Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - Koper.
Fly to Trieste where you will be met and transferred to Koper to embark your cruise ship, MS Arion. Your cruise includes full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 8.
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Day 2: Pula.
The western shores of the Istrian Peninsula are home to its most beautiful towns, one of which is 3,000 year-old Pula. This charming Italianate-styled town is famed for its age-old archeological ruins, which include a spectacular Roman amphitheatre, the sixth largest in the world. Other highlights include exquisite classical monuments such as the Temple of Augustus, Golden Gate and the Triumphal Arch of the Sergei. Today, marvel at the city's sights on an optional guided tour, including the colossal 22,000-seat amphitheatre, built entirely from limestone and the site of many a gladiatorial contest. There's also the chance to visit Rovinj, another Istrian gem, and the ancient inland village of Motovun, for a taste of hidden Croatia.
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Day 3: Zadar.
Once rivalling Venice in importance, historic Zadar is a treasure trove for sightseers. Dating back to the 9th century BC, this wonderful, red-roofed city stands on a scenic promontory jutting into the sparkling Adriatic. A charismatic mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, it's perhaps best known for its ruined Roman Forum and priceless collection of ecclesiastical art known as 'The Gold and Silver of Zadar', housed in one of its churches. Our optional guided tour includes the main landmarks, particularly the impressive St Donatus' Church, a circular edifice built in pre-Romanesque style. Other optional excursions include trips to spectacular Plitvice National Park, with its stunning lakes and waterfalls, and a boat trip to the picturesque Kornati islands.
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Day 4: Split - Korcula.
The ancient city of Split is Croatia's second largest city and known as the 'Capital of Dalmatia'. Having developed as a town after the building of the original Roman Emperor's Palace 1,700 years ago, this relaxed, culture-packed city is a joy to spend time in. Enjoy an optional tour, taking in many of the highlights, from the lively market and colourful promenade to the well-preserved Diocletian Palace, named after the Roman Emperor who lived there in the 3rd century. This afternoon, cruise south towards the medieval town of Korcula, an island-town famed as the birthplace of Marco Polo and filled with narrow stone streets, romantic churches and fascinating museums.
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Day 5: Dubrovnik.
A highlight of your cruise lies ahead as your ship docks at Dubrovnik for an optional tour of the breathtaking old city, which once rivalled Venice as a trading centre and now equals it for its beauty. Enclosed in mighty medieval walls measuring over a mile long, this jewel of a city is justifiably known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Today, there is time to marvel at its marble-paved 'Stradun', famous clock tower and enchanting Franciscan monastery, as well as its glorious Rector's Palace and imposing gateways.
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Day 6: Kotor.
Another day of wonder awaits as we glide into the spectacular Bay of Kotor in Montenegro early this morning. Known locally as the 'Boka Kotorska', this majestic fjord is the only one in the Mediterranean and makes a stunning sight, with its soaring mountains and untouched fishing villages. Cupped at the end of the fjord, Kotor is a well-preserved medieval town, complete with 4 kilometre-long walls and towering fortress perched high above on a hilltop. Enjoy this picturesque, peaceful city or an optional excursion to the former Montenegrin capital of Cetinje with its grandiose Royal Palace, calling at Budva, a picturesque coastal resort, on your way back.
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Day 7: Ploce.
Today, your ship moors at Ploce on the central Dalmatian coast for an optional trip to the famous city of Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dating back to the 16th century, this deeply poignant town is built from stone and boasts an iconic bridge, first constructed by the Turks some 500 years ago and recently restored to its former glory.
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Day 8: Koper - UK.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to Trieste airport for your flight to the UK.
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