Italy & Croatia With Victor Romagnoli Tour Length: 19  Code: QVZ

WELCOME TO ITALY!

Today we arrive in Brindisi* and transfer to our hotel located in nearby Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South."

* Air connections to Brindisi (BDS) will likely connect in Rome. If you prefer, you may fly into Rome and travel to Lecce directly by direct train (approx 5.5 hours). See www.trenitalia.com for details.

Overnight in Lecce. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.

Lecce is the main city on Puglia's Salento Peninsula, the so-called "heel" of Italy. Because of the soft limestone that's easy to work, Lecce became the center for the ornate architecture called Barocco Leccese, and the city is filled with Baroque monuments. The historic center is compact making it a great place for walking. Lecce's restaurants offer abundant fine food typical of Puglia, and notable as well are traditional handicrafts, especially the art of paper mache.

Today we will tour the Roman amphitheater, the 15th century castle, the cathedral, the Palazzo del Seminario, and Basilica of Santa Croce. You also have some independent time to enjoy this charming place. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

The stunning hilltop village of Ostuni is the first stop on today's journey. Our approach is along a quiet valley lined with orchards, vineyards and stone 'trullis,' unique dwellings with cone-shaped roofs for which Puglia is renowned. As we round a bend in the road, the whitewashed walls and tiled roofs of Ostuni greet our eyes as they radiate light in the afternoon sun.

We continue to Alberobello, a town renowned for its trulli; there are thousands in Alberobello, some of which house restaurants, shops, and museums. Alberobello was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon arrival we will explore the village and walk amongst the trullis.

Overnight in Alberobello. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

We continue by road to Matera, a World Heritage Site, located in Italy's Basilicata region.

Matera's 'Sassi' are the best surviving and most complete examples of rock-cut settlement in the Mediterranean region. Nature has provided this location with a belt of soft tufa, with two natural depressions. The caves here have been used since prehistoric times. Population pressure drove people out of the city of Matera and into these Sassi. The Sassi were evacuated by law in 1952 and 15,000 people, living in extremely poor hygienic circumstances, had to be resettled to new quarters.

Our Matera tour begins at Piazzetta Pascoli with a breathtaking view over the Sasso Caveoso and highland plateau of the Murgia and Palazzo Lanfranchi, home to the Museum of Modern and Medieval Art of Basilicata, with the nearby Church of the Carmine.

We continue through the heart of the ancient dwellings and nobel homes in the Sassi towards the church of Saint Peter Caveoso. Visit to a typical 'cave-dwelling', partly carved out of the rock and partly built, and furnished as it used to be during the peasant civilization. Next the cave church of Saint Lucy of the Malve where some of the most important frescoes and elaborate architecture of this nature be viewed.

Overnight in Matera. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Still in Matera, our tour continues towards the Sasso Barisano following the ancient Gravina, deep ravine and to the museum of farmer history, a typical peasant dwelling with artefacts and tools from ancient peasant life. We return to the centre of town and walk around the baroque area including the most important churches in this style: Saint Clare and Saint Francis of Assisi. Our visit ends at the look out point over the Sasso Barisano in front of the Cathedral.

We continue to Polignano a Mare, a small though vibrant fishing village surrounded by the lush blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The skyline is formed by brilliant white buildings which seem to grow organically out of the rocky limestone cliffs on which the town is situated.

Overnight in Polignano a Mare. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Today we tour and enjoy some leisure time in Polignano a Mare -- or "Polignano to Sea." Located on the western coast of Apulia, this stunningly located town was called Neapolis during ancient Greek times. The numerous coves in Polignano al Mare were formed from waves that have molded the rock. Some of the caves are deep enough to reach the center of the town! Evidence of Paleolithic Age humans have been found in several of these caves.

Overnight in Polignano a Mare. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

This morning we depart for Bari. Formerly the domain of smugglers and brigands. Bari's quaint and atmospheric historic center has been revitalized during the past ten years. Cafes, wine bars and trattorias are found around every corner of the labyrinthine medieval streets, all of which eventually lead to the remarkable Romanesque architecture of the 12th-century Basilica di San Nicola.

On arrival we'll tour Bari. There is much to see: an imposing medieval fortress dominates the old town and the massive Romanesque cathedral has some stunning 11th century frescos. Bari's highlight is the Basilica di San Nicola, whose beautiful 900 year old vaulted crypt is the final resting place of Saint Nicholas.

We then continue our journey north to the port of Pescara where we board our overnight ferry to Split, located on the Croatian Coast.*

* Please note: Due to the early writing of this itinerary for a departure in late 2013, schedules may change such that this might ultimately be a day sailing. If this is the case, today's Bari sightseeing will occur on Day 6.

Overnight ferry. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

This morning we arrive in Split and transfer to our hotel. Split (ancient Spalato) is the second largest city of Croatia. The historic city center actually lies in the walls of the enormous retirement Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, built between 295-305 AD. The palace served as a palace, military fortress, and later, a fortified town. The city is enclosed by huge walls pierced by 4 main gates, one on each side of the rectangular plan.

Once settled we'll have a walking tour through the heart of ancient Split. We will visit the cryptoporticus (underground vaults) of the Palace, the Mausoleum and Church of St. Donatus, the Peristyle court, and explore the ancient narrow streets still paved with the lustrous white stone of Brac Island. We will also exit the Golden Gate of the palace to see the huge bronze statue of St. Gregory of Nin made by Ivan Mestrovic, the most celebrated sculptor of modern Croatia.

Later you may wish to walk the promenade along the harbour when it comes alive with locals taking an evening stroll or relaxing in the seaside cafes outside the ancient palace walls.

Overnight in Split. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Today we travel along the coast the short distance to the medieval town of Trogir, one of the most beautiful and popular towns of the Dalmatian Coast. The heart of this Venetian walled town is Narodni Trg, with its white stone paved square, Cathedral, Communal Palace and Loggia. We visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, built between the 13th and 15th centuries by Slavic masters. The entire town has been preserved as yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch and some free time in town, we'll board our sailing vessel for a cruise along the coast and among the idyllic offshore islands. While not yet confirmed, the vessel used will likely be similar to a Turkish gulet; traditional, wooden, with sails. Cabins feature private toilet and shower and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Today we sail to Rogoznica, a fisherman's village comprised of medieval architecture and white stone houses. The first inhabitants came here in 1390 and they then fled from the Turks in 1578 to the nearby islet, Kopara. We also visit Primosten, a small town and harbour on a small peninsula between the coves of Raduca and Primosten. In the 16th century a bridge was constructed so as to connect the settlement on the islet with the mainland. The parish church of St. George, erected in the 15th century, was thoroughly reconstructed in 1760. The entrance into the town features a Baroque chapel from 1790.

NOTE: The nature of our programme is somewhat free-form, taking into consideration such things as weather and group interest. The finer points of our land-based sightseeing programme at our various stops will be outlined by your Tour Leader en route.

Overnight on sailing vessel. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

The Sibenik region is one of the Mediterranean's quieter corners where there is still the space and time to make discoveries in a fascinating and varied landscape. At Krka National Park, the rugged limestone mountains of the mainland are set against the intricate archipelagos of the Adriatic Sea. We visit the Krka waterfalls, a series of travertine curtains, sills, and other geomorphologic forms. The falls are a biodynamic creation, the living travertine constantly growing through the sedimentation process.

We will also likely visit the town of Skradin, dating back to Illyrian times and named during the times of the Roman reign. At the site of the Illyrian town, ancient Scardona Skradin was founded and became an important commercial and administrative centre. Zlarin is also a likely stop today. There are several theories about the origin of the name of this island, often called the golden island, green or coral island. It is one of the islands in the Sibenik archipelago that is nearest to the mainland -- about 1 nautical mile.

Overnight on sailing vessel. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Our cruising programme also highlights the Kornati island group. This archipelago consists of 140 islands covering an area 114 square miles (300 square km) with most of the area declared a National Park due its natural beauty, numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters. George Bernard Shaw fell in love with the islands and said, "On the last day of creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath."

We arrive at Murter Island where stop in a small bay for the night.

Overnight on sailing vessel. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Our day features the island of Solta. With its 60 km of very indented coast, it is one of the most beautiful Croatian islands. It has numerous beautiful bays with varied vegetation. In AD 295, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his fishery in one of Solta's bays.

The wind should also take us to Bol on the island of Brac. We will likely anchor next to one of the most famous beaches of the Adriatic, Zlatni Rat (the Golden Cape). It is a long pebbly beach of several hundred metres, extending straight out into the sea. Brac is also famous for the lustrous white stone used for the construction of the Cathedral of Sibenik, Diocletian's Palace at Split, the Cathedral of Liverpool, and the Canadian WWI memorial at Vimy Ridge.

We are also able to visit the island of Hvar. Hvar receives 2,724 hours of sunshine per year, more than anywhere else in Croatia, and is thus called the "Island of the Sun". This picturesque town and marina is alive with the constant hum of activity.

We have a walking tour of Hvar, through narrow streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery, where we visit the Renaissance cloister, the old rectory that today houses a collection of lace, manuscripts and books; and the church with its remarkable collection of paintings. We visit St Stephen's Cathedral, the Arsenal, a thick walled fortress overlooking the harbour. Europe's oldest community theater, opened in 1612, is located inside the Arsenal.

Overnight on sailing vessel. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today we navigate through the Pakleni Islands. The name of this tiny archipelago (about twenty islets opposite the town of Hvar), comes from the word "paklina," referring to the melted pine resin used in boat building. This archipelago is the most beautiful part of the Hvar riviera. We will be able to stop at Scedro island. According to Slavic mythology, Scedro means "merciful", and indeed this tiny island does have a merciful offering of a few safe havens. On its south shores, there are lovely coves for swimming.

Overnight on sailing vessel. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today we arrive at the breathtaking island of Korcula.

The approach from sea to the town of Korcula is truly stunning, located on a peninsula and brilliant red tiled roofs. The water here is clear to a depth of 21m! Korcula was settled by the Greeks who called the island "Korkyra Melaina", or "Black Corfu" because of the dark appearance of its densely wooded forests. Today the island is covered with olive groves and vineyards; cereals, carob, citrus and vegetables are all grown on this island, as well as an array of wild herbs.

The island is also proud of its heritage: it is the legendary birthplace of Marco Polo, the home of traditional shipbuilding and stone masonry, and also the center of Croatian folk traditions of costume and dance.

Overnight at Korcula (our last night on board). Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Today we say farewell to our boat crew and disembark our vessel on Korcula.

Today we have a walking tour of the old town. The street plan of the town is unique and often compared to a fishbone pattern: the north-south streets allowed the defenders of the town to reach the walls and towers, and the east-west lanes were designed to capture the pleasant maestral winds and minimize the force of the cold "bora." The Venetian Cathedral of St. Mark is an architectural delight, squeezed into a small square. Tucked into a narrow lane nearby is the small house where it is believed Marco Polo was born. We will also visit the Treasury and Town Museum with fascinating exhibitions of Korcula's history and traditions, from prehistoric times to the present.

During our tour we will also pay special attention to Peljesac wines that come from the Peljesec Peninsula. The ancient Greeks who founded their colony, Korkyra Melaina, not only established a commercial and cultural center, but also planted vines which have since produced wines esteemed all over the world. The elegant jugs, called Oinohoe, from which the ancient Greeks enjoyed this natural liquid, can be found in the museum of Korcula.

Overnight on Korcula (hotel). Meal plan: Breakfast.

Today our journey continues by bus to Dubrovnik.

The history of Dubrovnik, or ancient Ragusa, begins in the 7th century when it was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire. In the 12th century Ragusa, formerly an island, merged with mainland settlements and the channel between was filled in with carted-in material. Today this area is the main street of the old city named the Placa or Stradun. After shaking off the yoke of Venice in 1385, Ragusa became an independent republic. It remained one of the most powerful maritime powers in the Mediterranean for over four centuries (until 1808). Ragusa was the link between the Mediterranean and the Balkans and hence developed into an important centre of trade and shipping. Dairy products, wax, honey, timber, coals, salt, silver, lead, copper, wine, oil, fish and slaves were all traded. During the "Golden Age" of Ragusa in the 16th century, she had the 3rd largest merchant fleet in the world and consulates in over 50 countries. After changing hands a number of times, the city was finally ceded to Croatia (former Yugoslavia) and, in 1918, the Slavic name Dubrovnik was officially adopted.

Overnight in Dubrovnik. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

This morning features a walking tour of Dubrovnik's historic center. Dubrovnik has been called "Croatian Athens" and the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" for its astounding beauty, sophisticated history and culture, and prosperity.

Over the course of its tumultuous history, the city had to be extensively reconstructed; the earthquake of 1667 destroyed much of the city; and in recent memory, the town was bombarded by over 2,000 shells in 1991-2. After great international efforts, the city has been restored to its former glory, with its towering fortifications, magnificent medieval architecture, red tiled roofs, winding paved streets and picturesque harbours.

Today we visit the Franciscan Monastery, housing Europe's first pharmacy, the Rector's Palace, the Cathedral and Sponza Palace; en route we will see many famous landmarks including Onofrio's fountain, the Clock Tower, Roland's Column and the Church of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

Your afternoon is free to enjoy this memorable place. You may wish to walk the walls of Dubrovnik, considered by many to be a highlight of our stay. The total circuit is nearly 2km / 1.25 mi, and from the bastions you will have magnificent views of the city's monuments, including the Minceta Tower, Revelin Tower, and the mighty fortress of St. Lawrence, with walls 12m / 40 feet thick!

Overnight in Dubrovnik. Meal plan: Breakfast.

Our encounter with one of Europe's newest countries begins in Boka Kotorska, the only fjord in the Mediterranean, a bay of 32 km / 20 miles cut deep into the stone tissue of the Orjen and Lovcen mountains. We will drive along the coast to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route to Cetinje, the old royal capital, we will stop to sample the famous local cured meats, cheeses, and honey. Cetinje, the cultural centre of Montenegro, will be our next stop. Our last stop will be the small town of Budva, presumed to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and today the main tourist centre on the Montenegrin coast.

Return to Dubrovnik in the evening.

Remember your passports for today's excursion!! Border delays are possible and are taken into account when planning the content and pacing of today's programme.

Overnight in Dubrovnik. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Departure from Dubrovnik.

SRETAN PUT! Meal plan: Breakfast.