Italy, France & Croatia Cruise/Explorer of the Seas
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Explorer of the Seas

Italy, France & Croatia Cruise - 8 night cruise



Cruise only from €1,151

Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.


Description

Gratuities

Dates and Prices

Cabins

Put thrilling adventure on your radar onboard the wow-worthy Explorer of the Seas®. Discover endless ways to max out memories with fleet favorites like the FlowRider®* surf simulator, Rock Climbing Wall and The Perfect Storm℠ — the boldest waterslide duo at sea. And sit down to jaw-dropping ice-skating spectaculars and dazzling world-class entertainment night after night. Sail on your most legendary journey with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers.

Cruise ID: 19848

As of November 11, 2023*, the automatic service gratuity of $18.00 USD per person, per day for guests in non-suites staterooms and Junior Suite, or $20.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Suites, will be applied to each guest's SeaPass account on a daily basis. The gratuity applies to individual guests of all ages and stateroom categories. As a way to reward our crew members for their outstanding service, gratuities are shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience.

In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services onboard and will be able to do so until the morning of their departure. Guests who have pre-paid their gratuity will not see a daily charge during their cruise.

The automatic daily gratuity is based on customary industry standards. Applying this charge automatically helps streamline the recognition process for the crew members who work to enhance your cruise. We hope you find the gratuity to be an accurate reflection of your satisfaction and thank you for your generous recognition of our staff.

A 18% gratuity is automatically added to all beverages and mini bar items.

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all spa & salon purchases.

Guests can pre-pay gratuities by calling (UK) 0344 493 4005 / (Ireland) 1800 555 604 or logging into www.royalcaribbean.co.uk before* their sailing. For guests booked through travel advisors, their advisor may add pre-paid gratuities to the guests' booking prior to sailing*. If gratuities are not prepaid prior to sailing, they will be automatically added to the guests' folios once onboard.

Guests who choose ‘My Time Dining' on all European sailings will have gratuities automatically added to their bill, as they may be served by different members of the team each night. This means tips for your waiting staff – as well as other dining and housekeeping staff – will be included in the quoted price for ‘My Time Dining' on your cruise holiday

Guests who choose our open dining option may opt-in to pre-paid gratuities for dining, or add them to their account at check-out.

*Pre-paid gratuities can be added to an individual reservation at any time outside of 48 hours of the sail date.

Date Time Price * Booking
13 September 2025 17:00 €1,151 Call us to book

* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.

Cabins on Explorer of the Seas

Ocean View
1-4

Gaze at the beautiful views from your cosy room.

Size
  • Stateroom: 162 sq. ft. or 15.05 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • Two Pullman beds in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Junior Suite
1-4

An incredible intimate suite with a great view.

Size
  • Stateroom: 299 sq. ft. or 27.78 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 65 sq. ft. or 6.04 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
  • Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • These suites offer a comfortable bedroom, a small sitting area and a private balcony.

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Coffee Machine
  • Telephone

Spacious Ocean View Balcony
1-4

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous view for a memorable holiday.

Size
  • Stateroom: 207 sq. ft. or 19.23 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 65 sq. ft. or 6.04 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Promenade View Interior
1-2

Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.

Size
  • Stateroom: 153 sq. ft. or 14.21 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
Occupancy
  • Up to 2 guests
Views
  • Royal Promenade View
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Spacious Panoramic Ocean View
1-4

Marvel the view through a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window.

Size
  • Stateroom: 188 sq. ft. or 17.47 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Interior with Virtual Balcony
1-2

This standard stateroom offers two twin beds, a private bathroom and all the facilities of our standard staterooms.

Size
  • Stateroom: 160 sq. ft. or 14.86 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
Occupancy
  • Up to 2 guests
Views
  • Real-time ocean views and destinations via a high-definition screen
Living Spaces
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Interior
1-4

Enjoy your holiday in the perfect space.

Size
  • Stateroom: 162 sq. ft. or 15.05 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One Pullman bed in staterooms with up to three guests
  • Two Pullman beds in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • n/a
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Pullman Bed
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Interior Stateroom Guarantee
1-4

This standard stateroom offers two twin beds, a private bathroom and all the facilities of our standard staterooms.

  • 2 twin beds (can convert to a Royal King, measuring 184 cm (72.5 in) wide by 208 cm (82 in) long)
  • Pullman beds
  • 2-4 guests
  • Size: Varies by ship

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Pullman Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Superior Grand Suite with Balcony
1-4

More information coming soon..

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone

Connecting Ocean View Balcony
1-2

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable holiday.

Size
  • Stateroom: 188 sq. ft. or 17.47 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 46 sq. ft. or 4.27 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
Occupancy
  • Up to 2 guests
Views
  • Ocean View
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Ultra Spacious Ocean View
1-6

These spacious staterooms accommodate six in twin beds, sofa or Pullman beds and sitting area.

Size
  • Stateroom: 328 sq. ft. or 30.47 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed
  • Two Pullman beds
Occupancy
  • Up to 6 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Living Spaces
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Connecting Promenade Interior
1-2

Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.

Size
  • Stateroom: 153 sq. ft. or 14.21 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
Occupancy
  • Up to 2 guests
Views
  • n/a
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Sunset Junior Suite
1-4

Enjoy “suite” and dramatic aft-facing views
Private balcony at the back of the ship

Size
  • Stateroom: 299 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 65 sq. ft.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • These suites offer a comfortable bedroom, small sitting area and a private balcony.
What's Included?
  • Dedicated stateroom attendant
  • Daily cleaning service
  • Exclusive bedding collection
  • Stateroom climate control
  • Ample closet and storage
  • In-room HD-TV
  • In-room safe for valuables
  • Hair dryer
  • Deluxe toiletries: shampoo, conditioner & body wash

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer

Sunset Ocean View Balcony
1-4

Dramatic aft-facing views 
Private balcony at the back of the ship

Size
  • Stateroom: 207 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 65 sq. ft.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom
What's Included?
  • Dedicated stateroom attendant
  • Daily cleaning service
  • Exclusive bedding collection
  • Stateroom climate control
  • Ample closet and storage
  • In-room HD-TV
  • In-room safe for valuables
  • Hair dryer
  • Deluxe toiletries: shampoo, conditioner & body wash

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Air Conditioning

Ocean View Balcony
1-3

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable holiday.

Size
  • Stateroom: 188 sq. ft. or 17.47 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 46 sq. ft. or 4.27 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One Pullman bed or single sofa bed in staterooms with up to three guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Pullman Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)
1-6

This stateroom offers a floor-to-ceiling, wrap-around panoramic window.

Size
  • Stateroom: 406 sq. ft. or 37.72 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed
  • Two Pullman beds
Occupancy
  • Up to 6 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Bedroom area with double bed Living area with double sofa bed, dresser and sitting area Curtained section with bunk beds
Bathrooms
  • One and a half bathrooms

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone

Spacious Ocean View
1-4

These larger staterooms offer a gorgeous view, two twin beds and a private bathroom.

Size
  • Stateroom: 211 sq. ft. or 19.6 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Junior Suite Guarantee
1-4

These suites offer a comfortable bedroom, a small sitting area and a private balcony.

  • 2 twin beds (can convert to a Royal King, measuring 184 cm (72.5 in) wide by 208 cm (82 in) long)
  • Sofa bed
  • 3-4 guests
  • Size: Varies by ship

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone

Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony Guarantee
1-4

Vast views of the landscapes, seascapes and skies are yours to enjoy from your private balcony.

  • 2 twin beds (can convert to a Royal King, measuring 184 cm (72.5 in) wide by 208 cm (82 in) long)
  • 2-4 guests
  • Size: Varies by ship

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Royal Suite - 1 Bedroom
1-4

Relish an extraordinary holiday in this luxurious suite.

Size
  • Stateroom: 1,400 sq. ft. or 130.06 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 257 sq. ft. or 23.88 sq. m.
Beds
  • One King bed
  • One double sofa bed
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Bedroom
  • Private balcony with outdoor dining, seating area and whirlpool
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom with bath, two dressers and a bidet
Exclusive for Suites
  • Priority check-in and departure lounge
  • Concierge Club service
  • Priority tender tickets
  • Complimentary luggage valet service
  • Luxury spa bathrobes to use onboard

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Shower
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Bath
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom
1-4

Enjoy a comfortable suite and the extra perks.

Size
  • Stateroom: 396 sq. ft. or 36.79 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 89 sq. ft. or 8.27 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed
Occupancy
  • Up to 4 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed, dresser and sitting area with sofa
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom with tub
Exclusive for Suites
  • Priority check-in and departure lounge
  • Concierge Club service
  • Priority tender tickets
  • Complimentary luggage valet service
  • Luxury spa bathrobes to use onboard

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone

Ocean View Stateroom Guarantee
1-4

Our Ocean View staterooms offer a gorgeous view, two twin beds and a private bathroom

  • 2 twin beds (can convert to a Royal King, measuring 184 cm (72.5 in) wide by 208 cm (82 in) long)
  • Select rooms include Pullman beds
  • 3-4 guests
  • Size: Varies by ship

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Pullman Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom
1-4

Enjoy the ultimate suite for a perfect holiday.

Size
  • Stateroom: 624 sq. ft. or 57.97 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 160 sq. ft. or 14.86 sq. m.
Beds
  • Queen-size bed
  • One double sofa bed
Occupancy
  • Up to 5 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Room with bed and dresser
  • Living area with double sofa bed
Bathrooms
  • One bathroom with tub
Exclusive for Suites
  • Priority check-in and departure lounge
  • Concierge Services
  • Priority tender tickets
  • Complimentary luggage valet service
  • Luxury spa bathrobes to use onboard

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone

Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom
1-8

Indulge in a comfortable suite and enjoy the extra perks.

Size
  • Stateroom: 525 sq. ft. or 48.77 sq. m.
  • Balcony: 208 sq. ft. or 19.32 sq. m.
Beds
  • Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed
  • Two Pullman beds
Occupancy
  • Up to 8 guests
Views
  • Ocean view
Rooms
  • Two bedrooms
  • Master bedroom with dressing area
  • Living area
  • Private balcony with an outdoor dining and seating area
Bathrooms
  • Two bathrooms (master bathroom with tub)
Exclusive for Suites
  • Priority check-in and departure lounge
  • Concierge Club service
  • Priority tender tickets
  • Complimentary luggage valet service
  • Luxury spa bathrobes to use onboard

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Second Bedroom
  • Dining Area
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone

View Itinerary By Date



Day 1 Ravenna, Italy

A small, quiet, well-heeled city, Ravenna has brick palaces, cobblestone streets, magnificent monuments, and spectacular Byzantine mosaics. The high point in its civic history occurred in the 5th century, when Pope Honorious moved his court here from Rome. Gothic kings Odoacer and Theodoric ruled the city until it was conquered by the Byzantines in AD 540. Ravenna later fell under the sway of Venice, and then, inevitably, the Papal States.Because Ravenna spent much of its past looking east, its greatest art treasures show that Byzantine influence. Churches and tombs with the most unassuming exteriors contain within them walls covered with sumptuous mosaics. These beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics put great emphasis on nature, which you can see in the delicate rendering of sky, earth, and animals. Outside Ravenna, the town of Classe hides even more mosaic gems.

Day 2 Zadar, Croatia

Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik. What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history. The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula some 4 km (2½ miles) long and just 1,640 feet wide, is bustling and beautiful: the marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. Parts of the new town are comparatively dreary, a testament to what a world war followed by decades of communism, not to mention a civil war, can do to the architecture of a city that is 3,000 years old. A settlement had already existed on the site of the present-day city for some 2,000 years when Rome finally conquered Zadar in the 1st century BC; the foundations of the forum can be seen today. Before the Romans came the Liburnians had made it a key center for trade with the Greeks and Romans for 800 years. In the 3rd century BC the Romans began to seriously pester the Liburnians, but required two centuries to bring the area under their control. During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St. Donat's Basilica. It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries. The city then experienced successive onslaughts and occupations—both long and short—by the Osogoths, the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the Venetians, the Turks, the Habsburgs, the French, the Habsburgs again, and finally the Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia and, in 1991, the independent republic of Croatia. Zadar was for centuries an Italian-speaking city, and Italian is still spoken widely, especially by older people. Indeed, it was ceded to Italy in 1921 under the Treaty of Rapallo (and reverted to its Italian name of Zara). Its occupation by the Germans from 1943 led to intense bombing by the Allies during World War II, which left most of the city in ruins. Zadar became part of Tito's Yugoslavia in 1947, prompting many Italian residents to leave. Zadar's most recent ravages occurred during a three-month siege by Serb forces and months more of bombardment during the Croatian-Serbian war between 1991 and 1995. But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold. There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.

Day 3 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploce Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It's only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Day 4  Cruising

Day 5 Civitavecchia, Italy

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Day 6 La Spezia, Italy

La Spezia is sometimes thought of as nothing but a large, industrialized naval port en route to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, but it does possess some charm, and it gives you a look at a less tourist-focused part of the Riviera. Its palm-lined promenade, fertile citrus parks, renovated Liberty-style palazzos, and colorful balcony-lined streets make parts of La Spezia surprisingly beautiful. Monday through Saturday mornings, you can stroll through the fresh fish, produce, and local-cheese stalls at the outdoor market on Piazza Cavour, and on Friday take part in the busy flea market on Via Garibaldi. There's also Porto Mirabello, a newly built tourist port with a pool club, shops, and several restaurants that overlook the fleet of super-yachts.

Day 7 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Villefranche-Sur-Mer is located on the Côte d'Azur in Provence – known for its fields of lavender and warm weather – and is highly appreciated for its 14th Century architecture.

Day 8  Cruising

Day 9 Barcelona, Spain

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

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