Deck Plan

An exploration of the islands, coast & countryside of Istria aboard the Queen Eleganza
Join us for a nine night exploration of the beautiful Istrian coast, combined with visits to the region’s bucolic interior and some of the 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 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 marvellous places along the way which do not cater for the big ships.
Our island calls will include Cres, with its Italian influence and scenic Medieval harbour, historic Rab, with its perfectly preserved Medieval town, and Losinj, a classic Adriatic island that remains relatively unspoilt. We also travel inland to an area of disarming beauty characterised by fertile valleys with hilltop villages. Here we explore the quaint village of Groznjan, located in the heart of truffle country and offering some of the finest views of the Istrian interior from its ramparts. This part of Croatia is widely acclaimed for its gastronomy and we will enjoy the local cuisine, including a visit to a vineyard to taste the wines typical of the area. Our cruise concludes in the charming city of Pula, home to a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Regular travellers to this part of the world will know that autumn is one of the loveliest times of year in the region; the summer crowds have departed and the weather is ideal for touring. For those who enjoy cruising through scenic waterways, swimming in clear blue waters and exploring Medieval harbours and picturesque villages in the company of a small group of like-minded travellers, this journey will surely appeal.
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.
Fly by scheduled flight to Zagreb. On arrival, transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Opatija. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight. (D)
During breakfast we will cruise to the island of Cres, mooring at lunchtime 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 continue to the former fort city of Lubenice. Situated on a cliff 378 metres above the sea, we explore the fortress, city gates, houses, chapels and winding streets of this evocative site, enjoying stunning views over the bay below. Dine ashore this evening and perhaps take a stroll along the seaside promenade. (B, L)
Sail this morning to the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses within the old town are small and lean into one another creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour this afternoon will include a visit to the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building, constructed 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)
This morning we will take a short drive inland to the charming hilltop village of Bale. Spend some time exploring the Medieval streets built around the 16th century Soardo-Bembo Castle. The town is surrounded by olive groves and we will stop at a nearby olive oil farm for a tasting. Return to the ship and sail over lunch to our next destination, Porec. On a late afternoon walking tour, we 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)
Today we will enjoy a full day tour to the Istrian interior, famed for its picturesque villages, olive groves and vineyards producing fine Malvasia and Teran wines. During a morning walking tour, we explore the quaint hilltop village of Groznjan. Once a 14th century Venetian fortress, the well-preserved Medieval centre is now home to small art galleries and pottery studios and boasts stunning views over the Mirna Valley. We continue to Buzet where the surrounding forests are home to a buried treasure of mostly white truffles. At a truffle farm we learn more about this gastronomic delicacy, wander through the forest and enjoy a truffle lunch and a cooking demonstration. On our return to the ship this afternoon, we will stop at a local winery for a tasting. Dinner will be served on board this evening. (B, L, D)
Sail this morning to the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On an afternoon tour we discover one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD, was designed to host gladiatorial contests and could seat up to 20,000 spectators. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. Enjoy dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)
Spend the morning cruising as we sail towards Mali Losinj, which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. Its mild climate and rich flora give the island a reputation as one of the Croatia’s most fragrant; with air scented by lavender, sage and rosemary. The seafront of the old town is lined with imposing 19th century houses and villas and is a pleasant place to wander. Dine ashore this evening in one of the many restaurants along the harbour. (B, L)
This morning we sail to Rab, where an afternoon guided walking tour takes us through the picturesque old town, a beautifully preserved late Medieval Adriatic settlement set on a slender peninsula, dotted with a sequence of Romanesque campaniles. Dine ashore this evening in one of the charming local restaurants. (B, L)
Spend a final morning at sea as we return to Opatija. Arriving after lunch there is time this afternoon for a walk around this genteel resort, before our farewell dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)
Disembark this morning and transfer to Zagreb Airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
| 6 to 15 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck | £3895 | £3695 |
| 2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3895 | £3695 |
| 3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £4195 | £3995 |
| 4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck | £4495 | £4295 |
| 5 Double cabin on the Main Deck | £4795 | £4595 |
| 6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3895 | £3695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCQE061027
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine 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 onboard team • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.

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.
Explore Croatia’s majestic beauty aboard the Queen Eleganza
Explore the Adriatic Coast aboard the Queen Eleganza combined with a two night stay in Rovinj
Island hopping from Zadar to Pula aboard the Queen Eleganza combined with a two night stay in Rovinj
A cruise between Dubrovnik & Split aboard the 36-passenger Queen Eleganza
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000