Adriatic Coastal Cruise

Stroll along Opatija’s seaside promenade, and soak up the splendour, as you enjoy fresh sea air, the sight of waving yacht masts, and the presence of grand ocean-facing buildings. Historically a fashionable destination for European aristocracy, the city is just as in-demand today - with palatial structures watching out over an inviting blue sea, and a border of lush green mountains stretching around the city. Vibrant gardens, glorious weather and endless seafront combine to ensure that Croatia’s original tourist destination remains one of the country’s finest.

Fly from the UK and arrive in Zagreb before transferring to Opatija as a group to board your ship. After settling in, meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director during a Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

Enjoy some free time in Opatija before you set sail and drop anchor off the stunning island of Krk, where you can take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic. After a leisurely lunch on board and a relaxed afternoon of sailing, your ship will arrive at the island of Rab. The evening is yours to explore the charming Old Town of Rab, a beautifully preserved late medieval settlement nestled on a slender peninsula. Stroll along the white-washed harbour foreshore at your own pace, and perhaps indulge in a meal at a local restaurant overlooking the lively port marina.

This morning your ship will drop anchor near the island of Pag, where you may like to go for a swim (weather permitting). Arrive in Zadar later in the day and enjoy a guided afternoon walking tour through the atmospheric Old Town. Admire its Roman columns and portals, beautiful churches, baroque palaces and Renaissance buildings. This tour will conclude at the Sea Organ, an architectural sound art object and musical instrument powered by sea waves and tubes beneath large marble steps. Nearby is the Sun Salutation, a monument of 300 multi-layered glass plates that absorb solar energy by day and create a waterfront light show at sunset. Both were created by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić.

Return to your ship for dinner this evening. 

Šibenik's main monument, its Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built of pale-gray Dalmatian stone and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on a raised piazza close to the seafront promenade. From here a network of narrow, cobbled streets leads through the medieval quarter of tightly packed, terra-cotta–roof houses, and up to the ruins of a 16th-century hilltop fortress. The city has never been a real tourist destination. Before the Croatian war for independence, it was a relatively prosperous industrial center, but when the factories closed, Šibenik sank into an economic depression. However, the cathedral more than warrants a look, and it makes a decent base for visiting the waterfalls of Krka National Park.

Šibenik is known as the gateway to the magical Krka National Park, and today you will spend the afternoon at the dramatic waterfalls this area is famous for. Afterwards, return to the MV Princess Eleganza. Your ship remains in port overnight in Šibenik. Following dinner on board your ship this evening, you may like to head into town to enjoy exploring Šibenik’s beautiful squares, as well as its narrow, winding streets.

Insider Experience – Krka National Park

Experience the natural beauty of Krka National Park. Here, explore the dramatic waterfalls, where the highlight is Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and countless cascades at the other, where the rushing river forces its way through a barrier of tiny islets. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, and the unique flora and fauna.

Šibenik's main monument, its Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built of pale-gray Dalmatian stone and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on a raised piazza close to the seafront promenade. From here a network of narrow, cobbled streets leads through the medieval quarter of tightly packed, terra-cotta–roof houses, and up to the ruins of a 16th-century hilltop fortress. The city has never been a real tourist destination. Before the Croatian war for independence, it was a relatively prosperous industrial center, but when the factories closed, Šibenik sank into an economic depression. However, the cathedral more than warrants a look, and it makes a decent base for visiting the waterfalls of Krka National Park.

After breakfast, enjoy a walk through the historic town of Šibenik. Wander through the well-preserved, white-walled Old Town with your guide. Arrive in Split later this afternoon and set out on a guided walk through the town, exploring the Palace of Diocletian. Your ship will moor close to town in the evening, giving you the chance to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants located on the picturesque Riva Promenade.

On arrival at the Croatian island of Vis, disembark to explore this remote and largely untouched natural beauty during a scenic drive around the island. Return to the ship for lunch before sailing to Korčula. Join a local guide to explore the city’s maze of cobblestone medieval streets and elegant squares, flanked by palaces of the old nobility. This Old Town may not be as well-known as Dubrovnik, but this destination is every bit as rewarding for those lucky enough to visit. Your ship moors near to the town overnight, meaning you can enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Off the coast of Croatia in the southern Adriatic Sea lie some thousand islands and the largest of them, Korçula, is considered the most beautiful. With an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine per annum, which guarantees a wide assortment of Mediterranean vegetation, it is not difficult to understand why seasoned travelers compare Korçula to a latter-day Eden. Separated from the mainland by a channel of only one mile, Korçula's main town, named the same as the island, ranks among the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. It is the island's main tourist, economic and cultural center. Thanks to its strategic location along the sea trade routes, Korçula has always attracted travelers and settlers. Korcula was founded by Greek colonists, who were followed by Illyrians, Romans and finally the Croats. The Korçula Statute of 1214 is one of the oldest legal documents to have been adopted in this part of Europe. The same century saw the birth of the famous world traveler, Marco Polo. The house said to be his birthplace can be seen in town. Korçulans have always been known as keen seafarers, excellent shipbuilders, stonemasons and artists. From their many voyages, sailors brought back new ideas, which eventually mixed with local customs. To this day, Korçula has maintained the tradition of performing knightly games such as the chivalrous Moreska dance, which has been in existence for more than 400 years. Visitors to Korçula enjoy its stunning location, natural beauty and medieval ambiance. And if that's not enough, the town offers numerous attractions that are within walking distance from the pier, including the City Museum and the Bishop's Treasury.

Stop at the idyllic island of Badija for a swim in the warm azure waters of the Adriatic Sea before continuing to Dubrovnik. Spend the afternoon on a guided walk through the unrivalled ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik. A guided tour of Dubrovnik’s World Heritage-listed fortress begins at the impressive Pile Gate, which has stood guard at the entry of this unique walled city for centuries. Within the ancient fortifications, wander through narrow limestone alleys and marble paved boulevards to see the grand Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace, the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, and the inspiring Sponza Palace before returning to your ship later this evening for a Farewell Dinner on board.

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Your journey draws to its conclusion after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.