SHORE EXCURSIONS

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Split! Instantly share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site as many of the stops will include wi-fi in real time.

Your tour begins with an orientation drive thru Split with designated selfie stops at: • Bacvice Beach
• Split National Theatre
• Vidilica Viewpoint
• S. Dominous Cathedral
• And MORE!

To make this experience even more fun you will be provided with a selfie stick to help catch your best pose. Your picture-perfect day includes a local snack of smoked ham, cheese and a glass of wine. End the day with some free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship.

Explore magnificent Petra, the ancient Nabataean caravan-city ideally situated between the Red and Dead Seas. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this area was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. The Nabataeans transformed the forbidding desert into a bustling metropolis with magnificent buildings carved directly into the rose-hued sandstone hills and a complex system of water channels and reservoirs.

Camel caravans passed through, loaded with spices, textiles and incense from distant regions and the city of Petra flourished, until a massive earthquake left the freestanding structures in ruins. Travel deep within the deserts of Jordan for approximately two hours, to Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. Upon arrival, walk to the impressive entrance of Petra, a stunning narrow gorge formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks.

Your first view of this amazing city is its most elaborate ruin and fabled achievement, the Treasury, hewn directly out of the red sandstone cliff. Used as a backdrop in the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, enjoy time to explore the Treasury and the Outer Siq, leading to immense tombs, facades and doorways cut in the steep passage walls. Enjoy a late buffet style lunch at a local hotel before returning to Aqaba and your ship.

Converse with the locals in a small Croatian village and together cook a traditional dish affectionately known as Dalmatian pizza.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque, mostly coastal drive through the Croatian countryside to a traditional village in the Poljica Republic. Upon arriving, you will meet you host and mingle with some of the locals that will be joining you for lunch.

Croatian cuisine in coastal regions often includes seafood such as squid and Adriatic white fish, although heavier stews with lamb and vegetables are also popular. The baked dish peka is another traditional favorite that is slow-cooked “under a bell,” a phrase referring to the dish being cooked in a pot with a bell-shaped lid that is then covered with burning embers.

ce the fire is going, you will join the villagers and together prepare soparnik, a dish so traditional that it is included on Croatia’s list of intangible cultural heritage. Known more familiarly as Dalmatian pizza, soparnik is a meatless dish made with wheat flour, Swiss chard, onion, olive oil, garlic and salt.

You will participate in each step of the process, one of the keys being how the uncooked ingredients are combined and placed between two wooden boards. While the concoction is cooking between the boards in the open hearth, the locals will entertain you with traditional accordion music. In no time, lunch will be served.

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland through the inspiring Croatian countryside to Sibenik, a fortified town founded in the 9th century. Walking through the Old Town, you will see attractions such as the Gothic-style St. Francis Church, lovely Sibenik Theater, and the Duke’s Palace, which has been converted into a museum.

Still, St. Jacob’s Cathedral remains Sibenik’s highlight. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral was built entirely of stone under the direction of three architects. Construction took more than 100 years, and the result is a magnificent blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Next, you will visit Trogir, the entire city-island being a UNESCO site. Protected by medieval walls, Trogir has retained its original layout from the Hellenistic period and is a remarkable example of urban continuity. You can’t help but be awed by the outstanding examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture found along the winding stone streets.

Back in Split, you will enjoy a traditional Dalmatian lunch before exploring Old Town and yet another UNESCO gem: the Palace of Diocletian. Built at the turn of the 4th century for Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement, the palace is a sprawling complex of temples, cathedrals and residences facing the sea and is absolutely spectacular. Following your visit, you will return to the pier.

On this full-day excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to explore both Petra, the ancient Nabataean caravan-city ideally situated between the Red and Dead Seas, and Wadi Rum, a nature lover's paradise.

Inhabited since prehistoric times, this area was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. The Nabataeans transformed the forbidding desert into a bustling metropolis with magnificent buildings carved directly into the rose-hued sandstone hills. Camel caravans passed through, loaded with spices, textiles and incense from distant regions, and the city of Petra flourished, until a massive earthquake left the structures of Petra in ruins.

You’ll travel deep within the desert for approximately two hours, to Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. Upon arrival, walk to the impressive entrance to Petra, a narrow gorge formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks. Your first view is of its most elaborate ruin and achievement, the Treasury. Used as a backdrop in the movie, Indian Jones and the Last Crusade, enjoy time to explore the Treasury and the Outer Siq, leading to immense tombs, facades and doorways.

Enjoy a late buffet style lunch at a local hotel. Transfer to yorur off-road vehicles and begin a journey through the starkly beautiful Wadi Rum, with its sheer granite and sandstone cliffs, and uniquely shaped mountains. The stunning scenery, of the towering cliffs, ancient riverbeds and mauve-colored stretches of sand will amaze you, as you drive through the desert, en route to a Bedouin camp. Upon arrival, indulge in a buffet dinner served under Bedouin tents before your return to Aqaba and your ship.

Visit the ancient site of Salona, the most important excavation site from Roman times in Croatia and discover the charm and architectural treasures of medieval Trogir – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Solin, at the ancient site of Salona it will seem as though time has stood still. It prospered during the 3rd and 4th centuries with about 40,000 inhabitants, at a time when Split didn’t even exist. Archaeologists have excavated remains of temples, amphitheaters, early Christian churches, burial grounds and baths. Salona is the most important excavation site from Roman times in Croatia. After your tour, enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful “Riviera of the Seven Castles” to medieval Trogir.

Trogir boasts architectural treasures of beautiful stone houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers and walls. The entire town is like an open-air museum, so just strolling through its narrow streets is an unforgettable experience. You’ll visit the main attraction in Trogir, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence which is probably the finest example of Sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual construction with three naves and three apses dominates the entire town. The main portal carved by local artist, Radovan, in the 13th century is world famous. You’ll also see the Town Loggia, Town Hall and Cipiko Palace.

Explore two filming locations for “Game of Thrones” where pivotal scenes were shot depicting the Meereen slave rebellion and the dungeon that held fire-breathing dragons.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive inland to Klis, an ancient village strategically located in a mountain pass. The village is dominated by a fortress that sits atop a jagged crag with views of the sea on one side and mountains on the other.

It is a spectacular setting, especially for fans of the TV series “Game of Thrones,” which is based on George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” fantasy novels. In the show, the fortress served as the location for the city of Meereen. Here, Daenerys Targaryen (the Mother of Dragons) freed the slaves in Season Four.

In real life, the fortress, whose history dates to the 7th century, has been occupied by numerous Croatian rulers. Despite its seemingly impenetrable appearance, the fortress has been overtaken repeatedly, by the likes of the Ottomans, Venetians and Austrians.

After an enlightening exploration of the fortress, you will return to Split to visit its extraordinary Diocletian Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built at the turn of the 4th century for Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement, the palace is a sprawling complex of temples, cathedrals and residences facing the sea.

Several scenes for “Game of Thrones” were shot here, most notably the ones where Daenerys’ dragons are chained in the dungeon. After visiting, you will return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Depart from the pier and travel to the city of Cork. Cork is a compact, vibrant Irish city, filled with history, culture and creativity, famous for its people, sports and festivals. Today the Lee flows through the city on two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. In fact, it is this feature of the city that gives it its distinctively continental air. As well as offering the many amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. During your free time you might like to explore The English Market, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon or St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral whose spires dominate the city skyline. Take some time to enjoy this city independently with the comfort of knowing that there will be a luxury coach awaiting you for your return journey to port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by comfortable coach from the pier to the heart of Cork, one of Ireland’s most vibrant and welcoming cities.
• Discover a compact city where the River Lee splits into two channels, creating a network of charming bridges and a uniquely continental atmosphere.
• A renowned covered food market known for local specialties and artisan products.
• Notable civic landmarks that reflect Cork’s historical and political heritage.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an adventurous ride in a 4x4 vehicle through some of east Iceland’s most beautiful countryside to the miniscule town of Brekka. To reach this municipal curiosity, you will travel inland, stopping along the way atop a mountain pass to take in the magnificent scenery. Not far away, you will find Egilsstaðir, the largest town in east Iceland. Its population is only about 2,500, so you can imagine the size of Brekka, the country’s tiniest town. It overlooks the narrow fjord Mjóifjörður and is just a few small buildings clustered around the waterfront. Even so, it is well worth a visit because of the pristine setting, which boasts a spectacular row of waterfalls nearby. Brekka perches on a part of the fjord that is home to an abundance of birds, particularly the powerful Great Northern Diver, which is known elsewhere as the Common Loon. It is thought to be the world’s oldest species of bird.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through wonderfully picturesque eastern Iceland in a 4x4 vehicle.
• See Brekka, Iceland’s smallest town, which perches on the edge of a narrow fjord.
• Look for seabirds such as the Great Northern Diver, which thrive in this remote setting.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through Old Town for an enlightening look at historical Split and discover the world of emperor Diocletian through a high-tech virtual reality experience. Founded as a Greek colony perhaps as early as the 3rd century B.C., Split exudes history. The city became especially well-known in 305 A.D. after Diocletian renounced his imperial Roman crown and retired in Split in the palace he built on the sea. It is a fascinating true story, key points of which you will witness through the wonders of virtual reality in the Diocletian’s Dream museum. Through a VR headset, you will become immersed in the life of Diocletian and see the palace – a UNESCO World Heritage site – as it was centuries ago. The animated VR experience brings the palace to life as you tour the royal chambers in a truly unique way. Diocletian died in the palace after living there for 11 years and is buried in its cathedral.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See some of Old Town’s most historically important landmarks on a walking tour.
• Delve into the world of emperor Diocletian through a virtual reality experience.
• See Diocletian’s palace as it stood in the 4th century through the high-tech VR headset.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Drive in and around Split in an electric, open-air vehicle known as a tuk-tuk and see the most naturally beautiful and historically important attractions. Although first colonized by Greeks, this area wasn’t developed until Roman Emperor Diocletian built a magnificent seaside palace in the early 4th century. As you will discover, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural treasure. Nearby Bacvice Beach will offer another perspective of Split’s gorgeous coast. Chances are, you might see people playing picigin, a ball game played in shallow water that originated at this very beach in 1908. Sustipan Park is another popular gathering place because it is so green and serene. Be sure to see the columned stone gloriette that honors those that were buried at Sustipan when it was a cemetery. The ultimate view of Split awaits you at the top of Teraca Vidilica, a terraced lookout that you may explore on your own during free time.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride around Split in a tuk-tuk, an electric vehicle that looks somewhat like a golf cart.
• Explore Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 4th century.
• Pause for photos at Bacvice Beach and Sustipan Park, two popular gathering places.
• Enjoy a sweeping view of Split for atop a lookout during free time.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride around Split in a vintage supermini car and enjoy tastings of Dalmatian wines and snacks at atmospheric venues throughout the city. Expect to get plenty of attention as you buzz around Split in a Fićo, a supermini brand with a nostalgic look and feel as their production ended in 1985. You will first stop at UJE Oil bar for a tasting of olive oils thoughtfully paired with cheeses, prosciutto, olive tapenade and fig jam. A similar spread of local products and characteristic wines will be served at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine. The ambiance of this chic spot in the heart of Split is sure to enhance the experience. A fresh-baked cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee will follow at Oš Kolač, an artisan pastry shop nearby. After taking in the views from the rooftop bar at Teraca Vidilica, you will then toast the day with a drink at the elegant Fabrique Pub.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip around Split in a vintage supermini car that will draw a lot of attention.
• Enjoy tastings of olive oils and wines paired with local products at two trendy venues.
• Treat yourself to a fresh-baked cinnamon roll and coffee at a pastry shop.
• Admire sweeping views of Split and the sea beyond from a rooftop bar.
• Celebrate this gourmand experience with one last drink at Fabrique, an industrial-style pub.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.