Overview
Itinerary
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. (D) Stay: NH Rio Novo Hotel (2 Nights)
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. (B)
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. (B/L) Stay: Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa (2 Nights)
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. (B/D)
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. (B/D) Stay: MS San Spirito (8 Nights)
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. (B/L)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L)
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. (B/L)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L)
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. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Sibenik. Cost: $105.
- This guided tour takes you through 2 square kilometers of the blue-green splendor of Krka National Park, a 109-square kilometer paradise along the Krka River. At the river banks, you can get an up-close look at several perfectly preserved ecosystems including a vast floral composition along the Tufa waterfalls. A highlight of this excursion is a revitalizing round-trip walk along the river’s longest waterfall, Skradinski Buk - one of the best-known natural beauties of Croatia that is best seen at the end of the walk. Krka National Park is home to the first European hydroelectric power plant – a now historical site – and provided the first source of electricity to the city of Sibenik, thanks to Nikola Tesla. During your guided tour, you’ll also visit the Ethnic Village where inside you’ll find a traditional folk village complete with mills, souvenir shops, and ethnographic exhibition venues. Your time in Krka National Park will end with a scenic boat ride along the river to Skradin, where the Krka River meets with the Adriatic Sea. The coach will then bring you back to your cruise ship. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This tour operates on a weather-permitting basis.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
