Cruising Croatia's Northern Coast Islands

Welcome to Venice, Italy. Meet your group at Marco Polo airport at 1 pm this afternoon and transfer to Opatija by road. This journey will take approximately 3 hours, but after your welcome meeting and safety briefing, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious Dalmatian dinner on board as you get to know your fellow shipmates and crew. Overnight in Opatija and be ready to dive into the Adriatic in the morning. (D)

Wake to the Adriatic and take breakfast on the deck. The ship will make an all-important swim stop en route where you’ll have your first opportunity to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Head north to Krk and stretch your sea legs with a guided tour upon arrival. Krk is the equal-largest island in the Adriatic, a popular destination with beaches, a historic Old Town and plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs. After orientating yourself with the island, you’ll be transferred to a local farm for prsut (prosciutto) and wine tasting and a lamb dinner. (B/D)

The ship will depart Krk in the morning and make its way to the island of Rab, which was first declared a city in 10 BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus. Spend the journey relaxing and reading, getting some sun or simply staring at the crystal water. With ancient walls, churches and squares, Rab is the ideal place to explore on foot, be it with the local guides on an optional 3-hour hike around the island, or by yourself at your own pace. In the evening. Hunt down some fresh seafood for dinner and discover why Rab is known as the Happy Island. (B/D)

Leave the Happy Island as a happy person this morning and cruise to Zadar, described by Alfred Hitchcock as having the most beautiful sunset in the world. Enjoy a swim stop along the way then freshen up ready for a guided walk around the Old Town on arrival. Finish up at the famous Sea Organ, a giant organ with underwater pipes that makes music as the waves gently roll in. Enjoy a shot of Maraska, the local cherry liquor, then take your time exploring Zadar before overnighting in port. (B/L)

An early departure this morning leaves you with plenty of time to discover Kornati National Park. Made up of 89 stunning islands, Kornati is the perfect place to while away a day cruising around the beautiful bays, swimming and soaking up some rays. Local park rangers will take you on a hike around Telascica’s stunning limestone cliff, or if you’d rather spend your time on the water, there’s an option to explore the inlets and bays by sea kayak. The ship will anchor in Telascica, a designated nature park since 1988 thanks to its historical, cultural and environmental value, and the crew will cook up a barbecue on deck. Kick back and enjoy the sunset with salty skin and a cold drink. (B/L/D)

This morning cruise to Sibenik, stop for a dip in the azure waters of the Adriatic en route then venture out on walking tour of the Old Town on arrival, taking in the stunning stone cathedral. The Cathedral of St James is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built in both a Gothic and Renaissance style over the 15th and 16th centuries. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy, so seek out some local seafood if you so desire and settle in for a laid-back evening on shore. (B/L)

Enjoy your last day of cruising with a final swim in the sparkling sea. The ship will dock in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, which is renowned for its modern lifestyle and ancient buildings. Diocletian’s Palace, the sprawling complex at Split’s centre, was built in the 4th century and its white stone walls are home to bars, restaurants, shops and hotels. Take a guided walk around town or explore on your own before joining your shipmates on deck for a Captain’s dinner and farewell. (B/L/D)

Your small-ship adventure cruise through Northern Croatia ends after breakfast. (B)