Anyone who has sailed around the 1000 or so islands of the Northern Adriatic will tell you that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The combined effect of the natural beauty of the region with the impressive history and stunning architecture of its towns and cities makes it the perfect region for discovery by small ship, and with the 36-passenger Queen Eleganza we have just the right vessel.
Even the most jaded of travellers cannot fail to be won over by the hundreds of islands that dot the coast. The sea is an intense blue and the islands are amazingly scenic – whether it be the enchanting 16th century architecture of Hvar or the natural beauty of Dugi Otok. One of the many highlights of the area is of course Dubrovnik, a marvellous example of a Medieval city, surrounded by its ancient walls and well deserving of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to our included guided excursions, we have allowed ample time at leisure. Taking advantage of our central moorings, you will be able to sample the wonderful gastronomy whilst dining ashore and to experience the atmospheric ports in their evening splendour.
Some explore the region by hopping on and off ferries, others hire sailing boats. But for most, the best means of exploration is by a cruise vessel. There are a number of huge cruise vessels that include a couple of ports of call in the Adriatic but this is not an area for today’s mega cruise ships. The small islands, ancient towns and villages cannot accommodate large crowds of tourists and when travelling in such large groups, people miss the essence of what these places are all about. For a comprehensive look at the region with time set aside to swim in the azure seas, it has to be explored aboard a small ship.
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 to Dubrovnik. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza. Enjoy our welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight. (D)
Day 2 Dubrovnik & Mljet.
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 and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail for Mljet where we will arrive later this afternoon. Dinner is served onboard this evening, and perhaps take an after-dinner stroll in this tranquil locale as we moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Mljet & Korcula.
Mljet is one of the few Dalmatian islands that was never ruled by Venice and this is apparent in the architecture and the absence of any sizeable historic town. What it lacks in great architecture it more than makes up for in natural beauty and there will be a tour to the National Park including its beautiful lakes. Sail over lunch to Korcula, the reputed birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. Here we will drive to the interior of the island, past olive groves and vineyards offering views down to the coast below. During our visit to a winery we will learn more about the mainly white wines, which have been cultivated on the island for centuries before enjoying a tasting. Returning to the town we will 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 be moored overnight in Korcula and you will be able to dine ashore independently in the Old Town this evening. (B, L)
Day 4 Hvar.
Sail after breakfast to Stari Grad where, upon arrival after lunch, 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 which is 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 this evening and dine ashore in one of the local restaurants. (B, L)
Day 5 Trogir.
Spend a leisurely morning at sea and this afternoon arrive in Trogir. Set within Medieval walls on a tiny island, linked by bridges to both the mainland and to the far larger Ciovo Island, we will enjoy a walking tour of this gorgeous port. The old town has retained many intact and beautiful buildings from its age of glory between the 13th and 15th centuries. In 1997 its profuse collection of Romanesque and Renaissance buildings earned it World Heritage status. We will moor overnight and have the opportunity to dine ashore this evening. (B, L)
Day 6 Sibenik.
Spend the morning at sea as we cruise to Sibenik, our base to visit the majestic waterfalls of Krka. Enjoy a guided walk along wooden walkways and across bridges through this unique fjord like landscape with its multiple waterfalls and interesting flora and fauna. Return to Sibenik where we join a late afternoon walking tour through the historic town seeing the Cathedral of St James, the old city walls, and the theatre. This evening choose from one of the charming local restaurants to dine ashore. (B, L)
Day 7 Dugi Otok.
We continue our journey, cruising through the Kornati islands before we arrive at Telascica Nature Park, a beautiful area of islands, islets, rugged cliffs and coves which are home to many endemic plants. Enjoy a guided walk of the area including the lake before we return to the ship for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Zadar.
Sail over breakfast to Zadar. Once a dominant city on the Adriatic Coast rivalling Venice, Zadar is today a treasured city that has preserved its historical core. Enjoy a morning walking tour strolling around the old town with its Roman columns and portals, Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Of particular interest are the 9th century circular Church of St Donat and the 13th century Romanesque cathedral. Following lunch on board the rest of the afternoon is free to relax on board or wander ashore for further independent exploration before our farewell dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Zadar to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Split Airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
22 to 30 June 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck | £3495 | £3295 |
2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3495 | £3295 |
3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck | £4095 | £3895 |
5 Double cabin on the Main Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCQE070624/SCQE220624
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.
Also of Interest
Istrian Coastal Odyssey
Discover the beauty of Istria & Kvarner Bay aboard the Queen Eleganza
Queen Eleganza
Itinerary at a glance
- Opatija / Krk / Cres / Mali Losinj / Rovinj / Porec / Groznjan / Pula
Island Hopping in Dalmatia
A voyage exploring Croatia’s beautiful coast & islands aboard the Queen Eleganza
Queen Eleganza
Itinerary at a glance
- Dubrovnik / Korcula / Brac / Solta / Zlarin / Telascica National Park / Mali Losinj / Ilovik / Rab / Opatjia
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000