For those who enjoy cruising amongst beautiful coastal scenery, swimming in clear blue waters and exploring little-known fishing ports and ancient towns with a small group of like-minded travellers, this seven night journey through Northern Croatia will surely appeal. Whilst Croatia itself is no longer a secret, Northern Dalmatia offers a great concentration of the country’s highlights and this unique cruise steers clear of the well-trodden tourist trail. Instead we will head to some of the quieter spots and out-of-the-way beaches and islands which the Croats themselves escape to; places where you can wander the streets away from crowds and where nightlife means a nightcap by the harbour.
Following our time exploring the historic city of Zadar we make our way along the coast and discover remote, uncrowded spots such as the flower-filled island of Ilovik with its 170 residents and Losinj, a classic Adriatic island which is still relatively unspoilt. Continuing on we will visit charming Pula with its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and Kvarner Bay where we explore the wonders of Istria including the island of Cres with its Italian influence and scenic Medieval harbour, and the larger island Krk. Our final afternoon will be spent exploring Opatija, a hidden gem with its 19th century architecture and grand villas and a fitting end to our voyage.
With just 36 guests on board we will be able to explore parts of the coast that most cruise ship passengers in the region rarely get to visit and, taking advantage of our central moorings, you will be able to sample the wonderful gastronomy and experience the enchanting towns and harbours in their evening splendour. 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.
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 Gatwick to Zadar, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight to Split. Arrive this evening and transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Zadar where we will moor overnight. (D)
Day 2 Zadar & Ilovik.
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. Sail in the late morning and spend the afternoon relaxing on board as we make our way 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 moor overnight allowing time for a wander or a swim before our welcome dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Ilovik & Mali Losinj.
We will sail from Ilovik in the late morning and hope to take the opportunity for a swim stop 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 and find a restaurant for dinner. (B, L)
Day 4 Pula.
Set sail this morning and after a leisurely day we arrive, in the late afternoon, 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. Return to the ship and enjoy dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 5 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 6 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 the 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 and find a restaurant to dine in this evening. (B, L)
Day 7 Opatjia.
After a morning cruising we arrive in Opatija and have some time to explore this genteel resort town before we enjoy our farewell dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Opatjia to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Zagreb Airport for our scheduled flight to London Heathrow. (B)
Dates and Prices
2 to 9 October 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck | £3195 | £2895 |
2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3195 | £2895 |
3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck | £3495 | £3195 |
4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck | £3895 | £3595 |
5 Double cabin on the Main Deck | £4195 | £3895 |
6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use | £3195 | £2895 |
Tour Reference Code: SCQE021024
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven 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
A Week in the Adriatic
A voyage between Zadar & Dubrovnik aboard the Queen Eleganza
Queen Eleganza
Itinerary at a glance
- Dubrovnik / Mljet / Korcula / Hvar / Trogie / Sibenik / Zadar
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