Adriatic Gems Itinerary and Ports Of Call

Pre and post cruise extensions are available for those interested in extending your European vacation. Contact your cruise host Susan Bluhm for details. 425.586.4518 or susan@stellartravel.com

Day	Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
0	02 Oct 2012	Venice, Italy		05:00 PM
1	03 Oct 2012	At Sea (Adriatic Sea)
2	04 Oct 2012	Kerkira, Corfu, Greece	11:00 AM	11:00 PM
3	05 Oct 2012	Brindisi, Italy	09:00 AM	06:00 PM
4	06 Oct 2012	Dubrovnik, Croatia	08:00 AM	11:00 PM
5	07 Oct 2012	Kotor, Montenegro	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
6	08 Oct 2012	Split, Croatia	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
7	09 Oct 2012	Zadar, Croatia	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
8	10 Oct 2012	Pula, Croatia	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
9	11 Oct 2012	Venice, Italy	08:00 AM
10	12 Oct 2012	Venice, Italy	06:00 AM

Venice, Italy

The first settlement of the marshy islands in the lagoon was for protection from barbarian tribes that terrorized mainland farms and villages. Island living quickly led to the development of skills in handling boats, then ships. Maritime trade conducted by shrewd merchants brought great wealth, which permitted the building of palaces, churches and monuments. The city became the center of the vast Venetian empire, its name forever summoning visions of grandeur, magnificence, richness, graciousness and beauty. Although later linked to the mainland, first by a railway bridge built in 1848 and then by a motor causeway in 1930, this island city will always be considered the "Queen of the Sea." There are no cars in Venice; all transportation is by boat or on foot along the time-worn, cobblestone streets and across some 400 bridges that span the city's 177 canals. Enchanting Venice truly offers an atmosphere that exists nowhere else. Explore Codé Nast Insider Tips for Venice.
View a sampling of the Venice shore excursions

Kerkira, Corfu, Greece

A scant few miles off the Albanian coast lies the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in "The Odyssey" and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for "The Tempest," the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers – Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Rolling acres of olive groves, small orchards of lemon and orange trees, tall cypress, oleander, and myrtle bushes lend a lush, verdant look to the island. While the oldest part of Corfu Town has cobblestone lanes so narrow only pedestrian travel is possible, the modern sector has wide avenues. Residents boast that its "Spianada" is the largest and most beautiful square in all Greece.
View a sampling of the Corfu/Kerkira shore excursions

Brindisi, Italy

Set on a peninsula between two arms of the Adriatic Sea, Brindisi was an important port of the Roman Empire, and later for the East India Company. In the 2nd century BC the Appian Way was built, linking the port to Rome, and a column near the harbor marks the end of that famous route. It is here that in 71 BC, the gladiator Spartacus led thousands of rebel slaves in an unsuccessful escape. Today visitors find Romanesque churches, a 13th-century castle and, in the surrounding Apulia region, remains of ancient Messapian culture.
View a sampling of the Brindisi shore excursions

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to greatness as a merchant state, independent republic and cultural crossroads. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls. Relax at a sidewalk café, listen to the chimes of the 14th-century bell tower or join the promenade down the palace-lined avenue known as the Stradun.
View a sampling of the Dubrivnik shore excursions

Kotor, Montenegro

One of the best preserved medieval towns of the Adriatic, Kotor is protected by UNESCO. Between 1420 and 1797, the area was under the rule of the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence can be seen in its architecture. The Gulf of Kotor is sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is actually a submerged river canyon. The overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen complete one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful landscapes.
View a sampling of the Kotor shore excursions

Split, Croatia

Split is an ancient city founded on the Adriatic coast toward the end of the 3rd century. It is here that the emperor Diocletian built his walled castle on the slopes above the bay. Today that well-preserved palace and the later historic building built within its walls, form the heart of old Split, earning the community a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Split is a busy port with numerous ferries operating to and from nearby islands. It is also a popular resort with beaches and pleasant promenades.
View a sampling of the Split shore excursions

Zadar, Croatia

Located in central Dalmatia Zadar is one of the Adriatic's most historically interesting towns with a wealth of sightseeing and exciting nightlife. Zadar was founded by the Romans, attacked by the Turks, ruled by the Austrians and made part of Italy until 1943 when the Germans moved in. Allied bombing destroyed much of the historic centre which was rebuilt after the war only to suffer more attacks by Yugoslav forces in 1991. In recent years Zadar has undergone a startling revival. Cafes and bars are filled, museums and churches have been restored and tourists pour in to take boats to nearby islands.
View a sampling of the Zadar shore excursions

Pula, Croatia

Situated at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula, Pula is known for its mild climate, smooth sea, and unspoiled nature. The natural beauty of Pula's surrounding countryside and turquoise water of the Adriatic have made the city an internationally popular summer vacation destination. An area administrative center dating back to the ancient Roman era, Pula has a long and fascinating history. It has at various times been under the rule of the Romans, Ostrogoths, Venetians, Hapsburgs and Italians, making it a crossroads of culture. The city is best known for its many surviving ancient Roman buildings, the most famous of which is its 1st century amphitheatre, which is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world. The star-shaped castle with four bastions is situated on top of the central hill of the old city.
View a sampling of the Pula shore excursions