Venice, Split and Treasures of the North Yacht Cruise - MS Stella Maris

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Arrive in Venice - Arrive in Venice, one of the world's most extraordinary cities, and arrive to our centrally located hotel, where we'll stay for two nights.  In 1814, over two years before Lord Byron settled in Venice (if you can call it that – after all, he's rumoured to have had over 200 lovers in less than three years), he wrote, 'I want to see Venice, the Alps and Parmesan cheeses.' It's not hard to see why the city is on so many people's wish lists (including ours) as the only city in the world built entirely on water.  You may have seen it in pictures, but nothing can prepare you for how beautiful Venice is up close. It has a dreamy, almost magical feel. Around you, tourists and locals alike look up in wonder at the lavish palazzos. Not even the watermarks can deter you from its beauty. But don't waste time wondering how this seemingly floating city still stands after all of these centuries, there's too much to see.  After checking out your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. As you wander its picturesque streets, there’s a view to make you stop in awe at every turn. You’ll stumble upon exquisite churches, Renaissance buildings and the unmistakable Grand Canal, its banks lined with shops and atmospheric restaurants. Enjoy drinks or dinner on a table by the quayside, soaking in the atmosphere as classic gondolas gently rock on the calm water - a sight you can only see in Venice!
• Day 2
  Venice - We'll begin the day with a guided tour to uncover some of the highlights of this unique and fascinating place. No visit is complete without a trip to St Mark's Square, home to the Campanile Tower and the Basilica - a luxuriously decorated Byzantine structure with a shimmering mosaic-clad façade. We wouldn't be surprised if you come back here later to explore further during time at leisure. The 323 steps to the top of Campanile Tower are well worth the effort as you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city from just under 100 metres up.    Nearby is Doge's Palace, a spectacular Gothic building once home to the head of state of the Republic of Venice, offering a glimpse into the life of a Venetian official. And, of course, we won't miss a chance to see the iconic Bridge of Sighs with its rather grim history.   Lunch at leisure is a great opportunity to find Venetian dishes in one of the many small restaurants throughout the city. Ask your guide or Tour Manager for the best places to eat and the most authentic dishes - they'll know the lesser-known spots the locals love.   The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring the city - or enjoy blissful idleness wiling away the hours, spritz in hand, in a café overlooking the canals (this is a no-judgement zone). Looking for souvenirs? You'll find traditional Venetian shops tucked under streets covered with canopies of washing stretched high between crumbling buildings. Or you could join the lively throng of shoppers at the traditional Rialto market and enjoy the sights and smells of the fresh Mediterranean products sold here. The stalls are a treat for the senses with artistic piles of seasonal fruits, vegetables and fish as far as the eye can see - you won't be hungry for long here.
• Day 3
  Venice & Poreč - Today is an opportunity to put your research skills to the test and discover Venice for yourself as you spend the morning at leisure.   For those who love an action-packed itinerary, there's plenty to see and do.   The world-famous Accademia will be a hit for any art enthusiast (or anyone looking to learn). The gallery features a staggering collection of Venetian masterpieces, including outstanding works by Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Rosalba Carriera, and Canaletto. Don’t worry if you don’t know these artists yet, the Accademia will give you the most atmospheric introduction.  Take a stroll through the vibrant Jewish Quarter and explore its winding streets and historic buildings, including the Jewish Museum of Venice - which showcases the history and culture of the Jewish community - and five fascinating synagogues. In the afternoon, it's time to test your sea legs as we cross the Adriatic in a catamaran to Poreč in Croatia. Here, we'll board MS Stella Maris and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner on board.
• Day 4
  Poreč & Rovinj & Pula - After spending the night in the port in Poreč, we'll take a brief orientation tour allowing you to see this bright summer resort town.   The town's rich history dates back to the prehistoric era, with notable settlements during the Roman times and in the 13th to 18th century while under Venetian rule.   As we set sail on our luxury yacht, prepare for a few “oh wow” moments while lounging on the top deck as we pass the Dalmatian coast. Then toast your holiday with your fellow explorers over a hearty lunch on board. As you approach the attractive fishing port of Rovinj, you’ll see a maze of Italianate waterside buildings perched above the crystal blue of the Adriatic. The city of Rovinj is a charming coastal city dominated by the Baroque church of St. Euphemia with its 60m high tower and you’ll see this along with the towns’ other main sights on a walking tour with your local guide. Afterwards, there’ll be some free time to lose yourself in the web of medieval alleyways and lanes spreading out from the waterfront, stroll along the steps of Grisia Street lined with art galleries or enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the charming harbourside cafés. Later, we'll sail a short distance to Pula, the largest city on the Istria peninsular. During time ashore at leisure, you can gain a glimpse into Pula's soul with a stroll down Ria Ulica, the main waterfront street. Traditional yew and cypress trees line one end and, from the other, you can watch your dinner go from sea to table as sea and wind-ravaged fishing boats decant their catch onto the quayside.  The cuisine - a mix of seafood and Italian dishes - pair perfectly with the fruity flavours of a native istarska malvazija white wine. (Of course, you could choose any drink, but why settle for your usual when a delicious local vintner is on offer?).
• Day 5
  Pula & Mali Lošinj - Situated near the tip of the Istrian peninsula, Pula was a great vantage point from which to protect the bay and an important administrative city. Throughout history, the city has had many foreign rulers, including the Romans - who conquered the city in the 1st century BC - and later the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, who created a large naval port here and still retains active shipyards today. On our guided tour, we'll see the remnants of these great empires. One highlight that's hard to miss is the magnificent amphitheatre with a network of limestone arches that stand three storeys high. It's one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Croatia, and the sixth-largest amphitheatre in the world. With a capacity for over 22,000 spectators, it's bigger than the O2 Arena - although why such a big theatre was built in such a small Roman town remains a mystery. Our Tour Manager swears that if you listen closely, you can hear the echos of the gladiatorial spectacles that used to unfold here. Architectural shards of history litter the town squeezed between more modern houses and adorning little squares amongst a tangle of streets. We'll also see the Triumphal Arch of the Sergii, built between 29 and 27 BC to honour the Sergii family who fought for Octavian in the Battle of Actium. We'll spend time in the old town's square, with the imposing Temple of Augustus and the town hall with its Renaissance arcade. Other highlights include a historic cathedral and bell tower, interesting little churches and city gates, as well as an archaeological museum with a wealth of Roman exhibits. After our guided walk, we set sail, enjoying a delicious lunch on board and a refreshing swim stop (assuming that the conditions are right and the sea cooperates, of course). Our next stop is Mali Lošinj, nestled on the southern side of the Bay of Lošinj on the island of the same name. Its remoteness explains the lack of crowd - it is only possible to reach in a small plane or, as we do, by ship. As the more commercial part of the island, it's a great place to shop and people-watch. You could stroll through the eye-catchingly colourful former sea captains ' homes, which date back to the 19th century. Throughout the city, architecture lovers will spot the influence of the island's different rulers - including the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian Empire - all over the charming coastal town.   Some may know Lošinj for the Croatian Apoxyomenos, the restored Greek statue of a young athlete discovered off the coast - which now resides in a museum in Mali Lošinj and is well worth a visit during time at leisure on the island.   Tonight, you're in for a treat with a delightful Captain's Dinner - it's always a guest favourite.
• Day 6
  Rab - Having spent the night in the port at Mali Lošinj, we'll enjoy a leisurely morning cruising the Croatian coastline. The rugged cliffs and lush greenery create an eye-catching contrast against the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. We'll stop en route for a swim in some of the clearest water you'll ever swim in. (If you choose not to swim, don't miss the scenery from the top deck for your first "oh wow" moment of the day).   During lunch on board, we'll continue our journey to the island of Rab. Known as a safe anchorage on the Medieval trade route from Venice to Constantinople, Rab's ancient stone buildings, Romanesque architecture and grand Italianate houses are a legacy of Venetian rule. It is one of the busiest islands around Kvarner, gaining popularity after Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson brought the world's press in the summer of '36. Local lore says the pair were granted special permission to skinny-dip in the nearby Kandarola Bay - scandalous in those times. The island's golden beaches are the perfect place to sunbathe or take a dip (although, unlike the Duke, we recommend keeping your bathing suit on).  With an evening here, there's plenty of opportunity to find dinner in one of the restaurants or relax in a bar by the waterfront while watching boats rocking gently.  Top tip: Try one of the stylish seafood restaurants tucked away in the old town, serving the catch of the day - simply fried with white wine, garlic and herbs.
• Day 7
  Zadar - We'll stop this morning in the crystal-clear waters of the Kvarner Gulf for a leisurely swim stop looking out to rocky coastlines and verdant islands. Whether you choose to swim, or relax on deck, it will soon be time for another delicious lunch on board. Later, from the ship, you'll spot our next destination, Zadar. The magnificent walled city twinkles in the sunshine that's typical of the Adriatic.  On our guided tour, we'll see a captivating mix of ancient Roman ruins, medieval architecture and modern attractions. During time at leisure, linger by the waterfront to hear the rhythmic sounds of the Sea Organ and, as night falls, enjoy the Sun Salutations installation that utilises the sun's rays to create a light show from sunset to sunrise.   Old ivory buildings with gently sloping roofs and deep overhanging eaves give the city an Italian feel. Streets - paved with marble that's been polished with centuries of wear - lead to a Venetian fortress, turned public park, partly hidden by a canopy of trees. Even the modern cafés hide historical secrets - like the 1,000-year-old chapel tucked away at the back of Kavana Lovre. Coffee is another Croatian essential: first thing, mid-morning, after lunch, mid-afternoon, dusk, at midnight, it's always coffee time - so there's plenty of places to stop and watch the world go by.   Dinner tonight is up to you - but if you want a recommendation, try the grilled meats or freshly caught fish, rounded off with a glass of maraschino, a local cherry liqueur.
• Day 8
  Murter & Šibenik - Today, we'll get to experience a concept coined by the Dalmatians that has no equivalent in English: fjaka - a lazy mood of complete contentment.  You can start your morning slowly as we cut through the waves on MS Stella Maris. There's time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and watch views of the coastline glide past. As we reach the small island of Murter, we'll drop anchor in the emerald-green waters for a chance to cool off with a swim stop. During lunch we continue our cruise northwards. Later this afternoon, we arrive in Šibenik, a medieval town with not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the fortress at the top of the hill, the city seems to tumble down the hillside towards the sea. On our guided tour, we'll stroll down the marble-slabbed promenade between the huddles of cafes that line the tangled streets until we find the old town. The shady squares and winding streets lead to St James Cathedral - which blends Gothic and Renaissance styles - and a restored Renaissance town hall.    After our tour, there's time at leisure to continue to explore. Near the harbour, you'll see faded awnings advertising pivo and posip - beer and wine. Give in to temptation. With a long tradition of winemaking and viticulture in the Šibenik region, it's the perfect excuse to try lasina or babić wine - both are grown and produced locally.
• Day 9
  Split - Today will be our last day sailing aboard MS Stella Maris and the final opportunity for a swim stop in the beautiful waters of the Adriatic. Lie back in the sun on deck, and take in the glorious coastal vistas, looking back at the most memorable holiday ever. After lunch, another highlight awaits. We arrive in Split, where we enjoy a walking tour of the famous sights. Any pop culture fans might recognise Emperor Diocletian's palace as the Slave City of Meeren on Game of Thrones, but this huge palace is impressive in its own right. As one of the greatest structures of the Roman Empire, no expense was spared in its construction - the best Italian marble, with columns and sphinxes from Egypt, and today tall medieval buildings still line the streets, buttressed by unmistakably Roman columns. But if you're expecting a museum here, you'd be wrong - the complex is a living part of the city. Shops, restaurants, churches, and houses are built into the very fabric of these ancient walls.   If you want to stretch your legs, you could wander the ancient maze of narrow streets and little squares. Only a ten-minute walk away are the palace's golden gates and the gigantic statue of Grgur Ninski – a medieval Croatian bishop. Touch his toe for good luck!  Then find the perfect place to enjoy your final dinner during time at leisure in the atmospheric heart of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. 
• Day 10
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