Croatian islands: Opatija – Dubrovnik

Day 1 (Saturday): OPATIJA – RAB (L)

Boarding from 11 AM for one of the best Adriatic cruises Croatia can offer. Departure at 1 PM to Rab, known as “the island of love”, with the old town of the same name. You begin with a guided tour of the city and the medieval walls, the famous four towers (maybe you want to climb one of them later) along with palaces, churches and squares. The city with many artists painting and exhibiting on the streets gives the feeling of passing through the Montmartre neighborhood. Legend has it that the local nuns created a special Rab cake, for the Pope who came to the island. Overnight on board in Rab.

Day 2 (Sunday): RAB – ZADAR (B, L)

After breakfast we head to Zadar, the oldest university city in Croatia, with an incredible heritage where rich history abounds: the 1st century Roman Forum, the 9th century St. Donatus Church – the most famous medieval basilica and the symbol of the city, the mighty city walls, more than 30 churches, museums, ancient palaces and villas of noble families in the old town. In recent years Zadar has added a modern touch with the famous Sea Organ, a simple set of holes on several steps, visible to the naked eye and the Salute to the Sun, a gigantic circle of 22 m in diameter made of glass plate bases that represents the Solar System. Overnight on board in Zadar.

Day 3 (Monday): ZADAR – KRKA / ŠIBENIK NATIONAL PARK (B, D)

After breakfast the day begins full of rich wine and majestic waterfalls. Trip to Skradin – the first stop is the famous Bibich winery where you will taste typical wine and light tapas. I walk through the Krka National Park and a visit of Skradinski Buk, which is the most popular part of the park area. An unforgettable experience is swimming under the waterfalls, so we recommend that you bring your beach gear and enjoy the crystal clear fresh water. In the afternoon, arrival in Šibenik, the naval city and the central part of the Croatian Adriatic Coast. Explore the glorious ancient city, cultural monuments and the impressive UNESCO listed Cathedral of St. James, adorned with a Frisian of 72 heads chiseled in stone. While strolling through the city, take advantage of the small shops with nice souvenirs. Dinner on board and night in Šibenik.

Day 4 (Tuesday): ŠIBENIK – SPLIT (B, L)

On day 4, the cruise continues south to Split, the second largest city in Croatia. In the historic center of the city, which was listed as a Universal Heritage by UNESCO, you will meet with a local guide for a city tour. Optionally, you will be able to enter into the cellars of the Diocletian’s Palace, built in the 4th century by the Roman emperor Diocletian, which served as his retirement home. You will also pass the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Temple of Jupiter. Night on board in Split.

Trip from Opatija do Dubrovnik on one of the best Adriatic cruises Croatia can offer

Day 5 (Wednesday): SPLIT – METKOVIĆ (B, L, CD)

Breakfast. The trip continues to Metković, on the banks of the River Neretva, with the wide delta of the same name. Boat trip to explore forests, mandarins, flora and fauna, wild birds and the traditional way of life of people who live near the river. There is an enchanting feeling of time spent, like nowhere else on the coast. Visit of the Narona Archaeological Museum in the village of Vid, which was opened in 2007 as the first “in situ” museum in Croatia showing the remains of a Roman temple. Narona has seventeen marble sculptures of Roman emperors and their families. The ancient Illyrians, Greeks, Romans sailed there and according to a legend, the pirates of Neretva planned their raids on their enemies’ galleys. Later in the evening, a Captain’s Dinner on board with live music is planned. Night in Metković.

Day 6 (Thursday): METKOVIĆ – KORČULA (B, L)

Breakfast and departure to Korčula. Due to the different, almost black pine forests that cover the Island of Korčula, the island is also known as the Black Island. The city of Korčula is like a mini Dubrovnik, enclosed by medieval stone walls and towers. A local guide will take you through the old town, where narrow streets are designed in the thorn shape for good reason, which will be explained during the visit. After a walk, free time to relax and enjoy the simple taverns, restaurants and bars. Night in Korčula.

Day 7 (Friday): KORČULA – DUBROVNIK (B, L)

Breakfast. There is no better way to see the panoramic view of the famous Dubrovnik, than from the sea. Lunch is served on board as the captain directs the boat to the Port of Gruz, to dock the ship. Once docked, you will be transferred to the old town for a guided walking tour of this unforgettable place – The Jewel of the Adriatic. On your own you can also visit the famous city walls (which are almost 2 kilometers long) or take the cable car from the old town to Srđ Mountain, where you can enjoy the fabulous views of the city and the Elafiti Islands. If you want to enter in one of the museums, now is the perfect time to do so. Night in Dubrovnik.

Day 8 (Saturday): DUBROVNIK – END OF TRIP (B)

After breakfast, disembark. Hope you enjoyed one of truly best Adriatic cruises Croatia can offer. End of trip.

* Legend: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner, CD – captain’s dinner