Katarina Line, Croatia’s premier small ship cruise company and DMC, has added a new mix of seven-night cruises that introduce travelers to Croatia and Montenegro’s natural beauty by both land and sea. They reveal the historic architecture, culture, and influential achievements of these countries. The three cruises are “Deluxe Island Myths and Legends,” which sails out of Split, “Deluxe Sights of Montenegro,” which sails out of Dubrovnik, and “Deluxe Wine Cruise,” which sails out of Dubrovnik. All cruises offer guaranteed departures and can seamlessly connect to many of Katarina Line’s inland tours.
Prices start at $1640 per person, based on double occupancy. Groups can charter the entire ship for a more personalized experience. Katherina Line is also accepting bookings for 2023. More information is available by calling toll-free at 1-800-485-3121 or visiting www.katarina-line.com.
“Few countries feature as prominently in world history, literature, and culture as these countries do,” noted Daniel Hauptfeld, Katarina Line’s marketing director. “To this day, many of their perfectly preserved ancient towns, unspoiled countryside dotted with fairytale castles, beautiful islands, and magnificent national parks continue to serve as backdrops for novels, movies, and TV shows.”
Island Myths and Legends
Katarina Line’s “Island Myths and Legends” is tailor-made for the history buff. The seven-day, round-trip cruise originates out of Split and explores the coastal town of Pučišća as well as the islands of Korčula and Mljet, where it visits Mljet’s famed national park. Mljet is where the legendary Greek hero Odysseus spent several years after being captured by the Nymph Calypso.
The cruise also visits Lastovo, one of the most remote islands in the Adriatic, where guests enjoy a wine tasting excursion to one of its more than 40 vineyards. Other ports of call include Hvar and its small town of Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia. Its first settlers were Greeks from the island Paros in the Aegean Sea, who established a colony in 384 B.C. It also visits the island of Brač, known for its indigenous white stone, which is used throughout the island as well as in other parts of the world. Many of Croatia’s Renaissance palaces and Baroque buildings are composed of stone, as are the Parliament Houses in Vienna and Budapest. There is also a stop at the seaside village of Pučišća, known for its centuries-old stone masonry profession.
In Hvar, guests can explore the cobblestone streets and visit the oldest communal theatre in Europe, set above the “Arsenal” at the local square. Other highlights include a visit to the salt farm and great walls of Ston, as well as an oyster tasting in Mali Ston.
Deluxe Sights of Montenegro
Sharing a small border on the southern tip of Croatia, Montenegro is renowned for its mountains, picturesque medieval towns, and narrow beaches along the Adriatic coast. Katarina Line’s round-trip “Sights of Montenegro” originates from Split. It makes a port-of-call at Kotor, a medieval town renowned for its Romanesque architecture, winding streets, and the nearby limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen.
Also on the itinerary is a visit to the inland of Perast, where a boat takes guests to visit “Our Lady of the Rock” church, known for its tablet collection and paintings. Other highlights include an excursion to the town of Budva, known for its 13-mile-long coast dotted with numerous beaches. Other excursions include a visit to St. Trojica Church and a guided tour of the city of Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro. Guests will visit the King Nikola museum and enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant, with tastings of local ham, cheese, and red wine.
The itinerary also includes a visit to Šipan, a coastal town popular with sailors. The town holds the record for the most olive trees per square meter as well as its more than 43 churches, which can be found everywhere.
Deluxe Wine Cruise
Croatia’s wine-making traditions date back to the ancient Greek settlers, who brought their skills to the Dalmatian islands of Vis, Hvar, and Korčula about 2,500 years ago. Many of the original grape varieties still survive today and modern methods ensure the wines are of the highest quality.
Katarina Line’s round-trip, 7-night Deluxe Wine Cruise out of Dubrovnik is a wine lover’s dream. It combines the unique experience of small ship cruising in the Adriatic Sea with numerous tours of the wineries and cellars of local winemakers on these islands. Guests will sample wines from some of the best indigenous varieties of grapes while also learning about their fascinating history. Among these is a visit the Croatian Museum of Viticulture Putniković on the island of Pelješac, where they’ll learn about the process of winemaking, tour the facilities, and enjoy a special tasting.
Interspersed with wine tasting excursions are experiences that include a visit to the Blue Cave in Bisevo and the Lavender Museum in Hvar. They’ll also enjoy countless opportunities to explore some of Croatia’s picturesque cities that are so well preserved they look the same today as they did hundreds of years ago. Other highlights include a cruise along the famous city walls of Old Dubrovnik.
“Whichever Katarina Line cruise you take, you will enjoy incredible experiences that include sailing the stunning blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, walking through marvelous medieval towns that seem frozen in time, and visiting Croatia’s numerous national parks,” said Hauptfeld.
