Elegant Cruises & Tours

Lands of the Adriatic

In 2006, Elegant Cruises & Tours, Inc. celebrates 17 years in business by introducing exceptional, all-new deluxe small ship cruise programs in the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Their small ships are the ideal means to explore the diversity of these regions, without the crowds found on larger vessels. Unpack just once, as we visit not only the Adriatic's major coastal towns—Venice, Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor—but also take you to the less frequented islands like Hvar, Mljet, Cres and Krk. No need to figure out the local ferry schedules to visit these wonderful isles that have a beauty and relaxed pace all their own. Whether you choose our yacht-like Monet or our 105-passenger Andrea, you'll enjoy deluxe accommodations, fine dining and friendly service.

Itinerary

Day 2 - Venice

Day 3 - Piran, Slovenia

Day 4 - Zadar, Croatia

Day 5 - Korcula and Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 6 - Dubrovnik

Day 7 - Vlora, Albania

Day 8 - Kotor, Montenegro

Day 9 - Split, Croatia

Day 10 - Split and Sibenik, Croatia

Day 11 - Venice, Italy

Details

Heading south to the Dalmatian Archipelago, Zadar, Korcula and Dubrovnik are medieval walled cities of contrasting size, with museums, historic churches and monuments, cafes and shops all neatly contained within the walls. Millennia of history can be seen at every turn in these cities that survived and flourished through subsequent domination by the Illyrians, Romans, Ottomans, Venetians and Hapsburgs.

The southernmost point of our Adriatic journey is Vlora, Albania and the archaeological site of Apollonia, an ancient city founded by the Greeks in the fifth century B.C. that later became a Roman cultural center. Long forgotten, the town was “discovered” by 19th-century archaeologists, but many structures remain buried. Just to the north in Montenegro, towering mountains and the irregularly shaped shoreline create spectacular views of the Gulf of Kotor. Historic sites and fortifications within the town of Kotor have been remarkably restored from a devastating earthquake 25 years ago.

In Split, the palace of the Emperor Diocletian shows a remarkable resiliency of use through the centuries. Explore the imperial apartment as well as the octagonal mausoleum, converted in the Middle Ages to the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Approaching Sibenik from the sea, this 9th-century city looks like a vast amphitheater crowned with ancient fortifications. Its narrow streets encourage a leisurely stoll to inspect the churches, palaces, shops and cafes. Of interest is 15th-century St. Jacob's Cathedral with its unusual vaulted concrete roof. Later in the morning, an optional excursion along the Krka River reveals deep travertine gorges and beautiful cascades in Krka National Park.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$306 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$746 per person per night