Tauck Adriatic Cruise, 2019
Aboard the Ponant Ship Le Lyrial


Adriatic Cruise Route Le Lyrial

Venice, Italy
Korcula, Croatia
Sibenic & Split, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Kotor, Montenegro
Hvar, Pula & Rovinj, Croatia

The Adriatic Sea is an extension of the Mediterranean Sea, separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula, and touching the countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, and Slovenia. More than 1300 islands lie within the Adriatic.

Adriatic Sea Cruise, Aug. - Sept. 2019

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Venice, Italy

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region of northern Italy. The city conssists of more than 100 small islands in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. There are no roads, ony canals along which are many Renaissance and Gothic buildings. The Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile bell tower overlooking the city. Water taxis connect the many islands of Venice.

Along the Grand Canal of Venice

Campanile de San Marco		 View Along the Grand Canal, Venice Gondola and Academy Bridge, Venice Gondola Parking Lot Along the Grand Canal, Venice
San Marco Campanile, Doge's Palace and Basilica de San Marco Doge's Palace, Campanile, Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro, Venice Canal Bridge and Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Front of Basilica di San Marco Facade Mosaics of Basilica Di San Marco Mural and Statues, Basilica Di San Marco

The Basilica of San Marco, Venice

 Basilica di San Marco The Moors striking the hours at the top of St. Mark's Clock Tower
Venetian Lion on Facade of Scuola Grande di San Marco, Venice Porta Magna of the Campo de l'Arsenal (Venetian Arsenal) Lobby of Danieli Hotel, Venice
Porta Magna of the Campo de l'Arsenal (Venetian Arsenal)
Venice Waterfront Venice Waterfront on Giudecca Canal
Faro dell'Isola di Murano (Murano Lighthouse) Chisea di Santa Caterina, Mazzorbo

Water taxi to the islands of Murano and Burano
Leaning Bell Tower of Burano Island (Campanile of San Martino)
Santa Maria del Rosario Church on Giudecca Canal Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice Burano Canal and Homes
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Korcula, Croatia


Korcula is the sixth largest island in the Adriatic, one in the long string of 'pearls' forming a great archipelago that runs along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Most of the population lives in small villages and hamlets. Mountains run the length of the island, reaching up to 1837ft in elevation.

The ability to control navigation of galleys and sailing boats along the eastern coast of the Adriatic at this location was the reason for the foundation of this small town-fortress. The 13th century walls were reinforced with towers and bastions and a canal dug by the Venetians to isolate the town and deter many invaders.

The well known traveler, Marco Polo, was born in the mid 13th century and Korculans claim that he was born in 1254 in Korcula. There are other claims that Marco Polo came from a Dalmatian family, most likely from Sibenik. Wherever Marco Polo was born, it is the Korculans who are the most devoted to him.
Le Lyrial at Anchor off Korcula Approaching Korcula Town Approaching Korcula Town Korcula Town from the Ship Korcula Town City Wall Tower and Beach
St. Michael's Church, Korcula Church Kapela Gospe od Snijega, Korcula Church of Our Lady, Korcula West Facade, St. Mark's Cathedral, Korcula Clock Tower, St. Mark's Cathedral, Korcula St. Peter's Church, Korcula
Entrance Statues, St. Mark's Cathedral, Korcula Entrance Statues, St. Mark's Cathedral, Korcula Altar, St. Mark's Cathedral, Korcula Dome of St. Justine's Church, Korcula
Vrada (Land Gate) Entrance to Korcula Town Adriatic Scene from Korcula Croatian Flag Above Town Entrance Gate, Korcula
Moreska Sword Dance, Korcula Moreska Sword Dance, Korcula

One of the islands most colorful traditions is the Moreska Sword Dance, performed in Korcula since the 15th century. Probably of Spanish origin, Korcula is now the only place in the world that the dance is performed. The dance tells a story of two kings: the White King (dressed in red) and the Black King (dressed in, you guessed it - black), who fight for a princess abducted by the Black King.
Moreska Sword Dance, Korcula
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Sibenic & Split, Croatia


Sibenik was first settled by Croat tribes. First mentioned in the 11th century by the Croatian king Kresimir IV, the city was conquered by Venice in 1116 but was tossed back and forth among Venice, Hungary, Byzantium and the Kingdom of Bosnia until Venice seized control in 1412 after a three year fight. The fortresses that were built by the Venetians in defense of the town are still visible.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and within it is Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site. Diocletian's Palace is one of the most imposing Roman ruins in existence. The Roman emperor Diocletian (AD 245-313), noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here from 295 to 305. When the nearby colony of Salena was abandoned in the 7th century, many of the Romanized inhabitants fled to Split and barricaded themselves behind the high palace walls, where their descendants live to this day. There are 220 buildings within the palace walls which today house about 3000 people.
Waterfall and Pond, Krka NP, Sibenic

The Krka National Park encompasses an area of 109 square km along the Krka River with 47 km of hiking trails. Krka NP is known for its many waterfalls that were created by travertine barriers, islands and lakes.
Krka River, Krka NP, Sibenic Waterfalls, Krka NP, Sibenic Waterfalls, Krka NP, Sibenic
Roski Slap Waterfall, Krka NP, Sibenic Roski Slap Waterfall and Visovac Lake, Krka NP, Sibenic Roski Slap Waterfall, Krka NP, Sibenic
Waterfall, Krka NP, Sibenic

Main Gate, Diocletian's Palace, Split Temple of Jupiter, Diocletian's Palace, Split Sphinx at the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace, Split

Diocletian's Palace,
Split, Croatia
 

The Cellars of Diocletian's Palace
The Eastern (Silver) Gate to Diocletian's Palace, Split Column Details, Temple of Jupiter, Diocletian's Palace, Split Baptismal Fount in Diocletian's Palace with Image of Croatian King Zvonimir

Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, Split Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, Split Interior of the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, Split

The Cathedral of Saint Dominus is in one of the best preserved ancient Roman buildings in Europe, built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Diocletian who was buried here in 311 AD. The bell tower of the cathedral (57m) was started in the 13th century and reconstructed in 1908.

Interior of the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, Split Interior of the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, Split Altar in the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, Split
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Dubrovnik, Croatia


Dubrovnik dates back to the seventh century, when it was founded as the town of Ragusa by refugees from Epidaurum. The city came under Venetian rule in 1205. The walls and ramparts of the city were built in the tenth century but fortified in the 13th. The walls that surround Dubrovnik are 6,363 ft long and 82 ft high in some parts.
In the bay of Dubrovnik is the wooded island of Lokrum, where according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore after being shipwrecked in 1192.

Approaching Dubrovnik

Early Morning Approach to Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovnik, Croatia, from le Lyrial Dubrovnik, Croatia, from le Lyrial Dubrovnik, Croatia, from le Lyrial
Fort Royal on Lokrum Island Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius, Dubrovnik

Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius
Facade Detail, Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius, Dubrovnik Church of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik Church of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik City Bell Tower Little Onofrio Fountain, Dubrovnik Sponza Palace Sponza Palace Sponza Palace

Franciscan Monastery

 Cloister of Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik
Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik Cloister of Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik

Le Lyrial from Dubrovnik Harbor Dubrovnik from Le Lyrial Dubrovnik from Le Lyrial

Views from the Harbor
Tower on Dubrovnik City Wall Tower on Dubrovnik City Wall Bell Tower of St. Dominic's Church, Dubrovnik Dubrovnik from the City Wall St. Catherine's Convent from Dubrovnik City Wall Mr. Happy at Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik City Wall
Franciscan Monastery Bell Tower Tower of St. Mary on Dubrovnik City Wall

Views from Along the Dubrovnik City Wall
Bell Tower of St. Dominic's Church and Dubrovnik Harbor, Dubrovnik Fort Lovrijenac and Part of Old Town from the City Wall Le Lyrial and the Adriatic Seen from Dubrovnik City Wall
Dubrovnik Sunset Becky & Jim on Le Lyrial Leaving Dubrovnik at Sunset Dubrovnik at Night

Leaving Dubrovnik
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Kotor, Montenegro


The old core of the town was built during the rule of the Roman emperor Diocletian. In the 9th century, a storm forced the mariners carrying the relics of St. Tryphon to sail into the harbor. The Old City of Kotor was constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries and contains well-preserved Medieval architecture and monuments. Kotor is a UNESCO-listed "World Natural and Historical Heritage Site".

Sailing into the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), which consists of four smaller bays: Kotor, Risan, Tivat, and Topia. These bays have a combined shoreline of over 60 miles.

 Sunrise, Bay of Kotor Sailing into the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Sailing into the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro Sailing into the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro Hillside Church, Kotor, Montenegro Monastary on St. George's Island, Perast, Montenegro
Drobrota Town, Montenegro Drobrota Town, Montenegro St. Matthew's Church, Drobrota Town, Montenegro Our Lady's Temple of Prcanj, Montenegro


Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island that, according to legend, was made by local Croat seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding the icon of Madonna and Child on the rock in the sea.

 Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, Montenegro Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, Montenegro
Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, Montenegro Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, Montenegro Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, Montenegro
Altar, Our Lady of the Rocks Church, Perast, Montenegro Altar, Our Lady of the Rocks Church, Perast, Montenegro Ceiling, Our Lady of the Rocks Church, Perast, Montenegro
Castle of St. John, Top of Kotor City Walls

Defensive Walls of the City of Kotor

 Kotor City Walls
Castle of St. John, Top of Kotor City Walls Church of Our Lady of Remedy, Kotor Kotor City Walls
Cathedral of St. Tryphon, Kotor Cathedral of St. Tryphon, Kotor St. Luke's Church, Kotor Main Square, Kotor Pima Palace, Kotor


Leaving Kotor at Sunset

 Sunset, Sailing from Kotor
Sunset, Sailing from Kotor
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Hvar, Croatia


The island of Hvar is a slim, green slice of land punctured by jagged inlets and a steep central ridge streaked with the long grey lines of limestone.

Hvar Town is one of the Adriatic's best preserved historic towns and is a hub of activity in the summertime. Central Hvar Town itself is a web of medieval pedestrian alleys overlooked by ancient stone houses.

The country's oldest town, Stari Grad, is nestled into a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the ancient Greeks, who first established a colony on the island around 385 BC, naming it Pharos.

Panorama of Hvar Coast
Hvar Harbor with Bell Tower of St. Mark's Church Renaissance Loggia and Clock Tower with Fort Fortica in background Hvar Harbor with Bell Tower of St. Mark's Church Satri Grad Harbor Waterfront, Hvar
St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hvar Statue of St. Anthony Reading from the Bible (In front of the Church of St. Anthony and the Benedictine Convent) --- Not Church of St. Rocco, Stari Grad, Hvar View of St. Stephen's Church Bell Tower from Stari Grad Walkway??? Footpath to Spanish Fortress, Hvar ???? Government Building in Stari Grad, Hvar
City Walls of Hvar ???? View of Hvar from the Ramparts of the City Fortress View of Hvar from The City Fortress Hvar and Le Lyrial from the Fort The Spanish Fort Bell Tower of St. Mark's Church from the Fort
Vrisnik Tavern (Dalmation Wine and Cheese Tasting) Becky, Jim, and Mr. Happy at Vrisnik Tavern Vrisnik Tavern (Dalmation Wine and Cheese Tasting)

Pula, Croatia


Pula, located on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia, has the sixth largest, and one of the best preserved, Roman ampitheater in the world. Originally built by Claudius, it was enlarged by Vespasian in 79 AD for gladiatorial fights and could hold 23,000 spectators.

 Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre
Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre
Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre Pula Amphitheatre
Porta Gemina (The Twin Gate), Pula Gate of Hercules, Pula Triumphal Arch of the Sergii, Pula Triumphal Arch of the Sergii, Pula Temple of Roma and Augustus, Pula Church of St. Anthony, Pula

Rovinj, Croatia


Rovinj is one of the last, true Mediterranean fishing ports. The Romans conquererd Istria in 177 BC. On the foundations of the old Illyrian settlement, they built Raginium. When the Roman empire divided, Rovinj came under the control of the Eastern Empire. In the 7th century AD the Slavs, who settled Istria from the north, gave the town its present name.

 Rovinj Waterfront from Le Lyrial (St. Euphemia's Bell Tower in Background) Rovinj Waterfront from Le Lyrial (St. Euphemia's Bell Tower in Background)
Rovinj Waterfront from St. Euphemia's Bell Tower Old Town and Harbor from St. Euphemia's Bell Tower, Rovinj Old Town and St. Katrina Island from St. Euphemia's Bell Tower, Rovinj Old Town and Harbor from St. Euphemia's Bell Tower, Rovinj St. Katarina Island as seen from St. Euphemia Bell Tower, Rovinj
Monument Commemorating Fighters Against Facism, Rovinj Boy with Fish Fountain in Main Square, Rovinj Houses in Old Town, Rovinj Walkway near St. Euphemia's Church, Rovinj The Balbi Arch, Rovinj Close-up of the Balbi Arch, Rovinj

St. Euphemia's Church, Rovinj Side Altar in St. Euphemia's Church, Rovinj

The Cathedral of St. Euphemia was built in 1736 and is the largest Baroque building in Istria. The catherdral includes the marble tomb of the St. Euphemia, who was tortured by Emperor Diocletian and thrown to the lions in 304 AD. After spending a few centuries in Constantinople, her sarcophagus miraculously appeared in Rovinj.

Main Altar of St. Euphemia's Cathedral, Rovinj Ceiling Mural of St. Euphemia's Cathedral, Rovinj Sarcaphogus of St. Euphemia Relics, St. Euphemia's Cathedral, Rovinj  
St. Euphemia's Bell Tower with Statue of St. Euphemia Becky Climbing the Bell Tower Stairs of St. Euphemia's

The 200-ft bell tower of St. Euphemia's Cathedral completely dominates Rovinj from its hilltop location. Climbing to the top provides spectacular views of Rovinj.

St. Euphemia's Bell Tower Stairs, Rovinj The Bells in the Tower of the Cathedral of St. Euphemia
Becky Climbing the Bell Tower Stairs of St. Euphemia's Church, Rovinj Becky and Jim on Le Lyrial Leaving Rovinj, Croatia Becky at the Top of St. Euphemia's Bell Tower, Rovinj
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Copyright ©2019  James A. Morman