8 Night Croatia Under Sail Dubrovnik Split and Zadar Cruise from Split

Arrive in Split and embark the ship in the late afternoon.

Gather on deck for a play-by-play description of the crew in the rigging and the action of setting square sails, staysails, and jibs as the ship shows her full glory. Relax with a book on deck and enjoy delicious meals and complimentary drinks. This evening, enjoy the Captain's welcome cocktail hour and dinner.

Go ashore in Rovinj, once one of the most important cities in the Venetian Empire, and travel inland to Pula. Settled by an ancient Illyrian tribe, it reached the height of its power under Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. Venture to its well-preserved amphitheater, built by Emperor Vespasian in the first century AD and believed to have held around 20,000 spectators. Drive through olive groves and vineyards to the San Tommaso Relais & Wine, sample award-winning vintages, and hear tales of when the region was ruled by the Austro-Hungarian empire. After lunch aboard the ship, venture into Rovinj's charming old town set on a tiny peninsula that was an island until 1763. Walk the cobbled streets, peruse the local open-air market, and see sites that illustrate the city's close ties with Venice.

Arrive in Zadar this morning, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. Explore its defensive walls, gates, and bastions, developed during the 16th century to thwart Ottoman incursions. Stroll the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum and visit St. Mary's Church, a Benedictine convent dating back to the 11th century. Here, we'll have an opportunity to meet some of the resident nuns who serve as caretakers of the church and the adjoining treasury, which houses priceless ecclesiastical artifacts of Byzantine and Venetian craftsmanship and an extensive collection of relics. Enjoy an afternoon at sea as we sail to Hvar.

At the height of Venetian rule, Hvar was the region's most prosperous center. Set off on a walking tour along the waterfront and inside the delightful walled city. Visit the 15th-century Franciscan monastery, the arsenal, and Croatia's oldest active theater. If you choose, hike up to the citadel for spectacular views of the island and the azure Adriatic beyond. Before setting sail toward Komiza this afternoon, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy a swim from one of the island's picturesque beaches.

One of the outermost of Croatia's many islands, Vis was ruled successively by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, and Italians. It became a central Yugoslav military base during World War II and only opened to tourists in the 1990s, making it less developed and less populated than many of its neighbors. Set out on a walking tour of the fishing town of Komiza, and see the traditional sailing vessels called falkusa, which have been used here since the 16th century. Hear about age-old regattas originally designed to keep pirates at bay, take in expansive views from the rugged interior, and visit a family-owned winery for a tasting. See the extensive tunnels where Yugoslav resistance leader Josip Broz Tito hid troops and weapons at the end of World War II and into the Cold War, and venture to hillside barracks and hidden bunkers.

Spend the day exploring Croatia's most renowned showplace, Dubrovnik-a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. Get thoroughly introduced to this "Pearl of the Adriatic", and later, enjoy a private performance of traditional Croatian klapa music before an evening sail to Korcula.

Anchor at the island port of Korcula, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the Balkans. Visit the town and see the house some believe is Marco Polo's birthplace. Take some time to enjoy the waterfront, including a swim from the beach. Later, experience a Moreska sword dance performance, one of Korcula's proudest traditions dating back to the 15th century. Spend the afternoon under sail and enjoy the Captain's farewell dinner as we make our way to Split.

Disembark in Split this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home.