Adriatic Sea: Venice round-trip

The floating city of Venice sits on millions of wooden piles and more than 400 bridges cross 150 canals. No other city possesses such an abundance of stunningly beautiful churches, monasteries, palaces and artistic treasures: Venice is a unique work of art and, along with its lagoon, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gateway to the city is probably the most magical of any in the world. Glide past the proud palaces along the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute for a long look at the fairytale setting of St. Mark's Square with the Doge's Palace and Campanile.

Rovinj lies on the western coast of Istria. The old town was built on a hill and was part of the Republic of Venice for over 500 years. St. Euphemia's Basilica sits above the terra cotta roofs in solitary splendor, and its tower has become the town's landmark. A stroll through the winding lanes transports you straight into the Mediterranean lifestyle and the region's culinary delights: Istrian wines seem to embody the sun's rich heat, the oak forests conceal precious white truffles, and the region's olive oil is among the finest in the world.

Ravenna, once a lagoon city and important naval base, is now located around nine kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea. Its main heyday was between the 5th and 7th centuries, when it was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. It was in this period that the most important early Christian and Byzantine religious buildings were constructed, as well as the delightful mosaics which, like large parts of Ravenna, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, the Piazza del Popolo forms the lively heart of the city and creates a magnificent backdrop for colorful modern-day life.

A city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era Forum is 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, with religious art dating to the 8th century. There’s also the grand, 12th-century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and the round, 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus.

Enjoy the ship's luxurious amenities as it sails to Venice, Italy.

After breakfast, disembark your ship to explore Venice, return home, or continue your independent travels.