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 Ploče 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
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 Ploče 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
Off the coast of Croatia in the southern Adriatic Sea lie some thousand islands and the largest of them, Korçula, is considered the most beautiful. With an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine per annum, which guarantees a wide assortment of Mediterranean vegetation, it is not difficult to understand why seasoned travelers compare Korçula to a latter-day Eden. Separated from the mainland by a channel of only one mile, Korçula's main town, named the same as the island, ranks among the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. It is the island's main tourist, economic and cultural center. Thanks to its strategic location along the sea trade routes, Korçula has always attracted travelers and settlers. Korcula was founded by Greek colonists, who were followed by Illyrians, Romans and finally the Croats. The Korçula Statute of 1214 is one of the oldest legal documents to have been adopted in this part of Europe. The same century saw the birth of the famous world traveler, Marco Polo. The house said to be his birthplace can be seen in town. Korçulans have always been known as keen seafarers, excellent shipbuilders, stonemasons and artists. From their many voyages, sailors brought back new ideas, which eventually mixed with local customs. To this day, Korçula has maintained the tradition of performing knightly games such as the chivalrous Moreska dance, which has been in existence for more than 400 years. Visitors to Korçula enjoy its stunning location, natural beauty and medieval ambiance. And if that's not enough, the town offers numerous attractions that are within walking distance from the pier, including the City Museum and the Bishop's Treasury.
Šibenik's main monument, its Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built of pale-gray Dalmatian stone and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on a raised piazza close to the seafront promenade. From here a network of narrow, cobbled streets leads through the medieval quarter of tightly packed, terra-cotta–roof houses, and up to the ruins of a 16th-century hilltop fortress. The city has never been a real tourist destination. Before the Croatian war for independence, it was a relatively prosperous industrial center, but when the factories closed, Šibenik sank into an economic depression. However, the cathedral more than warrants a look, and it makes a decent base for visiting the waterfalls of Krka National Park.
Split's ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split's magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic's main trading ports, and the city's splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
The Croatian island of Hvar bills itself as the "sunniest island in the Adriatic." Not only does it have the figures to back up this claim—an annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine—but it also makes visitors a sporting proposition, offering them a money-back guarantee if there are seven consecutive days of snow (snow has been known to fall here; the last time being February 2012).
Backed by imposing mountains, tiny Kotor lies hidden from the open sea, tucked into the deepest channel of the Bokor Kotorska (Kotor Bay), which is Europe's most southerly fjord. To many, this town is more charming than its sister UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, retaining more authenticity, but with fewer tourists and spared the war damage and subsequent rebuilding which has given Dubrovnik something of a Disney feel.Kotor's medieval Stari Grad (Old Town) is enclosed within well-preserved defensive walls built between the 9th and 18th centuries and is presided over by a proud hilltop fortress. Within the walls, a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets leads through a series of splendid paved piazzas, rimmed by centuries-old stone buildings. The squares are now haunted by strains from buskers but although many now house trendy cafés and chic boutiques, directions are still given medieval-style by reference to the town’s landmark churches.In the Middle Ages, as Serbia's chief port, Kotor was an important economic and cultural center with its own highly regarded schools of stonemasonry and iconography. From 1391 to 1420 it was an independent city-republic and later, it spent periods under Venetian, Austrian, and French rule, though it was undoubtedly the Venetians who left the strongest impression on the city's architecture. Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, some 70% of the stone buildings in the romantic Old Town have been snapped up by foreigners, mostly Brits and Russians. Porto Montenegro, a new marina designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest super yachts, opened in nearby Tivat in 2011, and along the bay are other charming seaside villages, all with better views of the bay than the vista from Kotor itself where the waterside is congested with cruise ships and yachts. Try sleepy Muo or the settlement of Prčanj in one direction around the bay, or Perast and the Roman mosaics of Risan in the other direction.
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 Ploče 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
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 Ploče 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
Renovated in 2017, the MV La Belle de l’Adriatique features a contemporary and warm setting for exploring the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts. The aqua green and brass interior colours give it an elegant and sunny atmosphere.
This 4-deck intimate-sized ship docks in the heart of cities and accommodates only 197 passengers on board. The cabins on the upper and boarding decks have large windows, and those on the main and lower decks have portholes. The restaurant is located on the main deck, where all your meals are served during the cruise. The main panoramic lounge has a dance floor and bar with lively evenings and is situated on the boarding deck. The large sun deck, ideal for relaxation, provides two jacuzzis and sun loungers.
The only "floating" hotel structures of its type, CroisiEurope reigns supreme over the kitchens on its boats. In charge of the company's Chefs, Alain Bohn manges and designs his cuisine and specific menues in the pure tradition of French cooking with his passionate kitchen teams. From time to time, CroisiEurope joins forces with a number of renowned Chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Marc Haeberlin or Emile Jung to organise gastronomic cruises full of taste and flavour.
Dining aboard a CroisiEurope cruise is always a pleasure. Food is taken seriously and it shows. You'll soon become firm friends with your waiter and you'll quickly come to admire the choices made by world-renowned sommelier, Serge Dubs.
CroisiEurope ensures that there are a number of activities and events onboard that guests can take part in. These include pre-dinner games and dinner dances along with a number of events in the ship’s lounge.
On board programmes are offered which provide guests with understanding of their destinations, from lectures and demonstrations to special themed dinners.
Local musicians and other experts are invited onboard occasionally, or guests may choose to go ashore for some local shows and activities during evening or overnight stays.
Please note: There are no Health/Fitness facilities available onboard this ship.
Reservations from minors shall not be accepted by the travel agency but must be made by the parents or other adults of more than 18 years of age with the necessary authorisations. Minors of under 18 years of age are not permitted to travel on board unaccompanied. They must be accompanied by parents or adults of more than 18 years of age. No alcoholic beverages shall be served to minors on board. Proof of the customer’s age may be requested by the ship’s personnel.
All passengers shall ensure that they are medically, physically and / or in a psychic way fit to undertake a trip without endangering their life or the life of others. No medical services are offered aboard our ships. Any passenger with a physical or mental incapacity, limited capacity of mobility, having an illness requiring treatment or medical care, or pregnant women should inform the travel agent at the time of booking. No reservations can be accepted for passengers whose physical or mental condition is likely to render their participation in the cruise or in the vacation impossible or dangerous for themselves or others, or who require forms of care or assistance impossible to guarantee aboard ship, notably because of unsuitable infrastructure. Some suppliers (hoteliers, airlines and cruise companies, etc) may require a medical certificate confirming that the passenger is fit to travel or they may refuse to accept the booking if they feel that they will be unable to guarantee any assistance or treatment deemed necessary for the health and well-being of the passenger. Participation in the voyage and in excursions is subject to the condition of the passenger having sufficient mobility. If necessary, the disabled may be accompanied at their own expense to obtain the required assistance.
If CroisiEurope considers it strictly necessary for the safety and comfort of the passenger, bookings of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility will be subject to the condition that a companion able to assist the disabled or mobility-impaired passenger be present. This requirement is entirely dependent on CROISIEUROPE’s assessment of the safety related needs of the disabled or mobility-impaired passenger and may vary from one route to another and/or from one boat to another.
If the disabled or reduced mobility person requests and requires special assistance (care, supervision), they must be accompanied by a companion who can provide the required assistance at their own expense.
All personal accidents, diversions or forced stopover costs disrupting the course of the cruise shall be at the liability of the passenger having concealed his unfitness to travel.
We recommend the wearing of footwear suitable for life aboard and for excursions with non-slip soles.
Some vaccinations, although not mandatory, may be recommended by health authorities.
During the day, you will be more comfortable in a casual outfit.
We advise you to bring clothes that are not very wrinkled, or that can easily be transported after ironing at your house, because there are no ironing facilities on board our fleet.
Remember to dress according to the weather, the season and the environment of your cruise: light suits and swimsuits for warm weather; sweater or jacket for cooler weather; sweatshirt, rain gear and small umbrella.
Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes in your suitcase. They will be very useful during our excursions!
Regarding dinners, cocktails and galas, it is advisable to dress up a little more without the need, for gentlemen, necessarily to wear a jacket and tie.
Finally, on any excursion, when you visit places of worship, make sure to opt for an appropriate outfit, neither too light nor too undressed, so as not to be prohibited entry.
For safety reasons, it is forbidden to smoke on board any of our fleet , as it is a closed environment. However, smokers are invited to go to the sun deck, where ashtrays are provided.
Please inform us at the time of your booking whether you require a special diet or suffer from allergies. Our cook will offer you a fully adapted and tasty menu.
CroisiEurope’s longstanding environmental position focuses on nature as our most valuable asset.
We consider ourselves pioneers in our field, as our commitment to protecting the environment goes above and our legal obligations. We are continually reflecting on how we can expand our green efforts.
After conclusive tests carried out on the Seine River with our partner AS Energy, our ships now use GTL fuel. Gas-to-Liquid fuels combust more uniformly and result in lower emissions.
Here are other environmental initiatives we would like to share with you:
All the company's European fleet are equipped with free Wi-Fi for passengers. This internet connection is available in all lounges / bars and receptions. The Wi-Fi is free to use.
For passengers who do not have computer equipment, we have equipped each boat (except those on the Volga, Mekong, and Africa) with a touch pad that can be lent to them when needed.
The official languages on board our ships are French and English.
Our team members and tour guides speak English fluently. They also speak other major European languages, such as German, Italian and Spanish.
Indeed, CroisiEurope has more than 19 different nationalities among its employees (French, Germans, Austrians, Hungarians, Spaniards, Italians, Portuguese, Filipinos ...)
On board, menus, information about the cruise, shore excursions, and important messages are communicated in French and in English. They may also be advertised in another language, depending on the nationality of the passengers on board.
There is no nurse or doctor on board the boats of our fleet. In the event of an emergency, the purser will contact the nearest hospital or medical service, the boat will make stop-over so that medical care can be provided as quickly as possible to the person.
A defibrillator is available on board each boat. On board, at least two people hold the Lifeguard Rescuer at Work certificate and have been trained to use this device.
If you are worried about a health problem, please consult your doctor before going on your cruise and undergo a complete check-up. We remain at your disposal in case of emergency.
Finally, do not forget to bring any medication packaged in their labeled boxes) and the corresponding prescriptions. Have them renewed if necessary before your departure.
CroisiEurope welcomes passengers with reduced mobility and endeavours to facilitate their access to both the facilities on board and on the available excursions. Before booking, our company requires passengers with reduced mobility to mention their specific needs to their travel agent, so that they can be offered the most suitable ship.
People with reduced mobility or have trouble getting around can benefit from adapted cabins on some of the boats in our fleet.
Please note that our three-deck ships have lifts allowing direct access to various bridges, as well as the dining room, lounges and toilets suitable for reduced mobility people.
Our ships with 2 decks, meanwhile, are well thought-out in terms of layout, so common facilities (restaurant, lounge bar, reception) on one level: the main deck, which also has cabins.
Some of our excursions can cause difficulties for people with reduced mobility (walking for several hours, destabilising floor coverings, elevation, etc.), participation in some excursions and travel is subject to the sufficient mobility of the passenger.
With the help of http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/ we may be able to arrange further assistance on request.
Please contact your travel agent for any additional information.
All our ships (except the African Dream) are certified Bureau Veritas.
Life jackets and life buoy are located in your cabins as well as on the sun deck.
During the presentation of the crew, all safety instructions will be provided.
Animals are not accepted on board.
The ship is sleek, stylish and modern with a wide range of facilities on board. All cabins are above the waterline with comfortable amenities and cabins on the two upper decks have large picture windows offering panoramic views.
The cabins available on the Upper Deck are furnished with optional twin or double beds. All cabins have large fixed windows from which you can enjoy the oceanic views and are equipped with an ensuite shower room, a hair dryer, satellite television, radio and an in-room safe.
Ensuring your comfort air-conditioning is available in the Summer and central heating for the Winter.
There is also a single cabin and one cabin suitable for passengers with reduced mobility on this deck.
AMENITIES
Please note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.
The cabins available on the Reception Deck are furnished with optional twin or double beds. All cabins have large fixed windows from which you can enjoy the oceanic views and are equipped with an ensuite shower room, a hair dryer, satellite television, radio and an in-room safe.
Ensuring your comfort air-conditioning is available in the Summer and central heating for the Winter.
The cabins available on the Reception Deck are furnished with optional twin or double beds. All cabins have portholes and are equipped with an ensuite shower room, a hair dryer, satellite television, radio and an in-room safe.
Ensuring your comfort air-conditioning is available in the Summer and central heating for the Winter.
The cabins available on the Lower Deck are furnished with optional twin or double beds. All cabins have portholes and are equipped with an ensuite shower room, a hair dryer, satellite television, radio and an in-room safe.
Ensuring your comfort air-conditioning is available in the Summer and central heating for the Winter.