- Rovinj old town
Explore the cobbled streets of the medieval old town.

Saga Cruises from
£5,695 per person
22 nights 9th April 2023 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic: April
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
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New holiday
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
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All Inclusive
Explore the elegant city of Venice and more…
A plethora of historic sights awaits you on this cruise to the Adriatic. See the iconic Rock of Gibraltar en route to Sicily, where Syracuse is renowned for its rich Greek and Roman history. Continue to the Dalmatian Coast, to visit the medieval walled town of Dubrovnik and historic Split, before cruising to the Istrian peninsula to explore Rovinj. Exploring the timeless city of Venice, with its architectural masterpieces like the Basilica and Doges' Palace, is sure to a highlight. Return to Croatia to uncover the legacy of the Venetians and Hapsburg Dynasty in Zadar before cruising to centuries-old Cagliari and on to Lisbon.
Your six included sightseeing excursions will be in
- Gibraltar
- Syracuse, Sicily
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Split, Croatia
- Cagliari, Sardinia
- Lisbon, Portugal
This cruise also operates on October 9, 2023 aboard Spirit of Adventure - Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic: October
View Full Itinerary
Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic: April
09/04/2023 Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

10/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
11/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
12/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
13/04/2023 Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains, during an included sightseeing excursion. Alternatively, visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.
Included excursion
Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm on an included sightseeing excursion.
Optional excursions
Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.

14/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
15/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
16/04/2023 Syracuse, Sicily
Syracuse, Sicily
Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.
Originally a Greek colony, home to Archimedes, Syracuse is renowned for its well-preserved ancient Greek ruins. The archaeological site in the northwest of the town showcases a theatre built to seat 15000 spectators. The historic centre of Syracuse, known as Ortygia, is set on a small island surrounded by the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by three bridges. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ortygia has an attractive piazza, Piazza Duomo, and the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a Doric structure dating from the 6th-century BC.
Included excursion
Explore the surrounding scenery on an included sightseeing excursion.

17/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
18/04/2023 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th-century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views.
Included excursion
Explore the coastal attractions on an included sightseeing excursion.

19/04/2023 Split, Croatia
Split, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast, Split’s UNESCO-listed historical centre is formed around the vast Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who built it towards the end of the third century. Set against a backdrop of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, highlights include the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which became St John's Church, and the Archaeological Museum.
Included excursion
Join an included sightseeing tour to take in the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast. Optional excursion Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir.

20/04/2023 Rovinj ⚓, Croatia
Rovinj ⚓, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Rovinj sits on the Istrian Peninsula, overlooked by the hilltop Church of St Euphemia, whose 197-feet-high steeple dominates the skyline. The surrounding medieval old town fills an oval peninsular that was an island until filled in and joined to the mainland in 1763. Explore the atmospheric narrow lanes crammed with Venetian influences, visit the Rovinj City Museum housed inside a 17th-century Baroque palace, or take a boat trip to one of Rovinj’s 14 islands.
⚓ Land by launch or tender
21/04/2023 Marghera (for Venice), Italy
Marghera (for Venice), Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The captivating city of Venice is one of Italy’s best-loved destinations. Once the centre of the powerful Venetian Republic, medieval Venice spans 118 tiny islands joined by labyrinthine canals crossed by elaborate bridges. The city has remained largely unchanged and contains a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces like the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Campanile Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. St Mark’s Square provides a focal point for exploration – it is fringed by old cafes and dominated by the Basilica of the same name.
Optional excursions
See some of Venice’s greatest masterpieces during a visit to The Accademia Galleries which contain masterpieces of Venetian art from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century, before cruising along part of the Grand Canal by water taxi.

22/04/2023 Zadar, Croatia
Zadar, Croatia
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
The Romans, Venetians and Hapsburg Dynasty have all had a hand in crafting Zadar, a compact yet charming city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The imposing Fosa Land Gate has acted as an entrance to the old town since 1543 and you can see the symbol for the Venetians – a winged lion – carved into its archway. Medieval churches, such as Byzantine St Donatus Church, are juxtaposed against contemporary artworks, the most notable of which is the Sea Organ built into the promenade steps.
Optional excursions
Admire the natural beauty of Croatia during a scenic tour to Krka National Park.

23/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
24/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
25/04/2023 Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Centuries-old Cagliari is a memorable sight to behold – especially when approaching by sea. Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion. The cityscape is crowned by Il Castello, the medieval hilltop old town which is penned in by Pisan and Aragonese ramparts. Don’t miss the 13th-century cathedral and the five-mile-long sands of Poetto, a prime example of a Sardinian beach.
Included excursion
Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion.

26/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
27/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
28/04/2023 Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour. An included sightseeing excursion is a great to see some of the highlights.
Included excursion
See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

29/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
30/04/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
01/05/2023 Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
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1
Portsmouth
-
2
At Sea
-
3
At Sea
-
4
At Sea
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5
Gibraltar
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6
At Sea
-
7
At Sea
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8
Syracuse, Sicily
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9
At Sea
-
10
Dubrovnik, Croatia
-
11
Split, Croatia
-
12
Rovinj ⚓, Croatia
-
13
Marghera (for Venice), Italy
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14
Zadar, Croatia
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15
At Sea
-
16
At Sea
-
17
Cagliari, Sardinia
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18
At Sea
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19
At Sea
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20
Lisbon, Portugal
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21
At Sea
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22
At Sea
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23
Portsmouth
-
9th April
Portsmouth
1Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
10th April
At Sea
-
11th April
At Sea
-
12th April
At Sea
-
13th April
Gibraltar
5Gibraltar
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains, during an included sightseeing excursion. Alternatively, visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.
Included excursion
Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm on an included sightseeing excursion.
Optional excursions
Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.
-
14th April
At Sea
-
15th April
At Sea
-
16th April
Syracuse, Sicily
8Syracuse, Sicily
Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.
Originally a Greek colony, home to Archimedes, Syracuse is renowned for its well-preserved ancient Greek ruins. The archaeological site in the northwest of the town showcases a theatre built to seat 15000 spectators. The historic centre of Syracuse, known as Ortygia, is set on a small island surrounded by the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by three bridges. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ortygia has an attractive piazza, Piazza Duomo, and the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a Doric structure dating from the 6th-century BC.
Included excursion
Explore the surrounding scenery on an included sightseeing excursion.
-
17th April
At Sea
-
18th April
Dubrovnik, Croatia
10Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th-century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views.
Included excursion
Explore the coastal attractions on an included sightseeing excursion.
-
19th April
Split, Croatia
11Split, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast, Split’s UNESCO-listed historical centre is formed around the vast Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who built it towards the end of the third century. Set against a backdrop of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, highlights include the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which became St John's Church, and the Archaeological Museum.
Included excursion
Join an included sightseeing tour to take in the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast. Optional excursion Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir.
-
20th April
Rovinj ⚓, Croatia
12Rovinj ⚓, Croatia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Rovinj sits on the Istrian Peninsula, overlooked by the hilltop Church of St Euphemia, whose 197-feet-high steeple dominates the skyline. The surrounding medieval old town fills an oval peninsular that was an island until filled in and joined to the mainland in 1763. Explore the atmospheric narrow lanes crammed with Venetian influences, visit the Rovinj City Museum housed inside a 17th-century Baroque palace, or take a boat trip to one of Rovinj’s 14 islands.
⚓ Land by launch or tender -
21st April
Marghera (for Venice), Italy
13Marghera (for Venice), Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The captivating city of Venice is one of Italy’s best-loved destinations. Once the centre of the powerful Venetian Republic, medieval Venice spans 118 tiny islands joined by labyrinthine canals crossed by elaborate bridges. The city has remained largely unchanged and contains a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces like the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Campanile Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. St Mark’s Square provides a focal point for exploration – it is fringed by old cafes and dominated by the Basilica of the same name.
Optional excursions
See some of Venice’s greatest masterpieces during a visit to The Accademia Galleries which contain masterpieces of Venetian art from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century, before cruising along part of the Grand Canal by water taxi.
-
22nd April
Zadar, Croatia
14Zadar, Croatia
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
The Romans, Venetians and Hapsburg Dynasty have all had a hand in crafting Zadar, a compact yet charming city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The imposing Fosa Land Gate has acted as an entrance to the old town since 1543 and you can see the symbol for the Venetians – a winged lion – carved into its archway. Medieval churches, such as Byzantine St Donatus Church, are juxtaposed against contemporary artworks, the most notable of which is the Sea Organ built into the promenade steps.
Optional excursions
Admire the natural beauty of Croatia during a scenic tour to Krka National Park.
-
23rd April
At Sea
-
24th April
At Sea
-
25th April
Cagliari, Sardinia
17Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Centuries-old Cagliari is a memorable sight to behold – especially when approaching by sea. Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion. The cityscape is crowned by Il Castello, the medieval hilltop old town which is penned in by Pisan and Aragonese ramparts. Don’t miss the 13th-century cathedral and the five-mile-long sands of Poetto, a prime example of a Sardinian beach.
Included excursion
Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion.
-
26th April
At Sea
-
27th April
At Sea
-
28th April
Lisbon, Portugal
20Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour. An included sightseeing excursion is a great to see some of the highlights.
Included excursion
See some of the city’s numerous attractions.
-
29th April
At Sea
-
30th April
At Sea
-
1st May
Portsmouth
23Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
Itinerary map for Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic: April
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
This service is a private chauffeur for distances up to 75 miles each way, and a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles each way.
Don't want to chauffeur? No problem. We'll also be happy to arrange complimentary car parking near the port, or can provide included rail/coach tickets, or even free flights from your local airport, subject to availability.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.

All meals
All meals
All meals and snacks on board.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Daily afternoon tea.

A Choice of wines
A Choice of wines
A choice of wines at lunch and dinner.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
Includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities
All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna and exercise classes.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service is available at no extra charge.

Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner.

Porterage of luggage
Porterage of luggage
When you arrive at the port in Dover or Southampton we’ll even carry the bags, with included porterage right to your cabin.

Shuttle bus
Shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus at most ports wherever possible, and when the ship is berthed at least 500 yards away from the nearest town centre.

Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Six sightseeing excursions will be in
Gibraltar
Syracuse, Sicily
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Split, Croatia
Cagliari, Sardinia
Lisbon, Portugal
- Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
- Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
- Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
- The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
- Time for you