Taste of the Mediterranean 2024 (Split - Rome)

DAY 1 CRUISE: Split
Welcome to the lively port city of Split! An arrival transfer will take you to Split harbour where embarkation commences from 14.00hrs. After settling into your cabin, the afternoon will be at your leisure to relax on board or venture out into town. In the evening, you are invited to join your fellow passengers and cruise manager for a welcome dinner to mark the start of your Croatian adventure.

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 2 CRUISE: Split- Krka National Park- Sibenik
Depart Split early as you set sail for Sibenik today with swim stop and lunch en route. After lunch, disembark and take a bus to visit the magnificent waterfalls of Krka National Park which you will discover on your guided sightseeing tour. Return back to Sibenik for a guided walking tour through cobblestoned streets and quaint squares, and visit one of the most beautiful Renaissance cathedrals of the Adriatic. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend in this medieval city of sun, sea and stone.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 3 CRUISE: Sibenik - Galesnjak - Zadar
Leave Sibenik early and journey to Galesnjak, a small Dalmatian island where you can enjoy a swim in one of its secluded bays. Lunch will be served on board as you cruise towards Zadar where a guided sightseeing tour of the city will showcase its incredible history. See the 16th century Port Gate, the Square of the Five Wells, the Church of St. Donatus, the Roman Forum and the largest Cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. Perhaps take a walk by the southern promenade to listen to the unique sounds of Zadar's sea organ. Part art installation, part musical instrument, this urban architecture plays music that is powered by waves!

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 4 CRUISE: Zadar - Primosten
Depart Zadar in the morning and cruise to Primosten with a stop along the way to swim and relax. Primosten is a small, picturesque town situated between Sibenik and Trogir, in the central part of Adriatic coast. Upon arrival, the rest of your day is free to roam through the town or relax at one of its renowned beaches with wonderful sights.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 5 CRUISE: Primosten - Hvar
Cruise along the Dalmatian coast as you make your way towards the town of Stari Grad on the Island of Hvar, one of the sunniest, oldest towns in Europe. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps visit Stari Grad plain, a UNESCO heritage protected site showcasing an excellently preserved example of the ancient Greek system of agriculture or take an adventure into the backstreets with many cheap and friendly konobas and restaurants.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 6 CRUISE: Hvar - Vis
Sail over to Hvar Town this morning for a guided walking tour through the old town. Be amazed by the picturesque streets housing over 8 centuries of architecture and the first public theatre in Europe that was built in 1612. Continue to the island of Vis, once a strategic naval base and closed to the public until recently. Due to this isolation and extended periods of being uninhabited, a certain charm and mystery lies about this fascinating island. Upon arrival in town, join a guided sightseeing tour where you will visit the remains of the Roman thermal baths and see views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront. Tonight, indulge in a Captain’s dinner on board.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 7 CRUISE: Vis - Bisevo - Split
An early morning start as you cruise to the small island of Bisevo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Split where the Old Town is built around the remains of the stunning Diocletian's Palace. A guided sightseeing tour will show you through the Roman Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace and the remnants of Split's Roman heritage. The evening is free for you to experience the town at your own pace. Why not try out one of the many fantastic restaurants that line the harbour?

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Please note: The Blue Cave is only accessible with small boats through an entrance just 1.5m high so unfortunately it can easily be made inaccessible by bad weather and high waves.

DAY 8 Split - Plitvice National Park - Opatija
Say goodbye to your crew and new friends as you disembark after breakfast. Your adventure then continues by motorcoach with a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. In Plitvice, take a walk around several of the lower lakes. The Park is a natural wonder with 16 terraced lakes surrounded by wooded mountains and lush vegetation. After, continue to the seaside resort town of Opatija where you have dinner and overnight.

Stay at: Grand Hotel Adriatic (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9 Opatija - Postojna - Venice
After breakfast, travel to Slovenia and visit the unique and beautiful Postojna Caves, one of the largest cave systems in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train before driving towards the "Floating city", Venice. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore this picturesque city before you gather for a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Stay at: NH Santa Lucia (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 10 Venice
Start your day exploring Venice with a boat ride to Murano Island, the island is renowned for its long tradition of glassmaking. Here, you'll visit a glassblowing factory to experience this traditional Venetian glassblowing demonstration by master craftsmen. Afterwards, head to St. Mark's Square and join a walking tour. Pass through St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace as you get to admire the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs views.

Stay at: NH Santa Lucia (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 Venice - Florence
Today, you'll drive to Ferrara located on the banks of the Po River, a city well known for its beauty and cultural importance, it has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy an orientation tour before continuing to Pisa where you will see the famous Piazza del Miracoli and its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. The last destination of the day is Florence for your overnight.

Stay at: Grand Hotel Adriatico (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 Florence
Your morning begins with a city tour of the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi's awe-inspiring Dome, and Giotto's Bell Tower, followed by the Baptistery with Ghiberti's splendid bronze "Gates of Paradise". Then, walk through the famous old bridge "Ponte Vecchio", the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore further this Renaissance splendour city of Tuscan.

Stay at: Grand Hotel Adriatico (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 Florence - Assisi - Rome
A new adventure brings you through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi. Upon arrival, join your guide for a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. In the afternoon, drive to Rome for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Stay at: Starhotels Metropole (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 14 Rome
A full-day sightseeing tour shows you all the highlights of the incomparable Eternal City. You'll visit the Vatican Museums with moving Sistine Chapel and grand St. Peter’s Basilica. Continue on to view the Coliseum, ancient Palatine Hill overlooking Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace, and the Roman Forum.

Stay at: Starhotels Metropole (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15 Rome
Enjoy a full day at leisure. You'll get some insights from your guide on how to spend your day exploring this ancient city. Perhaps, visit the chich shops, galleries, and museums or simply relax in one of the numerous cafes with a glass of fine Italian wine, a cold Limoncello or refreshing gelato. At night, enjoy a festive farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Stay at: Starhotels Metropole (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 16 Rome
Your tour concludes after breakfast with a shared transfer for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast