WT, D)

This morning we will enjoy a brief talk accompanied by a leisurely cruise towards our next destination, the picturesque UNESCO listed medieval town of Trogir. Often compared to a mini-Venice, the old town is actually on an island of its own, linked by a pair of bridges to the mainland and is remarkably compact. Spanning 500m from east to west, it boasts beautifully preserved Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Trogir’s history encompasses the ages, originally settled by the Greeks in the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE before coming under Roman rule, when it was given the name “Tragurium Civium Romanorum”. After enjoying lunch onboard, we disembark for a walking tour along the riva, and explore the imposing 15th-century Kamerlengo Fortress, built by the Venetians to guard against the Ottoman empire, as well as Trogir’s elegant main squares, courtyards, marble laneways and medieval alleyways, a maze of honeycomb coloured stone houses. In the afternoon, we have free time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the town, with the option of dining at one of the many charming waterfront restaurants along the marina. Overnight MS Adris (B, L)

The MS Adris sets off this morning from Trogir with a morning of scenic sailing the azure waters of the Adriatic, past the islands which punctuate the landscape, including the island of Bol and its famous beach, known as the Golden Horn beach, or “Zlatni Rat”. After lunch onboard, we arrive at the island of Hvar, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, where our first visit is to one of the island’s family wineries for a special wine tasting of the local varieties of the region. We then continue on to Hvar town, the largest town on the Island, enjoying the seaside palm tree lined promenade, elegant white limestone buildings, Venetian architecture and charming cobblestone streets, with deep purple and pink Bougainvilleas blossoming across stone facades. Some of the highlights not to be missed include the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Stephen in the middle of the main harbour square, the episcopal museum, and the Franciscan Monastery. This evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner in the town and indeed one is spoiled for choice, with the restaurant scene varying from family owned tavernas to sophisticated fine dining, all showcasing the region’s cuisine. Overnight MS Adris (B, L, WT)

We depart Hvar in the morning, sailing past the breathtaking Pakleni island archipelago with its secluded bays and turquoise water. After a brief pause to breathe in the charm of the islands and enjoy lunch onboard, we arrive in the early afternoon at the island of Vis, which has only been open to the public since 1991. Oozing with rustic charm and famed for its seclusion and isolation, Vis has retained its unique character that typifies the Mediterranean of a bygone era, the imprints of its multicultural history under the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, and Italians still apparent. Here we walk the narrow streets of the town, exploring the picturesque buildings and landmarks of Vis, with its charming sea front, the white Dinaric Mountain ranges in the distance a stark contrast to the azure sea. There is also an optional visit to Fort George, with sweeping views over the island – an ideal vantage point to sit with a refreshing drink to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the island’s culinary delights, which range from traditional dishes to fresh seafood feasts. Overnight MS Adris (B, L)

We have an early start this morning as we set off from Vis for the Island of Bisevo, the most remote inhabited island of the Dalmatian archipelago, and home to the magical Blue Cave, a natural phenomenon where the water inside of the cave shimmers with an ethereal blue hue. We then sail on to the island of Korcula, known by the ancient Greeks as Korkyra Melaina, or “Black Corfu” for the island’s dense forests of holm oak and pine, and said by some historians to be the birthplace of the great explorer Marco Polo in 1254. After lunch onboard, we disembark in the early afternoon and enjoy a guided walking tour of the charming old, fortified town, hearing about the island’s history under Greek, Byzantine, and Venetian rule. Korcula’s centre is laid out in a fishbone design, with a central spine as the main street dividing the Old Town, an ellipse shape, into two equal parts in order to reduce the effects of wind. We will have time to enjoy its many historic landmarks, from the Gothic-Renaissance-styled Saint Mark’s Cathedral and the medieval house on Ulica Depolo Street, said to be the home of Marco Polo, to the Town Museum, housed in the beautiful medieval Gabrielis Palace. The evening is free to enjoy one of the many restaurants where regional coastal cuisine is served, alongside wine varietals native only to the island. Overnight MS Adris (B, L)

Today we continue our journey with an early morning sail to the wooded island of Mljet, an Adriatic oasis that features a stunning National Park. On arrival, we will tour the famous salt lakes, situated in the heart of the island. We then enjoy lunch onboard while sailing on to the charming village of Slano, with a small harbour in the bay of the same name. From there we move further north to the entrance point to Ston, a medieval, fortified city which sits on a cape of land, connecting the Peljesac Peninsula to the mainland, surrounded by olive groves and a stunning coastline. Ston is famous for its ancient city walls, sometimes referred to as the ‘European Walls of China” and we will have time to explore the medieval ramparts before our visit to a local oyster farm, where we will indulge in sampling their award-winning oysters. This evening we enjoy the Captain’s Dinner onboard, with live music and entertainment. Overnight MS Adris (B, L, D, T)

On the final day of our cruise, we will depart early and sail down to the ancient city of Dubrovnik. Founded in ancient times by Greek sailors travelling between their settlements on the Dalmatian coast, the city has stood for centuries at the crossroads of west and east as a pivotal connection between Rome and Constantinople, and its marble streets, terracotta roofs and imposing stone walls still bear the marks of the empires who fought to control it. The city boasts an impressive history, from the ancient settlements of the 6th century, a maritime and mercantile centre in the 12th and 13th centuries, finally becoming the Republic of Ragusa, one of five powerful maritime states of the age. At the height of power in the 15th century, Dubrovnik was a sovereign state, rivalling the Venetians in both trade and wealth. After lunch onboard, we enjoy a guided walking tour of this magnificent city. Dubrovnik’s dining scene is to be savoured this evening, the blend of cultures infusing its world-famous cuisine. Overnight MS Adris (B, L)

We bid farewell to our vessel this morning, and board our coach for a day trip across the border into Montenegro. Nestled between limestone cliffs and its fjord like bay, Kotor’s roots can be traced back to 168 BCE, and was originally known by the ancient Romans as Acruvium. Throughout the centuries it has withstood the rise and fall of empires, each attracted to its strategic location as a gateway between the East and West. Upon arrival, we take a guided tour of the town centre, which has been protected by the impressive city walls that zig zag up through the San Giovanni hills behind. We will have time to explore the narrow alleys, town squares, and medieval and ancient architecture that tell the story of its turbulent history, as well as the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks of the old town. After a break for lunch, we depart for Perast, once a bustling seafaring hub. The old town still boasts grand Baroque palaces and churches that reflect its history under Venetian rule, and we will enjoy a brief stop to stretch our legs before returning to Dubrovnik for our check in, followed by dinner in our hotel. Overnight Dubrovnik (B, D)

“If you want to see heaven on earth”, wrote Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, “come to Dubrovnik,” and today we devote our time immersing ourselves in the captivating city, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. We begin with a talk in the hotel this morning, followed by a stroll into the old town to visit the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a friary, church, library, and pharmacy. One of the largest Franciscan monasteries, it has two cloisters: the upper built in a Renaissance style, with arches and semicircular vaults, and the lower cloister, built in Romanesque-Gothic style, with 120 columns and an impressive promenade. We then pay a visit to the Baroque style Church of St Blaise, followed by the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built between 1671 and 1713 to replace the original Romanesque Basilica which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1667. After a break for lunch, we visit one of Dubrovnik’s famed fortresses which have guarded the town for centuries, the fortress of St John, or Sveti Ivan, which dates back to the 14th century. Quite apart from its spectacular views out over the Adriatic, the fort is also home to the maritime museum which tells the story of Dubrovnik’s maritime past, displaying ship models, maritime objects and paintings. After the museum, the rest of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy all the historic charm the city has to offer. Overnight Dubrovnik (B)

On our final day, to truly get a feel of the city, we change the viewpoint by beginning with a walk along the mile-long medieval walls above, which offer unforgettable views over the rooftops of the city on one side, and the vast expanse of the Adriatic on the other. As we tour the fortresses along the fortifications, one can almost imagine the naval fleets that have entered its historic harbour, from Greeks and Byzantines through to the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman empire. After a break for lunch, we then tour the Rector’s Palace, once the administrative centre of the city and now a museum, which features Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. This is followed by a visit to the 14th century Dominican monastery in the east part of the city, which is one of Dubrovnik’s most architecturally splendid buildings, and houses important historical artefacts and artworks. These include canvases by some of the regions most famous painters – Titians painting of St. Blaise, Maria Magdalena and the angel Rafael, as well as jewellery, relics, and manuscripts. We end with a visit to the Baroque church of St Ignatius, arguably the most beautiful church Complex in all of Dubrovnik and a much-loved landmark of the city. We have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the city, before reconvening for a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight Dubrovnik (B, D)

The tour ends in the hotel after breakfast this morning. There is a group transfer to Dubrovnik Airport available. (B)

Hotels have been selected principally for their central location.

• Split, Hotel Split (4 nights)

• Zadar, Miramare Hotel (2 nights)

• Cruise, MS Adris (7 nights)

  Main Deck Stateroom cabins on the MS Adris are included in the tour price. Cabins are 14m², with picture or oval windows. Beds are Olympic Queen or two single, and all cabins include air-conditioning, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer and en suite bathroom with shower.

  For solo travellers, there is the option to choose a Lower Deck Stateroom, with a discounted single supplement.

• Dubrovnik, Imperial Hilton (3 nights)