Venice to Dubrovnik: Eight Million and One Dalmatians

Mid-morning we head inland to the university city of Padova. A mere 24 kilometres west of Venice sits the Venetian city of Padova, where we enjoy a short, locally guided tour and time to explore independently. Famous as Shakespeare’s Padua, this university city is a hub of history, culture and academic prestige. Home to one of the oldest universities globally, founded in 1222, Padova buzzes with intellectual energy from its students and scholars. Explore Padova’s medieval and Renaissance heritage, centred around the Basilica of Saint Anthony, a pilgrimage site housing relic of the saint. The city’s historical centre features elegant palaces, lively piazzas, and charming cafes lining narrow alleys. Beyond its cultural landmarks, Padova offers culinary delights such as traditional risotto and Venetian-style cicchetti, served in local osterias, promising a blend of history, art and Italian charm that is distinct from its famous neighbour. After time to explore this historic city we return to Venice to board the ship late-afternoon.

Mid‑morning, we transfer by boat across the Veneto Lagoon to the island of Murano. This picturesque place offers a deeper connection to Venice’s artistic soul, where world‑renowned glassmaking has flourished for over 700 years and remains a defining symbol of the city’s craftsmanship. You’ll experience a live glass‑blowing demonstration led by artisans who train for decades before earning the honour of being named a master of this demanding craft. Watching molten glass transform into elegant forms makes it clear why authentic Murano glass is still considered some of the finest in the world. Your visit continues at the Murano Glass Museum, where historic and contemporary works trace the evolution of this extraordinary tradition. But glass is only part of Murano’s charm: colourful canal‑side homes, relaxed waterfront cafés, and welcoming restaurants make it a wonderful place to slow down and absorb the Veneto way of life. After exploring at your own pace, perhaps sampling some local cuisine, we return to Venice ready to boardDouglas Mawson in the late afternoon.

Discover Slovenia’s oldest town, Piran, on this engaging walking tour that highlights its rich heritage and Venetian Gothic architecture. As you wander through Piran’s narrow streets, you will encounter medieval houses that reflect the town’s fascinating history. Often referred to as liquid gold, it was salt, produced in nearby salt fields, which made Piran a wealthy town and very important member of the Venetian Republic’s lines of towns, which spread south along the coastline towards Greece. Arriving at the main square, admire the impressive bronze statue of Giuseppe Tartini – the renowned composer, who significantly influenced Piran’s cultural legacy – before having time to enjoy our own exploration among the town’s colourful shops. Our 45-minute drive, through undulating hills, brings us to a local winery. Here, we receive a guided tour of the cellars and enjoy a tasting of carefully selected wines paired with light cheese snacks, complementing our visit to one of the Adriatic Coast’s most picturesque destinations.

Explore two of Slovenia’s most popular sites, starting with the fascinating subterranean world of Postojna Caves, where labyrinthine passages, natural sculptures, and vast chambers entice us underground. Your adventure begins with a train ride into the caves, followed by a guided walking tour that showcases the cave’s intricate network of tunnels, galleries, halls and impressive karst features.

After your cave exploration, visit the nearby Predjama Castle, a dramatic fortress built into a 123-metre-high cliff. Dating back to the 12th century, this unique castle is renowned for its Renaissance architecture and tragic history, including the legend of the knight Erazem, who used the castle as a refuge. Discover the castle’s intriguing interior, complete with medieval artefacts and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Slovenia’s sole island hosts us today as we set off for a two-hour drive from Koper to Lake Bled. Located in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled has enchanted visitors since the 19th century. Upon arrival, we board one of the lake’s traditional wooden boats called Pletna for a 30-minute cruise to the lake’s fabled island, taking in views of Bled Castle perched on a cliff above. On the island, ancient Slavs worshipped the goddess of love and fertility, Ziva. Catholic pilgrims later came to the island to visit the Church of St Mary. It is said there is a wishing bell, which when rung twice, makes your wishes come true. Back on dry land, we enjoy a traditional meal, with time to explore the vibrant atmosphere of Lake Bled’s lakeshore resort before returning to the ship at Koper in the late afternoon.

Sailing south we farewell Slovenia and enter Croatia at the famed Istrian Peninsula.

Our morning is spent in the nearby town of Pula, founded by the mythical Jason and Medea. The port city of Pula is renowned for its well-preserved Roman heritage, most notably the Pula Arena, the sixth largest and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, it continues to host concerts and events today. The city's Roman Forum, Temple of Augustus, and Arch of the Sergii stand amongst the modern-day city as testament to its ancient past. Pula's strategic location on the Adriatic coast has made it a bustling port city since antiquity. Its current work-a-day atmosphere contributes to its charm as a working city, which has been its role since ancient times.

Indulge your senses with the flavours of the Istrian Peninsula during a memorable half-day sightseeing excursion to the medieval enclave of Motovun. A one-hour drive takes us to this walled town. Perched on a hilltop, Motovun retains its medieval charm with narrow streets and well-preserved town walls, making it one of Croatia's hidden gems. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour past Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance-style buildings en route to the main square, dominated by the 13th-century belfry of St. Stephen's Church. Admire the lions guarding the town gates and take in splendid views of the Mirna River Valley below. Motovun forest, a special forest vegetation reserve since 1963, spreads along the Mirna River Valley and is one of the last preserved lowland Mediterranean forests. Although nearly destroyed by the Austro-Hungarian navy, which used its trees to build ships, the forest has become a modern-day rewilding success story.

Enjoy free time to explore the village and browse the shops at your leisure. Today, local families produce top-quality homemade products, including dishes made from regional ingredients, often foraged from the forest, and the world-renowned truffles from Motovun forest. A morning in Motovun offers an insight into the lifestyle of locals in Croatia's medieval towns.

Enjoy a locally guided walking tour of Rovinj, beginning with a stroll to the Town Square and continuing to the hilltop St. Euphemia Church. Following the tour, board your coach and head to the Istrian countryside. Olive oil production in Istria dates to Roman times when it was a significant contributor to the local economy. The region’s fertile soil and favourable climate made it an ideal location for cultivating olives, which were highly valued by the Romans for culinary and medicinal purposes. The trade of olive oil from Istria was a crucial part of the Roman economy, contributing to the prosperity of the region. Today, olive groves still dot the landscape, continuing this rich tradition.

We arrive at an award-winning olive grove specialising in growing olives and producing top-quality, extra virgin olive oils. Istrian olive oil is listed among the top 15 olive oils in the world and has been declared the 'most promising in the world' by the renowned guide 'L`Extravergine'. We learn about the fascinating production process during a guided tour of the property before enjoying an olive oil tasting accompanied by smoked ham, cheese, bread, and wine. A scenic 30-minute drive returns us to Rovinj.

Explore the enchanting island of Rab, known as the ‘island of happiness’. Begin your journey in the town of Rab, where medieval architecture meets Mediterranean life. Stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the town’s bell towers, including the iconic Cathedral of St Mary. Visit the impressive Prince’s Palace, a symbol of Rab’s historical significance, where you hear stories of the island’s past. As you wander through the main square, don’t miss the statues of Draga and Kalifourni, which tell tales of these local legends.

A highlight of your tour is meeting a member of the town’s legendary crossbowmen association. The original crossbowmen played a crucial role in Rab’s defence during the Middle Ages. Learn about their fascinating history, traditions, and the importance of their craft as you see their traditional weapons and hear stories of their ancestorial valour.

Explore the Rab Peninsula during this half-day water-based excursion. A 30-minute boat ride takes us to the Rab Peninsula. Here, almost hidden in a little bay, lies the St Bernardin Monastery, still known by locals as the ‘St Euphemia Monastery’. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of this renowned historical landmark and its interior church, which were painted by Venetian painters throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. During your visit, view the ethnographic collection of old crafts, sculptures, paintings and books. After visiting the monastery, reboard our boat for a half-hour cruise to one of Rab’s popular beaches, where we enjoy a refreshment and free time for swimming prior to returning to our boat and journeying back to Rab town.

This afternoon we immerse ourselves in a Croatian tradition, with a concert by a klapa group. Inscribed in 2012 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, klapa is uniquely Croatian.

This multipart a cappella tradition from southern Croatia’s Dalmatia region features groups of singers, including first tenors, tenori, baritoni, and basi. Performers stand in a semicircle, with the first tenor initiating the song, to create a harmonious blend of voices. Often dealing with themes of love and local life, klapa songs are performed using open guttural, nasal and falsetto techniques without notation. The tradition, passed down orally, includes ‘traditional klapa’ for its adherence to custom, ‘festival klapa’ for formal performances, and ‘modern klapa’, where younger singers learn through experiences and recordings. Klapa singing remains a vital marker of musical identity in local communities in Croatia, with several groups calling Rab home.

We start our walking tour of Zadar at the stunning Cathedral of St Anastasia, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. As you stroll through the historical streets, you will encounter the iconic Church of St Donatus, believed to have been constructed by Bishop Donatus on Roman foundations in the early 9th century. This monumental circular church, with its three naves, stands as a symbol of Zadar’s unique architecture.

Our local guide introduces us to the Benedictine convent of St Mary, home to the museum of gold and silver, which has been safeguarded by nuns since the end of World War II. This museum is part of the Permanent Exhibition of Religious Art, showcasing one of Croatia’s most significant cultural collections. Our tour continues to the Bastion Hotel, where we indulge in a delightful cake and maraschino liqueur tasting. Zadar has a long history of liqueur production, dating back nearly 400 years. The renowned maraschino, a bittersweet liqueur made from local marasca cherries, is a true Croatian treasure. Celebrated by historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, who enjoyed it after meals, maraschino was officially recognised as an authentic Croatian icon by the Croatian National Tourist Office in 1999.

Around 48 kilometres north of Zadar, the historical town of Nin lies on a small island in a shallow lagoon, connected to the mainland by two stone bridges. Founded in the 9th century BCE, Nin became a major centre of the Roman Empire in this region and was later the seat of the first Croatian kings and a significant ecclesiastical hub.

After a brief walking tour through its ancient streets, we continue to the Nin Salt Works, where our guide explains that this unique salt is produced naturally by the sun, sea and wind. Historically crucial for food preservation and exploration, sailors were able to venture across the globe, with salt preserving their provisions.

Next, embark on a scenic drive to the picturesque Ravni Kotari region. Enjoy a traditional lunch before visiting Škaulj Winery. Renowned for its quality, Šime Škaulj’s wines are produced under strict organic standards. The winery boasts accolades such as a silver medal at the 2012 Decanter London Wine Fair, and the honour of hosting Swedish royals King Gustav XVI and Queen Silvia. Conclude your visit with a tasting of their award-winning wines before returning to Zadar mid-afternoon.

The charming old town of Šibenik is set against a backdrop of island archipelagos and sandy beaches. Like many Croatian towns, it is fortified with impressive medieval stone structures, with the most striking being the 16th-century St Nicholas Fortress, built by the Venetians, with its formidable battlements that overlook the sea. Your day begins at the Šibenik waterfront, where we will embark on a half-hour cruise through St Anthony’s Channel, leading us to St Nicholas Fortress, where we enjoy a locally guided tour. This monument, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017 as part of the ‘Defence System of the Republic of Venice’ holds centuries of stories.

Returning to Šibenik we enjoy a locally guided walking tour visiting the monumental Cathedral of St James, and narrow streets known as kalas. Other highlights include the City Hall and the vibrant heart of the town, complete with its stone streets and bustling crafts centre.

Join us on a delightful tour to explore the significance of olive oil and wine to the early economy of Šibenik and experience their exquisite flavours firsthand. Our itinerary for the day immerses you in the rich heritage and delectable tastes of the Šibenik hinterland. A scenic drive takes you to the award-winning centre of olive oil production: St John. Here, you will discover the art and science behind olive oil production and tour where this ‘liquid gold’ is crafted. Olive oil has been a cornerstone of Šibenik’s economy for centuries, playing a crucial role in trade and daily life. Your visit culminates in a delicious olive oil tasting, sampling some of the finest oils produced in the region.

No visit to Šibenik is complete without experiencing its renowned wines. Our next stop is the Baraka Winery in the Šibenik hinterland. Baraka Winery is celebrated for its dedication to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. During your visit, you’ll tour the winery and its cellar, learning about the traditional process of winemaking. Baraka Winery produces a variety of wines, each showcasing the best of Dalmatian viticulture. You will enjoy a hosted wine tasting, savouring rich, full-bodied reds and crisp, refreshing whites, where you can taste the craftsmanship and passion in every glass.

Journey to the picturesque village of Plastovo, where we explore the vineyards and winery of the Sladić Family, renowned for their winemaking tradition. Guided by their patron, Ante, the family crafts exceptional wines from indigenous grape varieties, prioritising sustainability while honouring their cultural heritage. Nestled on the hills overlooking the historical town of Skradin, near the Krka River and Krka National Park, the Sladić vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate shaped by the river and the Adriatic Sea, offering cool nights and warm, sunny days ideal for viticulture.

This experience immerses you in local culture through food and wine. Enjoy a guided vineyard walk with a member of the family who will share insights about the wines you will taste. Indulge in a tasting of six wines and one liqueur, accompanied by a seven-course lunch featuring traditional dishes made from local ingredients. Each course is expertly paired with the wines that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.

Join us on a fascinating journey through time as we explore the ancient gems of Split’s surrounds. Your locally guided tour begins with a scenic drive to the ruins of Salona, once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. At its peak, Salona was a thriving city with 40,000 residents. Home to ruins of temples, amphitheaters, churches, burial grounds, and baths, the remnants are considered Croatia’s most important archeological site. Our guides tell us tales of this ancient city as we walk amongst its ruins.

Returning to Split’s Old Town, we visit the 4th-century Roman palace erected by Emperor Diocletian. Begin your walking tour with a stroll through the well-preserved basement halls of the palace, viewing the Cathedral of St. Duje, one of the oldest in the world, and the remarkably intact Temple of Jupiter, before returning to the ship for lunch.

The 2,000-year-old village of Omiš is famous for its pirate history. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the feared Omiš pirates dominated the waters as far south as Dubrovnik, attacking ships from Split, Kotor, and even Venice. The town fiercely defended itself until 1444 when it finally fell to the Venetian Empire. Under Venetian rule, Omiš prospered, and much of its current appearance dates to that period. In 1918, Omiš became part of Yugoslavia and later Croatia in 1991.

A scenic drive offers grand views of Omiš and the mouth of the Cetina River, with many of its medieval defences still visible on the hill above the town. Here, you will board river boats for a scenic cruise along the Cetina River, which runs parallel to the coast. The boat cruise will take you up the river to an old mill where you can enjoy snacks and refreshments. After our river cruise and time to explore Omiš we return to Split where you can join us for lunch on the ship or choose to explore Split independently.

A 45-minute drive takes us to the picturesque, historic waterfront town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Squeezed between the mainland and the larger island of Čiovo, Trogir is a veritable open-air museum. Our locally guided tour takes us along narrow, cobblestone passageways lined with Medieval buildings, Renaissance-era palaces, stone houses, churches, monasteries, towers, and city walls. We view the Town Loggia, Town Hall, and Cipiko Palace before visiting the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a 13th-century masterpiece and one of Croatia's finest examples of sacral architecture. There is time to explore independently before we board our coach for the return drive to Split, having filled our morning with UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Begin your day with a leisurely walking tour through the enchanting streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where centuries of history whisper from every stone. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll uncover tales of the city’s vibrant past and present, without the steep climbs or strenuous pace.

You’ll meander through the charming lanes and lively squares, pausing at iconic landmarks like the grand Pile Gate, built in 1537 and watched over by a statue of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s beloved patron saint. Wander down the bustling Stradun, the city’s main promenade, lined with elegant shops, cosy cafes, and architectural gems. Along the way, marvel at Onofrio’s Fountain, the serene Franciscan Monastery, home to Europe’s oldest pharmacy, and the stately Rector’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic-Renaissance design. This tour is perfect for those who want to soak in the soul of Dubrovnik at a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Experience the essence of Dubrovnik with a locally guided walking tour including walking its city walls. Stretching over one mile in length and rising 80 feet high, these walls offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the terracotta rooftops below. From the northern Minčeta Tower to Fort Bokar at the southwestern corner, and ending at Fort St. John by the Old Harbour, the walls provide insights into Dubrovnik’s resilience, contrasting with remnants of shelling damage from the 1990’s conflict. Explore forts and towers, each steeped in history, while glimpsing into hidden gardens and courtyards along the residential fringes. A walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and city walls promises an unforgettable journey through time.

Driving along the Dubrovnik Riviera takes you into the rural hinterland of Konavle, where farming communities have thrived for generations. The Konavle County Museum, housed in a building dating back to 1909, originally served as the headquarters for the rural savings society and cultural club. Established in 1974, the museum now proudly displays Konavle’s rich ethnographic heritage, featuring national costumes, textile crafts, jewellery, musical instruments, and more, providing a window into local life, both past and present.

Continue your journey to Gruda Village, where Antonia Ruskovic and her fellow residents uphold the ancient art of silk production. Silk, prized since the Roman Empire, is still meticulously crafted here, primarily for embroidering Konavle’s traditional costumes. Gain an insight into every step of silk-making, from cocoon boiling to weaving and embroidery, while engaging with local artisans. Wrap up your countryside experience with a delightful performance of local dances by villagers adorned in traditional Konavle attire. Immerse yourself in Croatia’s rural culture, away from the coastal crowds, and feel free to engage deeply with this authentic glimpse into Konavle’s heritage.