For those who enjoy cruising amongst beautiful coastal scenery, swimming in clear blue waters and exploring charming fishing ports and ancient towns with a small group of like-minded travellers, this eight night journey from Dubrovnik to Pula will surely appeal. The sea is an intense blue and the islands are amazingly picturesque. Mountains sweep down to the sea, islands lace the coast creating endless inviting waterways and channels and on shore there are great historic villages, towns and cities.
During our island hopping adventure we will witness a range of scenic delights including the Lastovo archipelago, one of Croatia’s most remote nature parks, and the delightful islands of Vis, Hvar and Korcula. As our journey continues along the sedate Northern coast we discover the island of Dugi Otok, surrounded by hills, vines and ancient olive groves and Losinj, a classic Adriatic island that is still relatively unspoilt. Finally, upon arrival in Pula we will visit one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. In addition to our included guided excursions, we have allowed ample time at leisure and there will also be opportunities to swim from the ship as we call into secluded bays and hidden coves.
This unique area has so much to offer the genuine traveller and our itinerary will be appreciated by those who enjoy an eclectic mix of places and an informal style of cruising. With just 36 guests on board, the Queen Eleganza has the advantage of being able to moor centrally in many ports and so there will be opportunities to dine ashore and experience the atmospheric towns in their evening spendour.
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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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza. Enjoy the welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight. (D)
Day 2 Dubrovnik & Korcula.
Spend the morning in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. After a short drive to Pile Gate, we will begin our guided walk through the unique Medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. See the major attractions such as the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Sponza Palace. Return to the vessel for lunch as we set sail. In the late afternoon we arrive in Korcula, the reputed birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo, where we enjoy some time to walk along the crooked Medieval streets to the elegant squares which are flanked with palaces of the old nobility. We will moor overnight in Korcula and you will be able to dine ashore in the Old Town this evening. (B, L)
Day 3 Lastovo & Vis.
Today we sail to the Lastovo archipelago, made up of 13 islands and recognised as a Nature Park. We will take the opportunity to swim in one of the island’s bays before continuing to the island of Vis where we will moor overnight. Enjoy dinner ashore this evening. (B, L)
Day 4 Vis & Hvar.
The island of Vis spent much of its recent history serving as a Yugoslav military base, cut off from foreign visitors from the 1950s right up until 1989. This isolation preserved it from development, and today it offers an authentic tranquillity and unique beauty which we see on an island drive. Sail in the late morning to Stari Grad, where we take a short coach ride across the island to the attractive Old Town of Hvar for a guided walk. We will begin in the main square, the largest piazza in Dalmatia, and see the cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery and the Benedictine Nunnery where we hear about the aloe lace still produced today by the nuns. Return to the ship and enjoy dinner on board. We will moor overnight in Stari Grad allowing time for an after dinner stroll in this tranquil locale. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Sibenik.
Departing after breakfast we spend the day cruising and hope to find a spot for a swim from the ship before arriving in Sibenik. Here we enjoy an early evening walking tour through the historic town seeing the Cathedral of St James, the old city walls and the theatre before dining ashore at your leisure. (B, L)
Day 6 Dugi Otok.
We continue our journey cruising through the Kornati islands before we arrive at Sali, a traditional fishing village on the island of Dugi Otok surrounded by hills and ancient olive groves. On a walking tour of the town we will see the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a stunning wooden altar from the 17th century. We also hope to visit the nearby Telascica Nature Park, a beautiful area of islands, islets, rugged cliffs and coves which are home to many endemic plants. Return to the ship for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Mali Losinj.
Spend the morning cruising and take the opportunity for a swim before arriving 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 give 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 the old town is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas and is a pleasant place to wander. Dine ashore this evening in one of the harbour-side restaurants. (B, L)
Day 8 Pula.
After a mid-morning swim stop we continue our journey to the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On our afternoon 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. Return to the ship 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)
Dates and Prices
2 to 10 September 2023 • 3 to 11 October 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck | £3195 | £2995 |
2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3195 | £2995 |
3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3495 | £3295 |
4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck | £3795 | £3595 |
5 Double cabin on the Main Deck | £4195 | £3995 |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3195 | £2995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCQE020923/SCQE031023
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 lunches 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.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000