12-Night Venice to Valletta 8.15.23
ANCIENT
MOSAICS
ESCAPE INTO EXPLORATION
With late departures from Rovinj, Pula, Dubrovnik, Gallipoli and Syracuse, you have the opportunity to look for enchanting moments, like the Lighting Giants, a colorful light show of cranes in Pula’s ship dockyard. Explore the historic Old Town of UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik and delve into television scenery with an overnight in Valletta, where part of Game of Thrones was filmed.
Aug 15 Venice, Italy Depart: 6:00PM

Venice, Italy
The iconic image of Venice shows a city with no roads, only canals, including the Grand Canal thoroughfare most often associated with it, which only small ships like ours have permission to navigate. That’s because it’s built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon amid the Adriatic Sea. In the heart of the city close to Piazza San Marco you will find the Bridge of Sighs, an architectural jewel amid so many historical wonders. Venetian cuisine is renowned throughout Italy for its high-quality seafood. Positioned within a lagoon, local chefs and restaurants have the advantage of fresh-caught fish directly from the source and bringing it straight to their tables.
Aug 16 Rovinj, Croatia Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 11:00PM

Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj has become one of Croatia’s more visited destinations, and rightly so. With plenty of natural wonders, crystalline waters at stunning beaches and cobblestone paths leading to rich history, the city has earned a place on every traveler’s bucket list. The winding, medieval streets of Old Town mingled with modern-day boutiques and cafes creates a harmonious balance of past and present. Located along the Istrian Peninsula, it offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, especially from the Golden Cape. Crystal blue waters beckon and entice you to jump in for a refreshing swim or dive in for an exciting shipwreck excursion.
Aug 17 Pula, Croatia Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 11:00PM

Pula, Croatia
Called terra magica (magical land) in Roman times, Pula is very much influenced by its Italian heritage. The most famous sight in Pula is the Roman Amphitheater, known simply as the arena. Built during the first century CE and completed under the reign of Emperor Flavius, this amphitheater is the sixth largest in the world. The Forum, where the Temple of Augustus stands, was once the main square in Roman times and is still a bustling piazza today with its many cafes. While the main central temple is unfortunately long gone, the back wall of the Temple of Diana can still be seen.
Aug 18 At Sea

At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Aug 19 Sibenik, Croatia Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM

Sibenik, Croatia
You’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special from the moment you stroll along the Sibenik promenade. Surrounded by epic views of the islands just off the coast, it may just take the throne as the best city in Dalmatia. For an even more impactful view, pedal the path that runs along St. Anthony’s Channel. At the end of the trail, reward yourself with a selfie at the UNESCO masterpiece of the Fortress of St. Nicholas. Fans of the television series Game of Thrones will recognize this as the city of Braavos. If you prefer real-life fantasy, journey to Krka National Park, where a wonderland of thundering waterfalls awaits you.
Aug 20 Dubrovnik, Croatia Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 11:00PM

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Along the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia lies Dubrovnik, a city well-known for its 16th-century Old Town. Filled with enchanting historic sites and containing a sense of stories past, the Croatian city has rightly earned its place among the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Delve into the fantastical side of the city as you tour the streets that have become part of cinematic history. Take a break from the historic for a relaxing beach day with a quick ferry ride to the nearby Lokrum Island. Delve deep into the local culture with wine and delectable platters of meat and cheese.
Aug 21 Monopoli, Italy Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 11:00PM

Monopoli, Italy
Not far from Bari is the hidden treasure of Monopoli. This secret gem of Southern Italy will capture your heart as it has done to so many others. Like many towns on the Adriatic, Monopoli has been thoroughly influenced by its strategic location. Originally settled in 500 BCE, the town fell under different rulers, beginning with the Roman Empire. Today it’s a beautiful coastal city teeming with gorgeous piazzas and charming winding streets. At the center of Monopoli you’ll find the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia, a large Roman Catholic Cathedral, and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, where you can enjoy an espresso with the locals.
Aug 22 Saranda (Butrint), Albania Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM

Saranda (Butrint), Albania
The horseshoe-shaped bay of Saranda on the Albanian Riviera lies between the Ionian Sea and rolling hills of olive groves. When visiting, the Butrint National Park should hold a spot on your bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance holds the remains of a city from the Roman Empire, a scenic lagoon and breathtaking mountains. Surrounded by beaches and a promenade, Saranda is a quintessential Mediterranean destination when you’re looking for a simple yet elegant experience. Wander over to the secluded natural bay of Mirror Beach on the way to Ksamil village.
Aug 23 Gallipoli, Italy Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 11:00PM

Gallipoli, Italy
Once a part of ancient Greece, the fishing village of Gallipoli now sits as part of Italy’s Puglia region. Still used by fishing boats, you’ll find a bounty of fresh seafood and waterfront dining. At Palazzo Granafei, you have the opportunity to delve underground and explore ancient olive oil presses. Find more history at Gallipoli’s Old Town, constructed on an island now connected to the mainland by a charming bridge. Gallipoli’s fishing traditions remain alive not only in their economy and cuisine, but everywhere in the everyday. Walking down Corte Gallo, you find a display of barrels, fishing nets, old tools and traps along the house walls.
Aug 24 At Sea

At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Aug 25 Syracuse (Sicily), Italy Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 11:00PM

Syracuse (Sicily), Italy
Syracuse holds many wonders for the venturesome traveler seeking something far from the ordinary. From archaeological parks to World War II battlefield remnants to the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, the vast and diverse environment contains any level of challenge for the explorer at heart. It holds 2,700 years of history with influence from other cultures like Spanish, Greek, Norman, and Arabic that have made a mark on their cuisine. It is also a gateway to various small villages that are perfect for a leisurely stroll through local history. Among the most notable is Noto, the “Baroque Capital” of the world. This UNESCO-protected city holds all the charms of small-town living on the island.
Aug 26 Gozo, Malta Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 12:00PM

Gozo, Malta
The Mediterranean Island Gozo is one of 21 that make up the archipelago nation of Malta. But it’s perhaps best known as Calypso’s Isle, as described in Homer’s The Odyssey. With scenes of fishing villages, serene bays and verdant landscapes among rolling hills with small farms, it offers a quaint backdrop for a quieter adventure. But Gozo also offers ancient ruins and historic landmarks like the ?gantija Temples, one of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a Neolithic limestone structure. Near the port of Mgarr is a popular beach for snorkeling and a secluded day of relaxation, Mgarr ix-Xini.
Aug 26 Valletta, Malta Arrive: 3:00PM OVERNIGHT

Valletta, Malta
The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city immediately astounds the senses. For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust.
Aug 27 Valletta, Malta

Valletta, Malta
The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city immediately astounds the senses. For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust.
Call your Travel Advisor or one of our adventure specialists at 1-844-44ATLAS (28527) for more information.
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