Tour begins: 6:00 PM. A transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport via water taxi to JW Marriott Resort & Spa or Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice is included upon your arrival. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.

You'll get a taste of how opulent life was for the ruling elite of medieval Venice at the richly decorated Doge's Palace; it served as the official residence of the Venetian Republic's rulers through the Renaissance and beyond. There's nothing quite like getting to know a new destination through the eyes – and the experiences – of a local expert... and you'll do just that in Venice today when you join a resident local guide on your choice of walking excursions. First choice is a guided walking tour that includes a visit to the Doge's Palace and a stroll through Mercerie's lively shop-lined streets. Alternatively, discover Venice's artistic soul on a walking tour of the Santa Margherita district and an insider lecture about the city's mask-making history; or take a culturally rich walk through historic religious sites and traditional Venetian neighborhoods, including San Rocco and San Polo. Your afternoon and evening are free to spend as you please.

Board a local boat today for an excursion among the picturesque islands of the Venetian Lagoon – part of the region's UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, along with the city of Venice. Visit Murano, famous for glass production since medieval times, where you'll see how artisans still craft their signature glass in the traditional way with a demonstration at a glassblowing studio; and Burano, known for its lace and the colorfully painted homes lining its canals, with free time to explore on your own. The island of Torcello is quiet, green, and sparsely populated – more countryside than villages, and it's your destination for lunch. Return to Venice late this afternoon and embark your ship to begin your Dalmatian Coast cruise.

This afternoon, explore the island of Hvar. Sightseeing includes a number of choices: a scenic drive to Vrisnik for a special wine tasting and then a visit to the Spagnola Fortress; a hiking* adventure that takes you through local villages with lunch in a small tavern in the picturesque, hidden village of Malo Grablje; a leisurely guided walking tour along the streets of Hvar; an off-roading adventure* aboard a four-wheeled air conditioned vehicle – climb the hills for splendid panoramic views of picturesque valleys and bays, then descend through vineyards and olive groves to the coast; you'll discover the rugged terrain and best-kept secrets of this lovely island; or a fourth possibility, a guided walking tour of the town of Hvar with a local guide and a sampling of Croatian coffee. Late afternoon, reboard your ship and chart a course for Sibenik and Split.

Disembark ship in Sibenik, Croatia, for a choice of three morning excursions. Drive inland to the picturesque village of Primošten Burni, where you'll get a taste of daily life; you also have a choice of a visit to the medieval UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir to view its stunning 13th-century cathedral with free time to explore on your own; and for a third choice, a drive along the Adriatic Sea to Krka National Park, where a guided walk through the forest leads to cascading waterfalls that are picture perfect in every way. Everyone travels to fascinating Split this afternoon where you'll also have choice of sightseeing excursion. Journey back in time on a historic walking tour that explores Split's historic roots and Imperial Roman past – included is a visit to the cellars of Diocletian's Palace as well as the Temple of Jupiter, and a visit to the Cathedral of St. Duje. Alternatively, join us for a walking tour of Split that includes a visit to Meštrovic Gallery, an art museum which is dedicated to the work of famous local sculptor Ivan Meštrovic. Board the ship late afternoon for cocktails and dinner.

Head to the observation deck as you sail into Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, Europe's southernmost fjord – the view is inspiring and unforgettable. Morning shore excursion choices include: a guided walking tour of Kotor, a guided walking tour of Kotor and a visit to the small village of Perast via a private boat trip on the Bay of Kotor with a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks Church; a journey up a narrow mountain road to the village of Njegusi, a guided hike* up Mt. Lovcen accompanied by a picnic lunch or an exhilarating RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour starting from the historic port town of Kotor, along the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea toward the famed Blue Cave. Everyone spends the afternoon as they please exploring the charming, winding streets of medieval Kotor, returning to the ship for an evening sail to Dubrovnik.

Begin your day with an arrival in Dubrovnik and an exclusive lecture by a Croatia expert before heading ashore on your choice of shore excursions. Join a local guide on a walking tour of the city's well-preserved walled medieval center, a virtual open-air museum; enjoy a "Game of Thrones" themed tour of the city; learn about Dubrovnik's Jewish heritage on a walking tour; or embark on a buggy safari through the city. Alternatively, journey into the countryside to learn about the flour-making traditions at a mill in riverside Ljuta, and the traditional art of silk thread production in the village of Gruda, followed by a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik; or drive along the Adriatic coastline to Orašac for a visit to a family-owned mill and a demonstration of traditional olive oil production, with an opportunity to taste homemade food, wine and salad grown in the garden of the family house. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please in Dubrovnik; tonight, join us for an exclusive Klapa singing performance at the Rector's Palace.

Sail to Korcula, birthplace of explorer Marco Polo. You have a choice of sightseeing excursions today – a guided walking tour (either leisurely or active, your choice) through Old Town that highlights the variety of architectural styles seen in Korcula, including the Rector's Palace, the City Museum, the Museum of Icons in the church, the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St. Marco, and the House of Marco Polo (viewed from the outside). Everyone attends a private Moreska dance presentation of a Moroccan folk story, performed only on this island, before returning to the ship for the Captain's welcome reception and dinner.

Dock in Rovinj this morning, one of the most picturesque and romantic little towns in the world. Sightseeing opportunities here include a walking tour of Rovinj; an ebicycling* excursion along the Istrian coastline;  a scenic cruise through the stunning Rovinj Archipelago, a collection of idyllic islands scattered along Croatia's Istrian coast; or a visit to Pula, home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world – a guided visit is followed by an olive oil tasting with a local producer. Everyone enjoys an afternoon to spend as you please in Rovinj before your final evening aboard ship and a return sailing to Venice.

Tour ends: 9:00 AM, Venice. A transfer is included from your ship to Marco Polo Airport or the Venice Train Station. Allow 3 hours for check-in at the airport.