Legends of the Northern Adriatic

Explore the Adriatic's northern coastal reaches, scenic small ports, and historic cities in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia on an eight-night voyage. Sip espresso as you follow the literary footsteps of novelist James Joyce through Trieste cafes, museums, and inspirational waterfront vistas. Admire colorful Roman mosaics and Byzantine era architecture in Ravenna, then nibble on warm Piadina--a local flatbread made since the Middle Ages--paired with golden Albana wine. Escort happy hounds into the Motoven Forest on a truffle hunt outside Opatija. Browse Sibenik shops in search of smoked meats, tart cheeses, Croatian wood carvings, and handcrafted jewelry. Dip into the soothing salt spa therapy pools in the Secovlje Salina Nature Park outside Piran, or venture inland to the historic capital of Ljubjana, where you can visit manicured 18th century park lanes, ornate cathedrals, and a regal castle.

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.

Trieste, Italy, is a fascinating crossroads where Italian, Slavic, and Austrian influences meet. Overlooking the Adriatic, it charms with grand Habsburg architecture, the bustling Piazza Unità d’Italia, and the historic Caffè San Marco. Stroll the elegant waterfront, visit Miramare Castle’s cliffside gardens, and savor the city’s famous coffee culture and fresh seafood.

Ravenna is connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Candiano Canal. It is known for its colorful mosaics adorning many of its building. There are many well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine structures with eight buildings comprising the Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 

Once a favorite of Austro-Hungarian royalty, small ship exclusive Opatija is known for its 19th-century villas, palm-lined Lungomare promenade, and peaceful beaches. Relax in this elegant resort town filled with history, charm, and coastal views.

One of Croatia’s oldest coastal cities and a small ship exclusive, Šibenik offers a perfect blend of medieval history and seaside beauty. Stroll through stone streets to discover St. James Cathedral, quaint cafes, and views of the Dalmatian coastline.

While larger ships must pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera — and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it) watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea. 

Situated on a tiny piece of land jutting into the sea and considered to be the most beautiful of Slovenia’s coastal towns, Piran is full of medieval architecture, narrow streets, and compact houses.  A walk to the beautiful oval-shaped main square will greet you with a statue of Giuseppe Tartini, composer and virtuoso violinist, and the most famous man of Piran.  Around the square are attractions like Venetian House, and a delightful Gothic-Venetian structure, The Sergei Masera Maritime Museum and the Church of St. George with its gorgeous view over the city and the harbor from the bell tower. Take a tour to the nearby Skocjan Caves National Park, a UNESCO site. 

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.