Šibenik, Croatia
Šibenik is the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast. The remarkable architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans the centuries, having witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from Byzantine to Venetian. In its remarkably preserved Old Town, narrow cobblestone streets lead past medieval houses and churches, all surrounded by four historic fortresses, including the imposing St. Nicholas Fortress. St. James Cathedral, built by several architects in the Gothic and Renaissance styles over a century, is the most important Renaissance structure in Croatia.
Šibenik is the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast. The remarkable architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans the centuries, having witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from Byzantine to Venetian. In its remarkably preserved Old Town, narrow cobblestone streets lead past medieval houses and churches, all surrounded by four historic fortresses, including the imposing St. Nicholas Fortress. St. James Cathedral, built by several architects in the Gothic and Renaissance styles over a century, is the most important Renaissance structure in Croatia.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
City Walk & Šibenik City Museum
Embark on a walk through the winding, cobbled streets and historic squares of hilltop Šibenik.
A Guided Discovery of an Adriatic City
Embark on a walk through the winding, cobbled streets and historic squares of hilltop Šibenik. Meet your guide and make your way to the center of the old town on foot, following narrow, stone-paved paths to reach some of its most iconic landmarks. Ascend a series of steps and inclines to the Republic of Croatia Square, where you will see Šibenik City Hall, widely regarded as one of the city's finest examples of High Renaissance civic architecture. View the sculpted stone facade of the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, the most important Renaissance monument in Croatia and continue your ascent along steep, stepped lanes to gaze upon the Gothic exterior of St. Barbara's Church—its most distinctive feature is the historic clock on the western side, which marks all 24 hours in Roman numerals. After a brief visit to the Šibenik City Museum, return to your ship.
Charming Trogir & Village Heritage
Explore the town of Trogir, a veritable open air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Destinations Around Šibenik
Explore the town of Trogir, a veritable open air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set within medieval walls, Trogir is linked by bridges to both the mainland and the island of Ciovo. Arrive by motor coach, then stroll with your guide to discover the narrow cobblestone passageways winding between medieval buildings and Renaissance palaces. You will see the Town Loggia, the Town Hall, Cipiko Palace and the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a 13th-century building considered to be one of the finest examples of sacral architecture in Croatia. Return to your coach and continue to picturesque Burni to discover the local traditions of a typical village, where your hosts will warmly welcome you. Glimpse the village homes and enjoy a delicious lunch in this unique locale, before returning to your awaiting ship.
Historic Split & Diocletian’s Palace
Experience a unique blend of old and new cultures and architecture in Croatia’s second largest city.
A Blend of Ancient and Modern
Experience a unique blend of old and new cultures and architecture in Croatia’s second largest city. Travel by motor coach to the city of Split and embark on a guided walk of this historic city, the product of many centuries of building and remodeling. Gain insight into its many renovations as you head toward the Old Town of Split, built on and around Diocletian’s Palace. This spectacular Roman palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed by Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century and today sits at the center of the sprawling cityscape. Stroll through its well-preserved cellars and discover it with your guide, then proceed to the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the patron saint of the city, and the Temple of Jupiter. After, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore more on your own before returning to your ship.
The Krka Waterfalls & Town of Skradin
Travel through Croatia’s beautiful countryside to Krka National Park and its sleepy gateway town of Skradin.
The Wonders of Man and Nature
Travel through Croatia’s beautiful countryside to Krka National Park and its sleepy gateway town of Skradin. The park covers almost 27,000 acres and is known for its cascading waterfalls and crystalline waters. Drive with your guide to Skradin and see why Microsoft founder Bill Gates has named this as his favorite vacation spot during a brief walking tour. Continue along the Krka River; your destination is the astonishing Skradinski Buk waterfalls. These 17 cataracts are considered to be among the most beautiful calcium-carbonate waterfalls in Europe, tumbling a total of 150 feet along a 1,312-foot stretch of the river. At their widest point, they span 328 feet across. Enjoy views of the foamy cascades and their crystal clear pools from a viewing platform. While at the park, you will also visit a small ethnological exhibit and a restored water mill, before returning to your ship.
Krka National Park & Dubrava Falconry Center
Learn about conservation efforts, take in the waterfalls of Krka National Park and enjoy a stroll around Šibenik.
See Travertine Waterfalls and Explore Falconry Traditions
Learn about conservation efforts, take in the waterfalls of Krka National Park and enjoy a stroll around Šibenik. Your first stop, the Dubrava Falconry Center, provides protection and rehabilitation to endangered birds of prey in an on-site bird hospital. The center’s activities combine education about the birds and their protection with the continuation of the medieval falconry tradition. As a visitor, you may have the rare opportunity to let one of the center’s residents, perhaps a falcon or a hawk, fly to your hand. Next, continue to Krka National Park, where the Skradinski Buk waterfalls form a spectacular multilevel cascade over travertine cliffs. Pause above the falls for an excellent view. Following your guided walking tour, return to Šibenik and enjoy a stroll around the town before heading back to your awaiting ship.
Vrana Lake & Dalmatian Heritage
See Croatia’s largest lake, taste local wines and visit historic Maškovića Han to sample Turkish treats.
Dalmatian Nature & Flavors
See Croatia’s largest lake, taste local wines and visit historic Maškovića Han to sample Turkish treats. Drive by motor coach along the Adriatic Coast toward Vrana Lake. Upon arrival at Kamenjak, a small hill that overlooks Vrana, you can take in the sweeping views of the lake, its surroundings and the emerald patchwork of the Dalmatian islands that dot the coastline. After, return to your coach and continue to the Karaba Winery. Here, you will sample local wines that showcase authentic Dalmatian flavors while soaking up the beauty of the Croatian countryside. Cap your day with a visit to Maškovića Han—the westernmost existing Turkish monument in Europe, built by a young local who went on to become an admiral of the Turkish Empire fleet. Today, it is a heritage hotel that celebrates its past. View its historic structure and enjoy refreshments before returning to your ship.
Croatian Towns & Family Winery
Explore the sights of Šibenik, enjoy a gourmet wine pairing at a renowned family winery, and visit scenic Skradin.
Scenic Landscapes and Gourmet Experience
Explore the sights of Šibenik, enjoy a gourmet wine pairing at a renowned family winery, and visit scenic Skradin. Begin with a guided walk of Šibenik, nestled on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. After time to view St. Jacob’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, board your motor coach and set out through the rural hinterland to Skradin. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the town’s storied history—with roots going back over 2,000 years, it is one of Croatia’s oldest towns and has endured Ottoman and Venetian rule. Continue along the coast to the vineyards around the tiny village of Plastovo, where you will call at a local winery. See the vineyards and visit the cellars of this family estate, where some of Croatia’s most celebrated wines are produced. Cap your visit with lunch accompanied by a tasting of local wines and a liqueur before returning to your awaiting ship.
Historic Šibenik & Culinary Delights
View the oldest Croatian town on the Dalmatian Coast and sample delicious local delicacies at a family farm.
Culture and Cuisine on the Dalmatian Coast
View the oldest Croatian town on the Dalmatian Coast and sample delicious local delicacies at a family farm. Begin with a scenic stroll into the remarkably preserved Old Town of Šibenik, a maze of narrow streets lined with medieval buildings and surrounded by four historic fortresses. Set out on foot through this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see Gothic-Renaissance facade of the Cathedral of St. Jacob, the exterior of the Town Hall and the baroque Orthodox church. Later, continue along the Adriatic coast toward the village of Stankovci, where your hosts at the Roca Estate will greet you. This family-run farm is famed for its Dalmatian prosciutto. After time to explore the farm, enjoy a tasting of prosciutto and other estate-made products such as homemade bread, olive oil and other specialties. Cap your day with a typical Croatian lunch before returning to your ship.
St. Nicholas’ Fortress & Šibenik on Foot
Discover Šibenik by land and sea during a visit to St. Nicholas’ Fortress and a guided walk of the city.
Maritime Fortifications and Historic Architecture
Discover Šibenik by land and sea during a visit to St. Nicholas’ Fortress and a guided walk of the city. From your ship, take a short stroll to the Šibenik waterfront, where you will meet your crew and board a vessel for a half-hour cruise. Trace the coastline past landmarks revealing the region’s maritime heritage, including St. Nicholas’ Fortress, a UNESCO-listed Venetian stronghold accessible only by sea. Step ashore and explore this 16th-century fortress, once a critical element of Šibenik’s coastal defenses. After, enjoy free time to discover more on your own before returning to your vessel. Back in Šibenik, set out on an orientation walk of the city’s historic core. Follow your guide along stone lanes and small squares and view the facade of St. James Cathedral, the city hall, the baroque Orthodox Church and the traditional commercial quarter, before returning to your ship.
