Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise

Get ready to explore the Istrian peninsula, Croatia’s islands, and the magic of Venice along the northern Adriatic Sea. Medieval architecture, sunny islands, and a small private cruise ship will greet you in Croatia. From stunning coastlines and nature parks, to culinary delicacies and Venice’s art and history – the wonders of the northern Adriatic are yours to explore.

Welcome to Šibenik, Croatia - a beautiful place where the Krka River flows into the Adriatic Sea. 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. Later this afternoon, board your ship and settle into your home for the next 7 nights. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner accompanied by local entertainment. With a glass of Croatian wine, toast to the beginning of your adventure!

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. This afternoon, soak in one of the most beautiful parts of your cruise as you travel through Kornati National Park. The Kornati Archipelago’s tranquil waters are made up of 140 islands, islets, and reefs lined with beautiful terrain and abundant wildlife. Continue toward Telašcica and savor dinner this evening.

Cruise towards the Zadar Islands this morning and marvel at the beauty found in Telašcica Nature Park. 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.

Pass picturesque Pag, Olib, and many of the other smaller islands of the Zadar Archipelago on your way to Rab this afternoon. During a 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.

Set sail to Krk – the largest island in the Adriatic. 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. This evening is yours to continue exploring this paradise-like island. Perhaps you’ll sit down for dinner at one of the many local restaurants.

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. This afternoon, depart Krk and continue 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.

Onward to Opatija! Embark on a morning cruise through the Istrian Peninsula. Perhaps you’ll test out the water and jump in for a swim before curing your appetite with lunch. Arrive in Opatija and join your local guide while getting to know this elegant resort town. Stroll along Lungomare, a scenic seaside promenade where natural beauty and pristine coastlines lie around every corner. Spend time at leisure to explore this town independently before a dinner onboard the ship.

Bid farewell to your ship as you disembark in Opatija. Discover the views of Ucka Mountain as you set off to discover inlands of the Istrian peninsula. 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 of Hum before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch in a family-owned restaurant. After, 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.

Spend time exploring the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea this morning. Perhaps you’ll take an optional excursion to discover the wonders of Postojna caves. After, explore Portorož independently. Toast to Slovenia at a dinner in a local restaurant this evening.

Say “nasvidenje” to Slovenia this morning as you continue your journey towards Venice. 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 venturing towards Venice. Among the most romantic cities in the world, Venice welcomes you with its 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

This morning, travel by boat to Murano Island for an expert glass-blowing demonstration – a centuries-long tradition on the island. Then, join your local guide for a walking tour of Venice’s most iconic sights. Pause for a picture-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. This evening, toast to this memorable voyage during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Say ciao to Italy, the Slovenian coastline, and the Croatian islands as your tour comes to an end.