MV Riva: Split, Zadar & Secrets of the North

DAY 6 - Trogir

Split, Zadar & Secrets of the North

Experience the treasures of Northern Croatia, seeing Split and Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace, medieval Šibenik and the natural waterfalls of Krka Valley National Park. Amongst soaking up the history and culture, take a tip in the by the tranquil Kvarner Gulf.

Your cruise at a glance

DAY 1 – Arrive in Dubrovnik Take your flight to Split and transfer to the new four-star MV Riva. Relax before an included welcome dinner.

DAY 2 – Split & Šibenik We take a swim stop before lunch on board. Arriving in charming Šibenik, we enjoy a guided walking tour. Tonight, enjoy dinner ashore at your leisure. DAY 3 – Šibenik, Krka National Park & Vodice Take a drive to the beautiful Krka Valley National Park. After lunch we visit coastal Vodice with free time to explore. DAY 4 – Vodice, Kornati National Park & Zadar This morning, we take another swim stop before entering the Kornati archipelago to admire its national parkland. We have a guided tour of ancient Zadar and some free time.

DAY 5 – Zadar, Vrgada & Zlarin We pause for a refreshing swim around the island of Vrgada before lunch. We arrive in quaint Zlarin with its picturesque harbour. This evening, we enjoy the superb Captain’s Dinner.

DAY 6 – Zlarin, Fumija & Trogir Enjoy another relaxing morning and swim stop on the island of Fumija. After lunch we reach historic Trogir for a guided walking tour with time to explore.

8 DAYS from only £1,549

Departing May to September 2021 on the MV Riva

DAY 7 – Trogir & Split We sail back to Split and Emperor Diocletian’s extraordinary palace. We take a guided walking tour of this fascinating complex then this evening is free for you to explore and take dinner.

DAY 8 – Return Flight After breakfast, we disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

For details of the MV Riva, available airports, departure dates and prices, please see pages 38 and 39

DAY 1 – Arrival in Split You’ll fly to Split, where on arrival you’ll be taken to the brand new deluxe MV Riva, moored in the ancient harbour. As you step on board this luxurious vessel, your home for the next seven nights, you will be welcomed by the friendly captain and crew, ready to help you settle in to your new surroundings. The rest of the day is at leisure so you can start to truly unwind in the company of your fellow passengers – just 38 of you. Perhaps take to the sun deck or wander ashore – whatever you choose it won’t be long before it’s time to enjoy dinner in the ship’s restaurant. Later perhaps head for an after-dinner drink in a local bar whilst soaking up the ambience of this historic and intriguing city. Day 2 – Split & Šibenik Awake refreshed and draw back the curtains to witness the morning sun rising over the glistening water; now you’re really on holiday and home will feel a long way away. Over a leisurely breakfast, excitement mounts as our beautiful yacht-cruiser slips her moorings and we commence our Dalmatian adventure.

Zadar

Kornati

DAY 3 - Vodice The Dalmatian coastline is considered to be one of the most spectacular in Europe with mile upon mile of quiet beaches and calm, pretty, secluded bays perfect for swimming. The stark magnificence of the mountains sweeps dramatically into a fertile green landscape, studded with tiny stone-built hamlets set amongst lush fruit groves and beautifully preserved medieval towns. In the crystal waters of the Adriatic lies a sprinkling of alluring unspoilt islands and mysterious coves inviting discovery. During our cruise this

Vodice KEY Route Cruise Arrive Depart

CROATIA

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Krka National Park Skradin

Šibenik

Zlarin

Trogir

Split

Your price includes

● Tour of Split and Emperor

Diocletian’s monumental palace ● Guided tour of Trogir, historic coastal gem ● Guided tour of Zadar, former ancient capital of Dalmatia ● Cruise through the stunning Kornati archipelago ● Guided tour of the medieval town of Šibenik ● Visit to beautiful Krka Valley

National Park Plus, of course... ● Return flights from a choice of regional airports* ● 7 nights on board the four-star MV

Riva in your choice of cabin ● Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, 1 dinner plus the Captain’s Dinner ● Services of our experienced tour manager ● Complimentary Wi-Fi on board ● All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers ● ABTA and ATOL protection * a supplement may apply

morning we stop for a swim before lunch back on board. After, why not take to the deck and catch up on some reading whilst a kaleidoscope of breathtaking coastal views drifts idly by? Later we arrive at the port of Šibenik and enjoy a guided walking tour of this interesting little town. Wander through the delightful maze of its medieval old town, unchanged for centuries and see the remarkable cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and one of the finest in the region. We remain moored in Šibenik overnight, so take dinner at your leisure in one of the many quaint local restaurants, whilst absorbing the infectious charms of this lovely area. DAY 3 – Šibenik, Krka National Park & Vodice After breakfast, we take a drive inland to the Krka Valley where the River Krka flows through a series of lakes, gorges and rapids before heading out to sea. The valley in its entirety has been awarded national park status and we will visit part of this exquisitely beautiful area on this morning’s tour. Due to minerals dissolved in the water, the colours change from turquoise to azure-blue and vibrant green to steel-like greys. We will witness one of the most dramatic stretches of the river – several tiers of waterfall tumble fantastically into a broad, shallow pool where you may swim should you wish. After lunch on board, we slip our moorings for an afternoon’s spectacular cruising. Enjoy the stunning island views from the comfort of a sun lounger up on deck, cool drink in hand, whilst the salty sea breeze invigorates you – it doesn’t get much better than this. Later we moor in the lovely coastal town of Vodice. You have free time to wander ashore and explore, so why not enjoy dinner at one of

DAY 7 -Split DAY 4 – Vodice, Kornati National Park & Zadar This morning we continue our journey northwards and after a leisurely breakfast, we stop for an invigorating swim in one of the many pretty bays along the rocky coastline. Back on board, we soon enter the waters of the Kornati archipelago, where a vast group of over 90 almost desert-like islands lie scattered around the central island of Kornat. The distinct barren landscape of these islands was a designated national parkland in 1980 in celebration of their remarkably desolate beauty. With striking views at every turn, enjoy another delicious lunch before we arrive at our mooring in the ancient capital of Dalmatia, Zadar. This bustling coastal town with the style and charm of the Italian Riviera, was for centuries ruled by the Venetians. Home to Croatia’s oldest university, established by monks during the 14th century, sadly much of the historic centre was destroyed during World War II. We enjoy a guided tour before you are free to explore under your own steam. Perhaps visit the Romanesque cathedral with its beautifully carved stonework, or climb the bell tower for spectacular views over the city’s rooftops. Take a stroll on the promenade or wander the tangle of medieval streets, absorbing the sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan seaside town. Soon it’ll be time for dinner, so why not try one of the many cosy restaurants serving grilled meats or fresh fish dishes? You could end the evening with a glass of maraschino, a local cherry liqueur produced here since the 16th DAY 5 – Zadar, Vrgada & Zlarin As the sun rises above the rooftops of this historic port, we cast off once again and begin our journey southwards once more. After breakfast head up on deck to watch the picturesque islands of this enchanting archipelago. As the sun glints on the azure-blue depths, sit back and let this gloriously vivid coastal spectacle wash over you. Watch for the marine life in the crystal clear waters below, or chat with your fellow companions over a coffee – simply heavenly. We find time for a refreshing swim around the beautiful island of Vrgada, with its deserted golden beaches and clear warm waters, before lunch is served on board. We soon arrive in the quaint harbour at Zlarin. Set amidst a scenic landscape of cypress forest and the occasional vineyard, is the picturesque waterfront with its cosy bars and cafés. Inhabited since Roman times, the island was once famed for harvesting the red coral that existed in abundance offshore. There is time to wander the winding backstreets before heading back on board for the Captain’s Dinner, during which a selection of regional specialities will be served.

DAY 6 – Zlarin, Fumija & Trogir Rising refreshed this morning, the relaxed pace of this cruise continues as we cast off from our picturesque mooring and set sail once more. There is time to enjoy another swim stop on the island of Fumija, where the remains of the early medieval church of St Fumija and crumbling farm buildings of the Benedictine monks of Trogir can still be seen amidst the landscape.

DAY 4 -Zadar

DAY 4 -Kornati National Park

Back on board for lunch, it’s not long before we reach our next port of call, Trogir, a historic coastal gem with its imposing city walls, a wealth of ancient sights and classic waterfront neatly fringed with glossy palms. Founded by the Greeks there followed a succession of rulers who all left their mark here amongst the stately Romanesque and Renaissance buildings. At the heart of the old town, you’ll find the majestic cathedral, one of the most impressive in the Adriatic. We enjoy a guided walking tour seeing all the main sights. Later there’s time to explore this fascinating city at your leisure, perhaps head for the hustle and bustle of the local market. As evening falls, head back onshore once again to seek out a cosy restaurant tucked away in the tiny secret courtyards of the old town, serving melt-in-the-mouth home-cured ham and local cheeses or the catch of the day. Be enchanted by this most beguiling of cities before returning to the ship, as the sun casts its lazy evening shadows.

DAY 7 – Trogir & Split We enjoy a leisurely start this morning and after breakfast we continue our journey south. Make sure you make the most of this final morning on board, soaking up the sun on deck or enjoying a drink with newly-made friends in the bar. After a last lunch, it isn’t long before Split’s ancient skyline appears on the horizon once again as we begin our final approach into this unique and remarkable city. Fascinating and magnificent Split is principally famous for a single building, the Emperor Diocletian’s huge palace, one of the greatest structures of the Roman Empire. No expense was spared in its construction – the finest Italian marble with columns and sphinxes from Egypt. Truly astonishing though is that during medieval times this extraordinary palace was fully integrated into the town’s fabric with a jumble of buildings grafted onto and inside it – for example the Temple of Jupiter became a baptistry. You will find surprises at every turn – spiralling medieval buildings lining the streets, but buttressed by unmistakably Roman columns. We enjoy a guided walking tour of this fascinating complex, recently used as the setting of the epic TV series, Game of Thrones. Take dinner at your leisure whilst the ship remains moored in Split. Later, enjoy a final digestif on the sun deck and reflect on what has been a very special kind of holiday.

DAY 8 – Return Flight After breakfast, we disembark from our yacht and return to the airport at the appropriate time.

My view

Insider knowledge “The most beautiful sunset in the world” declared Alfred Hitchcock after a visit to Zadar in 1964. Find your own special spot to view the sun going down in Croatia’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Buy Coral is interwoven into the history of Zlarin and you’ll find lovely coral jewellery and other artisan wares in the island’s shops and boutiques. Read A Traveller’s History of Croatia by Benjamin Curtis introduces travellers to a fascinating past and the many influences that have shaped Croatia into the country we see today. Taste The recipe for rafioli has been passed down from generation to generation and these crescent -shaped pastries filled with almonds, are a speciality of historic Trogir.

Pina

Cruise Director