You'll set off from Mljet in a rowboat before a 2.5-hour hike (time includes transfer to the island for a visit to the monastery); 328-foot altitude difference (100 m), 2.5 miles (4 km). Small rowboats will take you to the starting point for a walk along Malo Jezero ("small lake") within Mljet National Park. If time permits, the hike can include the longer trail. Once you arrive at Mali Most ("small bridge"), you'll head to the Benedictine monastery on Sveti Marija. After visiting the lovely island, you'll return to Mali Most on the park boats. Enjoy another hour hike on your way to Pomena. You'll return to the starting point on a rowboat.
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The former Republic of Ragusa is famous for its medieval walls and its wide variety of historical architecture.
We'll visit the Dominican Friary, its lovely Gothic cloister, and its extraordinary museum of religious art - with several valuable paintings, including a triptych by Nikola Bozidarevic depicting Dubrovnik before the great earthquake of 1667. We'll then see the Rector's Palace, once the seat of the government and now a museum housing furniture, portraits, coats of arms, paintings, coins, and the original keys to the city gates. We'll also visit the cathedral which keeps in its core gold and silver reliquaries as well as paintings from Titian’s workshop, before moving on to the Onofrio Fountains and Sponza Palace, a superb Gothic-Renaissance structure.
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For this excursion, we’ll leave Saranda and head inland, crossing the Bistricë River and the vast Vrina Plain before arriving at the salt lagoon known as Lake Butrint. We’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, once part of the Greek and Roman colonies. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city experienced a great period of prosperity under Byzantine rule. The most ancient objects found at the archaeological site are a stone hammer and a shaft belonging to the latter part the second millennium BCE. There are also many extraordinary Greek objects, including statues of their gods. The first modern archaeological excavations began in 1928 when Benito Mussolini sent an expedition to extend Italian dominance into the area. The excavations, which continued through 1943, uncovered the Hellenistic and Roman part of the ancient city including the "Lion Gate" and the "Scaean Gate." The most interesting ancient Greek monument is the theater, which is fairly well preserved. The major ruin from the paleo-Christian era is the baptistery, an ancient Roman monument adapted to the cultural needs of Christianity. In the 5th century, Butrint became an Episcopal center, only to be abandoned several centuries later. It was reconstructed under Byzantine control in the 9th century.
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We’ll leave by coach for Vrh Polja, located on the edge of the Lovcen National Park. After a lunch filled with delicious local cuisine, we’ll head out for a hike along some of the country’s most beautiful trails in the national park. There are 2,000 different plants and this abundance of life results from the high altitudes and a combination of the unique habitat created by two contrasting climate zones. Throughout the ages, Lovcen has been considered a sacred mountain by the peoples living in the area. Equipment: You must wear hiking boots with deep-lugged soles and use telescopic hiking poles (rocky terrains and steep descents).
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It is estimated that Kotor owns 70 % of the historic and cultural monuments of Montenegro. That is why Kotor is classed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Founded by the Romans on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro, Kotor developed into an important commercial and artistic center in the Middle Ages. You'll visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, which was seriously damaged and rebuilt after the earthquake of 1667 - the reason its two towers are so different from one another. Then you'll visit the maritime museum in the Grgurina Palace and its collection showing the development of past maritime and cultural activities.
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The city of Split with its population of 140, 000 is the largest in Dalmatia as well as being an active university and artistic center. You will visit Diocletian's Palace, built by a simple soldier who became the Emperor. Diocletian chose to end his days in this palace after he abdicated in 305 AD.
Our guided tour of the city will take you along Trumbiceva Obala (Riva), a vast promenade along the southern façade of the Palace. You’ll get to see the well-preserved roman city wall, the Cathedral built on the site of the mausoleum towards the end of the 7th century, as well as Diocletian’s Palace’s peristyle, the Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.
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At the port of Vis, we'll pick up our bikes and set out with our guide for a bike tour of the island.
We'll discover the hidden treasures of Vis, where everyone rides any-old bike: old and young, natives and tourists. After leaving the town, we'll pass through other typical villages on the island, including Plisko Polje, Dracevo Polje and Podspilje. The trip gives a fascinating insight into the complex character of this tiny isle.
Following our tour, we'll return to the ship.
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You’ll be transferred by coach to Lozovac, one of the main entrances to Krka National Park. You'll head down a small trail to the falls, known as Skradinski buk (an approximate 30 min. walk), and then you’ll hike along the fall and the right bank of the Krka River, stopping at the upstream dock and snack bar (approx. 30 minutes). You’ll then head down the river to the Krka Bridge near a second entrance to the park. You’ll return to the ship by coach.
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Join us for a hike up to the Fort Imperial on the top of Sr¿ Hill and back. Afterwards, spend some time visiting the city. We’ll take public transportation to and from the boat (not included), or feel free to do the entire excursion on foot.
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Korcula is the sixth largest island on the Adriatic Sea and has abundant vineyards, olive groves, quiet seaside coves, and quaint villages. This hike will allow you to explore the hills above the island’s old town to see three historic sites. Forteca, also known as Fort Wellington, was built on an old Venetian fortification in 1813. Naplov is a vast catchment area constructed in the 1950s. After a walk through the shady pines and an avenue of cypress trees, you’ll arrive at Saint Anthony’s Church.
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You’ll be transferred to the park by coach. The trail begins near the forest ranger station in this awesome, mountainous national park. We’ll hike through the pine forest and wilderness until we reach Caesar’s Pass. The name comes from Julius Caesar himself, who traveled the path in 48 BC during the Roman Civil War. The summit provides spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, Bay of Vlore, and the verdant Karaburun Peninsula.
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Sibenik is located in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic Coast, in the picturesque and indented bay where the Krka River enters the sea. Discover this gorgeous city while strolling down its 15th- and 16th-century streets. We'll also visit the St. James' Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and built between 1433 and 1477 entirely out of stone. Afterwards, we'll leave for Krka Falls by coach. Skradinski buk is one of the most attractive parts of Krka National Park. It is a large and clear natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and smaller cascades at the other. A trail will get you as close as you can to the falls. We'll return to Sibenik by coach.
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We’ll hit the road for Tirana, nestled between Dajti Peak and the coastal plains. We'll first visit the National History Museum, which takes you chronologically from ancient Illyria to the post-communist era. The museum is divided into pavilions, each portraying the diversity of Albanian history, including the Antiquity, Middle Ages, Ottoman Occupation and Albanian Resistance, as well as its independence from Turkey in 1912. There are two pavilions dedicated to the rise of fascism and the consequent era of communist terror. Bringing inspiration through all this, is the final pavilion dedicated to Mother Theresa’s life and work. After our visit, we’ll set out on foot for Skanderbeg Square, the city center surrounded by important government buildings, as well as the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque (the mosque is currently closed for renovations; the initial visit to this site will be replaced by a tour of the Blloku area). Once the area where the communist elite resided, it is now an upscale location for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Blloku is also well-known for its colorful, sometimes garish facades that contrast with the gray Soviet-era buildings. The simple, three-story former residence of Enver Halil Hoxha, head of Albania for over 40 years, can still be seen on Ismail Qemali Street.
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Berat is one of the highlights when visiting Albania, whose most striking feature is the white houses climbing up the hill to its castle. The center of Berat is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains rare examples of Ottoman-style architecture. The old quarter contains lovely ensembles of whitewashed walls, tiled roofs and cobblestone roads. Although Berat is now a major tourist site, it has managed to retain its easy-going charm and friendly atmosphere. Don't miss it! We'll enjoy lunch during our excursion and then continue on to the largest archaeological site in Albania: Apollonia. Apollonia was founded in 588 B.C. by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth. The city flourished during Roman rule and was home to a renowned school of philosophy. Julius Caesar rewarded Apollonia with the status of “free city” for supporting him during the Great Roman Civil War. The future Emperor Augustus completed his studies here. The picturesque ruins within the city walls include a small theatre and the elegant pillars on the restored facade of the city's administrative center.
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Hike through the Krka National Park on walkways leading past lakes and waterfalls and down to Skradin (4.5 hours, 5 miles, 820-foot altitude difference).
You'll be transferred to the starting point for your hike.
Come discover Krka National Park and its famous waterfalls. We'll trek along wooden walkways and earthen and stone paths.
The trail follows the waterfall formations. On the first part of the hike, you'll see just the smaller falls that are well-known for their extraordinary beauty. When coming back, you'll be treated to the show of a lifetime: the Krka Falls.
The waterfalls are a karstic phenomenon, and the river water has created a canyon up to 656 feet deep through limestone hills. You'll see a large and clear natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and smaller cascades at the other.
A wooden bridge will allow you to take in the sight from up close. Now you'll know why the falls are one of Croatia's most famous sites.
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Join us for an excursion to Gjirokastër, one of the most beautiful sites in Albania. Its castle, which is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent structures in Gjirokastër, sits on a rocky bluff with the city stretching out around it. This “City of Stone” is also comprised of hundreds of Ottoman-style tower homes with distinctive stone roofs, wooden balconies, and whitewashed stone walls. We’ll visit the castle and the National Museum of Armaments located inside, which houses various arms from the neolithic period to World War II. We’ll also enjoy a tasting of some local products.
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According to Greek mythology, Perseus founded Mycenae. He used Cyclopes to build the citadel walls so that no human could move them. The earliest mention of the city appears in Homer’s works. Join us for a tour of this fascinating center of Greek civilization and former military stronghold. Notable curiosities include the Lion Gate access way and the circular burial areas. The ruins are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as they played a vital role in the development of Classical Greece from the 15th to 12th centuries BC. The Mycenaean culture is the source of ancient epics and legends such as the labors of Hercules, the Trojan War, and Agamemnon’s tragic life and death. We’ll then continue on to Nafplio, founded by the son of Poseidon as recounted in Greek mythology. Have fun discovering this charming, romantic city dominated by the Palamidi Fortress high on the hill. We’ll also see the Bourtzi Castle, built by an Italian engineer in 1473, just off the coast of the city.
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Set off by coach from the port of Gruz for the town centre. Accompanied by your guide, you will have a discovery tour of the pearl of the Adriatic by night. You will be able to admire many fine sights, including Pile Gate, the Fountains of Onofrio, the Franciscan Monastery and the old port. During the course of this walking tour, you will also discover the nocturnal atmosphere of this splendid port city. There is free time in the old port before returning to the boat by coach.
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Discover one of the most spectacular sites in Greece. Although the original town of Kalambaka was destroyed during World War II, the Meteora monasteries remained intact on the summit of the rocks. The caves in the rocks were inhabited by hermit monks in the 9th century AD. They began to build monasteries in the 11th century, and at its peak in the 16th century, there were 24. Today, there are now six functioning monasteries still inhabited by either nuns or monks.
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You’ll be transferred by coach to Achilleion Palace, where we’ll head up above Gastouri to Mount Agioi Dela and over to a vista at the Holy Church of Agia Kyriaki (945 feet in altitude). What makes this hike so special is the beautiful overlooks. The best one is at the chapel, where you’ll be able to see the islet of Pontikonisi, also known as “Mouse Island,” named after its shape. Among the lovely sights on this hike is a grand view of the city of Corfu.
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Trogir, as large as the island on which it was erected, is a real beauty with its intricate alleyways, stairways and vaulted passages. Its treasures of Roman and Renaissance architecture have led the town to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You'll be able to discover the magnificent Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its surprising interior. Long considered one of the best spots to visit on the Dalmatian coast, Trogir will delight you. You'll also visit the Town Hall and the old town, still brimming with fully preserved monuments from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
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Stari Bar, meaning “Old Bar,” is located a few miles from the newer city of Bar at the foot of Mount Rumija. Although Stari Bar was abandoned after the 1979 earthquake because the aqueduct that supplied water to the town was damaged, it was restored some years later and the population began to return. The walls along Stari Bar contain some fascinating ruins, including the foundations of St. George Cathedral, the Church of St. John, and the Church of St. Verenada. Enjoy some free time to stroll about the town on your own.
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You’ll leave by coach to the starting point of your hike, which brings you to the hills over Dubrovnik. We’ll begin on an old rail line that dates back to Austro-Hungarian Empire, before meeting up with the 15th-century aqueduct. The aqueduct was a considerable feat for its time, as it brought water from over 7.3 miles away to the city. Our hike will be filled with glorious panoramas at every turn, including views of the Ombla River, Franjo Tudman Bridge, Elaphiti Islands, and the city below. You’ll descend on foot to the Nuncijata district.
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You’ll be transferred to Pellumbas by coach. We begin our trek along the mountain slope that takes us down to the river canyon. Once we arrive at the Black Cave, we’ll explore inside to get a better look at the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Leading experts believe it was one of the first prehistoric dwellings in the region based on relics and tools dating as far back as the Neolithic era. If we have the time, we’ll jump in the river for a swim on our way back.
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We’ll set off by coach with our guides for the Athens Acropolis, situated on a 150m-high rocky plateau and which in Ancient times was a vast sanctuary for the worship of the Goddess Athena and numerous other gods in Greek mythology. You will have the chance to discover the different temples on the site including the Parthenon, built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to Athena, whose gold and ivory statue stood in the sanctuary. It was destroyed during the siege of the city during the 12th century crusades, and the Parthenon was turned into a Catholic church when the Franks occupied Athens, then into a mosque by the Turks in the 17th century. You will also visit a number of other remarkable monuments still standing such as the Erechtheion, an elegant little temple dating back to the 5th century BC; the Temple of Athena Nike, known in Ancient Greece as the "temple of victory"; the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis; the ancient Theatre of Dionysos and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus...
You will then return to the coach to finish off with a panoramic tour of the modern city of Athens, also taking in the Agora, the center of public life for the ancient Athenians. This square open space served a variety of purposes: political, religious, economic, commercial and cultural.
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You'll be transferred by coach to the tiny village of Dol near Stari Grad. Here, you'll begin your hike through the beautiful forests along the hills up to the highest peak on the island: Saint Nicholas. To come back, you'll wind your way through vineyards and olive groves to the small town of Svirce. You must wear hiking boots with deep-lugged soles and use telescopic hiking poles.
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Mljet is definitely the most charming island in all of the Mediterranean sea. It has kept a wild appearance with 72% of its surface being covered in forest, and wine and olive oil are still being traditionally made to this day. One island legend claims that Odysseus spent seven years here on his way home from the Trojan War. After a stroll down a hiking trail along with your guide, local boats will take you to the Benedictine monastery from the 12th century located in the middle of Veliko Jezero, a salt lake in the national park of Mljet. The monastery sits proudly among the Aleppo pines, surrounded by sandy beaches. We'll take the same itinerary back to the boat.
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Korcula is Croatia's greenest island - with its Mediterranean vegetation, emerald and sapphire sea, sandy shoreline and a wealth of underwater sea life. We'll visit the island on foot starting with the Cathedral Sveti Marko, the most important building in the old town. The cathedral's facade is decorated with beautiful fluted reliefs and statues, while the main door is framed by statues of Adam and Eve and figures of lions. We'll also enjoy the exhibits in the town museum, a treasure of cultural and commercial milestones from prehistoric times to the present.
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Hvar is known as the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands and is lined with vast fields of lavender, ancient olive trees and vineyards. You'll tour the Franciscan monastery and its exceptional collection of old Venetian paintings, lacework, coins and rare books, and the Renaissance-style exterior of Saint Stephen Cathedral combined with its baroque-style interior.
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Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and hold on to your hats! Experience Korcula Island in a unique way with this exciting journey in your own 2-seater buggy.
You'll be transferred to Lumbarda by boat.
After a safety briefing, you will enjoy buggy driving on gravel roads through gorgeous landscapes full of olive groves and vineyards. You'll be far from the crowds and up close and personal with nature.
Have the time of your life exploring the coastal routes and taking in the magnificent sea views between Zrnovo and Lumbarda.
While returning to our ship, enjoy a tasting of some local products.
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The island of Hvar is the empress of the Croatian Dalmatian Islands. This excursion is the best way to discover the hidden treasures of Hvar Town.
Your trek will begin in the port of Hvar, where you'll meet up with your guide. You'll set out on an urban hike across the picturesque town. Known as the "Croatian Saint Tropez,” it has retained all of the charm of days gone by. Walking also takes you through the long history of this city, where every stone has its own story to tell. We'll hike all the way to the Spanish fortress overlooking the island, where you'll be able to bask in the spectacular landscape surrounding you. After we return to the port, enjoy some free time on your own before returning to the ship.
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