Day 1 – Opatija to Krk

After arrival flights and transfers, our cruises sail from Opatija at 13:00. Enjoy the first lunch on board as we cruise towards Krk, the largest Croatian island. We’ll stop to swim in crystal clear water when we reach the island before heading further to Krk town itself, where any later flight arrivals can join the ship.

Krk is a beautiful and dramatic island, with cliffs, islands and hundreds of hidden bays and beaches accessible only by boats like ours. There’s a buzz along the waterfront of Krk town, with its wide promenade and welcoming bars and restaurants. Perhaps take the opportunity to join an afternoon wine tasting in Vrbnik village (included with Deluxe cruises) or to try local watersports, before choosing your restaurant for a delicious evening meal.

Day 2 – Rab

We leave Krk after breakfast and head south towards Rab island. Sometimes known as the “island of love”, there certainly is a lot to love about Rab – with a Mediterranean coastline, more secluded beaches and coves for our swim stops and another warm welcome in our overnight port, with its attractive church towers lined up on the old town’s peninsula.

Join our guided tour of the stone walls, Romanesque churches, palaces, and limestone streets and squares, many dotted with artists at work. There’s also an inclusive tasting of Rab’s famous cake – Rapska torta – to keep you going until dinner! If you need to burn off energy, a walk up Kamenjak hill can be rewarded with a beautiful sunset view over the town, before coming back to recharge and replenish at a restaurant of your choice.

Day 3 – Zadar

A leisurely morning cruise towards Zadar, stopping to swim at Maun island, opposite the moon-like landscape of Pag. Zadar itself is our only stop on the Croatian mainland and is the main city of northern Dalmatia, and previously the whole region’s capital. It’s a great place to explore for the afternoon and for us to stay moored at for the night.

Feel free to join our guided tour which will help you scout a restaurant for dinner and show some of Zadar’s rich heritage. The old town’s walls enclose charming streets, peppered with cafes and restaurants, as well as palaces, villas and churches. The 9th century church and basilica of St Donatus dominates, along with the neighbouring Roman forum, but there are more recent additions too. Nearby on the seafront are a dazzling solar panel / LED light display and Zadar’s unique ‘Sea Organ’ – it looks like a coastal breakwater but channels the sea to produce ethereal haunting ‘tunes’. Interesting but yes, it’s weird!

Day 4 – Molat, Olib or Kornati

Our 2 cruise itineraries may take slightly different routes through the islands off Zadar today. Both will leave the city behind for real peace and serenity amongst some of the smaller Adriatic islands.

Our Premium Superior ships will meander their way towards the island of Molat or Olib, depending on the best weather and port conditions. A relaxing day enjoying the scenery and crystal waters, before mooring and preparing for the inclusive ‘Captain’s dinner party’ on board in the evening.

Our Deluxe ships will sail into the Kornati Islands National Park – a network of 140 islands and reefs, with steeply shelving bays, cliffs, salt lakes and dotted with forts, villas and churches. We’ll moor in Telascica Bay on Dugi Otok for the night, again with dinner on board.

Day 5 – Losinj

After breakfast and a morning swim, we’ll start our cruise towards Losinj island. We’ll sail through quiet, beautiful waters … a great place to keep your eyes peeled on the look out for dolphins! If time allows, we’ll call in to the small island of Ilovik, with its lovely bays and crystal clear water.

One of the most popular northern Adriatic islands, Losinj is known as “sunshine island”. Its abundance of pines, wild flowers and herbs show its mellow climate … which seems matched by the relaxed feel of the whole place. After we moor at Mali Losinj, take a walk along the pretty waterfront or up to the Lošinj Aromatic Garden full of indigenous herbs and plants. If you want to go further, the smaller town of Veli Lošinj is easy to reach if you want to explore on foot or with hired bikes, before finding your next evening dinner spot.

Day 6 – Cres

We leave for neighbouring Cres island after our morning swim, taking a diversion to the west to visit the island of Susak, if conditions permit.

Cres and Losinj were a single island until separated by a man-made channel – probably by the Romans. It’s an unspoiled island, with olive groves, vineyards and forests in more sheltered spots along its considerable length. The island has something of a Greek feel to it, reinforced by its traditional cuisine and lamb specialities. We spend our last night in the islands moored in Cres harbour, near the Venetian fortifications of the attractive medieval town. A good base to explore form on bikes and to find another great evening restaurant.

Day 7 – Opatija

A relaxing day, heading back towards our home port of Opatija after breakfast. The attractive Opatija Riviera coastline is best appreciated on our route from the sea, if you’re not too busy soaking up more sun.

We’ll arrive in the late afternoon, with a free walking tour of Opatija to join. Walk along Croatia’s longest seaside promenade or find one of the best fish restaurants in the country. It’s a great spot to enjoy your last evening and night with the cruise, to buy any souvenirs and catch up on those postcards you said you’d write on day 2!

Next morning, you’ll have a full breakfast before leaving the ship for your onward transfers.