Variety Cruises will launch its newest program on the Adriatic Coast for summer 2010, exploring Venice, Italy, and the hidden gems of Croatia, including several, lesser-known ports.
“The Adriatic Sea is a largely untapped destination in cruising, as it is much more ideal for smaller ships like Variety Cruises’ mega yachts due to its intimate-sized islands and ports,” said Yiannis Vontas, senior partner and vice president of development and marketing. “Variety Cruises’ new Tales of the Adriatic program allows passengers to experience the breathtaking duality of this destination, as it offers historical wonders of Venice and the beauty and cultural diversity of Croatia’s coastline.”
Ports of call include Rovinj, Croatia, which was once part of the Republic of Venice and later the Austrian Empire. Today, this active fishing port doubles as a tourism center with plenty of art and shopping venues. Another stop along Croatia’s coast, Zadar, is known for its very colorful history dating back to the Stone Age period and including battles against the Greeks, colonization by the Romans and a place in the Byzantine Empire.
Other unusual calls include Split, Croatia, the largest of the Dalmatian cities, thought to be more than 2,000 years old. Split is a vigorous center of markets and shops, and its attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace, which was erected in 305 A.D.
Variety’s 46-guest Pegasus provides a true, congenial megayacht experience. The ship is undergoing an extensive refurbishment for the 2010 season. The eight-day itinerary offers embarkation from Venice on Sundays or Split on Fridays from June through August starting at $2,690 plus port taxes.
Variety Cruises’ small ship product has established alliances with organizations including Vacation.com, Travel Savers, NEST and Ensemble Travel Group. In addition to small yacht charters, Variety offers a private yachting feel and takes passengers to authentic, less-visited destinations, as well as traditional ports of call.
www.varietycruises.com
