Day 1: Arrive Venice
A transfer from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport to the Hotel Danieli is included upon your arrival. Originally built as a palace for the Doge Dandolo, this 14th-century landmark near Piazza San Marco has been lavishly restored with pink marble, stained glass, gold leaf and Murano glass chandeliers. Join us this evening in this wonderful setting for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Experience the Pleasures of Venice
You’ll get a taste of how opulent life was for the ruling elite of medieval Venice at the richly decorated Doge’s Palace; it served as the official residence of the Venetian Republic’s rulers through the Renaissance and beyond. There’s nothing quite like getting to know a new destination through the eyes – and the experiences – of a local expert... and you’ll do just that in Venice today when you join a resident guide in this city of canals for a tour of Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), the center of Venetian life and home to dramatic St. Mark’s Basilica. After some first-class people-watching (not to mention pigeon-watching) in one of the most recognizable public squares on Earth, go inside the Basilica, a magnificent blend of Eastern and Western influences, for a close-up look at its gleaming mosaics and other priceless treasures including statues, icons and its famous horses (day of visit may vary). The rest of your day is free to explore Venice, which is refreshingly devoid of cars, as you wish.
Overnight: Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Venetian Islands / Embark L'Austral
The little island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon became Europe’s principal glass-producing center during the Renaissance, and its artisans still craft their signature glass the traditional way. See how it’s done with a glassblowing demonstration at a Murano studio before visiting the island of Burano, renowned for lively fishing villages dotted with brightly painted houses and for the delicate lace it produces. After exploring Burano on your own, return to Venice and board L’Austral, a sleek, innovative yachting cruise vessel launched in 2011. Sipping cocktails on the deck as you sail past Piazza San Marco and out into the Adriatic Sea is an experience you’ll never forget... can there be a more perfect way to begin your 7-night cruise along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast...
Overnight: Cruising aboard L'Austral
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: Colorful Croatia - Sibenik & Split
L’Austral docks this morning in Sibenik, Croatia, where you’ll see the Cathedral of St. James. A stunning Gothic masterpiece of white stone decorated with sculptured heads of what are believed to be Sibenik townspeople of the time, it is an impressive Renaissance building as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An inspiring drive along the beautiful Adriatic coast leads to the home of famed 20th-century Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic; following your visit, arrive in the port of Split, on the remains of the 4th-century palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian. These well-preserved ruins house shops, homes, and one of the world’s oldest cathedrals within their ancient walls; explore them on a walking tour.
Overnight: Cruising aboard L'Austral
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: The Beautiful Island of Korcula
Today’s destination is the Adriatic island of Korcula, birthplace of famed 13th-century explorer Marco Polo. Your local guide leads you on a walking tour of Korcula’s walled town to see the Museum of the Icons in the church, the Cathedral of St. Mark, and the town’s most famous house, on what may have been the site of Polo’s family home. You’ll also be treated to a firsthand look at the island’s folkloric traditions with a private Moreska dance presentation of a Moroccan folk story, performed only in this town. You’ll have free time into this evening to explore on your own.
Overnight: Cruising aboard L'Austral
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Dubrovnik, “Pearl of the Adriatic”
Awaken in the magnificent walled port city of Dubrovnik, where a private lecture by Croatia’s former Minister of Tourism precedes a full day spent exploring this medieval gem. With its ancient buildings, squares, cobbled streets and fountains all created from the same beautifully cut stone, Dubrovnik’s entire Old Town has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you’ll explore the main square, the Dominican Monastery, the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Synagogue and more on a walking tour. Then spend the rest of the day as you please, perhaps strolling along the city’s impressive ramparts overlooking the sea, or visiting the Maritime Museum in St. John’s Castle.
Overnight: Cruising aboard L'Austral
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Montenegro and Gorgeous Kotor
Incredible scenery surrounds you as L’Austral sails into the fjord-like Bay of Kotor and docks in Kotor. Montenegro’s ancient maritime center, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was both a Roman and a Byzantine stronghold; a guided walking tour visits its maritime museum and one of the city’s Romanesque churches. Back aboard the ship, a local female a cappella singing group entertains today; your cruise continues on to the jet-setting island of Hvar.
Overnight: Cruising aboard L'Austral
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: The Treasures of Hvar
A favorite sun-kissed playground of the rich and famous, the island of Hvar welcomes you with lush vineyards, aromatic fields of lavender, and cultural treasures destined to leave you enriched and inspired. Island exploration includes a tour of Hvar Town, home to intricately carved Venetian architecture, and Stari Grad. You’ll also see Spanjol Fortress, steeped in medieval charm; it is set high above the town with spectacular coastal views. The Dalmatian Coast produces some exceptional wine; enjoy a wine tasting and return to Hvar Town for time at leisure.
Overnight: Cruising aboard L'Austral
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Istria / Pula, Croatia
Discoveries along the lovely Istrian peninsula, bordering Italy on Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast, begin in Pula, featuring impressive vestiges of Roman occupation; visit its 1st-century amphitheatre, considered the best-preserved in the world. Later, take a guided walking tour of the fairy-tale village of Rovinj. Please join us this evening for farewell cocktails and dinner as L’Austral returns to Venice on your last night at sea.
Overnight: Cruising aboard L'Austral
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Disembark Ship / Journey Home
Tour ends: 9:00 AM at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Disembark L’Austral for an 8:30 AM coach transfer from the dock in Venice to Marco Polo Airport. Allow 3 hours for check-in at the airport. Flights should depart after 12:00 PM.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast