Venice Express & Adriatic Explorer Deluxe Cruise 2022

Pick up at Tronchetto bus station or Venice airports (Marco Polo or Treviso). Transfer to Opatija, Croatia, a charming resort town situated on the northeast coast of the Adriatic. Dinner and overnight in Opatija. (D)

Guided tour of Opatija, a coastal town situated on the picturesque Kvarner Bay and a cradle of Croatian tourism. It used to be the favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy as well as the 19th century elite Gustav Mahler and Isadora Duncan. Walking through the colourful Angiolina Park and along the Lungomare sea promenade surrounded by charming Austro-Hungarian villas and residences you can still feel the unique glamour of Opatija. Overnight in Opatija. (B)

Today it's time to get to know the Istrian Peninsula and visit the 2,000 year old Roman Amphitheatre in Pula. Explore Rovinj, a charming coastal gem considered to be the most beautiful city in Istria and an inspiration to many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj to stroll the cobbled streets, visit the art galleries or relax over a glass of cocktail in one of the cliffside bars. Return to Opatija for overnight. (B)

Departure at 1300HRS towards Rab, known as the “Island of Love”, with an Old Town of the same name. Join the guided tour, visit the medieval walls and the famous four towers (perhaps climb one of them later) together with palaces, churches and squares. There is a slight “Montmartre” feel with many artists painting and exhibiting out on the streets. Legend has it that local nuns created a special Rab Cake for a visiting Pope, and we will sample it after the tour. The recipe remains forever secret. Overnight in Rab. (B, L, T)

After breakfast, head for Zadar, the oldest university town in Croatia with an amazing heritage and where history looks you into the eyes - the Roman Forum from the 1st century, St Donatus Church from the 9th century, the most famous medieval Basilica and the city’s symbol. The mighty UNESCO protected city walls, over 30 churches, museums and former noble families’ palaces and villas in the Old Town. In recent years Zadar has added a touch of cool with the famous ‘Sea Organs’ and ‘Greetings to the Sun’ light installation, both located on the city's waterfront. Watch the fabulous sunset from here. Guided city tour. (B, L)

Wine and waterfalls! Cruise towards Skradin, then get onboard a coach. The first stop is the famous Bibich Winery for wine tasting and light tapas lunch. Back in Skradin, walk through the Krka Waterfalls National Park and visit ‘Skradinski Buk’. Jaw-droppingly beautiful, this is the most popular of the Krka waterfalls. There are 17 waterfalls, with cascades up to 100m wide, as the Krka River tumbles 45.7 metres. The afternoon destination is Šibenik, a town situated in the very central part of Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Explore the glorious Old Town, the cultural monuments and possibly the most famous one here, the UNESCO listed Cathedral of St James. Wander and discover the historic core and waterfront. Some good boutique shopping possibilities too. Dinner onboard. (B, T, D)

Cruise south to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, where Roman Emperor Diocletian built a retirement palace now under UNESCO protection. Split waterfront is a happening place and there is a buzz along the beautiful wide promenade. Join a local guide for a walk through the heart of the bustling Old Town and the market. (B, L)

Today, discover one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. Cruise to Metković, on the banks of the Neretva River, after which the delta is named. Here, mandarins grow by the water channels. Take a barge ride to explore the groves, the flora and fauna, wild birds and the traditional way of life of the Neretva people. There is a delightful “time warp” feeling like nowhere else on the coast. Visit Narona archaeological museum in Vid, formally inaugurated in 2007 as the first “in situ“ museum in Croatia, exhibiting the remains of a Roman temple. In fact, Narona holds the remains of the Roman temple the ‘Augusteum’ and seventeen monumental marble sculptures of Roman emperors and their family members. This is where the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans once sailed, and, according to legend, the pirates of Neretva planned their raids on enemy galleys. Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment onboard scheduled for this evening. (B, L, D)

Departure towards Korčula, an island best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. Swim stop and lunch onboard. Korčula Town is commonly referred to as a “miniature Dubrovnik”, as it is encased by medieval stone ramparts and towers. Sightseeing with a local guide through the Old Town and tiny streets, built in a fishbone pattern for a reason you will learn about on the guided tour. Lots of simple konobas, restaurants and cool cocktail bars for chill-out time. Overnight in Korčula. (B, L)

There is no better way to catch the first sight of your final destination, the famous town of Dubrovnik than approaching it from the sea. It is one of the few walled cities on the sea in the world. Writer George Bernard Shaw described it as “Heaven on Earth”. Cruise alongside the old City Walls for a true perspective of the majesty of this town. Lunch is served on deck as we head for the Gruž Port to dock. Once moored, join a transfer to the Old Town for a guided walking tour. In your free time, why not walk a 1,940 metres long famous ramparts. Take the cable car from the Old Town to Mount Srđ for fabulous views of the city itself and the Elaphiti Islands (ticket included). If you want to explore any of the museums in more detail, such as Sponza or Rectors, now is the time. (B, L)

Gather for one final breakfast on the vessel, followed by goodbyes with the crew and new friends, before they see you off in Dubrovnik. Check out by 0900HRS. (B)