Delights of Dalmatia: Venice to Dubrovnik with Ponant

Begin your trip in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Venice. Upon arrival, a private water taxi awaits to whisk you away on a scenic journey to your hotel. Settle into the exquisite Baglioni Hotel Luna, where silk-panelled walls showcase the elegance and prestige of this 12th-century palazzo. From its rooftop, enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Canal, while St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace are just a leisurely stroll away. You are free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the spa before sampling exquisite Italian cuisine at the hotel's intimate restaurant.

Start your day with a private walking tour of Venice after a delicious breakfast. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the iconic landmarks of the city, sharing fascinating stories along the way. Visit the nearby icon of St. Mark's Square, before admiring the intricate architecture of St. Mark's Basilica and the magnificent Gothic Doge's Palace, a building that once served as the seat of power in Venice. The rest of your day is at leisure to wander Venice's charming streets, explore Rialto Bridge or perhaps enjoy a spot of lunch with canal views.

After breakfast, you will have some time at your leisure before you leave the bustling canals behind, stepping aboard your luxurious Ponant Explorer ship, such as Le Bougainville, this afternoon where you'll be immediately enveloped in its refined atmosphere. The welcoming and spacious common areas invite you to relax, while the open-to-the-sea design offered stunning views out to sea. After settling into your cabin, explore the ship's amenities, from the outdoor pool to the unique multi sensorial underwater lounge. Depart Venice as you join fellow guests for a welcome dinner in the restaurant. Later, enjoy a cocktail in the panoramic lounge with its stunning views as the sun sets.

Stay: Ponant Explorer ship

Rovinj, nestled in the Istrian region of Croatia, whispers tales of Venetian influence as you wander its charming, cobblestoned streets. Keep an eye out for monuments bearing the winged lion, the symbol of Venice, like the one adorning the Balbi Arch. The bell tower of Saint Euphemia Cathedral, a striking replica of St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, offers panoramic views of the entire historical district. Today, you have the opportunity to explore with a choice of two fascinating excursions. Perhaps opt to discover the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica in nearby Porec on a guided tour. This architectural gem blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles and boasts stunning mosaics. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Porec before returning to Rovinj. Alternatively, explore Rovinj's historic centre on a guided walking tour, admiring Venetian architecture and the iconic Church of Saint Euphemia with its impressive bell tower. See its art treasures and learn about its history before enjoying a local snack and returning to the ship.

Stay: Ponant Explorer ship

Zadar sits on a peninsula boasting over 3,000 years of history, and today you'll have the chance to explore this captivating city, where ancient echoes resonate through its streets and monuments. The fortified old town showcases a fascinating mix of architectural styles which are best explored on your included excursion. Beginning at the Roman Forum, the city's emblem, you'll visit the Church of Saint Donat and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Explore the historic centre's monuments and palaces, and visit the vibrant People's Square before witnessing the unique Sea Organ and the dazzling Sun Salutations. There will also be time to savour Zadar's famous Maraschino liqueur, a symbol of local pride since 1768, made from Marasca cherries.

Stay: Ponant Explorer ship

Originally a fortified peninsula, Primošten, meaning "bridged," was connected to the mainland in the 16th century. Nowadays, this charming village's picturesque beauty unfolds through narrow, winding streets, lined with lovely stone houses, showcasing an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. This morning, you are free to explore the village's beauty, perhaps by visiting its highest point – the Church of St. George – overlooking the breathtaking bay. Elsewhere, the slopes surrounding Primošten are covered with vineyards, where the renowned Babić grape varietal thrives, protected from erosion by traditional low stone walls.

Depart Primošten at midday and head to Split, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre is just steps from the palm-shaded seafront, and is dominated by the magnificent Diocletian's Palace. This afternoon, delve into this remarkable structure during your included excursion. You will also visit the Cathedral of St. Duje (patron saint of the city) where, according to medieval sources, Archbishop John of Ravenna purified the mausoleum of Diocletian by getting rid of its idols, founding the Cathedral whose bell tower is now the symbol of Split.

Stay: Ponant Explorer ship

Today, your journey takes you off the coast of Split to the island of Hvar, a place where ancient traditions remain remarkably unchanged. Here, you'll discover Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia, nestled in a cove on the northwest coast. Surrounding the town are the Stari Grad Plains – a UNESCO World Heritage site – where ancient agricultural landscapes, with their dry stone walls were built by the Ancient Greeks. These are still used today to cultivate grapes for wine and olives for oil, all produced using traditional methods. Your included tour starts by taking you along narrow streets to the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery before crossing the main square to pass by the Cathedral of Saint Stephan (outside visit). Built in stages during the 16th and 17th centuries, the interior was not wholly completed until the 18th century. From outside, it has the characteristics of the Renaissance style and inside the baroque style. Lastly, visit the Benedictine Monastery, which holds a rich collection of lace made of agave leaves.  

Stay: Ponant Explorer ship

Today, you'll explore the captivating harbour town of Korčula, uniquely positioned on a spur along the northeastern coast of the island. Today's included excursion takes you through the 13th-century Old Town, built on a unique "fishbone" plan. Visit the Bishop's Palace and its Icon Museum, showcasing Byzantine icons and ceremonial pieces before discovering the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St. Mark, a testament to Dalmatian stonework. Later, explore Gabrielis Palace and its town museum, with archaeological, ethnographic and artistic collections aplenty. The town's medieval ramparts offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Pelješac peninsula; you'll reach these vantage points by climbing the grand staircase in the Revelin Tower.

Stay: Ponant Explorer ship

Your last full day on board sees you visit Kotor, nestled in one of Montenegro's most stunning bays. A captivating medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it brims with charm and history, dating back to the 12th-14th centuries and offers a glimpse into a bygone era with its well-preserved historical monuments. Begin by exploring the town's labyrinthine network of narrow streets and intimate squares, where you might even stumble upon a local folk festival showcasing vibrant traditional costumes. No visit to Kotor is complete without admiring the imposing castle that towers over the town, offering breath-taking views of the bay and surrounding landscape. You'll have plenty of time to walk the ancient walls and soak up the rich history of this remarkable town.

Note that the voyages departing 4 August and 20 August 2026 dock at Tivat rather than Kotor.

Stay: Ponant Explorer ship

Early this morning, you'll arrive in Dubrovnik – the emblem of the Dalmatian coast – where you'll disembark in time for a private transfer to your hotel, a stunning 17th-century Baroque palace located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, and once home to the aristocratic Pucić family, who played a significant role in Dubrovnik's history through their political influence and love for the arts. Over the next two days, perhaps take a breathtaking walk along the famed city walls, where panoramic vistas of the Adriatic Sea and Old Town unfold. As evening approaches, indulge in the culinary delights of Dubrovnik at one of the picturesque waterfront restaurants. Sample the freshest seafood, complemented by local wines and the authentic flavours of traditional Croatian dishes.

After a final breakfast, depart by private transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.