Jewels of the Adriatic
Venice - Rovinj - Ljubljana - Split - DubrovnikSpend four glorious days absorbed in the glittering treasures of Venice, travel across the picturesque Istrian Peninsula to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, onto the azure waters and rugged mountain ranges of Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline, and to the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik.
Commence your journey in the romantic city of Venice, world renowned for its maze of canals, open air piazzas, distinctive art and dazzling architecture. A special highlight will be the visit to the Basilica di San Marco outside normal opening hours.
Your journey takes you from Venice through north eastern Italy, the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia and inland to Slovenia, a country rich in history and unspoilt beauty. Travel through central Croatia before reaching the breathtaking Adriatic Coast and the Dalmatian cities, Split and Dubrovnik, where you will discover the unique culture and style of this proudly independent country.
During the tour you will visit many places of art and architectural interest. The tour has also been designed to allow sufficient leisure time for you to discover the towns we visit at your own pace, to ensure you are able to soak up the local atmosphere and truly enjoy your holiday adventure.
Join Liz Gibson for this captivating tour of the eastern Adriatic and discover a rich diversity of art and architecture, culture, history and spectacular natural scenery. 
Aerial view of Dubrovnik
ITINERARY:
Friday 15 May 2009: Depart Australia
Depart Australia on Emirates via Dubai. Overnight in flight
Saturday 16 May: Arrive Venice
Morning arrival in Venice and transfer to your hotel. Today will be at leisure to take in the sights of Venice and perhaps take a cruise on the Grand Canal.
This evening join Liz Gibson and your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner. (D)
Sunday 17 May: Venice
This morning begin your discovery of Venice on a walking tour including the Rialto Bridge and fish market followed by a visit to Palazzo Ducale, a rich symbol of Venice and the Venetian Republic, remarkable for its cultural, military, political and economic history. Afternoon at leisure.
In the evening visit the Basilica di San Marco, a unique monument with its complex history and the magnificence of its façade and interior, during a special opening. Discover the treasures of the Basilica outside normal opening hours and without the crowds! (B,L)
Monday 18 May: Venice
Morning visit to the Gallerie dell'Accademia housing Venice's single most important art collection, brilliantly illustrating Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries. Highlights include key works by Veneziano, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Bellini and Titian.
Afternoon visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which exhibits her personal collection of 20th century art, including paintings by Picasso, Miro, de Chirico, Magritte, Kandinsky, Mondrian and her Sculpture Garden with sculptures by Marini and Giacometti. (B)
This evening you may choose to enjoy an optional performance at Teatro La Fenice.
Tuesday 19 May: Venice
Today visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, which is famous for an astonishing series of more than fifty canvases painted by Tintoretto in the 1500’s and the Frari Church to see Titian’s stunning Assumption of Maria amongst other great works of art. Lunch at a local restaurant in Campo Santa Margherita, one of the most vibrant areas in the city.
Remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L)
Wednesday 20 May: Venice
This morning take a boat ride to visit a small island in the lagoon of Venice, Torcello, where the story of Venice first began and view Byzantine mosaics in the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. Remainder of the day at leisure. You might like to attend one of the many concerts regularly held in Venice’s many Churches. (B)
Thursday 21 May: Venice - Rovinj
This morning depart Venice by coach for Rovinj. Stop in Trieste, located at the north end of the Adriatic Sea, a Central-European city which for several centuries had been under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After a break for lunch, continue through the Istrian Peninsula, the north western corner of Croatia. With its Italianate appearance, the Peninsula has a strong legacy from early Roman times and later on, centuries of Venetian Rule. We will stay two nights on the Adriatic coast in the harbour town of Rovinj. (B,D)
Friday 22 May: Rovinj
Morning drive to Poreč for a visit to the world heritage listed 6th century Byzantine masterpiece, the Basilica of Euphrasius, with its splendid mosaics. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure in Rovinj. (B)
Saturday 23 May: Rovinj - Ljubjana
This morning drive south to Istria’s most famous former Roman town, Pula. Tour the old city visiting the outstanding 1st century Triumphal Arch of Sergius, the Temple of Augustus and the impressive Roman amphitheatre, one of the six largest still in existence today. Continue to Ljubljana, the charming capitol of Slovenia set on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Sunday 24 May: Ljubljana
Full day sightseeing excursion through the natural beauty of Slovenia, beginning with Bohinj, one of the most stunning places in Triglav National Park in the heart of the Julian Alps. Continue on to Bled Castle, perched at the top of a steep cliff overlooking Lake Bled, today’s lunch stop. Continue to the scenic Lake Bled where you will take a leisurely cruise. (B,L)
Monday 25 May: Ljubljana
This morning explore Ljubljana’s Old town, renowned for its unique architectural appearance which is a combination of Roman, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. In the first half of the twentieth century, the character of this lovely city was re-shaped by the famous European architect Jože Plečnik, a native of Ljubljana. Afternoon is at leisure to explore more of this picturesque city. (B)
Tuesday 26 May: Ljubljana - Split
Morning depart by coach for the Plitvice Lakes National Park located in the heart of Croatia. Known for its spectacular waterfalls, there are 16 different lakes within this massive 300 sq km world heritage park. Enjoy a relaxing break in this extensive natural reserve. In the afternoon, continue onto the Dalmatian Coast and end the day’s journey in Split. (B,D)
Wednesday 27 May: Split
Today visit Diocletian’s Palace, the heart of the old town of Split and one of the most imposing Roman ruins in the world. Most of the historical buildings can be found within the walls of the Palace, including the Cathedral of St. Domnius.
In the afternoon visit the tiny islet of Trogir, once a Venetian stronghold and now one of the many jewels along the Dalmatian coast. Take a walking tour through the maze of tiny squares and narrow streets in the old centre of Trogir and discover its architectural charm. (B)
Thursday 28 May: Split - Dubrovnik
Departing Split in the morning, continue down the dramatic Adriatic Coast to the final destination of Dubrovnik. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to explore this unique walled city, before enjoying dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Friday 29 May: Dubrovnik
Today embark on a full day walking and sightseeing tour of the Old Town of Dubrovnik. View Dubrovnik's City Walls, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, which are over 2km long and 25m high, with 16 towers. The views from the towers are spectacular, and a walk along the walls will be a highlight of your visit to Dubrovnik. Also visit St Blaise's Church, a lovely Italian baroque building, and the Gothic Rector's Palace. (B,L)
Saturday 30 May: Dubrovnik
Depart early this morning on a day trip to the island of Korčula, one of the most prized islands of the Adriatic. Drive along the Dalmatian Coast and the Peljesac Peninsula to Orebic, from where you will take a short ferry ride to the charming old town of Korčula, said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Take a walking tour of the historic heart of the old town before enjoying a relaxing lunch in one of the Island’s many wonderful restaurants. Afternoon ferry transfer back to Orebic, continuing by coach along the Peljesac Peninsula to Dubrovnik. (B,L)
Sunday 31 May: Dubrovnik
Today is at leisure.
This evening join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Monday 01 June: Depart Dubrovnik
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Extend your stay in Croatia or fly to London (cost approx. $100) or any other Emirates destination within Europe to connect with the flight to Australia. (B)
Tuesday 02 June: In Flight
Wednesday 03 June: Arrive Australia
Morning arrival in Australia.
YOUR HOTELS ****
Venice Savoia & Jolanda
Rovinj Hotel Eden
Ljubljana Grand Hotel Union Executive
Split Hotel Globo
Dubrovnik Hilton Imperial
NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted
