For those who enjoy cruising amongst some of the world’s most beautiful coastal scenery and exploring Medieval harbour towns and picturesque villages with a small group of like-minded travellers, our eight night journey along the Istrian coast will surely appeal. With just 36 guests on board, the Queen Eleganza has the advantage of being able to dock centrally in towns and call into secluded bays and hidden coves, enabling us to explore parts of the Istrian coast and islands in Kvarner Bay that passengers aboard the large cruise ships in the region rarely get to visit.
As we make our way along the coast we will witness a range of scenic delights including the charming island of Mali Losinj, the fascinating Brijuni Islands and the ancient town of Porec. Whilst in Pula, we will visit one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and the strong Venetian influence on the region will be evident during our exploration of Cres. We will also travel inland to an area of disarming beauty characterised by fertile valleys with hilltop villages. Here we explore the village of Motovun, in the middle of truffle territory, which has arguably the best views of the Istrian interior from its ramparts.
Istria is often acclaimed for its gastronomy and we will enjoy some lunches ashore to experience the local cuisine as well as a visit to a vineyard to taste the wines typical of the area. In addition to our included guided excursions, we have allowed ample time at leisure taking advantage of our central moorings, to dine ashore and experience the atmospheric ports in their evening splendour.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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Queen Eleganza
For our cruises along the Adriatic coast, we are delighted to have chartered the Queen Eleganza which was launched in April 2018. Beautifully crafted by Croatian hands, this is one of the finest Croatian flagged vessels of her kind and, with a maximum of just 36 guests, there is the added benefit of a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board. The team of friendly Croatian crew members all speak English and their excellent service and hospitality will do much to add to your enjoyment. Meals served on board have a home-cooked feel and feature wholesome, fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine and, when dining ashore independently, your knowledgeable Cruise Director will recommend popular local restaurants. This is the perfect ship to escape the formalities of larger vessels and enjoy the casual nature of small ship cruising along the most beautiful of coastlines.
Opatjia to Pula Itinerary
Day 1 London to Opatija, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight to Zagreb and transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Opatija. After settling into your cabin, enjoy welcome drinks and dinner. We will moor overnight allowing time to enjoy an evening walk in this genteel resort. (D)
Day 2 Rab.
We sail during breakfast for the island of Rab. This afternoon we will enjoy some time at leisure and an early evening guided walk through the picturesque Old Town, a perfectly preserved late Medieval Adriatic settlement squeezed into a slender peninsula along which are dotted a sequence of Romanesque campaniles. We have the opportunity this evening to dine ashore and sample one of the many local restaurants and we will remain moored overnight in the harbour. (B, L)
Day 3 Mali Losinj.
Spend a relaxing morning on board as we sail to another of Croatia’s charming islands. Arrive this afternoon at Mali Losinj which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. It is the island’s mild climate and rich flora that gave Mali Losinj its reputation as one of the most fragrant islands in Croatia; its air is scented with lavender, sage and rosemary. The seafront of Mali Losinj old town is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas. Dine ashore tonight in this stunning location. (B, L)
Day 4 Cres.
During breakfast we will cruise to the nearby island of Cres, mooring in the sheltered scenic Medieval harbour at Cres Town. Enjoy a walk through the atmospheric streets which have a strong Italian feel having been under Venetian rule in the 15th and 16th centuries. We will continue to the former fort city of Lubenice. Situated on a cliff 378 metres above the sea we will explore the fortress, city gates, houses, chapels and winding streets of this evocative site and enjoy the stunning views over the bay below. Dine ashore this evening and perhaps take a stroll along the seaside promenade. (B, L)
Day 5 Rovinj.
Sail today to the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean into each other creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour will include a visit to the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore sometime around 800 AD. Take the opportunity to dine ashore this evening in one of the delightful local restaurants. (B, L)
Day 6 Motovun & Momjan.
After a short sail to Porec we will travel to the Istrian interior, an area famed for its picturesque villages, vineyards producing fine Malvasia and Teran wines and the forests that produce Istrian white truffles. On a morning walking tour we will explore Motovun which is perched on a hill in the Mirna River Valley with its Romanesque- Gothic bell tower, the Renaissance Church of St Stephen designed by Andrea Palladio and the charming central square. After a lunch of local specialities we will head into the agricultural area around Momjan where some of Croatia’s finest olives and vines have been grown for thousands of years. We will visit a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of the Muscat and Malvasia wines which are typical of the region before sampling the olive oil. Return to the ship for dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Porec & Brijuni Islands.
On a morning walking tour we will discover the compact old town including the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture. Sail in the late morning and arrive this afternoon in the 14 islands of Brijuni, which comprise one of Croatia’s National Parks and were once the summer retreat of former Yugoslav leader, Tito. Between 1947 and 1980 he spent up to six months a year in the islands. We will explore Veliki Brijun including the 1st century Roman Villa, the nine hectare safari park created by Tito to house the exotic animals gifted to him by world leaders and the Church of St Germain. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Pula.
Today we arrive at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On a morning tour we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. The afternoon is free before we meet for our farewell dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Pula to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Pula to Opatja Itinerary
Day 1 London to Pula, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza. After settling into your cabin, enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight. (D)
Day 2 Pula & Brijuni Islands.
This morning we explore the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. We will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. This afternoon we arrive in the 14 islands of Brijuni, which comprise one of Croatia’s National Parks and were once the summer retreat of former Yugoslav leader, Tito. Between 1947 and 1980 he spent up to six months a year in the islands. We will explore Veliki Brijun including the 1st century Roman Villa, the nine hectare safari park created by Tito to house the exotic animals gifted to him by world leaders and the Church of St Germain. Sail this evening to Rovinj where we moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Rovinj & Porec.
Spend a morning in the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean into each other creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour will include a visit to the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore sometime around 800 AD. Over lunch we sail to Porec where a walking tour will discover the compact old town including the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture. Take the opportunity to dine ashore this evening in one of the delightful local restaurants. (B, L)
Day 4 Motovun & Momjan.
Today we will travel to the Istrian interior, an area famed for its picturesque villages, vineyards producing fine Malvasia and Teran wines and the forests that produce Istrian white truffles. On a morning walking tour we will explore Motovun which is perched on a hill in the Mirna River Valley with its Romanesque-Gothic bell tower, the Renaissance Church of St Stephen designed by Andrea Palladio and the charming central square. After a lunch of local specialities we will head into the agricultural area around Momjan where some of Croatia’s finest olives and vines have been grown for thousands of years. We will visit a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of the Muscat and Malvasia wines which are typical of the region before sampling the olive oil. Return to the ship for dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Cres.
Cruise today to the island of Cres, mooring in the sheltered scenic Medieval harbour at Cres Town. We will drive to the former fort city of Lubenice which we will discover on a guided afternoon tour. Situated on a cliff 378 metres above the sea we will explore the fortress, city gates, houses, chapels and winding streets of this evocative site and enjoy the stunning views over the bay below. Dine ashore this evening and perhaps take a stroll along the seaside promenade. (B, L)
Day 6 Cres & Mali Losinj.
After breakfast enjoy a guided walk through the atmospheric streets of Cres which have a strong Italian feel having been under Venetian rule in the 15th and 16th centuries. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing on board as we sail to another of Croatia’s charming islands. Arrive later this afternoon at Mali Losinj which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. It is the island’s mild climate and rich flora that gave Mali Losinj its reputation as one of the most fragrant islands in Croatia; its air is scented with lavender, sage and rosemary. The seafront of Mali Losinj old town is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas. Dine ashore tonight in this stunning location. (B, L)
Day 7 Rab.
We sail during breakfast for the island of Rab. This afternoon we will enjoy some time at leisure and an early evening guided walk through the picturesque Old Town, a perfectly preserved late Medieval Adriatic settlement squeezed into a slender peninsula along which are dotted a sequence of Romanesque campaniles. We have the opportunity this evening to dine ashore and sample one of the many local restaurants and we will remain moored overnight in the harbour. (B, L)
Day 8 Opatija.
Our final day on board begins after breakfast with a cruise to Opatija. We arrive during the early afternoon for a guided walk through the town. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before we return to the ship for the farewell dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Opatija to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Zagreb airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Opatjia to Pula Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy29 April to 7 May 2023 • 23 to 31 May 2023 • 16 to 24 June 2023 • 18 to 26 September 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck | £3395 | £3195 |
2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3395 | £3195 |
3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3595 | £3395 |
4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck | £3795 | £3595 |
5 Double cabin on the Main Deck | £3995 | £3795 |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3395 | £3195 |
Pula to Opatja Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy10 to 18 September 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck | £3395 | £3195 |
2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3395 | £3195 |
3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3595 | £3395 |
4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck | £3795 | £3595 |
5 Double cabin on the Main Deck | £3995 | £3795 |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3395 | £3195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCQEISTRIA23
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the Queen Eleganza • Meals as indicated (B -Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Wine, beer & soft drinks with included lunch and dinners • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia Cruise Director • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Queen Eleganza
For our cruises along the Adriatic coast, we are delighted to have chartered the Queen Eleganza which was launched in April 2018. Beautifully crafted by Croatian hands, this is one of the finest Croatian flagged vessels of her kind and, with a maximum of just 36 guests, there is the added benefit of a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board. The team of friendly Croatian crew members all speak English and their excellent service and hospitality will do much to add to your enjoyment. Meals served on board have a home-cooked feel and feature wholesome, fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine and, when dining ashore independently, your knowledgeable Cruise Director will recommend popular local restaurants. This is the perfect ship to escape the formalities of larger vessels and enjoy the casual nature of small ship cruising along the most beautiful of coastlines.
Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
- Opatija / Rab / Mali Losinj / Cres / Pula / Brijuni Islands / Porec / Motovun / Momjan / Rovinj
Crossroads of Empires
A journey through the Adriatic & Aegean aboard the MS Monet
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Itinerary at a glance
- Venice / Koper / Pula / Split / Korcula / Kotor / Durres / Tirana / Butrint / Corfu / Nikopolis / Delphi / Corinth Canal / Athens
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000