Our autumn cruise in the Adriatic offers a delightful combination of beautiful scenery and fascinating history with the added benefit of some truly wonderful musical highlights. October is, of course, a lovely time in the Mediterranean, comfortable temperatures and uncrowded resorts make for a most enjoyable trip as we visit some charming places in both Italy and Croatia.
We will begin our journey with a two night stay in Venice, a fitting starting place given the city is one of the most musical cities in the world and the influence La Serenissima exerted over the region in bygone days. As we make our way along the Adriatic coast of Italy and across to Croatia we will call into cities and towns, learning of their intriguing history from our informative local guides and enjoying some exclusive musical performances. From Vivaldi to Rossini, our musical programme will include great works from the early music to the golden age of opera and where better to listen to such inspiring works than in the places they were written or performed. To complement our journey further, we have the expertise and knowledge of Guest Speaker Philip Blake-Jones who will be joining us on board. With just 95 like-minded fellow passengers and the MS Serenissima as our base, by the end of the voyage you will have seen and learnt so much about the fascinating musical heritage of the region.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Musical Highlights
• Private tour of the Fenice Opera House, Venice.
• Exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music by a Venetian orchestra at the Chiesa della Pietà.
• Concert of Rossini’s music by students from Pesaro’s “Accademia del canto”.
• Visit the workshop of Maestro Quagliano in Jesi to learn about the construction of violins, violas and cellos, all built according to classical traditions.
• Private choir concert at St Euphemia Chuch in Rovinj.
• Performance of music played on one of Franjo Kresnik’s violins in Rijeka.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Venice, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Venice.
This morning we take a private tour of the famous Fenice Opera House. Founded in 1792, the theatre has staged many premieres of operas by Rossini, Bellini and Verdi. Despite being destroyed by fires in 1836 and 1996 the theatre has been restored to its original glory. After lunch we embark on a walking tour to discover the hidden corners of Venice. An off-the-beaten-track itinerary through the Arsenale, a colossal shipyard of the Serenissima Republic; the San Giorgio dei Greci church and its secret courtyard; Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. We end at the Chiesa della Pietà, a former convent and orphanage and an authentic masterpiece of the 18th century by Giorgio Massari. The young orphans that stayed here were encouraged to study music and their most famous teacher was Antonio Vivaldi. It was here that he composed the Four Seasons and we have arranged for an exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music performed by a Venetian orchestra. It will be a thrilling experience to hear the music performed where it was originally created. Return to the ship for dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 3 Murano & Burano, Venetian Islands.
After breakfast we will take a private motor launch, passing many of the 40 picturesque islands that surround the Venetian Lagoon to visit two of the most beautiful islands which are home to the city’s artisans. Murano has been renowned for its glass manufacture since 1291 and here we will witness masters of this delicate craft at work. Continue to Burano, a tiny island dotted with brightly painted houses but also famed for its traditional lace making, an art still practised by many of the local women. This afternoon is free to explore at your own pace before we sail this evening.
Day 4 Ancona for Pesaro.
Spend a leisurely morning at sea as we cruise along the Italian coast to Ancona. This afternoon we will drive to Pesaro, an attractive seaside resort on the Adriatic coast. We will explore the town, see the remarkable mosaic floor of the cathedral and visit the Civic Museum. However, our main reason for visiting Pesaro is to see the birthplace of the composer Gioachino Rossini. Our tour will take us to Via Rossini where we visit the house where he was born in 1792 and the small museum containing some of his original scores and documents. See the Conservatory built with funds bequeathed to the Town Council on his death in 1868 and the local theatre which was named after him. We hope to enjoy a concert of his music with students at the city’s “Accademia del canto” before returning to Ancona this evening and mooring overnight.
Day 5 Jesi & Ancona.
Today we drive inland to Jesi which was a prosperous town in the Middle Ages and Renaissance leaving a legacy of many beautiful palaces, churches and civic buildings which we will see during our guided city walk. The city was also the birthplace of the musician and composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi in 1710 and we will see the theatre named after him before visiting the workshop of Maestro Quagliano to learn about the construction of violins, violas and cellos, all built according to classical traditions. Apart from music, this part of Marche is famous for its Verdicchio wines and we will enjoy a tasting accompanied by regional delicacies before returning to the ship. The afternoon is free to relax on board or explore Ancona independently. Maybe visit the 11th century Cathedral of San Ciriaco, the art gallery (Pinacoteca Communale), the archaeological museum or the remains of the Roman amphitheatre.
Day 6 Ravenna & Bologna.
From our berth in Ravenna there will be a choice of tours today. Ravenna has a rich history being the capital of the Western Roman Empire and capital of the Ostrogoth Kingdom of Italy whilst the port of Classe was one of the largest in the Roman world. From the 4th to 6th century, the city became a hub for skilled craftsmen who covered the city’s churches in stunningly beautiful mosaics which were described by Dante as a “symphony of colour”. A morning tour will include the Basilica di Sant Apollinare, named after Ravenna’s patron and featuring mosaics of biblical figures such as Abraham and Emperor Constantine IV. Meanwhile, at the Basilica di San Vitale we will see mosaics representing old testament scenes and the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively join a full day tour to Bologna, considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, dominated by spectacular architecture from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Our exploration of music heritage in Bologna includes Bologna’s main music chapel inside the Basilica of San Petronio, the huge Gothic church of San Giacomo Maggiore containing the private chapel of the noble Bentivoglio family and the small oratory of Santa Cecilia. We end at the Museum and Library of Music which exhibits musical instruments, manuscripts, original music scores and opera libretti spanning nearly six centuries of European music. The collection includes pieces from Padre Martini who met with a young Mozart on his visit to the city in 1770. We will enjoy lunch in the city and some free time before returning to the ship and sailing this evening.
Day 7 Pula & Rovinj, Croatia.
Arrive in Croatia at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On a morning tour we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. This afternoon we will set sail to the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean in to each other creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour will include the Franciscan Monastery, City Palace and the 17th century clock tower before we visit the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore somewhere around 800 AD. We will enjoy a private choir concert before returning to the ship and sailing this evening.
Day 8 Rijeka.
Rijeka has flourished under many empires from the Romans to Habsburg and Austro Hungarian which is reflected in the varied architecture in the city centre from the Roman arch to the 17th century St Vitus Church. A short walk from the pier is the Zajc Theatre. Named after Croatian composer, Ivan Zajc and built in 1885 this is the main theatre in Rijeka and we will be able to see the stunning ceiling which contains works by Gustav Klimt. Continue to the Governor’s Palace which houses the Maritime and Historical Museum. Here we find the Kresnik Collection dedicated to the life and work of Franjo Kresnik, a famous Croatian violinist, known as ‘the man who reads violins’. He built 52 violins himself, eight of which remain in the museum, and we will be treated to a private performance of one of these instruments. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure as we remain moored overnight.
Day 9 Rijeka to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Zagreb airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 24 October to 1 November 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £3795 | £3595 |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £3995 | £3795 |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £4295 | £4095 |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £4695 | £4495 |
| 6 Junior Suite | £5295 | £5095 |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £5695 | £5495 |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £5895 | £5695 |
| 10 Standard Single | £4495 | £4295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE241022
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
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Information Directory
SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number of crew: 52
Beam: 43.6 feet
Draft: 15.5 feet
Length: 286 feet
Gross tonnage: 2598 tonnes
Classification: CRS
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Built: 1960
Refurbished: 2018 & 2019
Registered: St Vincent & GrenadinesSHIP INFORMATION
AIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air-conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all cabins feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701-704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony. Facilities include:
• Air-conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning)
• Dressing table with chair or stool
• En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment)
• Hairdryer
• Minibar (Serenissima Suites only)
• Balcony (Serenissima Suites only)
• Dressing gown and slippers
• Safe
• Television
• Telephone (charges apply)
• Wardrobe
• Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by email at cruise@msserenissima. com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject). The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication: Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 000+ code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant on board serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased on board and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea Lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a welcome and farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events. For example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
DOCTOR
A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin/suite and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board. When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 9.00 am. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service on board.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that serves decks 3 to 6. Please note that, due to the layout of the ship, the following cabins are accessible by at least one flight of stairs: 417 – 421, 424 & 701 – 704.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros, British Pounds or US Dollars)
• Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express)
• Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa)
Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at Reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore. POST Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. PUBLIC AREAS Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 9.00 am until 12.00 am. Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and small fitness room with two running machines. Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas.
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX AUDIO SYSTEM
During our excursions, we use an audio headset system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins.
SAFETY & LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SHOP
The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
Previously the MS Serenissima used 200 plastic bottles of water every day. In order to help reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we are replacing plastic water bottles where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles. We have chosen stainless steel bottles, made of durable, high quality stainless steel. It will keep your drink fresh and cool for longer and fit neatly into your bag or backpack. You can fill it up from the water station on board, located in the reception area, deck 5. We recommend that you do not drink nor refill your bottles from the tap in your cabin. The tap water is not potable. The bottle in your cabin is for your personal use during the cruise to take on excursions. Please leave the bottle/s in your cabin at the end of the cruise.
WI-FI
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
ZODIACS
Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Click below to download a copy of the Information Directory
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Cabin information
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Musical Highlights
• Private tour of the Fenice Opera House, Venice.
• Exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music by a Venetian orchestra at the Chiesa della Pietà.
• Concert of Rossini’s music by students from Pesaro’s “Accademia del canto”.
• Visit the workshop of Maestro Quagliano in Jesi to learn about the construction of violins, violas and cellos, all built according to classical traditions.
• Private choir concert at St Euphemia Chuch in Rovinj.
• Performance of music played on one of Franjo Kresnik’s violins in Rijeka.
Travelling with You
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Philip Blake-Jones
Philip studied singing and piano at the Royal Academy of Music. As a professional opera singer he made his solo debut with Glyndebourne Festival Opera and was a principal with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company which included national tours and singing Strephon in the most recent recording of Iolanthe.
He is the Artistic Director of London Festival Opera and over twenty-five years has produced opera performances in a wide range of venues including Buxton Opera House, Windsor Theatre Royal, St John’s Smith Square, St James’s Palace, Kensington Palace, 10, Downing Street, Guildhall and Mansion House. Overseas performances include at the British Embassy in Paris, the President’s Palace in Malta and La Fenice Opera House in Venice.
Most recently he has created and presented performances for the Salisbury and Windsor Festivals and a lecture on performing opera internationally at the House of Lords.
Philip works closely with Noble Caledonia on creating programmes of opera and music inspired by many wonderful locations such as the Villa Carlotta on Lake Como, Mannheim Castle on the Rhein and the Church of Sant’ Andrea della Valle in Rome. LFO also performs on board many river and sea cruises for the company.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in the Croatian capital city of Zagreb before returning to London, we are offering a two night extension which will include a half day tour to the beautiful Croatian town of Varazdin. For our stay we have chosen the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel which is located in heart of the historic city and is one of its most prominent buildings. The Hotel is considered an architectural gem, combining Art Deco glamour with contemporary convenience and features 208 spacious and elegantly furnished rooms, award-winning restaurants, a bar and lounge, health club and more.
Zagreb
The Itinerary
Day 1 Rijeka to Zagreb, Croatia.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. Here a guided walking tour will include Zagreb Upper Town, the Lotrscak Tower, St Mark’s Square, Parliament Building, Stone Gate and Strossmayer Promenade. After lunch we will transfer to the Esplanade Zagreb hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Varazdin.
Today we explore one of the most beautiful Croatian towns, Varazdin. Enjoy a walking tour and visit the Old Town (Stari Grad), to view the most important cultural monument in Varazdin. This Gothic-Renaissance fortress, which was built and rebuilt several times from the 14th to the 19th century, sits impressively near the centre of town. After lunch at a local restaurant we will return to Zagreb to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Zagreb to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we will check out and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
1 to 3 November 2022 Category Price Twin £595 Single £795 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Musical Journey along the Adriatic
A voyage from Brindisi to Split aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Philip Blake-Jones
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON
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Itinerary at a glance
- Brindisi / Lecce / Jesi / Pesaro / Ancona / Ravenna / Bologna / Venice / Pula / Rovinj / Rijeka / Split
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Next Departure:
17 October 2023
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000