Discover the Best of the Croatian Coast

Your Croatian cruise begins in the romantic city of Venice, which was founded in the 5th century and stretches across 118 small islands of the marshy Venetian Lagoon. The grandeur of this city needs no introduction, from its legendary canals to magnificent St Mark’s Basilica.

Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a compelling journey of history, art and natural wonders.

Located on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, the lovely town of Rovinj is interwoven with Italian influences. A rabbit warren of narrow, winding cobbled streets and small squares, Rovinj is a delight to explore by foot among the colourful buildings and art galleries, of which there are plenty here. On a hilltop, the belltower of the baroque-style St Euphemia’s Church pierces the sky, while down below, the picturesque harbour is filled with fishing boats, a nod to the town’s seafaring and fishing traditions.

Founded by the Slavs in 1066, Šibenik is one of Croatia’s oldest towns. It’s nestled on the coast between Zadar and Split, it has been conquered by Venetians, Byzantines, Hungarians and Habsburgs, meaning there is a plethora of architectural styles to admire. This tiny city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites: the white stone Saint James’ Cathedral, an architectural fusion of Gothic and Renaissance – take the stairs from the Riva, the seaside promenade – and Nikola Fort, built between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Located on a small island between the Croatian mainland and Ciovo Island, UNESCO-listed Trogir is an ancient settlement that dates to the Hellenistic period. It’s filled with Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque buildings, with St Lawrence Cathedral dominating the old town square. Climb to the top of the belltower for spectacular views over the town. Spend time people-watching on the wide seaside promenade, which is packed with bars and cafes.

The island of Vis served as a Yugoslav military base from the 1950s until 1989, during which it was cut off to visitors and left vastly unpopulated. This, however, has preserved the island’s authenticity and life here is very laidback and unhurried, with a rocky coastline and azure waters, and the town of Kut, which was built by the Venetians, a series of narrow passageways and ancient palazzos. The island was used as the setting for the sequel to the film Mamma Mia!, depicting the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi.

Hvar is a photogenic jumble of whitewashed buildings topped with sun-kissed terracotta roofs, and beyond, scenic rolling hills peppered with lavender fields, olive groves, and grapevines. The heart of Hvar is its Old Town, which reveals multiple layers of history and architectural wonders, including the vast St Stephen’s Square, which is home to a cathedral built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the restored Arsenal, which was used to repair and refit war galleons from the 17th century.

Hvar is said to be the sunniest place in all of Croatia, so soak up the rays as you wander the harbour lined with yachts or make your way up to Fortica, the island’s medieval fortress which has sweeping views over Hvar and its neighbouring islands.

A gem of the Adriatic, Korcula is among the most beloved islands in Croatia. It boasts a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, and a striking coast of white pebble beaches and azure waters. While there’s evidence the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the fortified old town is on UNESCO’s tentative list for its late medieval planning and has been referred to by the locals as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. It is a delightful mix of medieval churches, elegant palaces and squares. See the impressive St. Mark’s Cathedral built in Gothic-Renaissance style, and the captivating Marco Polo Center, where you can understand the legacy of the explorer who was thought to have been born here. The villages of Cara and Smokvica are renowned for producing the country’s signature dry white wine.

Welcome to Dubrovnik, the’ Pearl of the Adriatic’ and a compelling city nestled along Croatia's rugged beautiful Dalmatian Coast. Dubrovnik’s magnificent walled Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century, presents one of the finest examples of a medieval citadel in Europe. With its storied history and breathtaking views of iconic terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and a relaxing beach holiday.

Enjoy another fascinating day exploring the city of Dubrovnik. Be awed by the impressive Rector's Palace, a 15th-century Gothic Renaissance palace that was once the administrative centre of Dubrovnik. Enjoy a drink on the Stradun, the main thoroughfare through the city, and take a walk along the ancient city walls for panoramic views over the rooftops and Adriatic Sea.

Split is a stunning city laden with culture, history, and striking architecture. Take a stroll along the Riva, a palm-lined promenade that is the beating heart of the city, past beautiful terraces and bustling eateries with harbour views. Built from the 4th century AD and added to over millennia, the ruins of the Diocletian's Palace dominate the city centre. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised an imperial residence, military fortress, fortified town, with gates and walls; its remnants housing myriad bars and cafés today.

In the morning, get ready to set sail from Split to Zadar, cruising close to Pašman and Biograd islands.

Zadar is somewhat of a hidden Croatian gem, a captivating blend of ancient history and modern charm. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you'll encounter spectacular Roman ruins, including the well-preserved Roman Forum constructed between the 1st Century BC and 3rd Century AD, and the majestic St. Donatus Church, a symbol of the city's rich heritage.

You’ll be mesmerised by the Sea Organ. These stone carvings along the promenade were designed so the lapping waves create natural and hauntingly beautiful melodies. As the sun disappears, be captivated by Sun Salutation, a dazzling solar-powered installation that lights up at night.

On the western peninsula of Croatia, southwest of the city of Rijeka, Opatija has alluring views across the Adriatic towards the Kvarner Islands and the distant Istrian Mountains. Known as the ‘Nice of Croatia’, Opatija was a seaside resort for the aristocratic class during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and it retains its lovely seaside promenades, handsome villas and manicured parks and gardens.

Piran is a pretty town of red-tiled and whitewashed buildings clustered on the tip of Slovenia’s Piran Peninsula. Part of the Venetian Empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century, Piran is known for its Gothic-style Venetian architecture. The town has a history of salt panning and its landscape is also dotted with olive groves and pebbly beaches. Restaurants line the waterfront and many serve seafood direct from the Adriatic, but you’ll also notice the Italian influences with gelaterias and pizzerias.

Today, you will arrive in Venice, a truly enchanting city that exudes an evocative atmosphere not found anywhere else in the world. Established in the 5th century, this romantic city was founded in the 5th century and stretches across 118 small islands of the marshy Venetian Lagoon. The grandeur of this city needs no introduction, from its legendary canals to magnificent St Mark’s Basilica. It’s a spectacular city to get lost in, with its maze-like alleyways and vibrant squares. Your luxury yacht will spend the evening in Venice, giving you the opportunity to settle into a quaint bar or cruise down a canal in a gondola when the city lights start begin to twinkle.

Your Emerald Cruises voyage concludes here. From your luxury yacht, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.