Luxury Adriatic Cruise
Sail into Montenegro and Croatia Ports by Yacht
A one-of-a-kind 12-day cruise explores the Dalmatian Coast of Montenegro and Croatia, featuring Europe's top birding sites, nature reserves and historic Adriatic ports
Long inaccessible to cruise ships, the Dalmatian Coast is on the eastern shore of the Adriatic, facing Italy. Its ports, once part of the Venetian Empire, still show the architectural influences of Venice, but also reflect their modern history as part of the former Yugoslavia.
The ports, now in the countries of Croatia and Montenegro, are known for their colorful history and their outstanding medieval and Renaissance architecture, but are still not regularly visited by cruise ships. This is especially true of the smaller and harder-to-access ports along this dramatic coast, and the nearby world-class natural areas. Along with these seldom-visited natural reserves are the ports of Dubrovnik, Sveti Stefan, Split and the former Venetian stronghold of Kotor.
All of these – and several more attractions – are included in International Expedition’s one-of-a-kind sailing in August of 2007, on board the luxury yacht Callisto. The trip’s focus will be divided between the fascinating coastal cities and towns and the even less well-known natural areas that lie nearby.
This blend of eras, styles and cultures makes the ports-of-call unlike those of other more commonly visited European cruise ports, and are enough reason to explore the region. But unique in Europe is the region’s abundance of wildlife, and passengers will have the chance to explore several natural areas and nature refuges. One of these, Lake Skrdarsko, is home to 270 species of birds, the largest reserve in Europe.
Attractions of Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast include:
- Dubrovnik -- walled medieval city of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture; sights include the 15th century Franciscan monastery, the Rector’s Palace, the Cathedral and the Jewish synagogue
- Kotor -- fortifications and buildings dating from the Venetian rule
- Split -- the Palace of Diocletian, built for the Roman emperor in 295-305 A.D, and the only Roman palace to be continuously inhabited since Roman times
- Herceg-Novi -- the 11th century Savina Monastery.
- Mljet and the Mljet National Park -- two connected saltwater lakes, with the islet of St. Mary’s in the middle of Great Lake, where there is a 12th century Benedictine Monastery.
- Korcula Island – known as the greenest island in the Adriatic
- Cres -- home of the rare Eurasian griffon vulture, one of the world’s largest flying birds
- Kruna Reserve – habitat of golden and short-toed eagles, peregrines, and honey buzzards
The ship’s 34 guests will spend seven nights on board the Callisto before transferring to hotels for three nights in Zagreb and the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Small enough to sail into coastal inlets, islets and beaches that other ships can’t reach, the ship is more like a luxury private yacht. Throughout the cruise are special tours and programs, including a performance by traditional a cappella klappa singers.
The cruise is offered by International Expeditions, and deep discounts are offered on early bookings.
