Compare Treasures of the Croatian Coast by Saga Travel vs The Dalmatian Coast: Rome, Dubrovnik & Adriatic Dreamin’ by G Adventures
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 22 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 6,828 | $ 863 |
| Price Per Day | $ 310 | $ 123 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
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5 breakfasts |
| Description |
Embrace centuries of culture on this rewarding three-week voyage across the Mediterranean to explore the Adriatic's alluring coast. Discover the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik and Split’s Roman Diocletian’s Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy an extended stay in the timeless city of Venice to explore the waterways and piazzas. Other highlights include the picturesque islands of Malta and Minorca, as well as lesser-visited Kotor. |
Forget shooting stars, we know a much easier way to make dreams come true: exploring the unbelievably beautiful Dalmatian Coast on this seven-day, hostel-based adventure from Rome to Dubrovnik. Picture the future of Rome as you stroll through old neighbourhoods on a street art tour, then hop on a boat to cruise the Adriatic Sea to the Croatian Island of Korčula. Next, head to Ston to walk the magnificent wall, before ending this real-life dream in the famous walled city of Dubrovnik. |
Day 1: Southampton
Embark Spirit of Adventure.
Depart 1800.
Southampton, England
Day 2: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 3: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 4: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 5: Málaga, Spain
Málaga, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A reflection of the many cultures which have intermingled in this port city over the centuries, Malaga boasts a wealth of historical sights. Chief among these are the imposing Moorish citadels of Alcazaba and its gardens, and the ruins of Gilfarbaro castle, as well as the Roman amphitheatre and Renaissance cathedral. Picasso, one of the city’s most famous sons, is celebrated at the Museu de Picasso in the artists’ quarter, which is also home to the Centre of Contemporary Arts as well as a host of smaller galleries and displays of street art.
Included sightseeing excursion
An included sightseeing excursion will show you Malaga’s highlights.
Optional excursions
Follow the Camino del Rey – ‘Kings Way’ – on a walk through a gorge and discover the natural beauty of the Malaga province.
Malaga, Spain
Day 6: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 7: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 8: Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, which is overlooked by forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. Valletta’s UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn. Embark on an included scenic island tour to see more of the surrounding area.
Included sightseeing excursion
An included scenic island tour will give you an overview of Malta.
Optional excursions
Visit the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina or even head underground to the Byzantine-era Catacombs of St Paul.
Valletta, Malta
Day 9: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known as ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th- century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with pretty stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views.
Included sightseeing excursion
Join an included tour to see the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast.
Optional excursions
Enjoy a stroll around Dubrovnik’s Old Town or visit a country home in Konavle and taste some of its finest local specialities.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 11: Venice, Italy
Arrive 1200 on November 3. Depart 1700 November 4.
This captivating city set on water is one of Italy’s best-loved destinations. Once the centre of the powerful Venetian Republic, medieval Venice spans 118 tiny islands joined by labyrinthine canals crossed by elaborate bridges. The city has remained largely unchanged and contains architectural masterpieces like the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Campanile Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs, which will be revealed on an included sightseeing excursion. St Mark’s Square provides a focal point for exploration – it is fringed by old cafes and dominated by the Basilica of the same name.
Included sightseeing excursion
Discover the highlights of Venice on an included sightseeing excursion.
Optional excursions
Art lovers can feast on some of Venice’s greatest masterpieces during a visit to The Accademia Galleries which contain masterpieces of Venetian art from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century, before cruising along part of the Grand Canal by water taxi.
Venice, Italy
Day 12: Split, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast, Split’s UNESCO-listed historical centre is formed around the vast Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who built it towards the end of the third century. Set against a backdrop of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, highlights include the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which became St John's Church, and the Archaeological Museum.
Included sightseeing excursion
Join an included sightseeing tour to take in the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast.
Optional excursions
Tour the picturesque Krka National Park or enjoy a walking tour of Split which includes the Diocletian Palace.
Split, Croatia
Day 13: Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor, Montenegro
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Kotor sits at head of the Bay of Kotor, a 17-mile long inlet which is surrounded by mountains and resembles a fjord. This petite medieval walled town is hemmed in by fortifications and contains four Romanesque churches and grand Venetian mansions that are listed by UNESCO. Seek out St Tryphon’s cathedral in the central square, Gothic Drago Palace and the Maritime Museum of Montenegro which documents the town’s seafaring past.
Optional excursions
Take in the old town of Perast and Lady of the Rocks island church or travel to coastal Budva, known for its medieval walled city.
Kotor, Montenegro
Day 14: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 15: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 16: Mahón, Minorca
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Mahon, capital of Minorca, lies in a sheltered natural harbour. The rocky shoreline is dotted with elegant Georgian-style architecture, a throwback to its period of 18th-century British occupation. The museum in Fort Marlborough offers a look back at this era. Other attractions close by include 19th-century Mola Fortress, built to prevent the return of the British, and Far de Favaritx lighthouse. Join an included sightseeing excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions before exploring at your own pace.
Included sightseeing excursion
Join an included sightseeing excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions.
Mahón, Minorca
Day 17: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 18: Gibraltar
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies compact Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.
Optional excursions
Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.
Gibraltar
Day 19: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 20: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 21: At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
Day 22: Southampton
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
Day 1 Rome
Arrive at any time, find a comfy spot in the hostel to relax or go out to explore before meeting fellow Roamies in the evening.
Day 2 Rome to Split
It’s all about those good vibes and finding that connection today. This morning, enjoy a street art walking tour in the Ostiense/Testaccio neighbourhoods with a local guide. See the vibrancy of the murals on these old buildings before saying, “Arrivederci Rome”, as you cruise towards the Adriatic Coast. Once we arrive in Ancona you’ll board an overnight ferry to Split, Croatia. Sleeping cabins are included and we bet you’ll have some stories to tell afterwards. We can’t wait to hear them!
Day 3 Split
Wipe the sleep from those eyes with a quick breakfast onboard the ferry. Then, on your mark, get set, GO explore the second largest city in Croatia! Modern life and ancient history collide here ensuring there’s plenty of experiences to keep you preoccupied. The only challenge? Seeing as much as you can without rushing it. We’ll let you in on a secret. For the best views of the city consider climbing the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, then head out on a sightseeing guided tour to explore Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace. But after all this we wanted to do you a favour, so we’ll give you back your evening to do as you will. Think drinks in the hostel with new friends, or heading out on the town for a night of laughter and dancing. Doesn’t sound like you could go wrong.
Day 4 Split
Take two at exploring Split? Yes, please! Stroll along the Riva Promenade with its palm trees, colourful buildings and striking views of the Adriatic Sea; a great place to get those steps in. Looking for a hike? Consider climbing Marjan Hill where a series of trails crisscross their way to the top. Or... hear us out. You could venture a bit farther to Klis Fortress for panoramic views of the Dalmatian Coast and the “Game of Thrones” filming location for Meereen, just make sure there are no dragons flying about.
Day 5 Split/Korčula
Wow, your friends and family back home will be totally jealous of you today. Set those devices to island time and hop on a Hydrofoil sailing trip to Korčula. Yes, we said Hydrofoil. Feel inspired by the views of the rugged coastline, feel the wind whip through your hair, and be in the moment. Once you arrive, your CEO will come in clutch with another highlight walk of the area. Meet up and see some cool places like the Old Town walls, the birthplace of Marco Polo, and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Discover the local beer scene in the evening or get classy and sip some wine while eating seafood in one of the many delicious restaurants on the island.
Day 6 Korčula/Dubrovnik
Did someone say Peljesac Peninsula? No? Well anyway, you’ll be seeing this gem on your way from Korčula to Dubrovnik. Wave your goodbyes as your fleet of small boats pulls away from shore and head to a place renowned for the best red wine in Croatia. Wander the wall of Ston, from Ston to Mali. Then live your best life with your travel buds and choose to taste this renowned vino and order a dozen of the best oysters in Europe at a local restaurant. Finish up in Dubrovnik on a group walk through the Old Town. Play eye spy and see if you can spot Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, and a Franciscan Monastery. Afterwards, revel in the timeless atmosphere of this port city. You might never leave and we wouldn’t blame you.
Day 7 Dubrovnik
Depart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights and spend it lounging along the Mediterranean.
