Join us for an eight night exploration of the beautiful Istrian coast combined with a visit to the region’s bucolic interior and some charming islands. Croatia’s Istrian coast and Kvarner Bay offer some of the world’s most beautiful coastal scenery, picturesque islands and a wonderfully tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The 36-passenger Queen Eleganza is the perfect vessel for our journey allowing us to moor centrally in towns and call into secluded bays, enabling us to fully discover all the region has to offer and to visit some marvellous places which do not cater for the big ships along the way.
Our island calls will include Cres with its Italian influence and scenic Medieval harbour, Pula where we will visit one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres and Rab with its picturesque Old Town. 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. As we make our way along the coast we will discover more remote, uncrowded spots such as Losinj, a classic Adriatic island which is still relatively unspoilt and the flower-filled island of Ilovik before arriving in Zadar where we have time to explore this historic city.
Istria is often acclaimed for its gastronomy and we will experience the local cuisine as well as a visit to a vineyard to taste the wines typical of the area. Each night we will remain moored in the picturesque harbours affording the opportunity to dine ashore on some evenings and to enjoy the floodlit splendour and lively café society which is so atmospheric. For those who enjoy cruising amongst scenic waterways, swimming in clear blue waters and exploring Medieval harbours and picturesque villages with a small group of like-minded travellers, this journey will surely appeal.
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 Opatjia, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight to Zagreb. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Opatija. Enjoy our welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight. (D)
Day 2 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 3 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 4 Porec for 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 the quaint hill top village of Groznjan. Once a 14th century Venetian fortress, the well-preserved medieval centre is now home to many small art galleries and pottery studios and boasts stunning views over the Mirna Valley. After a lunch of local specialties, 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 wines and sample the olive oil, which are typical of the region. Return to the ship for dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Porec & Pula.
On a morning walking tour of Porec 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. Return to the ship late morning and set sail. This afternoon we arrive at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On our walking 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. Dine ashore this evening in one of the charming local restaurants. This evening dinner will be served onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 6 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. This evening dinner will be served on board. Dine ashore this evening in one of the charming local restaurants. (B, L)
Day 7 Ilovik & Rab.
Cruise this morning to Ilovik. Known as the island of flowers with oleander, palms and roses growing around every house and with only 170 residents, Ilovik is well off the traditional tourist route. We will stop for a wander or a swim before sailing to Rab. A late afternoon walking tour will take us 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. This evening you can sample one of the many local restaurants. (B, L)
Day 8 Zadar.
After a morning sailing we arrive at Zadar. Once a dominant city on the Adriatic Coast rivalling Venice, Zadar is today a treasured city that has preserved its historical core. Enjoy an afternoon 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. Enjoy our farewell dinner on board 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
10 to 18 September 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 | £3795 | £3595 |
4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck | £4095 | £3895 |
5 Double cabin on the Main Deck | £4495 | £4295 |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3495 | £3295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCQE100924
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
Hidden Croatia
Explore the beautiful coast & islands from Zadar to Opatija aboard the Queen Eleganza
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Itinerary at a glance
- Split / Zadar / Ilovik / Mali Losinj / Pula / Cres / Krk / Opatija
Hidden Treasures of the Adriatic
A voyage from Corfu to Dubrovnik including Albania & Montenegro aboard the MS Monet
Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Corfu / Sarande / Vlores/ Durres/ Tirana / Shengjin/ Bar / Kotor / Dubrovnik
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000