MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Discover Croatia’s captivating islands along the northern Adriatic, explore the Istrian peninsula, and visit magical Venice.
- Sail around scenic Kornati National Park, Croatia’s “nautical paradise.”
- Commune with sound and light at Nikola Bašic’s popular Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun art installations.
- Walk across bridges and along canals during a walking tour of Venice.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Taste some sweet and delectable Rab cake with a gin and tonic on Rab Island.
- Enjoy traditional Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to ancient recipes.
- Taste Italian wine in Collio, Italy’s prime white wine producing region.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Sail the islands of northern Croatia aboard a small ship.
- Explore Šibenik and its stunning cathedral during a city tour.
- Discover the craftsmanship behind the art of Murano glass making.
HOTELS
- Hotel Avani Rio Novo, Venice
- Life Class Hotel Riviera, Portoroz
- MS San Spirito, Opatija
INCLUDED
- 13 Days
- 12 Nights
- 11 Breakfasts
- 8 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
Overnight Flight
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.
Venice, Italy - Tour Begins
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.
Venice - Murano Island
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 Sighs and take in St. Mark’s Square, adorned with marbled palaces and gilded basilicas. The rest of the day is yours to explore.
Venice - Portorož
This morning, say “ciao” to Venice as you head towards Slovenia. 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 Slovenia. You’ll finish your day exploring the coastal city of Portorož independently.
Portorož
Spend time exploring the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea. Perhaps, you’ll take an optional excursion to discover the wonders of Postojna caves. Set off to one of the biggest wetlands on the coastline, Salina nature Park, where locals harvest salt using a 700-year-old method. Visit the museum of salt making and learn how the salt pond and its associated canal work together to provide sea salt. Toast to Slovenia over dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Portorož - Opatija - Board Ship
Say “nasvidenje” to Slovenia and take in views of the Istrian peninsula before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch in a family-owned restaurant. Next, visit a local distillery where the owners use regional plants, fruits, and herbs to produce brandies and other treats – yum! Discover the picturesque hilltop Istrian town before arriving Opatija to board your ship for a 7 night private cruise on the Adriatic. This afternoon, join a local guide and get to know this elegant resort town. Stroll along Lungomare, a scenic seaside promenade where natural beauty and pristine coastlines lie around every corner. This evening, meet the captain and crew of your private ship and settle in during a welcome dinner onboard.
Opatija - Cres
The pristine waters of the Adriatic bring you to the colorful island of Cres. The streets of this port town are lined with shades of yellow and brown terraced houses dotted with blue awnings and umbrellas. During a city tour, admire the winding maze of houses leading you to the center of Cres’ Old Town. Medieval architecture takes you back to when the island was a fisherman’s paradise. Spend the evening at leisure taking in the coast, culture, and charm of Cres.
Cres - Krk
Today, sail to the largest island in the Adriatic: Krk. During a guided tour of Krk Town, learn about its long history and rich cultural heritage. See the 5th-century Krk Cathedral, dating back to the island’s time under Roman rule. Stand in awe at the 12th-century Frankopan Castle built by Croatian nobles. Each well-preserved wall, cathedral, temple, square, and monument reflects a different part of the islands’ story. After exploring Krk, return to your ship and enjoy dinner while sharing stories from your day.
Krk - Rab
Spend this morning at leisure exploring more of Krk Town how you like. Perhaps you’ll take a swim in the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic. If you’re curious about the region’s past, join an optional tour to the Kornic Ethnographic collection. This option will take you to the coastal village of Punat where you’ll board a boat to Košljun Island. Return to the ship for lunch onboard before heading towards the narrow island of Rab. During the tour, admire Rab’s ancient stone walls that enclose the city, four majestic church towers, and a beautiful park that winds around wooded hills to the beaches. You’ll also explore a large collection of sacral art at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Bernardino. This evening, a local will show you how to make Rab cake – a Croatian delicacy local to the island. Bite into this delectable almond spiral while you sip on a locally made gin and tonic. Tonight, you’re free to explore Rab how you want.
Rab - Zadar
Pass picturesque Pag, Olib, and many of the other smaller islands of the Zadar Archipelago on your way to Zadar this afternoon. Disembark in Zadar to explore this city’s irresistible blend of old and new during a guided tour. Roman ruins, Byzantine architecture, Nikola Bašic’s art installations, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia are just a few of the incredible sites along the way. Learn more about Zadar how you like it because it’s your choice! Visit the Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar* alongside a local guide -OR- visit the historicistic palace of the Cosmacendi family to see the Museum of Ancient Glass. During free time this evening, stroll Zadar’s streets and savor Dalmatian cuisine at a local café if you wish. Perhaps you’ll indulge in dessert at one of the many gelato shops.
Zadar - Telašcica Nature Park - Kornati National Park - Vodice
Convene with nature this morning as you travel through Kornati National Park. Enjoy the views and relax as you float along the water. In the afternoon, soak in one of the most beautiful parts of your cruise. The Kornati Archipelago’s tranquil waters are made up of 140 islands, islets, and reefs lined with beautiful terrain and abundant wildlife. This evening, enjoy dinner with a glass of Croatian wine accompanied by local entertainment.
Vodice - Šibenik
Venture off to breathtaking Krka National Park** where waterfalls tumble through dramatic gorges right before your eyes. Wander the surrounding trails before boarding a boat to sail along the river to Skradin.** Take in unforgettable sights as you sail through St. Anthony’s channel and pass by the tiny islands and St. Nicola’s fortress, a UNESCO heritage site and one of the world’s best-preserved works of defense dating back to the 16th century. Explore the city’s historical center on a locally guided walking tour through 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.
Šibenik - Disembark Ship - Split - Tour Ends
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.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at (519) 426-2144
