Venice and the Dalmation Coast aboard the m/s MONET

This is the classic Dalmatian Coast cruise, with itinerary options tailored to your preference by those who know the Dalmatian Coast best. (If you happened to miss it, Elegant Cruises was founded by a native of Dubrovnik.) In a week's cruise in and out and among the wooded, walled, and fortified islands of the eastern Adriatic, we'll be able to see the great highlights of the region – Venice, Split, Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Zadar – and explore them with the depth, sensitivity, and cultural enthusiasm that you can only get from local insiders. Our departures round trip from Venice additionally feature the phenomenal Roman ruins of Pula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a massive amphitheater just steps from where the Monet docks. Alternatively, our one-way cruises from Venice to Dubrovnik, or in reverse from Dubrovnik to Venice, additionally feature the tiny, wooded island of Mljet, where you’ll have the beautiful sight of a medieval monastery upon a charming islet in the middle of a lake; as well as the graceful and historic Stari Most bridge at Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Venice and the Dalmation Coast

Venice – Venice
7 Nights/8 Days

April 29-May 6, 2009
May 6-13, 2009
June 17-24, 2009
July 15-22, 2009
July 22-29, 2009
August 12-19, 2009
August 26-Sept. 2, 2009
September 2-9, 2009
September 16-23, 2009
September 23-30, 2009
September 30-October 7, 2009
October 7-14, 2009
October 14-21, 2009
Oct. 28-November 4, 2009

Day 0. Depart USA under own arrangements.

Day 1. Venice, Italy. Arrive in Venice and embark m/s Monet this afternoon, docked within walking distance of St. Mark’s Square.

Day 2. Venice. The "Queen of the Adriatic," Venice occupies 117 islands in the azure waters of the Adriatic. This lagoon city is a watery labyrinth of canals, flanked by majestic palaces, merchants' mansions, and breathtaking baroque churches. On an optional tour, a walk through St. Mark's Square provides a wealth of sights from the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs to the Campanile and St. Mark's Cathedral.

Day 3. Pula, Croatia. Famed for its Roman antiquities, Pula's most notable monument is the beautifully preserved Amphitheater, close to our dock. Built in the 1st century B.C., it is the 6th-largest such arena in the world, with space for 22,000 spectators. We will visit it on an optional tour, as well as other sights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Hercules Gate, the Temple of Augustus, and the Temple of Jupiter. Nearby is a vibrant market, full of interesting shops, fresh flowers, and handicrafts.

Day 4. Split. When the Emperor Diocletian retired in AD 305, he established a gargantuan retirement palace in Split. Improbably, the palace still exists – and forms the historic core of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tremendous thrill here is to walk through an ancient edifice completely integrated with contemporary life, its chambers and porticos having become cafés, apartments, and storefronts. Our optional tour also includes a visit to the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

Day 5. Dubrovnik. A UNESCO World Heritage Site entirely surrounded by massive grey walls of stone, Dubrovnik once competed with Venice for the riches of eastern trade, amassing pride and fortune enough to dapple its streets with world-class Romanesque-Gothic design. On an optional tour, explore the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, the Onofrio Fountain, the Rector's Palace, the Sponza Palace and numerous churches. We remain in port overnight so you can see the moonlight reflected upon Stradun, the Old Town's famous pedestrian promenade.

Day 6. Dubrovnik / Korcula. Sail from Dubrovnik this morning. In the classic Dalmatian town of Korcula, we visit the Cathedral of St. Mark, which contains a wealth of artistic masterworks including paintings by Tintoretto; the Treasury; and the Marco Polo House, all on an optional tour. Shop for handmade Croatian folk art near the City Gate, or relax at one of the picturesque waterfront cafés.

Day 7. Zadar. Zadar has the look and feel of an ancient Mediterranean city: the streets are paved with white stone, and the high protective walls have portions dating to the Roman and medieval times. On an optional tour, visit Zadar's 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, the ancient City Gates, the Franciscan Monastery and Church and the imposing 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Stroll along the harbor's tree-lined promenade, and be enchanted by the new "sea organ," whose 35 pipes produce otherworldly melodies from the sea waves.

Day 8. Venice, Italy. Disembark m/s Monet after breakfast.

Venice and the Dalmation Coast

Venice – Dubrovnik
7 Nights/8 Days

April 15-22, 2009
June 24-Jul 1, 2009
July 29-August 5, 2009

Day 0. Depart USA under own arrangements.

Day 1. Venice, Italy. Arrive in Venice and embark m/s Monet this afternoon. Overnight in La Serenissima.

Day 2. Venice. The magnificent "Queen of the Adriatic," Venice occupies 117 islands in the azure waters of the Adriatic. This lagoon city is a watery labyrinth of canals, flanked by majestic palaces, merchants' mansions, and breathtaking baroque churches. On an optional tour, a walk through St. Mark's Square provides a wealth of sights from the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs to the Campanile and St. Mark's Cathedral.

Day 3. Zadar / Split. Zadar has the look and feel of an ancient Mediterranean city: the streets are paved with white stone, and the high protective walls have portions dating to the Roman and medieval times. On an optional tour, visit Zadar's 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, the ancient City Gates, the Franciscan Monastery and Church and the imposing 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Stroll along the harbor's tree-lined promenade, and be enchanted by the new "sea organ," whose 35 pipes produce otherworldly melodies from the sea waves. Cruise to Split this afternoon, arriving tonight.

Day 4. Split. When the Emperor Diocletian retired in AD 305, he established a gargantuan retirement palace in Split. Improbably, the palace still exists – and forms the historic core of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tremendous thrill here is to walk through an ancient edifice completely integrated with contemporary life, its chambers and porticos having become cafés, apartments, and storefronts. Our optional tour also includes a visit to the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

Day 5. Ploce / Korcula. From Ploce, enjoy an optional excursion to Mostar, the medieval city of Bosnia & Herzegovina renowned for its majestic Stari Most bridge. The bridge, which is flanked by two fortified towers, arches over the Neretva River and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise to Korcula early this evening.

Day 6. Korcula / Mljet / Dubrovnik. In the classic Dalmatian town of Korcula, visit the Cathedral of St. Mark, with its wealth of artistic masterworks; the Treasury; and the Marco Polo House, all on an optional tour. After lunch, sail to Mljet, a tiny island offering a retreat from the more monument-filled Dalmatian towns. On an optional excursion, pass through the lovely pine forests of Mljet National Park to the Veliko Jezero lake, which contains a tiny islet with a 12th-century Benedictine Abbey. There will be an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Dock beside Dubrovnik’s city walls this evening.

Day 7. Dubrovnik. A UNESCO World Heritage Site entirely surrounded by massive grey walls of stone, Dubrovnik once competed with Venice for the riches of eastern trade, amassing pride and fortune enough to dapple its streets with world-class Romanesque-Gothic design. On an optional tour, explore the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, the Onofrio Fountain, the Rector's Palace, the Sponza Palace and numerous churches. We remain in port overnight so you can see the moonlight reflected upon Stradun, the Old Town's famous pedestrian promenade.

Day 8. Dubrovnik. Disembark m/s Monet after breakfast.

Venice and the Dalmation Coast
Dubrovnik to Venice - 7 Nights/8 Days

April 22-29, 2009
July 1-8, 2009
August 5-12, 2009

Day 0. Depart USA under own arrangements.

Day 1. Dubrovnik, Croatia. Arrive in Dubrovnik and embark m/s Monet this afternoon.

Day 2. Dubrovnik. A UNESCO World Heritage Site entirely surrounded by massive grey walls of stone, Dubrovnik once competed with Venice for the riches of eastern trade, amassing pride and fortune enough to dapple its streets with world-class Romanesque-Gothic design. On an optional tour, explore the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, the Onofrio Fountain, the Rector's Palace, the Sponza Palace and numerous churches. We remain in port overnight so you can see the moonlight reflected upon Stradun, the Old Town's famous pedestrian promenade.

Day 3. Dubrovnik / Mljet / Korcula. Sail to Mljet, a tiny island offering a retreat from the more monument-filled Dalmatian towns. An optional excursion takes us through the lovely pine forests of Mljet National Park to the Veliko Jezero lake, which contains a tiny islet with a 12th-century Benedictine Abbey. There will be an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake before a midday departure for Korcula, arriving in the early afternoon. In the classic Dalmatian town of Korcula, where we will remain overnight, visit the Cathedral of St. Mark, with its wealth of artistic masterworks; the Treasury; and the Marco Polo House, all on an optional tour.

Day 4. Korcula / Ploce / Split. After an early morning departure from Korcula, cruise to Ploce and enjoy an optional excursion to Mostar, the medieval city of Bosnia & Herzegovina renowned for its majestic Stari Most bridge. The bridge, which is flanked by two fortified towers, arches over the Neretva River and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Split late this evening for an overnight stay.

Day 5. Split. When the Emperor Diocletian retired in AD 305, he established a gargantuan retirement palace in Split. Improbably, the palace still exists – and forms the historic core of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tremendous thrill here is to walk through an ancient edifice completely integrated with contemporary life, its chambers and porticos having become cafés, apartments, and storefronts. Our optional tour also includes a visit to the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

Day 6. Zadar. Zadar, where we arrive early this morning, has the look and feel of an ancient Mediterranean city: the streets are paved with white stone, and the high protective walls have portions dating to Roman and medieval times. On an optional tour, visit Zadar's 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, the ancient City Gates, the Franciscan Monastery and Church and the imposing 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Stroll along the harbor's tree-lined promenade, and be enchanted by the new "sea organ," whose 35 pipes produce otherworldly melodies from the sea waves. Enjoy the afternoon at sea.

Day 7. Venice, Italy. The magnificent "Queen of the Adriatic," Venice, where we dock early this morning, occupies 117 islands in the azure waters of the Adriatic. This lagoon city is a watery labyrinth of canals, flanked by majestic palaces, merchants' mansions, and breathtaking baroque churches. On an optional tour, a walk through St. Mark's Square provides a wealth of sights from the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs to the Campanile and St. Mark's Cathedral.

Venice and the Dalmation Coast
Venice – Venice, Italy 7 Nights/8 Days

April 29-May 6, 2009
May 6-13, 2009
June 17-24, 2009
July 15-22, 2009
July 22-29, 2009
August 12-19, 2009
August 26-Sept. 2, 2009
September 2-9, 2009
September 16-23, 2009
September 23-30, 2009
September 30-October 7, 2009
October 7-14, 2009
October 14-21, 2009
Oct. 28-November 4, 2009

Venice, Italy – Dubrovnik, Croatia 7 Nights/8 Days

April 15-22, 2009
June 24-Jul 1, 2009
July 29-August 5, 2009

Dubrovnik, Croatia - Venice, Italy 7 Nights/8 Days

April 22-29, 2009
July 1-8, 2009
August 5-12, 2009

Venice and the Dalmation Coast
CRUISE INCLUSIONS

1. Cruise as described in the itinerary aboard the 62-passenger m/s Monet
2. All meals aboard ship including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
3. Welcome and farewell receptions aboard the ship, hosted by the Captain
4. Complimentary coffee, tea and pastries at all times aboard the ship
5. Educational program of lectures given by local guest speakers
6. Performance of Dalmatian folk singers
7. On-board nightly musical entertainment
8. Professional Elegant Cruises tour staff
9. Complete pre-departure materials including destination information

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare; transfers to/from the ship; optional shore excursions; meals ashore; gratuities; port charges; fuel surcharge; luggage and trip cancellation insurance; personal expenses such as laundry; alcoholic beverages except as noted, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail services.

AIR TRANSPORTATION
Call us for International economy or business class airfare, as we will gladly assist you in making your air arrangements.

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
Reserve your cabin six months prior to the departure of your selected cruise and receive a $300.00 per person early booking discount.

FUEL SURCHARGE
Our prices are based on fuel rates at the time of brochure printing, and although we will do everything we can to maintain our rates, it may be necessary to apply a surcharge.

Venice and the Dalmation Coast
2009 MONET CRUISE RATES

Cabin Description	Cruise only rates per person
Category D	$2,895
Category C	$3,095
Category B	$3,595
Category A	$4,095
Master Stateroom	$4,495
Junior Suite	$5,295
Flower Suite	$5,695
Port charges	$95
Single Supplement: 50% for categories B, C & D; 100% for categories A, MS, JS & FS For assistance with your international air arrangements, please contact us at 1-800-683-6767.

Cabin Category Information
All cabins have lower beds (either queen or twin, as indicated), picture window or porthole (as indicated), private facilities with shower, hairdryer, air conditioning, wardrobe, vanity with chair, television/VCR, phone, personal safe.