Italy & Croatia's Dalmatian Coast President's Cruise - Holiday Vacations
Venice Gondola Ride
Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Kotor Bay
Pompeii
Croatian Wine Tasting
Jerre Fuqua
Jerre Fuqua
Jerre Fuqua is president of Holiday Vacations. A career veteran in travel and tourism, Jerre is a fifth-generation Colorado native and has been active in the outdoors from an early age. His love for travel began with a subscription from his…
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
Cruise along the Adriatic Sea’s crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline while learning about the region’s historical significance. Stop in UNESCO-listed Kotor for an excursion to the Baroque village of Perast, a private boat ride to its islet, and a guided tour. Dock in Dubrovnik, coined the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” to visit a familyowned winery and admire the magnificent buildings in Old Town. Then, enjoy time to create your own adventures in Split, home to Diocletian’s Palace, and timeless Rovinj, boasting cobblestone streets and colorful facades.
Windstar Cruises Wind Surf
This opulent ship takes everything guests love about yacht-style cruising to the next level, featuring spacious ocean-facing staterooms or suites with fresh fruit, luxury robes, and more. As the world’s largest sailing ship, it has the space to pamper and entertain, yet with a maximum of 342 guests, it’s small enough to dock where large ships cannot, like the heart of Old Town Dubrovnik.
Spectacular Italy
Explore the country’s top attractions, starting in Rome with a visit to the historic Roman Forum, a chance to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and walking where gladiators once fought in the Colosseum, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” In Sorrento, enjoy stunning coastal views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and an excursion to the ancient city of Pompeii. Our tour concludes with experiencing the enchantment and car-free tranquility of Venice, including a gondola ride and iconic sights like St. Mark’s Square.
Vatican Museums
Travel inside the walled borders of Vatican City for a guided tour through centuries of Renaissance masterpieces and Roman sculptures. Visit the world-renowned Sistine Chapel and marvel at the intricate ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, which features nine scenes from the Book of Genesis to depict the powerful story of creation. Just outside of the Vatican walls, you’ll find St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Michelangelo and the largest church ever built.
- Day 1: Fly to EuropeOur adventure begins with an overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Day 2: Buongiorno RomeOur English-speaking local guide greets us at the airport upon arriving in the beautiful city of Rome. After checking in to our accommodations with time to rest, we get to know fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Vatican City & Leisure AfternoonWe begin our Italian adventure with a guided tour of the iconic Vatican Museums. Browse the galleries to see some of the most renowned classical sculptures and Renaissance art around the globe, then step into the remarkable Sistine Chapel for views of its illustrious ceiling fresco, painted by Michelangelo. Our discoveries in Vatican City continue with a special tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most extraordinary churches to ever exist and home to the Catholic Church. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Rome’s treasures.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 4: Ancient Rome & Set SailThis morning, we discover the most pivotal landmarks of ancient Rome! Our first stop is the largest amphitheater in the world, the Colosseum, where we can walk in the steps of the mighty gladiators. Next, we tour the Roman Forum, home to several well-preserved pieces of architecture, including the Arch of Constantine. Lastly, take in views of the stunning Trevi Fountain before boarding Windstar’s Wind Surf to experience the luxury of yacht-style cruising. This newly renovated sailing ship is small enough to venture into ports beyond the reach of larger vessels, yet expansive enough to provide high-class amenities.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Sorrento & PompeiiOur first port of call is the stunning coastal town of Sorrento. Revel in the opportunity to uncover one of the most significant moments in history with an included excursion to Pompeii. Our rigorous walk along ancient, uneven footpaths in this preserved archaeological site is led by a private guide who recounts the city’s cataclysmic destruction after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Later, we return to Sorrento for time at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Giardini Naxos, SicilyWe dock in Giardini Naxos today, an enchanting village in Sicily known for its ancient Greek history. There are a variety of optional excursions available, such as a boat ride into the famous Blue Grotto sea cave or wine tasting near Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Windstar’s complimentary Watersports Platform is also available so you can enjoy the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: Day at SeaTake advantage of the ship’s wonderful amenities today as we sail towards the Adriatic Sea. Go for a dip in the whirlpool, indulge in a treatment at World Spa by Windstar, attend a cooking demonstration, or dance the night away with live music.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: Montenegro & Kotor BayOur ship arrives in Montenegro this morning, docking in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor. We take an excursion to Perast, a pedestrian-only Baroque village, where a local guide leads us on a walking tour that includes views of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Parish Church, and more. Next, savor a taste of authentic Baroque sweets before our private motorboat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made islet in the Bay of Kotor. Explore its Catholic church, which holds over 60 paintings by famous 17th-century artist, Tripo Kokolia. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Old Town Kotor to admire its bright red rooftops, 12th-century Baroque palaces, and impressive fortress before time to explore independently.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: Dubrovnik & Croatian WinesWe go where larger ships cannot today and anchor within the renowned walled city of Dubrovnik! An included excursion takes us to a family-owned winery in the small village of Komaji. Taste some of the finest wines in the region as we get to know a third-generation winemaker who shares his firsthand knowledge of Croatian wines. Afterwards, we return to Dubrovnik’s Old Town for a guided walking tour that immerses us in centuries of history with sights such as the Franciscan Monastery and Sponza Palace. The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10: Split, CroatiaToday’s port of call is the gorgeous city of Split, nestled along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Its lively harbor boasts wonderful cafes and Old Town holds the most famous attraction: Diocletian’s Palace, which was built around 300 AD for the Roman emperor. Stroll the charismatic streets or create your own adventures with an optional excursion, such as a cooking class, river rafting adventure, or tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11: Rovinj, CroatiaDiscover the Istrian peninsula this morning as we dock in the beautiful fishing port of Rovinj. The day is yours to explore as you wish! Wander through the maze of cobbled streets in Old Town to St. Euphemia Cathedral or select an optional excursion.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12: Venice City Tour & Gondola RideWe disembark this morning and take a boat ride on the canal to Venice. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the stunning “Floating City” and discover grand examples of Byzantine architecture in St. Mark’s Square, such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge’s Palace, a former royal residence. Afterwards, explore on your own before our quintessential gondola ride on Venice’s charming waterways. This evening, we celebrate our travels at a Farewell Dinner and settle into our hotel near the airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 13: Fly HomeWe board our flight and return home with wonderful memories of our Dalmatian Coast adventure.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 2 nights at Hotel Ponte Sisto
- aboard Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf including Watersports Platform, 24-hour room service & live performances
- 1 night in Venice
Attractions & Highlights
- Time at leisure in Rome
- Vatican City guided walking tour feat. St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel & the Vatican Museums
- Rome guided walking tour feat. the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain & Roman Forum
- Pompeii Archaeological Park guided tour
- Sorrento, Italy*; Giardini Naxos, Sicily*; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia*; Split, Croatia; Rovinj, Croatia*; Venice, Italy (*May require tender port.)
- Perast guided walking tour feat. authentic Baroque sweets
- Old Town Kotor guided walking tour
- Private boat ride in Kotor Bay to the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks
- Crvik Vineyards & Winery feat. tasting & presentation
- Old Town Dubrovnik guided walking tour
- Venice guided walking tour feat. St. Mark’s Square, Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs & gondola ride
27 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Rome
- Daily breakfast
- All meals included aboard the ship
- Windstar Cruises’ signature onboard barbecue
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.