Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise

It’s time to explore the magic of Venice, the Istrian peninsula, and Croatia’s islands on the northern Adriatic. Medieval architecture, sunny islands, and a private small cruise ship await you in Croatia. From romantic Venice to the charming Istrian peninsula – enjoy stunning coastlines, nature parks, culinary delicacies, art, and history that are found in the northern Adriatic.
Hotel Name: Hotel Avani Rio Novo

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.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Venice
Venice is the regional capital of the Veneto region in the northeast section of Italy. Venice has a unique design like no other city, built on over a hundred different islands in the center of the Venetian Lagoon. Early Venetians built their city on the islands to escape barbarian invaders. The islands of the city are separated by numerous small canals and connected by hundreds of small bridges. The city is famous for its romantic gondola-filled canals and ornate palaces that line the Grand Canal. The famous glass factories of Venice are located on Murano Island. Today the Murano Islands are home to a dwindling number of glass factories, whose artists are producing handmade Murano Glass.

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 Sighs and take in St. Mark’s Square, adorned with marbled palaces and gilded basilicas. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Life Class Hotel Riviera

Visit Area: Murano Island
Murano is located in northern Italy and houses important attractions such as, the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, the chapel of the Ballarin family, and artworks by Giovanni Bellini. The island is primarily known for their history in glass production. It became Italy’s glass art capital in 1291. The community of glassblowers was relocated by the government to Murano. Glass making originally began in Venice; however, because the houses were made out of wood, the government deemed it too risky because of the kilns constantly going.

This morning, say ciao to Venice as you head towards Slovenia. 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 Slovenia. You’ll finish your day exploring the coastal city of Portorož independently.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Collio Wine Region

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

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: MS San Spirito

Visit Area: Portorož Salt Plains

Say nasvidenje to Slovenia and 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. After, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch in a family-owned restaurant. Next, 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 arriving in Opatija to board your ship for a 7 night private cruise on the Adriatic. This afternoon, join a local guide and get to know this elegant resort town. Stroll along Lungomare, a scenic seaside promenade where natural beauty and pristine coastlines lie around every corner. This evening, meet the captain and crew of your private ship and settle in during a welcome dinner onboard.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Farm-to-Table Lunch

The pristine waters of the Adriatic bring you 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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Family-Owned Distillery

Today, sail to the largest island in the Adriatic: Krk. 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. After exploring Krk, return to your ship and enjoy dinner while sharing stories from your day.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Hum

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. Return to the ship for lunch onboard before heading towards the narrow island of Rab. During the 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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Opatija
Located on the coast of the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, this harbour town's history was dominated by shipbuilding and monasteries. Once a favorite of the Austrian aristocracy, it was promoted as a health resort in the 19th century. Elegant promenades and parks weave their way between spacious villas and verdant public spaces.

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

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: 7-Night Adriatic Cruise
Coast along the sparkling Adriatic shoreline on a 7-night cruise, allowing you to unpack and relax as you travel over the strikingly blue waters. With daily stops along the country’s coast and islands, you’ll get a chance to walk along the sandy beaches, discover the cobblestone streets, and swim in the clear waves.

Convene with nature this morning as you travel through Kornati National Park. Enjoy the views and relax as you float along the water. In the afternoon, soak in one of the most beautiful parts of your cruise. The Kornati Archipelago’s tranquil waters are made up of 140 islands, islets, and reefs lined with beautiful terrain and abundant wildlife. This evening, enjoy dinner with a glass of Croatian wine accompanied by local entertainment.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Cres

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. 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. Take the evening to find unexpected surprises around the ancient streets before returning to the ship.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Krk

Disembark your ship this morning and say goodbye to Croatia as your tour of the Adriatic Coast ends today.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Rab