MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Adriatic Sea - Autumnal Journey through Time - Venice to Valletta 
MS Europa - October 14-21, 2012

Enchanting port towns rise between Istria and Dalmatia, telling of Croatia's rich history. In Split, the Emperor Diocletian provided for his immortality and had a retreat built for him which is impressive to the present day. Millions of tessellae and opulent Baroque architecture entice us to approach the shores of the Italian boot. On Corfu, you will enjoy the views from a location even the Empress of Austria Elisabeth loved back in her day. Relaxed days of autumn along the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: the Euphrasian Basilica*
  in Porec and the historic districts of Split, Trogir* and Corfu
• Baroque Lecce*
• Mosaic floor in the Cathedral of Otranto*

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Venice/Italy
Welcome to the romantic city of lagoons. Following your first overnight stay on board, the EUROPA sets course for eventful days along the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Trieste/Italy
The Roman theatre of Trieste* was rediscovered by coincidence in 1938. The largest part of the "Vienna of the Adriatic" will mesmerise you with the charm of an old imperial and royal city. For more than 500 years, Trieste belonged to the Habsburg Empire, and it thrived to become an important trade city. Places such as the marvellous Piazza Unità d'Italia with the town hall or the Piazza Borsa provide evidence of the wealth of Trieste until the present day.

Rovinj/Croatia
One of the longest waterside promenades in Istria is to be found in Rovinj, the historic district of which is picturesquely perched on a hill overlooking the sea. Pula* developed to become a flourishing city under the Roman Emperor Augustus, and its mighty, well-preserved amphitheatre built in the 1st century A.D. is regarded as the sixth largest arena worldwide. A long time ago, up to 26,000 people would gather here to watch gladiator fights and chariot races. In the historic district of the pretty town of Porec*, you can still see the Roman road grid. The Euphrasian Basilica is a precious heritage of the Byzantine era. With its fantastic mosaics, the sacred building, which has largely remained unchanged since the 6th century, has been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Split/Croatia
In preparation for his retirement, Diocletian commissioned the construction of a retreat that was truly appropriate for a Roman Emperor in his native Split*. Later, the inhabitants took advantage of the protective walls to allow for the development of the historic district here which, together with Diocletian's Palace, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The excavations of Salona* are also a legacy of the Roman Empire, while Trogir* is considered a gem of Roman-Gothic architecture. With its churches and palaces, the enchanting historic district constitutes another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Otranto/Italy
At the very heel of the Italian boot, you will be enchanted by the white historic district of Otranto* which towers over the crystal-clear sea. After the Greeks and the Romans, the Normans came and erected the town's cathedral, which was consecrated in 1088 A.D. Here, the monk Pantaleone created a fantastic floor mosaic consisting of around 10 million tessellae which combines mythical creatures and biblical history to a synthesis of the arts on a surface area of more than 1,500 m2. Lavish Baroque architecture awaits you in the historic district of Lecce*. The highlights of the pretty "Florence of the south" include the cathedral and the church of Santa Croce with its elaborately adorned facade made of pale tuff.

Kerkyra/Corfu/Greece
An Italian Renaissance style palace named after Achilles, an almost invincible Greek hero, by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria. With the Achilleion*, "Sissi" created the palace of her dreams on Corfu. In later times, the German Emperor Wilhelm II enjoyed the fantastic view across the sea from here. On the west coast of the island lies the pretty monastery of Palaiokastritsa* with its wonderful garden and icons from the 18th century. Back in the picturesque Corfu town*, you have the opportunity to stroll through the alleys of the historic district which the French, Venetians and British have left their mark on.

Valletta/Malta
Embark on your return journey today or experience Malta and Gozo with the post-cruise programme*.

5% early booking discount if booked before March 18, 2012! ²