Nautical Paradise, UNESCO & National Parks Cruise 2023

Embarkation in the port of Trogir from 1300HRS to 1400HRS. After embarkation, the cruise representatives will welcome you aboard with a drink and you will meet the crew and your fellow passengers. During a lunch snack after embarkation, cast off, heading towards Rogoznica, a picturesque fishing village, situated on an island connected to the mainland by a causey. On our way we will anchor in a bay to enjoy the first dip into the refreshing waters of the Adriatic Sea. (D)

We leave the mainland and head towards one of the islands in the Šibenik archipelago for a nice swim. We then continue on to Zadar, the cultural and economic centre of northern Dalmatia. The old town, with its numerous religious and secular monuments, is located on a peninsula and surrounded by impressive walls (UNESCO World Heritage Site). After arriving in Zadar, a local tour guide will await us to take us on a walk through the walled old town, showing us unique sights like the Roman Forum, the round Church of St Donatus, or the St Anastasia Cathedral. Enjoy traffic-free streets with elegant boutiques and countless cafes or listen to the sounds of the world-wide unique Sea Organ, whose melodies are created purely by waves. Overnight stay in Zadar. (B, L or D)

Today’s destination is the Island of Dugi Otok. After a swim we head to Telašćica, a gorgeous bay in the south of the island, which is also a Nature Park (entrance fee approx EUR10 per person, payable on-site). We recommend a walk to the “Silver Lake”, known from the Winnetou movie, a saltwater lake with an underground connection to the sea. From the lake you can reach the approx 161 metre high cliffs, which offer breathtaking sea views. (B, L or D)

According to the Irish author George Bernard Shaw, ”On the last day of creation, God crowned his work, and thus created, out of tears, stars and breath, the Kornati Islands”. The beautiful scenery, countless small and large islands, and the turquoise sea, all this makes the Kornati Islands a unique paradise. It is the largest and most dense archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, comprising of 147 islands, islets and reefs, which cover an area of 35km in length. We cruise along the entire length of the Kornati Islands, and after a swim, we enter the harbour of Vodice, a lively holiday resort on the mainland. In the evening, you can enjoy a glass of wine in one of the cosy taverns or konobas. (B, L or D)

A few kilometres further south, we leave the Adriatic Sea and turn into the estuary of the Krka River. We go upstream and anchor in the small town of Skradin, just outside the famous Krka Waterfalls. From there, smaller boats will take you to the National Park. You will have the opportunity to visit Skradinski Buk, the most popular part of the waterfall area, where in 17 falls, with up to 100m broad cascades, the Krka rushes 45.7 metres down. Park entrance, including boat ride approx EUR15 per person (in June - September approx EUR27 per person) is payable on-site. On our return to the Adriatic Sea we will stop in Šibenik. The most famous building in the fortress-like old town is the St James Cathedral, the most important Renaissance monument in Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a stroll through the old town, we will return to the islands and anchor in the small port of the fishing village of Zlarin on the homonymous island. (B, L or D)

Our first destination today is Split, Croatia’s second largest city and the capital of Dalmatia. The 1,700-year-old city was once the palace of the locally born Roman Emperor Diocletian and is now under the protection of the UNESCO. After a city tour, we leave Split and head for the Island of Šolta. The island is characterised by extensive olive groves, which produce first class, very dark olive oil. For our overnight stay we tie up in the cosy port of Stomorska. We might also spend the night in Split and visit the Island of Šolta on Friday morning. (B, L or D)

We leave the Island of Šolta and serenely return to the starting point of our journey. Of course, on our way we will anchor in one of the many coves for a refreshing swimming break. We will reach Trogir in the early evening. With its amazing old town protected by UNESCO, Trogir is also called the “Museum Town”. Enjoy the experience of a guided walking tour through the winding streets and discover impressive walls, towers, churches, frescoes and vaults. Take the opportunity to enjoy dinner in one of the numerous restaurants in Trogir. Overnight stay in the port of Trogir. (B, L or D)

After breakfast, disembarkation by 0900HRS. (B)