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Can’t decide between Italy and Croatia? This tour will bring you to both, providing a two-in-one that begins in the “Floating City” of Venice and will bring you to Florence to discover some of the most world-renowned works, the medieval hilltop towns of Siena and San Gimignano, Ancient Rome, and the iconic Colosseum, and the Vatican City. Jet off to Split to embark on your 8-day, 7-night small-ship cruise. Explore everything from the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace and cosmopolitan Hvar to Korcula and its storybook Old Town, unspoiled Vis, and lush Mljet, concluding in Dubrovnik.
A brand new ship for 2021, the MS Phoenix provides impeccable standards and all the latest up-to-date facilities for its 36 guests to enjoy. The 18 cabins have all been fitted with modern amenities and comfortable, pleasing surroundings. MS Phoenix also has a salon-style restaurant and bar that can be found on the upper deck, where the sundeck houses a jacuzzi and sunbeds to relax on.
Your two-in-one getaway begins with a warm welcome to Italy upon arrival at Venice’s airport from your private driver who will provide a transfer to your hotel, just over a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. After checking into your room, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You can choose to rest and relax after a long flight, but you might want to stretch your legs while soaking up the atmosphere in one of the world’s most romantic cities. Check out St. Mark’s Square or any one of the nearby attractions like the Rialto Bridge before sitting down for dinner with a view.
Enjoy a two-hour tour with our expert local guide, starting from iconic St. Mark’s Square, which will provide a more in-depth look at all that Venice has to offer. Your guide will provide interesting insight and the history behind the landmarks you visit, including 14th-century Doge’s Palace, built in Venetian Gothic style, and the white limestone Bridge of Sighs that crosses over Rio di Palazzo. You’ll stroll the narrow streets to reach the Grand Canal and visit the Rialto area, the oldest part of Venice, famous for its market. Mostly frequented by the locals, it’s a great place to delve into the daily life of Venetians.
Saying farewell to Venice, you’ll be assisted with a water taxi transfer to the train station where you’ll catch the train to Florence. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Get settled in and then join your local guide for a walking tour which includes visiting Santa Croce Church, the burial place for Italian legends like Michelangelo and Galileo. You’ll see Pallazo Vecchio, the town hall, and the iconic Florence Cathedral too. Accademia Gallery is a highlight featuring paintings by Botticelli, Raphael, and other greats, along with the original statue of David, one of Michelangelo’s most well-known works.
Venture outside of Florence for a full-day trip to the medieval hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Siena. The San Gimignano skyline stands out with its 11th-century towers, once an important relay point for pilgrims traveling from or to Rome on the Via Francigena. Enjoy a typical local meal at a farmhouse nearby and then meet our local guide to explore Siena on a walking tour. It’s best known for its Piazza del Campo which hosts the world-famous II Palio horse race, but it’s also the center of local life. You’ll see the 13th-century City Hall and the 335-foot-tall Torre del Mangia bell tower here too.
Today you’ll transfer from Florence to Rome via train. Your driver will bring you to the train station and once you arrive in Rome, another driver will provide a private transfer to your hotel in the historic center of the city. Enjoy the remainder of the day on your own, with plenty to discover nearby, including the Spanish Steps, one of the longest staircases in Europe. Ascend the steps to admire Piazza di Spagna and the beautiful baroque-style Barcaccia fountain. The wide steps offer the perfect seat for people watching with many weaving in and out of the boutiques and eateries.
A half-day tour with your own private driver/guide brings you to Vatican City, an independent state located in Rome, with its own flag, stamps, coin, and militia protecting the pope. You’ll visit the vast museum complex while enjoying expert insight from your guide that provides a more in-depth look at one of the greatest collections of Renaissance works, including tapestries, frescoes, sculptures, and paintings. Discover the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Geographical Maps, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s incredible frescoes. Marvel at the early 17th-century St. Peter’s Basilica, which includes Michelangelo’s Pieta and so much more.
Your final full day in the Eternal City will be split between time on your own to explore what interests you most and a half-day private guided tour that explores Ancient Rome. You’ll be immersed in the period for a trip back to the days of the Roman Empire, visiting the Roman Colosseum, the city’s most iconic symbol where for over 440 years tens of thousands of spectators came to watch gladiator games, famous battle re-enactments, dramas based on classical myths and brutal fights between man and beast. You’ll wander through the fascinating Roman Forum too, once the heart of the Roman Empire and Republic.
This morning your private driver will provide a transfer to Rome’s airport where you’ll catch your flight to Split International Airport. Upon arrival, another driver will provide a private transfer to the port. The crew will assist you in checking in and then join a local guide for a tour of Split’s historic center. Learn the stories behind the impeccably preserved centuries-old buildings with Greek, Roman, and Venetian influence, much of which includes Diocletian’s Palace with its labyrinth of streets and alleyways. This evening on board the ship, enjoy a welcome three-course dinner with time to get to know your fellow island-hopping passengers.
Our cruise gets underway as you enjoy breakfast. Before reaching our first destination, the captain will seek out a tranquil, secluded bay for your first swim stop. Once everyone is back on board, we’ll continue to nearby Trogir, anchoring in the scenic harbor. Trogir is renowned for its UNESCO-listed walled Old Town with well-preserved medieval buildings, including one of Croatia’s finest examples of sacral architecture, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. The most imposing monument in the city, it was built in Romanesque-Gothic style. As you stroll the promenade with its fabulous mix of restaurants and historical buildings, you’ll see the 15th-century Kamerlengo castle/fortress too.
We depart from the charming town of Trogir whilst guests are enjoying breakfast and head to one of Croatia’s best kept secrets the idyllic island of Vis. The Island of Vis was once used as a military base and therefore out of bounds to tourists, so it has maintained a unique off the beaten track charm about it. Before we arrive in Vis, the captain will find a quiet bay for guests to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim. Once we reach Vis, guests will have free time this afternoon to explore the charming streets of Vis which boast gorgeous marina views and are amaze of boutique shops, sea front cafes and old world charm. Those who are looking to enjoy a stunning sunset drink should take the walk up to Fort George which boasts sublime views over the island and a great selection of cocktails.
The nearby Island of Bisevo is our first stop this morning as we depart from Vis before breakfast. This tiny island is home to one of the most popular sites in Croatia, the magical Blue Cave. Weather permitting, on board guests will get an opportunity to do a tour inside the cave and see this beautiful natural phenomenon and admire its beautiful colours. (Entry to the Blue Cave is subject to weather and sea conditions and therefore the entry fee of EUR20pp is payable on the day). After seeing the Blue Cave, we continue sailing through the beautiful Pakleni island archipelago, with an opportunity to swim in this stunning secluded bay on route. We will arrive on the Island of Hvar in the afternoon. Once we have docked, join our Cruise Director for a guided Hvar Island tour. The first stop on this island tour is a visit to a very sought after family winery to sample a selection of their wines and snacks. We then continue on to the stunning town of Hvar, where you will have free time to explore this picturesque town at your leisure.
We bid farewell to the Island of Hvar this morning and make our way to Korcula. On route, join our captain and fellow guests on the sundeck as we do a scenic sail past what has been regarded as one of the best beaches in Europe, the Golden Horn Beach on Brac Island. We will then continue our day on to Korcula, where we will have a swim stop before arriving in Korcula. Once docked in Korcula, join our cruise director and our expert local guide who will take you through the narrow, cobbled streets to view the impressive Venetian-gothic architecture and learn more about the alleged birthplace of explorer Marco Polo. This evening you will be spoilt for choice with a superb selection of restaurants available in Korcula or ask our Cruise Director about the optional Traditional Village Dinner experience which is also an option.
Mljet is our last island, known for its lush greenery and national park with two saltwater lakes in brilliant hues of blues and greens. A short walk with your cruise director brings you to visit them and an optional boat ride to the islet in the middle of Great Lake, topped with an ancient monastery and church. Slano is our stop for the evening and we’ll disembark for a walk along the coast to an oyster farm in Ston, famous for its oysters, so you can enjoy them fresh from the sea. Back on board, the Captain’s Dinner with live music will be hosted.
It’s time to head to our final destination, with an early departure for Dubrovnik. Your captain will sail around the walls of the Old City for a beautiful perspective before sailing into the harbour. After disembarking, you’ll meet our local guide for a walking tour. Take a stroll along the Stradun, the main street, and marvel at the many impressive buildings dating to the days of the old Dubrovnik Republic while learning about the history behind them. Upon conclusion, enjoy free time, perhaps walking atop the walls the encircle the historic centre before enjoying dinner in a rooftop restaurant with a sea and sunset view.
After two full weeks in Italy and Croatia, it will soon be time to conclude your enchanting journey. Enjoy breakfast on board before saying your farewells, with your private driver meeting you at disembarkation to provide a transfer to your local hotel or Dubrovnik’s airport to catch your flight home. The crew will be there to assist and should you need help with ongoing travels or just about anything else, feel free to reach out to our staff.
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