Special Breathtaking Croatia 11 Days
11 Days - VENICE – OPATIJA – CRES – NP BRIJUNI /PULA - MALI LOŠINJ – ZADAR – NP KORNATI /PRIMOŠTEN – STARI GRAD – BOL / TROGIR (MARINA BAOTIĆ)
Tour overview:
A fabulous tapestry of blue and green will amaze every traveler while cruising and exploring the stunning Adriatic coastline and islands. The intermingling of various influences in the past has crystallized Croatia's spectacular scenery. Small coves where bathers drift on crystal-blue waters, historical towns and sites, the natural sublimity of national parks and so much more, words can hardly express. A delightful experience to memorize forever!
Day 1 - VENICE (MAINLAND) – OPATIJA
Pick up at the Tronchetto bus station or Venice airports (Marco Polo or Treviso) . Transfer to Opatija, Croatia,a charming resort-town situated on the north coast of the Adriatic.
Overnight in Opatija
Day 2 - OPATIJA
Guided tour of Opatija, a coastal town situated on the picturesque Kvarner Bay and a cradle of Croatian tourism. It used to be the favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy as well as the 19th century elite Gustav Mahler and Isadora Duncan. Walking through the colourful Angiolina park and along the Lungomare sea promenade surrounded by charming Austro-Hungarian villas and residences you can still feel the unique glamour of Opatija. (B)
Overnight in Opatija
Day 3 - ISTRIA EXCURSION
Today it's time to get to know the Istrian peninsula and visit the 2000-year-old roman Colosseum in Pula. Explore Rovinj, a charming coastal gem considered to be the most beautiful city in Istria and an inspiration to many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj to stroll the cobbled streets, visit the art galleries or relax over a glass of cocktail in one of the cliffside bars. (B)
Return to Opatija for overnight.
Day 4 - OPATIJA – CRES
Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Transfer to Katarina Line cruise, starting in Opatija. Check-in from 12.00h, meet the crew and enjoy a welcome cocktail, followed by departure at 13:00 with lunch onboard towards Cres, an unspoiled island, long and narrow abundant with olive groves, vineyards, forests of oak, beech and remarkable stone walls. Swim stop in one of the many astonishing pebble beaches Cres has to offer. Take a walk along the port of Cres - a typical medieval town with hidden squares and courtyards. (BL)
Overnight in Cres.
Day 5 - CRES - NP BRIJUNI / PULA
While enjoying breakfast on board, cruise towards the National Park Brijuni, which consists of 14 islands and islets, among which the biggest is Veliki Brijun. Except for its beautiful nature, the archipelago has numerous dinosaur footprints. Explore this oasis of magnificent harmony between man, animal and plant life. After lunch on board, the cruise continues towards Pula. Upon arrival, time at leisure to explore the city that has existed for three thousand years. Settled in the prehistoric era and valued for its strategic location, Pula has been occupied, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. The Arena in Pula is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers entirely preserved. (BL)
Overnight in Pula.
Day 6 - PULA - MALI LOŠINJ
Morning departure towards Lošinj, known as the “sunshine island” with an abundance of pines, wildflowers and herbs. Lošinj is one of the most popular islands on the northern Adriatic because of its hidden coves and cool Mediterranean vibe. Upon arrival, visit the Museum of Apoxyomenos, dedicated to the ancient bronze statue of an athlete found in the sea near the island. Time at leisure to explore this fragrant island: walk up to the Lošinj Aromatic Garden or to the smaller town of Veli Lošinj. (BL)
Overnight in Mali Lošinj
Day 7 - MALI LOŠINJ – ZADAR
Morning cruise towards Zadar, for centuries the capital of Dalmatia and the oldest university town in Croatia. Join a guided tour of the city. Zadar is well known for its rich historical heritage of world importance, visible at every step: the Roman Forum from the 1st century, St Donat church from the 9th century - the most famous medieval basilica and the symbol of the city, mighty city walls with a bow and a representative City Gate from the 16th century, the Museum of ancient glass, over 30 churches in the old town, many palaces and villas, as well as the famous, contemporary Sea Organs and “Greeting to the Sun” light installation. (BL)
Overnight in the port of Zadar.
Day 8 - ZADAR – NP KORNATI / PRIMOŠTEN
Early morning departure to the Kornati National Park, which consists of around 100 islands, islets and reefs. In addition to this, the continental part includes ¼ of the surface of the park, while the rest belongs to the marine ecosystem. Enjoy the ruins of the ancient Illyrian fortress, Roman villas, old Christian church of St Mary and medieval fortresses and settlements. Some of the reefs are sometimes up to 100 m deep in the sea. Lunch on board as the cruise continues towards Primošten, a small, picturesque town situated between Šibenik and Trogir, in the central part of the Adriatic coast and surrounded by seven other islets, a wonderful sight and a beautiful place to explore. Captain’s dinner with live entertainment onboard tonight. (B, L, CD)
Overnight in Primošten.
Day 9 - PRIMOŠTEN – STARI GRAD
After breakfast, set sail for Hvar, an island covered in vibrant and fragrant lavender fields and olive groves. Stop for swimming and lunch in one of many secluded bays. Upon arrival at Stari Grad, join a guided tour to explore this unique town. The famous Stari Grad Field is the oldest in Croatia and the best-preserved example of an ancient Greek system of agriculture. Together with the old town, it is a part of world heritage protected by UNESCO. A heritage dinner with transfer in the evening. (BLD)
Overnight in the port of Stari Grad.
Day 10 - STARI GRAD – BOL / TROGIR (MARINA BAOTIĆ)
After breakfast, set sail towards the island of Brač to visit Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), Croatia’s most famous beach. This stunning, horn-shaped sandy beach continuously shifts shape due to the wind, currents, and waves. Enjoy a refreshing swim before lunch on board as the cruise continues towards Marina Baotić, located just 10 km from Trogir. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, take a bus transfer to Trogir for a guided walking tour of this UNESCO-listed gem. Stroll through its charming stone streets, admire the well-preserved Venetian architecture, and explore landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its stunning Radovan portal. After the tour, return by evening transfer to Marina Baotić for the final overnight stay on board. (BL)
Day 11 - TROGIR (MARINA BAOTIĆ)
Gather for one last breakfast, followed by goodbyes with the crew. Check-out and transfer to the
Split airport. (B)