Day 1: Koper

Koper is located in the Istrian Peninsula’s northwest corner, where Slovenia has a modest coastline and access to the Adriatic. It is a typical coastal settlement of beautiful squares and Renaissance palaces. An optional excursion takes you through the karst region, an area of dry white limestone to Postojna Caverns, Europe’s largest subterranean network of galleries and chambers, adorned with colorful stalactites and stalagmites. A small underground train makes exploration of this well-lighted complex quite easy.

Day 2: Zadar

Zadar, today the cultural and economical center of northern Dalmatia, has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. In the 4th century, B.C., it was known under the Illyric name of Idasse. Then in the time of Octavius, as a Roman colony, Iader, after which the town earned its present name. With its fine dining, exquisite cuisine, incomparable wines and extremely tourist-friendly natives, Zadar has more to offer than just to the naked eye. Visit the Cathedral of St. Stosia (St. Anastasia) dating from 1285 A.D. Then there is the pre-Romanesque church of St. Donat dating from the 9th century A.D., the city gate, the Roman Forum, the Square of Wells, the church of St Simon and the permanent exhibition “Gold and Silver of Zadar.” While in Zadar take a trip to the National Park Plitvice, Croatia's beautiful and most interesting natural phenomenon, with its vast flora and the incredible sequence of 16 lakes.

Day 3 (morning): Ploce

The City of Ploce is our jumping off point for journeying to the famous Catholic sanctuary of Medjugorje. It is perhaps the most famous in all the world because it is where the Blessed Virgin Mary has made several appearances, starting in 1981. The parish there was founded in 1892 and was dedicated to the patron saint of pilgrims, St. Jacob, The Apostle. A small parish then, it is so much more now! And a place of great religious revivals, prayer meetings and pilgrimage. Also located in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Mostar, which is rich in cultural and historical treasure and heritage. Mostar is named after its Old Bridge (Stari most) and its side towers ("the bridge keepers": mostari). The influence of the centuries-old Ottoman Empire is also felt in Mostar. Consider the narrow winding cobblestone bazaar streets, the elevated slender sky-oriented minarets and the singular houses with wooden balconies.

Day 3 (afternoon): Korcula

Korcula is southern Dalmatia's most popular and most sophisticated island and the birthplace of Marco Polo. And what better place for the most famous of all world travelers than to be born in this picturesque island city? Here are perhaps even more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. The island has a number of famous towns including Korcula, Lumbarda and Vela Luka. Korcula is also home to the medieval chivalric game of Moreska, a formidable sport said to rival that of chess. Your tour here will see this and so much more in ample evidence among the island's inhabitants who are very proud of their architectural heritage. A beautiful island rife with pine forests and many centuries-old buildings, Korcula lies opposite the enchanting peninsula of Peljesac. And your journey here will indeed be enchanting as you explore the ancient town walls, the City Museum with all its myriad of historic icons, and the Abbatial Treasury that is worthy of a king's ransom!

Day 4: Kotor

The rugged Lovcen Mountain overlooks the medieval city Kotor, a city full of natural delights and studied sights. Hosting one of the most beautiful bays in all the Mediterranean, Kotor is known for its woods and mountain rivers. Visit the nearby Montenegrin Riviera and the hometown of Petar II, notable Montenegrin statesman and poet. After dining on some delicious refreshments and local dishes, you wills segue to the incomparable city museum of Cetinje. It is here where the vast cultural treasure of Montenegro was created and remains closely guarded and preserved. Do not miss Sveti Stefan, located in the Budva Riviera. And then experience exotic Budva itself, considered one of the oldest settlements in the region. Or travel to one of the other four spectacular bays that cut into the coastline along the Adriatic.

Day 5: Durres

Formerly called Dyrrah, Durres is considered one of the most ancient cities in all of Albania, and the largest seaport there. So much of the history here is from the Roman Empire, and so much of it is intact and waiting to be seen. It includes the Roman Thermal Baths, the Archaeological Museum , the amphitheatre, and the fortress. From Durres you will journey to a medieval town located some 560 meters above sea level and situated on the slopes of Sarl Salltiku Mountain--Kruja. Naturally, its most prominent feature is the castle with the Scenderbeg museum inside. Continue to Tirana, the capital of Albania, which is no doubt the busiest and most significant city in all the country. Check out the Clock Tower which is over two hundred years old, the Historical museum or the Mosque of Ethem Bay which is composed of 37 lines of stone, and a chance to view the resident governance area during the communist years.

Day 6: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is Croatia historic coastal city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also the home of numerous ancient stone buildings and a sprawling metropolis of twisting streets and friendly squares. They will lead you to many beautiful, exotic sights, including the fountain of Onofrio, the Franciscan monastery with the third oldest pharmacy in all of Europe, the church of St. Blaise (named after Croatia's patron saint), and the Rector's Palace. Sauntering through the gates of Pile is in itself an unforgettable experience. From there, go visit Stradun and the medieval city walls and fortifications. Then gasp over the vast view of Dubrovnik. Beyond the quaint town harbor you will see the tiny island of Lokrum. It is known as the Island Of Love. Perhaps a brief visit there...and you will discover why!

Day 7: Split

Along the eastern shores of the ever-mesmerizing Adriatic sits the alluring city of Split, the largest and most important city in all of Dalmatia. The city of Split is sometimes thought to have been founded with the building of Emperor Diocletian's Palace around 293 A.D. Today, the palace is still the center of Split and the core of the city, and always hustling and bustling. And full of business and commerce comprising numerous markets, squares, shops and eateries and even a very old cathedral (St. Duje's) which was called Diocletian's mausoleum. There are of course quite a few special sights to view inside Diocletian's Palace, not the least being the 60m high bell tower of St. Duje's Cathedral located over the mausoleum, the famous Basements, the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Venus, Vestibul, the Silver and Golden Gates, and the huge, imposing statue of Gregory of Nin sculpted in 1929. All this certainly contributed to the Palace of Diocletian being inscribed by UNESCO into its World Heritage List.

Day 8: Koper

Disembarkation after breakfast.

Season I

Season II

Inside

Ocean, Main & Upper Deck

Seaview porthole Ocean Deck

Seaview porthole

Reception Deck

Seaview window

Upper Deck

Seaview window Promenade Navigator (o)

Seaview window Navigator Deck

Sale

$1,895

$2,095

Sale

$2,095

$2,295