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Date 24th Jun 2019 |
Nts 7 |
Cruise Only prices from |
Oceanview £1,749pp |
Flights from Bristol prices from |
Oceanview £1,789pp |
Flights from Edinburgh prices from |
Oceanview £1,809pp |
You’ll arrive at the airport to take your flight to the beautiful city of Venice where you will be met and taken by coach to the harbour where the brand-new, splendid MV Mare Blu and her welcoming crew are ready to greet you. They will ensure you settle in to your stylish cabin, superbly equipped with all you need for a comfortable stay. After familiarising yourself with the layout of the ship, there’s time to relax before an aperitif in the convivial bar, meeting your fellow travelling companions before tonight’s dinner.
One of the world’s most extraordinary cities and on so many people’s wish lists, Venice, La Serenissima, is quite simply unique. Lord Byron described it as ‘the Queen of the Adriatic’ and as the only city in the world built entirely on water, with a huge and fascinating cultural heritage, Venice has been a source of inspiration for poets, painters and writers alike since time immemorial. As you wander its picturesque streets, there’s a view to make you stop in awe at every turn – from exquisite churches and striking Renaissance buildings, to the unmistakable Grand Canal, its banks lined with smart shops and atmospheric restaurants, their tables spilling out on to the quayside, where classic gondolas gently rock on the calm water. You can only be in Venice!We’ll begin to uncover some of the city’s treasures on our guided tour: the legendary and breathtaking St Mark’s Square and the luxuriously decorated Byzantine Basilica, with its shimmering mosaic-clad façade and the soaring Campanile tower; the vast Doge’s Palace, one of the finest secular Gothic buildings in the world; and the romantic Bridge of Sighs with its rather grim history. Lunch is at leisure allowing you the opportunity to seek out a traditional restaurant and enjoy one of the world’s greatest cuisines, after which you’ll feel recharged and ready to explore under your own steam. For art lovers, there’s the world-famous Accademia, with its staggering collection of Venetian masterpieces or discover the authentic charm of the restored and atmospheric Jewish Quarter. Immerse yourself in the lively throng of the traditional Rialto market or simply wander the narrow alleys away from the bustle of the main thoroughfares and discover Venice’s quieter side; traditional shops tucked away, with the delicious smell of their colourful fresh fruit and vegetables mingling with the rich aroma of coffee drifting from the tiny cafés and washing stretched high between crumbling buildings, in a scene unchanged for centuries.After a truly memorable day, enjoy comparing notes with your fellow travellers over dinner, as evening falls on this iconic and truly irresistible city.
Day breaks and the sun casts its rosy glow over the terracotta rooftops and pastel coloured facades whilst the fishermen haul their catch into the picturesque harbour, accompanied by the early morning calls of gulls soaring high above. Rise refreshed and during breakfast, we set sail for the historic city of Pula. Conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it was a vantage point from which to protect the bay and an important administrative centre. Later it became the largest naval port of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and still retains several working shipyards. On our guided tour we will see arguably the best preserved ancient monument in Croatia, the magnificent Roman amphitheatre - with a capacity for 22,000 spectators it is the sixth largest in the world. Why such a vast amphitheatre was built in a small Roman town remains a mystery but its three-storey network of huge limestone arches are remarkable and one can only imagine the sights and sounds of gladiatorial spectacles that used to unfold here. We’ll also see the majestic Arch of Sergius, the old town’s main square, once the Roman Forum, with the imposing Temple of Augustus and the town hall with its Renaissance arcade. Pula also has a historic cathedral with a bell tower made from the stones of the amphitheatre as well as a sprinkling of interesting little churches and a fascinating archaeological museum with a wealth of Roman exhibits.After lunch there’s the opportunity for a swim-stop then plenty of time to relax before our arrival on the island of Cres, the largest in the Gulf of Kvarner. We will moor in Cres town; with a picturesque waterfront of ice-cream coloured houses and a jumble of boats moored in the pretty harbour, it’s reminiscent of an Italian fishing village and the perfect spot to while away an evening, enjoying dinner at leisure.
As the sun comes up on our final day cruising these idyllic waters, we cast off into the glittering turquoise depths. There’s plenty of time to relax up on deck with a book or an indulgent snooze, so let your mind drift off whilst the warm sea breeze washes over you; recharge and unwind, this is exactly what a holiday should be for! Cool off with a swim in the refreshing water before lunch is served.The approach to our final port of call certainly won’t disappoint as we sail along the Opatija Riviera, reputedly the most beautiful stretch in Croatia. Thickly forested slopes gracefully cascade into a twenty-kilometre stretch of glorious rocky coastline, studded with a string of charming seaside resorts, their elegant waterfronts lined with fine 19th century villas, a legacy of a sophisticated bygone age.We moor in Opatija itself, alongside the shady tree-lined promenade and head ashore for a guided tour of the main sights, including the 14th century Benedictine abbey and the beautifully restored neoclassical Villa Angiolina set in a carefully tended park of neatly clipped shrubs and exotic palms.Enjoy dinner at leisure in perhaps one of Opatija’s excellent seafood restaurants, before enjoying one last balmy evening stroll along the charming waterfront.
After breakfast we disembark and return to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.
Oceanview staterooms from | £1,749pp | ||
B | Category B (Lower Deck) | £1,749pp | |
A | Category A (Main Deck) | £1,799pp | |
A | Category A (Main Deck) 14sqm | £1,799pp | |
A+ | Category A+ (Main Deck) | £1,949pp | |
Oceanview staterooms from | £1,789pp | ||
B | Category B (Lower Deck) | £1,789pp | |
A | Category A (Main Deck) | £1,839pp | |
A | Category A (Main Deck) 14sqm | £1,839pp | |
A+ | Category A+ (Main Deck) | £1,989pp | |
Oceanview staterooms from | £1,809pp | ||
B | Category B (Lower Deck) | £1,809pp | |
A | Category A (Main Deck) | £1,859pp | |
A | Category A (Main Deck) 14sqm | £1,859pp | |
A+ | Category A+ (Main Deck) | £2,009pp | |
Oceanview | |
(All prices are £GBP per person) | |
Mon 1st Jul 201901 Jul 19 | 1,699 |
Mon 1st Jul 201901 Jul 19 | 1,759 |
Mon 26th Aug 201926 Aug 19 | 1,799 |
Mon 26th Aug 201926 Aug 19 | 1,799 |
Mon 2nd Sep 201902 Sep 19 | Please call for availability |
Mon 9th Sep 201909 Sep 19 | Please call for availability |
Mon 16th Sep 201916 Sep 19 | Please call for availability |
Mon 23rd Sep 201923 Sep 19 | Please call for availability |
Mon 30th Sep 201930 Sep 19 | Please call for availability |
Mon 7th Oct 201907 Oct 19 | Please call for availability |
Return flights including luggage allowance | |||
Overseas Transfers | |||
7 nights aboard the MV Mare Blu | |||
Port Taxes and Fees | |||
ABTA and ATOL Protection* |
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