Click here to register to join this exclusive, small-ship CAU Study Tour.

For full tour details, terms and more, download the brochure! For rates, see page 6.

Benjamin Anderson, Associate Professor of History of Art and Classics, specializes in the arts and cultures of the Mediterranean Sea from antiquity to the present. He is the author and/or editor of eight books and many essays. As an archaeologist, he works at Sardis (Türkiye) and he serves on the Managing Committee of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. His CAU Summer 2025 course filled in record time, a testament to the strong interest in his dynamic teaching and compelling subject matter.

Travel with peers who are as curious as you are. This small, exclusive cruise is open to Cornell alumni, family, and friends.

Launched in 2018, this beautiful, intimate yacht offers a casual atmosphere and visits to small islands and ports inaccessible to larger ships. The vessel accommodates up to 28 guests, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board. The lounge, bar, and restaurant areas offer comfortable seating, large windows, and complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. Meals are served in a single seating and feature fresh Mediterranean cuisine. With just 18 cabins, space is extremely limited.

Start your adventure in Dubrovnik exploring the charming Old Town before boarding the beautiful 18-cabin Queen Eleganza yacht. Sail along Croatia’s picturesque coast, visiting the lush island of Mljet, the medieval towns of Korčula and Hvar, and the cultural hubs of Split and Trogir. The itinerary allows for overnight stays in port, giving you time to enjoy local cuisine and connect with the friendly residents. Along the way, partake in walking tours, wine tastings, and explore the vibrant waterfronts at your own pace. The journey ends with visits to Zadar, then inland to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, and the scenic Lake Bled.

Depart home on an overnight flight to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, transfer to the 5-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Relax and settle in, then gather for an  orientation, welcome reception, and dinner.

(Meals included: Reception,Dinner)

Begin the day with a morning lecture, then set out on a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik's historic Old Town. Known for its imposing stone walls and signature red-tiled rooftops, Stroll along the marble-paved Stradun and visit landmarks such as Onofrios Fountain, St. Blaise's Church, and the Franciscan Monastery complex—home to a historic library and one of the oldest still-operating pharmacies in Europe, established in 1317. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to wander the city's narrow alleyways, discover hidden courtyards, or take in the coastal views. Later, board the Queen Eleganza and settle into your cabin before gathering for a welcome reception and dinner.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception, Dinner)

Relax on the sun deck while cruising to the picturesque island of Mljet. At Mljet National Park, walk or e-bike among shady forests of Aleppo pine, or take a refreshing swim in a tranquil saltwater lake. Take a small ferry to see the Benedictine monastery on St. Mary’s Island. Dinner is at leisure this evening.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch)

En route to the fortified town of Korčula, enjoy a swim in a calm cove (weather permitting). Situated on a scenic promontory, Korčula is known for its rolling vineyards, olive groves, charming villages, and remarkably preserved old town. The island also boasts a rich heritage of religious traditions, folk music, and dance. Take in the highlights on a guided walking tour, then enjoy a tasting of regional delicacies paired with some of Croatia's most renowned wines.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch)

Today cruise to lavender-scented Hvar Island, known as the “Queen of the Dalmatian islands.” Stroll along the elegant main square and visit a Franciscan monastery whose refectory contains a 1524 edition of Ptolemy's Atlas and a large painting of the Last Supper. Enjoy time to wander the yacht-lined waterfront and lively promenades, where cafés and restaurants offer the perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch)

While cruising to Split, Professor Anderson will lecture on Scottish architect Robert Adam’s study of Diocletian’s Palace in 1757. Upon arrival in Split, explore the impressive Palace, a monumental Roman structure stretching along the waterfront. Enjoy free time to wander the pedestrian-friendly Old Town. In the evening, discover local delicacies at one of the city’s many inviting restaurants.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch)

Before cruising to Trogir, enjoy a guided tour of Meštrović Gallery, the former villa of Croatia’s premier 20^th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. A walking tour introduces you to the tiny, but charming Old Town of Trogir, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. For dinner, savor a traditional peka—meat and potatoes slowly roasted over coals under an iron bell—at a local restaurant.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

As the ship makes its way to Zadar, enjoy a final lecture about pirates in the Adriatic during the Middle Ages. In the late afternoon, explore Zadar’s Old Town on a guided walking tour, featuring highlights such as the Roman Forum and the circular Church of St. Donat. This evening, gather on board to toast the journey with a farewell-to-the-yacht dinner.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Disembark this morning and travel by motorcoach to Ljubljana. En route, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cascading lakes and waterfalls set in a lush forest landscape. Upon arrival in Ljubljana, check in at the centrally located Grand Hotel Union.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch)

Begin the day with a walking tour of Ljubljana’s historic center, visiting landmarks such as the Dragon Bridge and the ancient Roman wall. Then, travel by motorcoach to Lake Bled, where you’ll enjoy a lakeside lunch before boarding a pletna boat to visit the church-topped island. Return to Ljubljana for a farewell dinner in a cozy restaurant.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Meals included: Breakfast)

September 18 – 29, 2026
Aboard the 18-cabin Queen Eleganza
Register online

When you travel with Cornell's Adult University, you save yourself the hassle of planning, and benefit from unique itineraries in hard-to-reach parts of the world with our award-winning partners. Our partners are deeply invested in providing high quality experiences for alumni, family, and friends. On CAU Study Tours like this one, your travel and learning are enhanced with Cornell faculty who travel alongside you.

We are committed to ensuring that CAU and Cornell Alumni Travel tours provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. You can find the expectations that are applicable to all attendees of Cornell University alumni events, both on and off campus, by visiting this link.