Even the most jaded of travellers cannot fail to be won over by the beauty of the Istrian coast and our eight-night exploration is 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, the larger island of Krk and Losinj, a classic Adriatic island which is still relatively unspoilt. We will also travel inland to an area of disarming beauty characterised by fertile valleys with hilltop villages. Here we explore the quaint village of Groznjan, in the middle of truffle territory, which has some of the best views of the Istrian interior from its ramparts. This part of Croatia is often acclaimed for its gastronomy and we will experience the local cuisine as well as a visit to a vineyard to taste the typical wines of the area. Our cruise will conclude in charming Pula with its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
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.
May Itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow to Opatija, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight to Ljubljana. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Opatija, Croatia. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight. (D)
Day 2 Krk.
This morning we set sail to Krk where an afternoon walking tour will include the 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral, the Frankopan Castle and Church of St Quirnus before we arrive at the main town square. See the walls that once fortified the city and enjoy time to wander the cobbled streets or around the harbour. Dine shore this evening in one of the charming local restaurants. (B, L)
Day 3 Cres.
During breakfast we will cruise to the island of Cres, mooring after lunch 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 4 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. (B, L, D)
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 Rovinj & Porec.
Enjoy a morning at leisure to further explore Rovinj before sailing over lunch to our next destination, Porec. On an afternoon 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. Dine ashore independently this evening in one of the many harbourside restaurants. (B, L)
Day 7 Porec for Groznjan.
Today we will travel on a full day tour 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 hilltop 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, this afternoon we will take a scenic drive and visit a local vineyard to enjoy a tasting of the wines which are typical of the region. Return to the ship for dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Pula.
After a final morning at sea, we arrive at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On an 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. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. Enjoy our farewell dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Pula to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Ljubljana airport for our scheduled flight to London Heathrow. (B)
June & September Itinerary
Day 1 London to Opatija, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight to Zagreb. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Opatija, Croatia. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight. (D)
Day 2 Krk.
This morning we set sail to Krk where an afternoon walking tour will include the 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral, the Frankopan Castle and Church of St Quirnus before we arrive at the main town square. See the walls that once fortified the city and enjoy time to wander the cobbled streets or around the harbour. Dine shore this evening in one of the charming local restaurants. (B, L)
Day 3 Cres.
During breakfast we will cruise to the island of Cres, mooring after lunch 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 4 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. (B, L, D)
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 Rovinj & Porec.
Enjoy a morning at leisure to further explore Rovinj before sailing over lunch to our next destination, Porec. On an afternoon 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. Dine ashore independently this evening in one of the many harbourside restaurants. (B, L)
Day 7 Porec for Groznjan.
Today we will travel on a full day tour 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 hilltop 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, this afternoon we will take a scenic drive and visit a local vineyard to enjoy a tasting of the wines which are typical of the region. Return to the ship for dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Pula.
After a final morning at sea, we arrive at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On an 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. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. Enjoy 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
May Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy4 to 12 May 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
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 | £4395 | £4195 |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3495 | £3295 |
June & September Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy12 to 20 June 2025 • 22 to 30 September 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
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 | £4395 | £4195 |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3495 | £3295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCQE040525/SCQE120625/SCQE220925
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the Queen Eleganza • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • House wine, beer & soft drinks with included lunches and dinners • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team • 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.
Videos
Also of Interest
Dalmatian Coastal Journey
A cruise from Split to Dubrovnik aboard the Queen Eleganza combined with a two night stay in Montenegro
Queen Eleganza
Itinerary at a glance
- Split / Primosten / Sibenik / Hvar / Korcula / Mljet / Dubrovnik / Perast / Kotor
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
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000