Historical Bari

Embark on a journey through Bari's rich history and ancient heritage, starting at Ferrarese Square along the Via Traiana, a short but fascinating section of the Roman road built in the early 2nd century AD. From here, proceed to the Santa Scolastica Archaeological Museum, an essential site for uncovering the region's ancient past.

The tour continues with a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Delve deeper into history by exploring the Succorpo, an underground archaeological site hidden beneath the cathedral.

Conclude your experience at the majestic Basilica of Saint Nicholas, a powerful symbol of the union between East and West. This iconic site is home to the relics of Saint Nicholas and showcases a unique blend of history, faith, and architecture.

This tour offers a captivating exploration of Bari's ancient roots, blending archaeological wonders with architectural beauty.

Please Note: Depending on the museum's opening hours and availability, two of the following archaeological sites will be included in the tour: Palazzo Simi, Swabian Castle, Basilica of Saint Nicholas and its Crypt, Cathedral Succorpo, or the Saint Scolastica Museum.

Old Town and City Walls Walk

The Old City of Dubrovnik and its Medieval walls have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Parts of the walls date from the 13th century. Walls have always been a part of Dubrovnik's history and have been mentioned in writings as far back as the 9th century A.D. when the Saracens besieged the city for 15 months before giving up. The city was completely enclosed by walls by the 13th century A.D. and its citizens continued to fortify and repair them from that time on.

Leaving Pile Square on foot, your guide will lead you through the west side entrance to the Old Town, where your special tour begins. You will first explore the old town of Dubrovnik and its detailed architecture for approximately 90 minutes. As you walk along, your guide will point out some of the more important buildings, including some you may wish to visit inside on your own after your tour.

You will then climb a narrow staircase to the ramparts, which are intact and encircle the old city with a circumference of more than a mile and a half. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour along its entire length. You will look down on the gorgeous Minceta Fortress, St. John's Fortress, Bokar Fortress, and the Maritime Museum from above. The wall walk takes approximately 90 minutes with photo stops along the way.

Lake Bled & Ljubljana Tours

For the best of both worlds, join this combination tour of Ljubljana's charming cityscapes and Lake Bled's natural grandeur. This guided tour of Slovenia's capital and its most beloved mountain lake offers history, architecture, and unparalleled alpine beauty. See the bridges, parks, and squares designed by the famous Slovene architect, Joze Plecnik, as well as the green-domed Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljana Town Hall, and other historic monuments that comprise the old town center. The second portion of this comprehensive Slovenia tour brings you to Lake Bled, where snow-capped mountains surround a glacial lake and its famous island, home to a Gothic church and its wish-granting bell.

From your port, the tour begins with Slovenia's political, economic, and cultural capital, Ljubljana. The city's ancient roots begin in prehistoric times along the shores of the Ljubljana River, long before the Roman outpost was conquered by Atilla's Huns. In the city's center, atop a hill, you'll find the medieval Ljubljana Castle, which boasts architectural accents from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods. Your guide will point out the many representations of the Ljubljana Dragon along the way. Symbolizing power, courage, and greatness, the dragon can be found on the castle's tower and Dragon Bridge, which spans the city's namesake river. Also in the old town's center, you can see the many architectural contributions of Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, including the iconic Triple Bridge, the river's embankments, and a number of exquisite parks and squares. In the mid-20th century, Plecnik transformed the capital into the modern city it is today.

Following your Ljubljana tour, enjoy a scenic 40 minute drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Bled Castle overlooks the lake from its north shore, and in the center of the lake, Bled Island is home to a pilgrimage church built in the Gothic style and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The church's bell is visited frequently by newlyweds and travelers who hope to make their wishes come true. For those interested, the church is only accessible via boat at an additional cost of 14 EUR to be paid at the lake, and is not included in the tour price. Nestled amid the towering alpine mountains, Lake Bled is a venue for both romantic getaways and sporting adventures. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you stand above the lake, upon the cliff where Bled Castle presides.

These Lake Bled and Ljubljana tours offer the best of Slovenia's city and countryside, so be sure to bring a camera to capture endless memorable images. Book a spot on this comprehensive Slovenia tour and experience the very best of the country's popular attractions.

Please Note: If time permits, guests who are interested in visiting the church at Lake Bled (at an additional cost of 14 EUR to be paid at the lake, not included in the tour price) must inform the guide immediately after arriving to Lake Bled, to ensure a timely return to the ship.

Grand Diocletian Tour

Explore the fascinating city of Split with two tours in one. Begin your trip with a open-top bus tour that enables you to see the unique terrain and culture of modern Split. Thereafter, step out and explore the Diocletian Palace and the heart of the city on a fascinating walking tour.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic Sea. Your English speaking guide will provide you with interesting facts about Diocletian's amazing culture. Beginning at the city center promenade, your open-top sightseeing bus will take you along the scenic Bacvice Beach, where the panoramic views will take your breath away.

Thereafter, you'll see the sports facilities, designed for the Mediterranean Games, and world class museums featuring unique cultural and historical artifacts. These include the Maritime Museum, the Archaeological Museum dedicated to preserving cultural artifacts of the Croats from the Middle Ages, and the Mestrovic Gallery, an art museum displaying artworks from the 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic.

As you wind up the Marjan Hill, note the lush Mediterranean pine forest surrounded by the city and the Adriatic Sea, a sight that has drawn visitors from all over the world for centuries. View the islands from the slopes of the Marjan Hill, rich with untouched nature and scents from Mediterranean herbs.

After driving through the city and scenic seascapes, the approximately 45 minute bus tour ends where it began, in the city center promenade. Then, it's time to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this enchanting city. You'll walk along the ancient cobblestone streets and historical architectural structures making up the Diocletian Palace.

Tour this world renowned palace, which was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD. Known worldwide as the most complete remains of a Roman palace, it is part luxury palace and part military fortress. The palace is a city unto itself, with numerous points of interest for you to discover. Because of its important significance to the Mediterranean region, UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage Monument.

See the Bronze Gates at the southern part of the palace, Diocletian's cellars, the monumental Peristyle court, and the Vestibule of the Emperor's Palace. Explore Diocletian's Mausoleum, which forms the main part of St. Dujam's Cathedral, and view the cathedral treasury containing relics of Saint Dujam's. Make your way to the Temple of Jupiter, an ancient Roman temple that was later converted to Saint John's Baptistery, the Silver Gates, and the City Museum housed within the Papalic Palace. View the Golden Gates, St. Martin's Church, and the Chapel of Arnir the Blessed.

Further stops on the tour include the Piaca (People's Square), the town hall, the Karepic house, the Iron Gates, the Chapel of Our Lady of Belfry, the Fruit Square, the Venetian castle, the Milesi Palace, and the Monument of Marko Marulic.

Book this comprehensive tour where you'll learn many interesting facts about Diocletian and create long-lasting memories.