From its top to bottom, the stunning Adriatic Coast offers some of the finest coastal scenery in the world and its collection of beautiful bays, hidden inlets and a myriad of islands both large and small make it one of the most appealing areas for small ship cruising. If you are to do justice to this enchanting corner of Europe, we believe that exploring by small ship is a must and with the 50-passenger MS Monet we are able to offer a most interesting itinerary as her size enables us to call into some less developed places and once moored, going ashore is quick and easy.
Our voyage is a heady mix of islands and ports representing a fascinating itinerary combining as it does some ‘must see’ sites together with little known and rarely visited places that are perfectly suited for our vessel. Following our time in Split during which we will explore the ancient laneways of Diocletian’s Palace, our calls along the Adriatic coast will include the delightful islands of Brac, Hvar and Vis as well as charming Mali Losinj in the northern Kvarner Gulf. From Koper in Slovenia we will visit the picturesque Medieval town of Piran and upon arriving in Italy we have a full day to explore the wonders of Venice. In addition to some daytime cruising which allows us to enjoy the magnificent views, our central moorings afford the opportunity to take a stroll after dinner in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening.
Whether it be the scenic waterways and indentations or the wealth of historic buildings, this unique area has so much to offer the genuine traveller and our itinerary will be appreciated by those who enjoy an eclectic mix of places and an informal style of cruising.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests, for a series of cruises through the Mediterranean in 2022. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Split, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Split & Brac.
A guided walk of Split takes us to Diocletian’s Palace, built by the emperor in 295-305 AD as his retirement villa. Much of this large building is well preserved and the palace contains Split’s old town within its walls, making it the only Roman palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. It is a wonderful spot to wander the maze of streets. Sail over lunch to the island of Brac and the attractive port of Pucisca located at the end of a long bay. Brac is world renowned for the quality of its stone which was used for the Diocletian’s Palace in Split as well as the White House in Washington and other parliament buildings in Europe. Spend the afternoon in the charming small town, voted one of the prettiest in Europe, where the building’s white roofs create an ambient atmosphere.
Day 3 Hvar & Vis.
From our berth in Stari Grad we take a short coach ride across the island to the attractive Old Town of Hvar for a guided walk. We will begin in the main square, the largest piazza in Dalmatia, and will see the cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery and the Benedictine Nunnery where we hear about the aloe lace still produced today by the nuns. Over lunch we cross to Vis, which spent much of its recent history serving as a Yugoslav military base, cut off from foreign visitors from the 1950s right up until 1989. This isolation preserved it from development, and today it offers an authentic tranquillity and unique beauty which we will see on an island drive.
Day 4 Sibenik & Krka National Park.
This morning we visit the majestic waterfalls of Krka. Take a guided walk along wooden walkways and across bridges through this unique fjord-like landscape with its multiple waterfalls and interesting flora and fauna. This afternoon we will have some time to explore the historic town of Sibenik seeing the Cathedral of St James, the old city walls, and the theatre. We depart late this evening for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
Day 5 Mali Losinj.
We will spend the morning at sea arriving in the early afternoon at Mali Losinj which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. It is the island’s mild climate and rich flora that give Mali Losinj its reputation as one of the most fragrant islands in Croatia; its air is scented with lavender, sage and rosemary. The seafront of the old town is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas and is a pleasant place to wander.
Day 6 Rovinj & Pula.
Arrive today to the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean to each other creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour will include a visit to the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore somewhere around 800 AD. This afternoon we will drive to the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. Here we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD, was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators.
Day 7 Koper, Slovenia.
From our berth in Koper we drive to Piran, one of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean. Influenced by the Venetian Republic, which left its mark on most Istrian towns, Piran has maintained the clustered Medieval structure of narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together and numerous squares and churches. Tartini Square is the gem found in the very centre of the city and named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. After lunch on board, enjoy some time at leisure in Koper or join the guided excursion crossing the border to the nearby Italian city of Trieste. Once the major port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is now a bustling city with a mixed identity. See the historical palaces, Piazza Unita and the wonderful waterfront. Continue to the Castle of Miramare, located on the northern point of the Adriatic Sea. Formerly the home of Emperor Maximillian, its interior is unique as each room resembles a different passion and its gardens are rich and lush, decorated by an amazing array of plants.
Day 8 Venice, Italy.
Sail into Venice this morning and join a walking tour to discover the hidden corners of the city. An off the beaten track itinerary takes us to the Arsenale, a colossal shipyard of the Serenissima Republic; the San Giorgio dei Greci Church and its secret courtyard; Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. We end at the Chiesa della Pieta, a former convent and orphanage and an authentic masterpiece of the 18th century by Giorgio Massari. The young orphans that stayed here were encouraged to study music and their most famous teacher was Antonio Vivaldi. It was here that he composed the Four Seasons and we have arranged for an exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music performed by a Venetian orchestra. It will be a thrilling experience to hear the music performed where it was created. This afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace.
Day 9 Venice to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
21 to 29 April 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £3495 | £3295 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £3795 | £3595 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4195 | £3995 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4595 | £4395 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £4795 | £4595 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE210423
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests, for a series of cruises through the Mediterranean in 2022. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Also of Interest
Wonders of the Aegean & Adriatic
A voyage from Athens to Venice aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Louise Schofield
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Nafplio / Nemea / Mycenae / kalamata / Mystras / Olympia / Sarande / Otranto / Lecce / Monopoli / Alebrobello / Ostuni / Kotor / Split / Pula / Venice
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000