MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Explore Croatia’s trendiest islands, Cres and Krk.
- 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.
- Savor a homemade olive oil tasting in Istria.
- 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.
- Watch local culture come to life with traditional Croatian entertainment.
- Discover the craftsmanship behind the art of Murano glass making.
HOTELS
- MS San Spirito, Sibenik
- Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa, Rijeka
- NH Rio Novo Hotel, Venice
INCLUDED
- 13 Days
- 12 Nights
- 11 Breakfasts
- 7 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
Overnight Flight
It is time to explore the Istrian peninsula and Croatia’s islands on the northern Adriatic including the magic of Venice. Medieval architecture, sunny islands, and a private small cruise ship await you in Croatia. From stunning coastlines, charming Istrian peninsula and nature parks, to culinary delicacies, art and history to romantic Venice, the wonders of the northern Adriatic 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 - Kornati National Park - Vodice - Telašcica
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard this morning or you may choose to disembark early for an optional morning tour to the breathtaking Krka National Park. * If you stay onboard, do not miss the unforgettable sights as you sail through 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 unique monument of the world’s architectural heritage. As you sail to Vodice where you will have time to explore independently. 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. Join your Tour Manager on an orientation walk and later enjoy free time to explore this coastal paradise and dinner on your own in one of its many trendy restaurants this evening.
Opatija - Disembark Ship - Rijeka
Bid farewell to your ship when you disembark in Opatija. This morning, it’s your choice! Discover the views of Ucka Mountain and take a hike through the oakwood and chestnuts forests -OR- get to know the elegant resort town on a guided tour where you’ll stroll along Lungomare, the scenic seaside promenade where the lookouts to the beautiful water, rich coastal vegetation, and pristine beaches lie around every corner. After enjoy free time to explore this town independently and have lunch on your own before departing by coach for the hip coastal city of Rijeka. ” This evening is yours to explore Rijeka independently.
Rijeka - Hum - Motovun - Rijeka
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, and the smallest town in the world! Enjoy the Istrian countryside and landscapes 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 - Venice
This morning, say “dovidenja” to Croatia, 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, unique white wines. Pause for lunch in a family-owned winery before heading onto 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.
Venice - Murano Island
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 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 evening toast to this memorable voyage during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Venice - Tour Ends
Say “ciao” to Italy and the Croatian islands as your tour ends today.
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