MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Explore Croatia’s trendiest islands, Cres and Krk.
- Experience 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.
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.
- Savor a homemade olive oil tasting in Istria.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Sail the islands of Northern Croatia aboard a small ship.
- Explore Šibenik and its stunning cathedral during a city tour.
- Local culture comes to life with traditional Croatian entertainment.
HOTELS
- MS San Spirito, Sibenik
- Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa, Rijeka
- Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb
INCLUDED
- 12 Days
- 11 Nights
- 10 Breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
Overnight Flight
Medieval architecture, sunny islands, and a private small cruise ship await you in Croatia. From stunning coastlines and nature parks, to culinary delicacies and arts installations, the Adriatic’s wonders are yours to explore.
Split, Croatia - Šibenik - Embark Ship - Tour Begins
Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival in Split transfer to Šibenik, where the Krka River flows into the Adriatic Sea. 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. Later this afternoon, board your ship and settle into your home for the next 7 nights. This evening meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner accompanied by traditional Klapa singing, a form of a cappella. With a glass of champagne, toast to the beginning of your adventure!
Šibenik - Vodice - Kornati National Park - Telašcica
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard this morning as you relax and sail to Vodice where you will have time to explore independently. Or you may choose to disembark early for an optional morning tour to the breathtaking Krka National Park.* This afternoon soak in one of the most beautiful parts of your cruise as you travel through the Kornati National Park. Made up of 140 islands, islets and reefs, the Kornati Archipelago’s tranquil waters are lined with stunningly beautiful rugged terrain and abundant wildlife. Continue your travels toward Telašcica. This evening, enjoy the festive Captain’s Dinner.
Telašcica Nature Park - Zadar
As you cruise toward the Zadar Islands this morning, convene with nature and enjoy the opportunity to sun, swim and get an up-close look at the unrivaled beauty of Telašcica Nature Park on Telašcica Bay. Arrive this afternoon in Zadar and 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.
Zadar - Rab
Pass picturesque Pag, Olib, and many of the other smaller islands of the Zadar Archipelago on your way to the narrow island of Rab this afternoon. 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.
Rab - Krk
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.
Krk - Cres
Take advantage of a morning at leisure to spend more time exploring Krk Town or take a 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. This afternoon depart Krk and let 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.
Cres - Opatija
Today, it’s off to Opatija! Enjoy a morning cruise through the Istrian Peninsula with time along the way for a swim and lunch before arriving at Opatija. Get to know the elegant resort town on a guided tour. Stroll along Lungomare, the scenic seaside promenade where lookouts to the beautiful water, rich coastal vegetation, and pristine beaches lie around every corner. Take in the combination of colorful, stately villas; immaculately kept gardens; bright blue sea; and a rising mountain range that comes together to create a Riviera destination perfectly marrying nature and style. Enjoy free time to explore this coastal paradise and enjoy dinner on your own in one of its many trendy restaurants this evening.
Opatija - Disembark Ship - Rijeka
Bid farewell to your ship this morning when you disembark in Opatija. Enjoy more time to explore this town independently and have lunch on your own before departing by coach for the hip coastal city of Rijeka, a “European Capital of Culture.” This evening is yours to explore Rijeka independently.
Rijeka - Rovinj - Buje - Motovun - Rijeka
After breakfast, head to the beautiful port city of Rovinj and meander down twisting narrow streets and by the charming waterfront. Enjoy some time to take in this romantic city in your own way and have lunch. Later, set off for the beautiful village of Buje! At an olive farm known to be one of the best producers in the Istrian Peninsula, 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.
Rijeka - Zagreb
Depart Rijeka this morning enroute to Croatia’s alluring capital of Zagreb. Upon arrival, join a local guide and get to know more about history, culture, and everyday life in Zagreb during a city tour. Catch a glimpse of the elegant Croatian National Theatre, the Mimara Art Museum, the Croatian Parliament building, Zagreb Cathedral and historic Stone Gate. Relish some free time to discover what this dynamic city has to offer on your own. This evening savor authentic fare and toast the end of a fabulous Croatian adventure during a farewell dinner at a locally-owned restaurant.
Zagreb - Tour Ends
Say goodbye to Croatia as your tour of the Adriatic Coast comes to a close today.
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