Hidden Gems of the Croatian Riviera

Fly from the UK to Dubrovnik. Your Mediterranean cruise begins in the historic city of Dubrovnik, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a tour of intriguing cities and extraordinary coastlines.

Flight to arrive into Dubrovnik prior to 07:00 PM.

Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is a compelling city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. With its medieval city walls and breathtaking views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea, it offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and a beach holiday. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Dubrovnik
Embark on a captivating walking tour of Dubrovnik, starting with a scenic coach journey from the pier to Pile Gate. Explore the Franciscan Monastery, where the mesmerizing cloister and Europe's oldest operating pharmacy, dating back to 1317, await your discovery. Admire the exterior of other notable sites, soaking in the rich history and architectural beauty of Dubrovnik. After the guided tour, take advantage of some free time to further explore the town at your own pace, perhaps wandering through charming alleyways or pausing to indulge in local cuisine.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours

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Dalmatian family experience (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Travel by motorcoach to Cilipi, a quaint village near Dubrovnik. Our experience will begin with a brief stroll through the village alongside our hosts, allowing us to meet the residents and gain insight into their everyday lives. You'll also savor authentic, home-cooked Croatian dishes as we partake in a meal that reflects the daily culinary traditions of our host family. 
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3.5 hours

Docked: 08:00 - 18:00

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is visually stunning and rich with culture, history and architecture.  Take a stroll along the Riva past beautiful terraces, palm trees and busy eateries with harbour views. Diocletian's Palace, built in the 4th century AD, dominates the city centre and houses a myriad of buzzing bars and cafes.  

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Marjan hill
Explore the natural beauty and rich history of Split with a leisurely walking and hiking excursion through Marjan Park Forest. Pass by the quaint fishing port and venture through the oldest neighbourhood, immersing yourself in the city's centuries-old charm. Ascend Marjan's winding trails, shaded by majestic pine trees. Learn about the hill's rich heritage and the efforts of the Marjan Association to preserve its pristine beauty since the 19th century.  
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Guided tour of Trogir (extra expense)
Embark on a picturesque drive to the town of Trogir, situated on a small island between the mainland and Ciovo. Experience the charm of narrow streets, offering a glimpse into life in days gone by. Join a guided walking tour to explore Town Loggia, the Town Hall, and the Cipiko Palace, culminating in a visit to the highlight—the Cathedral of St. Lawrence.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

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A walking tour of Split (extra expense)
A panoramic drive through the town of Split brings you to the Mestrovic Gallery. Continue to the Old Town of Split that is built on and around the spectacular 4th-century Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian. Your walking tour starts with a visit to the Palace’s cellars and the Cathedral of St Duje , the charming Temple of Jupiter and view other landmarks such as the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate and Peristyle Square from the outside.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

EmeraldPLUS
Klapa performance on board
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Dalmatia region with an enchanting Klapa Performance on board. Delight in the harmonious melodies of traditional Dalmatian songs as the Klapa ensemble serenades you with their captivating vocals. Typically performed by male singers, klapa music is celebrated for its rich sound and cultural significance, captivating audiences with its timeless beauty. 
Duration: 1 hour

Docked: 08:00 - 05:00 (next day)

Get ready to set sail in the morning from Split to Zadar. A historic city set on a peninsula; Zadar boasts relics from various eras. Explore the churches, Roman ruins, and unique modern attractions: the Sun Salutation and Sea Organ, which are inventive sound, surf and sun-activated art pieces.

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A walking tour of Zadar (extra expense)
Embark on a journey through time as you stroll along the ancient streets of Zadar. Commence from the Seafront Promenade, where you'll encounter two of the city's most renowned modern attractions: the mesmerizing Sea Organ and the captivating Greeting to the Sun. Visit The Gold & Silver Exhibition and the Museum of Ancient Glass, where you'll discover fascinating artifacts that further illuminate Zadar's storied past. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

Docked: 14:00 - 22:00

Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik. What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history. The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula some 4 km (2½ miles) long and just 1,640 feet wide, is bustling and beautiful: the marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. Parts of the new town are comparatively dreary, a testament to what a world war followed by decades of communism, not to mention a civil war, can do to the architecture of a city that is 3,000 years old. A settlement had already existed on the site of the present-day city for some 2,000 years when Rome finally conquered Zadar in the 1st century BC; the foundations of the forum can be seen today. Before the Romans came the Liburnians had made it a key center for trade with the Greeks and Romans for 800 years. In the 3rd century BC the Romans began to seriously pester the Liburnians, but required two centuries to bring the area under their control. During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St. Donat's Basilica. It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries. The city then experienced successive onslaughts and occupations—both long and short—by the Osogoths, the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the Venetians, the Turks, the Habsburgs, the French, the Habsburgs again, and finally the Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia and, in 1991, the independent republic of Croatia. Zadar was for centuries an Italian-speaking city, and Italian is still spoken widely, especially by older people. Indeed, it was ceded to Italy in 1921 under the Treaty of Rapallo (and reverted to its Italian name of Zara). Its occupation by the Germans from 1943 led to intense bombing by the Allies during World War II, which left most of the city in ruins. Zadar became part of Tito's Yugoslavia in 1947, prompting many Italian residents to leave. Zadar's most recent ravages occurred during a three-month siege by Serb forces and months more of bombardment during the Croatian-Serbian war between 1991 and 1995. But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold. There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.

On the western peninsula of Croatia, southwest of the city of Rijeka, is Opatija, with alluring views across the Adriatic towards the Kvarner Islands and the distant Istrian mountains. Known as the Nice of Croatia, Opatija has lovely seaside promenades and fairy-tale villas. 

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Hilltowns of Istria (extra expense)
Depart from the pier and take in the stunning scenery as you journey to the charming hilltop village of Motovun. Immerse yourself in the rich local history, with landmarks dating back to the 12th century, including the Romanesque Municipal Palace. Stop in Oprtalj, once fortified by city walls before proceeding to the third hilltop town of the day, Groznjan, a vibrant cultural hub, particularly in the summer when it comes alive with music academies, workshops, and artistic performances.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 7.5 hours

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Hiking to Kamacnik Spink (extra expense)
Board your motor coach for a scenic one-hour journey to Gorski Kotar, specifically the Vrbovsko area, where your hiking adventure begins in the breathtaking Kamacnik Canyon. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you, walking alongside the creek and crossing sturdy wooden bridges that elegantly arch over the small rapids or stretch over the water’s edge. The trail leads you through a lush valley, creating a truly enchanting scene. 
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 19:00

Piran is a pretty town of red-tiled, white-washed buildings clustered on the tip of the Piran peninsula. Part of the Venetian empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century, its esteemed for its gothic-style Venetian architecture.

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Postoina cave and Predjana Castle (extra expense)
Set off on an awe-inspiring journey through the natural beauty of Postojna Cave, a stunning geological gem that has fascinated visitors for centuries. Then, make your way to the iconic Predjama Castle, an impressive fortress built into a cliffside cave, where captivating stories of medieval intrigue await. Conclude your delightful adventure with a scenic drive back to Piran, where you can reflect on the day's wonders amidst the coastal charm of this delightful seaside town. 
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

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Slovenia’s alluring Lipica Stud (extra expense)
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the prestigious Lipica Stud Farm, renowned for its rich equestrian heritage and majestic Lipizzaner horses. Immerse yourself in the splendour of the stud farm with a guided walking tour, where you'll discover the elegant stables and lush pastures that have bred these noble creatures for centuries. Enjoy the added charm of a horse carriage ride through the picturesque surroundings.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 23:00

Venice is an enchanting city that exudes an atmosphere not found anywhere else in the world. Established in the 5th century, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic. Admire the grandeur of the canals and see St Marks Basilica.

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Walking tour of Venice with Doge's Palace (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Depart from the pier and take a scenic 20-minute ride in a private motorboat to the Saint Mark’s district, navigating along the stunning Canale della Giudecca. Marvel at the impressive Marciana Library, the towering belltower and the clocktower. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the magnificent Doges' Palace with its exquisite façade and intricate loggias. Next, you'll see the iconic Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the former ducal prison, steeped in legend and history.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours

Docked: 09:00 - overnight

Your Emerald Cruises voyage concludes in the grand, historic city of Venice. From the yacht, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK or to continue your holiday.

Flight to depart out of Venice after 11:00 AM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons, including changes to port timings and berth status. Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee that the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.