Silversea Luxury Cruises A Rovinj

Experience the breath-taking natural beauty, coastline, flora and fauna of Brijuni National Park during this exclusive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rovinj, Speedboat-Ride, Brijuni National Park, Islands, Coves, Flora and Fauna, Bird Species

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Fazana. Upon arrival, embark your awaiting private speedboat for the short ride to Brijuni National Park. The park spans approximately 1,818 acres (about 736 hectares), and is comprised of a beautiful archipelago of islands and picturesque coves that dot its approximately 27.3 miles (about 44 kilometres) of coastline. A microclimate here allows both native and foreign flora and fauna to flourish; over 150 bird species can be found here.

Visitors have been coming to Brijuni National Park for millennia, and there are many archaeological sites on the islands that show humans have lived on the islands since the Neolithic Age. A safari park on one of the islands was established in 1978 for the enjoyment of then-Yugoslav President Josip Tito, who owned a private retreat on the islands and entertained world leaders here, including Eleanor Roosevelt.

Walking and Golf Cart Tours, Safari Park, Animals, Byzantine Fortifications, Roman Summer Villa

During your visit, take a private, guided tour on-foot and with golf carts. Explore the safari park, marvel at the animals, and pass by the ruins of Byzantine fortifications and a Roman summer villa dating from the 1st century A.D. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the island at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, embark your private speedboat for the short ride back to Fazana Village. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 383 yards (about 350 metres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, and 20 steps at the sites visited. Walking in Brijuni National Park is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least eight years old to participate on this tour. A valid driver's license is required to drive the golf cart. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Indulge your senses with the picturesque beauty, romance and flavours of the Istrian Peninsula during a memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion to this medieval enclave.

Motovun Village, Medieval Buildings, Main Square, St. Stephen's Church, Mina Valley

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Motovun, one of the most beautiful towns in Istria. An astonishing architectural landmark, this hilltop town has retained its medieval feel along its narrow streets and within its well-preserved, intact town walls. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour past the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings en route to the main square, which is dominated by the 13th-century belfry of St. Stephen's Church. See the lions as they stand guard over the town gates, and take in splendid views of the Mirna River Valley below. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the village and browse the shops at your leisure.

Livade Village

Next, re-board your coach for the scenic, uphill drive to the village of Livade, one of the most renowned villages on the Istrian Peninsula due to its abundance of elusive, prized truffles. The white truffle season begins in October, and lasts until the end of January. The black truffle season begins in May, and lasts until November.

Zigante Restaurant and Tasting of Truffle Specialities

The white truffle is the largest and most precious variety of truffle. Its colour ranges from yellow-brown to green or grey-green. The black truffle, also known as the 'summer truffle', is brown-to-black in colour, whilst its size varies from the size of a cherry to the size of an apple, as is the case with the white truffle. The biggest truffle ever found in this vicinity weighed approximately 2.9 pounds (about 1.31 kilograms), and was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records. It was found on 2 November 1999 near Buje by Mr. Giancarlo Zigante. A visit is made to his restaurant, Zigante, for a tasting of delicious specialities made of local truffles served with a glass of excellent Istrian wine. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive through the rolling hills en route to the pier.

Embrace the spectacular panoramic beauty of the Lim Fjord during this exhilarating, half-day sea kayaking excursion.

Lim Fjord Kayaking

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Lim Fjord. Upon arrival, receive your safety and kayaking instructions, then begin your guided sea kayaking adventure. During the first part of your tour, pass by steep banks, mollusks and fish whilst gliding along the protected area of Lim Bay for approximately 3.1 miles (about five kilometres).

Beach Stop, Refreshments, Swimming, Snorkelling, Kayaking

A refreshment stop is made at a pristine, uninhabited beach at the end of Lim Bay. Here, some free time is also made available for swimming, snorkelling, and/or simply relaxing and taking in the splendid natural beauty of your surrounds. Following your beach stop, embark your kayak and commence the approximately 3.1 miles (about five kilometres) journey along the Lim Fjord en route to the starting point. Upon arrival, change into dry clothing, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the world of delicious, prized truffles and how to procure them during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Motovun Village, Medieval Buildings, Main Square, St. Stephen's Church, Mina Valley

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Motovun, one of the most beautiful towns in Istria. An astonishing architectural landmark, this hilltop town has retained its medieval feel along its narrow streets and within its well-preserved, intact town walls. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour past the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings en route to the main square, which is dominated by the 13th-century belfry of St. Stephen's Church. See the lions as they stand guard over the town gates, and take in splendid views of the Mirna River Valley below. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the village and browse the shops at your leisure.

Vrh Village, Karlic Family Home and a Tasting of Truffle Specialities

Your journey continues with a scenic, approximately half an hour drive to the Village of Vrh, which overlooks Lake Butoniga. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the home of the Karlic family, who originated the tradition of truffle-hunting in Istria. Your visit begins with a warm welcome to the Karlic Estate.

Motovun Forest, Truffle Hunt and Meal Preparation, and a Tasting of Truffle Specialities

Next, leave the Karlic's home and head downhill, led by specially-trained dogs, to the famous Motovun Forest to experience the adventure of hunting for black and precious white truffles. After an approximately 75-minute search for these treasured delicacies of the woodlands, return to the Karlic's home to learn how to prepare a delicacies with truffles. Your excursion culminates with a tasting of local wine, cheese and truffles, flavoured honey, paté, and other truffle specialities served by your friendly hosts. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately an hour drive back to Rovinj.

Experience the scenic splendour of the renowned Parenzana Cycling Trail during this invigorating, half-day sightseeing excursion via bicycle.

Rovinj, Istrian Peninsula, Groznjan

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive through the hilltop towns of the Istrian Peninsula en route to Groznjan. Upon arrival, take a short, guided walking tour of this charming Istrian town. World-famous for its great cultural significance, Groznjan is especially popular during the summer months, when its labyrinth of little streets and squares turn into a truly artistic beehive. Summer music academies and artistic, dance, drama and peace activism workshops open under the leadership of well-known experts and teachers, and famous names from music, art and drama. During this time, Groznjan's streets become one great stage, and the sounds of jazz and classical music fill the air. Following your walking tour of Groznjan, some free time is made available to explore the town at your leisure.

Parenzana Cycling Trail

Next, receive your safety and bicycling instructions and equipment, then begin your guided bicycle tour along the Parenzana biking trail. This popular cycling route is named after the famous railroad that once connected Istria with the heartland of Austria-Hungary, i.e. Poreč in Croatia with Trieste in Italy. The railroad brought great prosperity to the local inhabitants, which is why it's mentioned with respect and nostalgic stories to this day. Because of the extraordinary significance of this landmark, the Parenzana Cycling Trail was created, and is also known today as the 'Trail of Health and Friendship' because it connects three countries; Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

Lush Forests, Flora and Fauna, Massive Rocks, Zavrsje Village, Livade Village

Parenzana's route passes through the tame landscape of Istria, which is home to a wealth of natural beauty that includes diverse plant and wildlife in the lush forests, and deep chasms cut into massive rocks. Cycle along this route to Zavrsje Village, where a comfort and refreshment stop is made. From here, continue on to Livade Village. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Discover the natural wonders and flavours of the Rovinj Archipelago and Lim Fjord in an exciting new way during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion via RIB-boat.

Rovinj Archipelago Boat-Ride

Depart the pier aboard a rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) for a scenic ride along the breath-taking Rovinj Archipelago. The natural landscape of the Rovinj Archipelago and coastline are part of the 'Landscapes of Outstanding Value', and best-seen from the water. The indented coast, holm oak, alpine and spruce pine forests, and special agricultural spaces amaze and captivate with their beauty. This protected area stretches from St. John's Cape to Barbariga, and encompasses all 20 Rovinj islands and islets, as well as the coastal area up to 547 metres (about 500 metres) from the coastline.

Swimming, Red Island, Free Time

During your ride along the Rovinj Archipelago, a stop is made to swim in its inviting waters. Afterward, embark your boat and head for a visit to Red Island, where some free time is made available to swim and/or explore your surrounds at your leisure. Leaving Red Island, embark your boat and proceed for a picturesque ride towards the end of Lim Fjord.

Lim Fjord, Refreshments, Shellfish Tasting, Swimming

Lim Fjord represents a sunken canyon valley in karst. It is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Istria, and among the most stunning fjords outside Norway. Lim Fjord is approximately 6.2 miles (about ten kilometres) in length. It has an average width of approximately 1,968 feet (about 600 metres), and its deepest point is approximately 108 feet (about 33 metres). The water in the fjord is less transparent and salty than the open sea due to its many springs and temperature fluctuations. The water here also contains a large amount of planktons and oxygen, thus providing abundant flora and fauna. The area is a natural hatching site for many fish species, but is also renowned for its oysters. A stop is made here for refreshments, a shellfish tasting and swimming. Afterward, embark your boat and commence the short ride back to the pier.

Explore the rich history and splendid flavours of the Istrian hinterland during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rovinj, Porec, Old Town

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Porec, a cultural and historical jewel by international standards. Today's town plan dates from the Roman times, about 50 B.C. Following the common Roman town model, Porec has two main intersecting streets, Cardo and Decumanus, which remain the backbone of the Old Town to this day.

Euphrasian Basilica, Marafor, House of Two Saints, Istrian Parliament, Leoni and Zuccato Palaces

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the Old Town. Along the way, see the Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica. Built in the 6th century, it is the most valuable monument in Porec, as well as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additional highlights include the Marafor, the oldest part of town with the remains of two Roman temples, House of Two Saints, Istrian Parliament Building, and the Leoni and Zuccato Palaces. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore Porec at your leisure.

Sveti Lovrec Village, Matosevic Winery, Wine Tasting with Local Specialities

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Istrian hinterland en route to the village of Sveti Lovrec, where a visit is made to the Matosevic Winery, one of the most renowned Croatian wine producers. Upon arrival, proceed to the wine cellar for a tasting of some of their finest red and white wines accompanied by homemade cheese and Istrian prosciutto. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Embrace the wonderful charm and flavours of Rovinj during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rovinj, Town Square, Archipelago, Streets and Landmarks, St. Eufemija Church

Depart the pier for a guided, approximately one-hour walking tour of Rovinj. Take a stroll to the Town Square, then continue on to St. Eufemija Church, the symbol of this charming town. The front of the church offers a magnificent view of the Rovinj Archipelago. Following your visit, board a coach for a scenic drive through the charming little streets and squares of Rovinj. Along the way, your guide points out the best-known sights and museums of this town.

Batana House Museum, Multimedia and Interactive Exhibits, Artefacts

Next, visit Batana House, the first museum dedicated to a fishing vessel. The 'batana' is a flat-bottomed, wooden fishing vessel and favourite traditional vessel of the local residents. This modern museum combines multimedia presentations, film and slide projections, models, music, excellent photographs, interactive exhibits, and original objects donated by local residents. During your guided tour of this unique and interesting venue, learn about the origins of batana, its typology and constituent parts, makers and caulkers, construction process, and Rovinj's shipyards. In addition, explore everyday life in Rovinj, its inhabitants, and their rich musical, linguistic and gastronomic heritage.

Vodnjan Village, Chiavalon Family Farm, Olive Oil Tasting

Leaving the museum, board your coach and head to the nearby village of Vodnjan. Upon arrival, enjoy an olive oil tasting at the Chiavalon Family Farm, which specializes in growing olives and producing top-quality, extra virgin olive oils. Chiavalon's olive oil is listed among the top 15 olive oils in the world, and they been declared the 'most promising farm in the world' by the world-famous guide, 'L' Extravergine'. Their product designs have won numerous awards, and surpassed many international brands. Following your tour, proceed for an olive oil tasting accompanied by smoked ham, cheese, bread and wine. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

The Croatian hinterland is home to some of the most beautiful natural panorama in Europe and highlighted by Plitvice Lakes National Park, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, marvel at stunning travertine marble formations and 16 breath-taking, crystal-clear blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls, then stroll along wooden promenades with magnificent vistas over the waters. Visits to charming coastal towns of the Istrian Riviera, including Rovinj, Opatija and Rastoke, which features lovely waterfalls, round-out this must-see Croatian experience.

01MIDROV-A Istrian Riviera & Plitvice National Park

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night

Departs from: Rovinj at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Re-join ship: Zadar at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than the 14th February 2020. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 120 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Croatia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Croatian Kuna; local ATMs are available in most locations visited.

Discover the stunning natural panorama, exquisite waterways and charming coastal towns of the Croatian hinterland and Istrian Riviera during this breath-taking, one-night overland excursion.

DAY ONE - Sunday, April 26, 2020 - Rovinj/Opatija/Rastoke

After disembarking the ship, depart for a guided walking tour of Rovinj

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart for a guided, approximately 45-minute walking tour of Rovinj.

Visit the Church of St. Eufemija, see the Rovinj Archipelago, and pass charming streets and squares

Begin with a walk towards the town square, then on to Church of St. Eufemija, which is the symbol of this charming town. Just in front of the church is a magnificent view of the Rovinj Archipelago. Following your visit to the Church of St. Eufemija, continue walking through the charming little streets and squares, and pass by the town's most renowned sites.

Drive across the Istrian Peninsula to Opatija

After a comfort stop, re-board your coach and drive across the Istrian Peninsula towards the coastal town of Opatija, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. A visit to this gem of a resort town, nestled in the heart of the Kvarner Riviera, feels a bit like stepping back in time.

About Opatija and its Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau-styled grand hotels

Located on the slopes of Mount Ucka, which gently descends towards the coast of Kvarner Bay, Opatija is highlighted by grand and ornate architecture built with the elite in mind. This elegant seaside town was the first place in Croatia to welcome tourists. In its heyday, it was frequented by the rich and famous, including royalty, artists and writers; Lord Byron, James Joyce and Isadora Duncan all stayed here. Many of the grand hotels built during this period still stand, and are a blend of Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau styles.

Take a guided walking tour of Opatija with its charming, 19th-century buildings

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Opatija. Along the way, take in the atmosphere and view the charming, 19th-century buildings. Opatija is also a very 'green' town, one in which the natural environment has always been respected. Enjoy the well-maintained public gardens, admire the beautiful villas and take a short stroll along part of the locally-famous coastal promenade, the Lungomare, which is over seven miles (about 11.2 miles) long.

Seafood lunch at a local restaurant, and some free time at leisure

Following your walking tour, proceed for a delicious seafood lunch is a seaside restaurant. After lunch, some free time is made available to explore Opatija at your leisure.

Drive to your hotel in Rastoke for check-in

Following your visit to Opatija, re-board your coach and head to Rastoke with a comfort stop en route. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel for check-in.

Take a guided tour of Rastoke, and see its lovely river and lake

Next, meet your guide and depart for a walking tour of Raskoke. The historical centre of the Croatian municipality of Slunj, Raskoke is renowned for the Slunjcica River, which flows into the Korana River at Rastoke. Here, a similar natural phenomena occurs like at the Plitvice Lakes. Rastoke is sometimes known as the 'Small Lakes of Plitvice', and is connected to the Plitvice Lakes by the Korana River. Rastoke is a place of autochthonous ecologic and ethnographic significance, due to its symbiosis of natural and civilizational features.

Return to the hotel on-foot for some free time

Following your walking tour, return to the hotel on-foot, with some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner accompanied by musical entertainment is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Double-Standard Room at the Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke - Rastoke

DAY TWO - Monday, April 27, 2020 - Rastoke/Plitvice Lakes National Park/Zadar

Breakfast, check-out and a drive to Plitvice, home to beautiful waterfalls and rapids

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for Plitvice. The shimmering lakes here are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. Nature has formed natural dams over the centuries, and a visit to this beautiful area offers ample opportunities to marvel at the waterfalls and rapids made through history by way of this series of 16 lakes connected to rivers that overflowed.

About Plitvice Lakes National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Plitvice Lakes National Park was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1979. Thanks to its favourable location en route to the Adriatic Sea, it is the most visited national park in Croatia. The system consists of lakes divided into two parts; the upper and lower lakes. Wherever you are in Plitvice, it's easy to see why its travertine marble formations are such an extraordinary natural phenomenon. The entire area is fresh and green in the summer, white and cold in winter. Particularly impressive is the icy winter panorama of the lakes.

Guided walking tour of the park, its beautiful lakes and waterfalls, and travertine marble formations

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the park and enjoy magnificent vistas in all directions. Marvel at stunning travertine marble formations and breath-taking, crystal-clear blue lakes cascading into spectacular waterfalls, and stroll along wooden promenades offering exquisite views over the waters.

Proceed for lunch at a local restaurant inside Plitvice Lakes National Park

Following your tour, proceed for a delicious hinterland lunch at a local restaurant inside Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Transfer to the pier and ship

After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to the port of Zadar. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.9 miles (about 6.3 kilometres), at times over uneven, rocky, sandy, grassy, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. Many steps are included during the walking tour of Plitvice National Park. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, a sweater or light jacket, raincoat, camera, and credit cards or local currency for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence, itinerary and timings may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

One-night stay at the Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke - Rastoke

One breakfast, Two lunches and One dinner at the hotel with drinks included

Seafood lunch and free time - Opatija

Lunch at a local restaurant - Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dinner with musical accompaniment - Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke

Guided walking tours of Rovinj, Opatija and Rastoke

Lakes and Waterfalls - Plitvice Lakes National Park

·All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.