ITINERARY

Cruise Croatia’s coast and visit the timeless city of Venice

Contrast the Palladian architecture of Gibraltar with the ancient Greek ruins of Sicily as you cruise to Croatia. Discover the beauty of the Croatian coastline, stepping ashore to explore the UNESCO-listed attractions of Dubrovnik and Split, Rovinj, on the Istrian Peninsula, and historic Zadar. Marghera offers a gateway to the captivating city of Venice with its treasure trove of architectural masterpieces, such as the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Campanile Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also visit centuries-old Cagliari and Portugal’s vibrant capital city, Lisbon during this all-inclusive cruise to the Adriatic Sea.

Your six included sightseeing excursions will be in

• Gibraltar
• Syracuse, Sicily
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Split, Croatia
• Cagliari, Sardinia
• Lisbon, Portugal

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1800.

Gibraltar

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies 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. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains, during an included sightseeing excursion. Alternatively, 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.

Included excursion

Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm on an included sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursions

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.

Syracuse, Sicily

Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.

Originally a Greek colony, home to Archimedes, Syracuse is renowned for its well-preserved ancient Greek ruins. The archaeological site in the northwest of the town showcases a theatre built to seat 15000 spectators. The historic centre of Syracuse, known as Ortygia, is set on a small island surrounded by the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by three bridges. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ortygia has an attractive piazza, Piazza Duomo, and the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a Doric structure dating from the 6th-century BC.

Included excursion

Explore the surrounding scenery on an included sightseeing excursion.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Known as the ‘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 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 excursion

Explore the coastal attractions on an included sightseeing excursion.

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 excursion

Join an included sightseeing tour to take in the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast. Optional excursion Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir.

Rovinj ⚓, Croatia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Rovinj sits on the Istrian Peninsula, overlooked by the hilltop Church of St Euphemia, whose 197-feet-high steeple dominates the skyline. The surrounding medieval old town fills an oval peninsular that was an island until filled in and joined to the mainland in 1763. Explore the atmospheric narrow lanes crammed with Venetian influences, visit the Rovinj City Museum housed inside a 17th-century Baroque palace, or take a boat trip to one of Rovinj’s 14 islands.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

Marghera (for Venice), Italy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The captivating city of Venice 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 a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces like the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Campanile Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. 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.

Optional excursions

See 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.

Zadar, Croatia

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

The Romans, Venetians and Hapsburg Dynasty have all had a hand in crafting Zadar, a compact yet charming city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The imposing Fosa Land Gate has acted as an entrance to the old town since 1543 and you can see the symbol for the Venetians – a winged lion – carved into its archway. Medieval churches, such as Byzantine St Donatus Church, are juxtaposed against contemporary artworks, the most notable of which is the Sea Organ built into the promenade steps. 

Optional excursions

Admire the natural beauty of Croatia during a scenic tour to Krka National Park.

Cagliari, Sardinia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

Centuries-old Cagliari is a memorable sight to behold – especially when approaching by sea. Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion. The cityscape is crowned by Il Castello, the medieval hilltop old town which is penned in by Pisan and Aragonese ramparts. Don’t miss the 13th-century cathedral and the five-mile-long sands of Poetto, a prime example of a Sardinian beach. 

Included excursion

Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion.

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour. An included sightseeing excursion is a great to see some of the highlights.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

Portsmouth

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.

 

 

More information

Cruise Overview

Cruise Itinerary

The Price of your Bridge Cruise

Ship Details