Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise

It’s time to explore the magic of Venice, the Istrian peninsula, and Croatia’s islands on the northern Adriatic. Medieval architecture, sunny islands, and a private small cruise ship await you in Croatia. From romantic Venice to the charming Istrian peninsula – enjoy stunning coastlines, nature parks, culinary delicacies, art, and history that are found in the northern Adriatic.

Welcome to Venice (UNESCO)! Your tour begins in this enchanting city, with its 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. This evening, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner and toast to the beginning of a memorable voyage.

This morning, travel by boat to Murano Island for an expert glass-blowing demonstration – a centuries-old tradition on the island. Then, join your local guide for a walking tour of Venice’s most iconic sights. Pause for a perfect view over the Bridge of Sights and take in St. Mark’s Square, adorned with marbled palaces and gilded basilicas. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

This morning, say “ciao” to Venice as you head towards Croatia. Along the way, experience the Italian region of Collio. Tucked in the northeast corner of Italy and covered with sunny hills and slopes, this region is home to some of the world’s best and most unique white wines. Pause for lunch in a family-owned winery before continuing your journey to Croatia. You’ll finish your day exploring the coastal city of Rijeka independently.

After breakfast, take time to enjoy beautiful beaches and the coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Later, set off to discover Hum, situated on one of the numerous hilltops in Istria which is also the smallest town in the world. Enjoy the views from Istrian countryside landscapes at an olive farm – known to be one of the best producers in the Istrian Peninsula – and learn the process of producing olive oil and local flavors when you sample this aromatic culinary staple. A true farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant in the hills of Motovun allows you to end your day sampling regional wines and classic Istrian delicacies.

Today, it’s off to Opatija to board your ship for a 7-night private cruise of the Adriatic. When you arrive in Opatija, it’s your choice! Discover the views from Ucka Mountain and take a hike through the oakwood and chestnut forests -OR- get to know the elegant resort town on a guided tour and stroll along the scenic seaside promenade of Lungomare to the beautiful water, rich coastal vegetation, and pristine beaches that lie around every corner. After, enjoy free time for lunch independently in one of the many quaint cafés in town. This afternoon, meet the captain and crew of your private cruise and settle for a welcome dinner onboard the ship.

The open, pristine waters of the Adriatic bring you to the colorful island of Cres, a lovely port town where the streets are lined by yellow, cream, tan, and brown terraced houses dotted with blue awnings and umbrellas. A city tour takes you through homes winding into a maze, which draw you to the center of Cres’ Old Town. Medieval architecture harkens back to simpler times when the island was simply a fisherman’s paradise. Relish an evening at leisure to take in the coast, culture and charm of Cres independently.

Today, sail to the largest island in the Adriatic: Krk. During a guided tour of Krk Town, learn about the long history and rich cultural heritage still reflected in the present day town. See the 5th-century Krk Cathedral, dating back to the island’s time under Roman rule and the 12th-century Frankopan Castle built by Croatian noble people. Each well-preserved wall, cathedral, temple, square and monument reflects a different part of the islands’ story and there is a piece of history underfoot with each step you take. After exploring Krk, return to your ship and enjoy dinner.

Take advantage of a morning at leisure and have some more time to visit Krk Town or swim in the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to get a taste of the regions past with visits to the Kornic Ethnographic collection, the traditional coastal village of Punat and a boat trip to the tiny natural wonder of Košljun Island. Return to the ship for lunch onboard. After, head towards the narrow island of Rab. An included tour of Rab, which is enclosed by ancient stone walls, highlights the four majestic church towers that welcome visitors to its old town, the beautiful park that winds around wooded hills to the beaches, and the large collection of sacral art at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Bernardino. This evening, a pastry chef will show you how to make a Croatian delicacy local to the island: Rab cake. Bite into this delectable almond spiral while you sip on a gin and tonic made with locally-made gin. The night is yours to explore Rab your way.

Pass picturesque Pag, Olib, and many of the other smaller islands of the Zadar Archipelago on your way to Zadar this afternoon. When you reach Zadar, explore this fascinating city’s irresistible blend of old and new during a guided tour. Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century, Byzantine architecture of the 9th century, and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Anastasia speak to Zadar’s rich history, while exciting modern art instillations on the seafront engage you in the present. Listen to the mystical warbling of the Sea Organ, whose sound comes from ocean water rushing through tubes below marble steps and witness the art installation Greeting to the Sun, creating beautiful evening light shows powered by the day’s sunshine for experiences that could only happen in Zadar. This evening is at leisure for you to stroll Zadar’s streets, perhaps sampling Dalmatian cuisine during dinner at a local café or indulging in one of the many gelato shops.

Convene with nature this morning as you enjoy the opportunity to sun, swim and get an up-close look at the unrivaled beauty of Telašcica Nature Park on Telašcica Bay and the Kornati Archipelago. Made up of 140 islands, islets and reefs, the Kornati Archipelago’s tranquil waters are lined with stunningly beautiful rugged terrain and abundant wildlife. This afternoon, soak in one of the most beautiful parts as your cruise travels through the Kornati National Park and relax during a peaceful trip to Vodice. This evening, enjoy a special Captain’s Dinner with a glass of champagne, accompanied by traditional Klapa singing, a form of a cappella.

Explore the resort town of Vodice independently or you may choose to disembark early for an optional morning tour to the breathtaking Krka National Park.* Later, sail on to Šibenik, the last port of this journey. Don’t miss this unforgettable sight as you sail into St. Anthony’s channel and pass by tiny islands and St. Nicola’s Fortress (UNESCO). This is one of the best-preserved works of defense, and a unique monument of the world’s architectural heritage. Explore the city’s historical center on a locally-guided walking tour past medieval alleys, well-preserved fortresses, and the Cathedral of St. James, a stunning domed Catholic basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the evening to find unexpected surprises around the ancient streets before returning to the ship.

Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to Split for your flight home. Say goodbye to Croatia as your tour of the Adriatic Coast ends today.