Exploring Ancient Dalmatia (Exclusive to Andante)

In a relaxing start to our cruise, M/S Adriatic Queen sets sail on to Hvar, the sunniest of the Dalmatian Islands. After lunch, we berth in Stari Grad, which justifies its translation (‘old town’) with a history that stretches back 2,500 years and two UNESCO World Heritage list entries. Choose one of the excellent cafés and restaurants that line the harbour here for dinner.

Hvar Town, another walled gem enclosing eight centuries of beautiful architecture, is a particular highlight of the Dalmatian Coast, and here we visit the oldest public theatre in Europe along with the Renaissance cathedral. Then it is on to Korčula, reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo. This enchanting island is home to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, and we explore its Gothic palaces, stone streets and fairytale towers. A wine tasting introduces delicious local vintages, and gourmet delights await this evening at whichever restaurant you choose, with fresh fish and seafood a particular pleasure.

MS Adriatic Queen sails serenely on to Dubrovnik this morning, and after lunch we take a tour of this sublime city, jewel-like with its characteristic ruby red roofs encircled by white-gold walls. Dubrovnik’s fame is well earned, but in the height of summer it can be overwhelmed with tourists. So much nicer then to visit in spring, and to remain here in the evening after the day trippers have departed. A panoramic city tour helps you gain your bearings, then there is free time to make your own discoveries – perhaps visit the elegant 15^th century Rector’s Palace, home to the rulers of Ragusa, as Dubrovnik was then known, the Franciscan Monastery or one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe (which is still dispensing). In terms of quality restaurants, Dubrovnik has an embarrassment of riches, and you are sure to find a memorable dining venue this evening.

Turning the compass back north, we continue our voyage to Mljet, the greenest of the Dalmatian Islands. Here we spend time in the picturesque Mljet National Park and take a boat ride to St. Mary Isle, where we visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and 12th century church. The evening is free in Mljet to choose your own characterful local restaurant for dinner.

With another swim stop en route, we sail to glorious, beach-fringed Brač, an island which has made its own unique contribution to world culture over thousands of years – the white stone from its quarries has been used in the building of, amongst other iconic buildings, Diocletian’s Palace, The White House and Budapest’s Parliament. The stonemasonry tradition is still strong and, in the village of Pučišća, we visit the Stonemasonry School to learn more about the skills involved in sculpting Brač stone in a variety of ways. Enjoy a sumptuous Captain’s Dinner back onboard.

For 300 years from the 12^th century to the 15^th century, the pirates of Omiš were the masters of the Adriatic and one of the most powerful maritime forces of the entire Mediterranean. Superb shipbuilders and sailors, they crafted a fleet perfect for stealth attacks and even preyed on the likes of the Papacy and the Crusaders. The pirate ‘dukes’ reigned from this mainland stronghold and, even when their hegemony fell to the mighty navy of the Venetian Republic, they still managed to hold fast in their fortresses for 24 years. Some of these great edifices still stand and may be explored on a short walking tour, before we board a small boat to explore the protected nature area of Cetina River Canyon.

Following a swimming stop and lunch on MS Adriatic Queen, we make our return to to Split. Here, in the land of his birth, the Roman Emperor Diocletian retired, having built the most extraordinary palace complex, which now comprises much of the old town. There are Roman-era remnants to admire – not least the Temple of Jupiter (now cathedral baptistery) and the Peristyle, the city’s elegant central square – along with Gothic and Renaissance buildings, which add further lustre to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With amazing restaurants to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice at dinner.

We disembark MS Adriatic Queen after enjoying breakfast and catch our included return flight back to London.