Coastal Life Along the Adriatic Sea

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From approximately $4,195 per person based on double occupancy, air and VAT not included
Operated by Thomas P. Gohagan and Company 

Overview
Explore the Adriatic Sea’s stunning, island-dappled Dalmatian Coast on this seven-night cruise aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. L’AUSTRAL, launching in 2011 and featuring General Wesley Clark, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1997-2000). Visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites, fortified walled cities, ancient Roman ruins and pristine blue waters. Stroll through Emperor Diocletian’s vast retirement palace in the lively and historic center of Split; explore the walled city of Kor?cula, birthplace of Marco Polo; walk along the medieval fortifications of Kotor in Montenegro, one of the world’s newest nations; step back into the 15th century on the winding streets of Dubrovnik’s perfectly restored Gothic and Romanesque quarters; tour the historic city of Mostar or the pilgrimage site of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators in the great Roman Arena in Pula. To further enhance your experience, this comprehensive itinerary includes an exclusive VILLAGE FORUM™ with local residents, a folk music performance onboard and a specially arranged lecture by a leading expert on the restoration of Dubrovnik. Experience the art and romance of Venice on the two-night Pre or Post-Cruise Options offered.

ITINERARY
Day 
1      Depart from the U.S. or Canada
2      Venice, Italy/Embark M.S. L’AUSTRAL
3      Šibenik (Trogir), Croatia/Split
4      Korˇcula
5      Kotor, Montenegro
6      Dubrovnik, Croatia
7      Plo'ce (Mostar or Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
8      Pula/Rovinj
9      Venice, Italy/Disembark M.S. L’AUSTRAL/Return to the U.S. or Canada

Activity Level
Moderately Active

HIGHLIGHTS

• A rare private opportunity to cruise with General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, addressing the geopolitical situation in the Balkans during the Kosovo War.
• Sail for seven nights in the wake of Roman galleons and medieval mariners from the legendary city of Venice across the fabled Adriatic Sea and along Dalmatia’s ruggedly beautiful, island-dotted shoreline.
• Cruise aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. L’AUSTRAL, a splendid new vessel whose innovative design and state-of-the-art amenities promise to raise the small ship cruise experience to new heights.
• Visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites: St. James Cathedral in Šibenik; the historic city of Trogir; Diocletian’s Palace in Split; the old town of Kotor, Montenegro; the old town of Dubrovnik and the Stari Most bridge in the historic city of Mostar.
• Discuss life along the Adriatic Coast during the exclusive VILLAGE FORUM with local residents.
• Gain unique insight into the restoration of Dubrovnik during a specially arranged lecture by a leading expert.

M.S. L’AUSTRAL
STATE-OF-THE-ART DESIGN
The M.S. L’AUSTRAL represents the newest generation of deluxe small ships and features distinctive French sophistication.

SPACIOUS SUITES AND STATEROOMS, MOST WITH BALCONIES
The 120 large, deluxe, air-conditioned, outside Staterooms and Suites range in size from 200 to 484 square feet. Ninety-five percent of the accommodations feature private balconies. Most Suites and Staterooms feature two twin beds that convert to one queen bed, a private bathroom with shower and the luxurious amenities of a fine hotel, including individual climate control, satellite flat-screen television, wireless Internet access, safe, minibar, full-length closet, writing desk/dressing table and plush robes.

CHIC AND CASUAL DINING
International and regional cuisine is served in the stylish, spacious Dining Room in single, unassigned seatings, alfresco in the casual indoor-outdoor Grill Restaurant or from 24-hour Room Service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and a four-course dinner are served daily. Complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner. Bar service is available throughout the ship.

SPACIOUS PUBLIC AREAS/WORLD-CLASS SERVICE AND FACILITIES
Inviting and spacious public areas accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy views from the Panoramic Lounge, nightly entertainment in the Main Lounge and lectures, cultural performances and film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. There is a library, Internet salon, Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath-style steam room, full range of fitness equipment and two elevators. The infirmary is staffed with a doctor and nurse. The highly trained and personable English-speaking international crew provides attentive service.

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The state-of-the-art propulsion system provides an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable voyage by creating little vibration and significantly reduced engine noise. The ship is designed to prevent contact with environmentally sensitive seabeds and meets the latest “Clean Ship” standards. The ship has two tenders.

INCLUDED FEATURES

Cruise with General Wesley Clark, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1997-2000), who will address the geopolitical situation in the Balkans during the Kosovo War.

ON BOARD THE EXCLUSIVELY CHARTERED, DELUXE M.S. L’AUSTRAL

• Seven nights cruising round trip from Venice, Italy; with port calls in Šibenik, Split, Korˇcula, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Ploce, Pula and Rovinj, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro.
• Spacious and elegant outside accommodations with private bathroom and individual climate control.
• Captain’s welcome and farewell receptions.
• All meals—continental breakfast, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner—throughout the cruise, featuring fine international and regional cuisine, served at single, unassigned seatings.
• Complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and tea served with lunch and dinner.
• City tour of Šibenik, including a visit to St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Walking tour of the historic city of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• City tour of Split, including a visit to Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Korcula walking tour with a visit to the Renaissance-Baroque Abbey Treasury and a specially arranged wine tasting at a nearby vineyard.
• Visit to the medieval fortifications and old town of Kotor, Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Walking tour of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including a visit to the Rector’s Palace, a beautiful Gothic-style Franciscan Monastery.
• Choice of two excursions to Bosnia and Herzogovina: The historic city of Mostar, including a visit to the Stari Most bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or the world-renowned Christian pilgrimage site of Medjugorje.
• Walking tour of Pula, featuring the monumental Roman Arena.
• Walking tour of Rovinj, featuring the St. Euphemia Church.

EXCLUSIVE CULTURAL ENRICHMENTS

• Exclusive VILLAGE FORUM with local residents to discuss life along the Adriatic Coast.
• A lecture by an expert on the restoration of Dubrovnik.
• Specially arranged folk performance of the Klapa by a traditional Croatian vocal ensemble.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL SERVICES

• All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their air tickets through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, led by experienced, English-speaking local guides.
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Experienced Program Director to accompany you throughout the travel program.
• Hospitality desk on board the ship.
• Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information for each participant.
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.

VENICE PRE OR POST-CRUISE OPTION
Arrive in captivating Venice early or extend your stay to discover the untold stories of this great crossroads of culture and history. Enjoy two nights in deluxe accommodations in the Luna Hotel Baglioni, a palatial property in the heart of the city. A special cruise along the Grand Canal and expert-led excursions to the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the islands of Torcello and Burano are also included. Complete details will be provided with your cruise reservation confirmation.