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Hidden Croatia 8 Day Cruise

Hidden Croatia 8 Day Cruise

From GBP £3,195

Description

For those who enjoy cruising amongst beautiful coastal scenery, swimming in clear blue waters and exploring little-known fishing ports and ancient towns with a small group of like-minded travellers, this seven night journey through Northern Croatia will surely appeal. Whilst Croatia itself is no longer a secret, Northern Dalmatia offers a great concentration of the country’s highlights and this unique cruise steers clear of the well-trodden tourist trail. Instead we will head to some of the quieter spots and out-of-the-way beaches and islands which the Croats themselves escape to; places where you can wander the streets away from crowds and where nightlife means a nightcap by the harbour.

Following our time exploring the historic city of Zadar we make our way along the coast and discover remote, uncrowded spots such as the flower-filled island of Ilovik with its 170 residents and Losinj, a classic Adriatic island which is still relatively unspoilt. Continuing on we will visit charming Pula with its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and Kvarner Bay where we explore the wonders of Istria including the island of Cres with its Italian influence and scenic Medieval harbour, and the larger island Krk. Our final afternoon will be spent exploring Opatija, a hidden gem with its 19th century architecture and grand villas and a fitting end to our voyage.

With just 36 guests on board we will be able to explore parts of the coast that most cruise ship passengers in the region rarely get to visit and, taking advantage of our central moorings, you will be able to sample the wonderful gastronomy and experience the enchanting towns and harbours in their evening splendour. In addition to our included guided excursions, we have allowed ample time at leisure and there will also be opportunities to swim from the ship as we call into secluded bays and hidden coves.

Trip Name
Hidden Croatia 8 Day Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 49m Passenger Capacity: 36 Built/Refurbished: 2018 For our cruises along the Adriatic coast, we are delighted to have the newly built Queen Eleganza. This beautifully crafted vessel is one of the finest Croatian flagged vessels of her kind and we believe she is the perfect vessel from which to explore the Croatian coast. Carrying a maximum of just 36 guests, there is the added benefit of a relaxed and intimate atmosphere on board. The Sun Deck, with its comfortable sun loungers, is the perfect place to watch the passing scenery and the team of friendly Croatian crew will provide you with excellent service and hospitality throughout the ship. To enhance your voyage further there is also a Cruise Director on board. Dining on board is a casual affair and the menus feature locally sourced fresh food including fish. When dining ashore independently, your knowledgeable Cruise Director will recommend popular local restaurants. AIR-CONDITIONING All cabins and public rooms have air-conditioning. BAR/BEVERAGES Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are included in your holiday price. For other drinks consumed throughout your journey you will receive a final bill to settle at the end of your journey. Complimentary bottles of mineral water will be placed in your cabin daily and near reception before an excursion. CABINS The 18 cabins are equipped with air conditioning/heating, a wardrobe, drawers, radio, a flat screen television, a hairdryer and safety deposit box. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The cabins on the Lower Deck all have two portholes whereas on the Main Deck, the category 3 cabins have three portholes and the category 5 cabin has four portholes. The category 2 and 4 cabins on the Main Deck benefit from a large picture window offering wonderful views. Cabins measure between 12 and 18 square metres, with Category 5 measuring 26 square metres. The cabins have fixed twin or double beds and the configuration cannot be changed. Each cabin also has an en-suite bathroom with shampoo /shower gel dispenser. Please note that the movement of the ship can cause small amounts of water to collect on your bathroom floor. Please note that bathrobes and slippers are not provided. DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Meals on board are either buffet style or served and there is one sitting with an open seating arrangement. When the weather permits, lunch and dinner may be served in the covered outside area of the Sun Deck. Please be advised that, as there is not always a choice at meal times it is imperative that you advise any special dietary requests, such as vegetarian, gluten free, low salt etc. to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance. Please also advise if you do not, or cannot, eat fish and shellfish as these feature regularly on the lunch and dinner menus. We regret that the ship is unable to guarantee special requests and is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher or halal cuisine. Complimentary self-service tea and coffee, with fruit and biscuits, are available in the restaurant 24 hours a day. On nights when you are free to dine independently ashore, if instead you wish to stay on board for dinner, this is possible at a rate of €25 per person each time, which will be added to your onboard account. 24 hours advance notice is required. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship does not have facilities for disabled or wheelchair dependent passengers. The stairs between decks are steep and there is no lift or chair lift on board. DOCTOR There is no doctor on board. Should you be in need of medical assistance, please contact a member of the crew who are first aid trained, or the Cruise Director.  ELECTRICITY The cabins feature 220 volt current, with sockets accepting 2 round-pin (European style) sockets. There are no sockets in the bathrooms. We recommend taking a universal adaptor. INTERNET The ship offers a free Wi-Fi connection in the public areas, but not in the cabins. Depending on the ship’s location, there may be times when the connection is very slow or is disrupted and the same level of connectivity that you enjoy at home cannot be expected on board. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. LAUNDRY SERVICE Due to the size of the ship there is no laundry service on board. PUBLIC AREAS Main Deck: Reception is located on the Main Deck. Upper Deck: On the Upper Deck you will find the bar, restaurant, lounge, and public restrooms. The lounge has a small library of books, games and DVDs. The tea/coffee station is located in the restaurant here. Sun Deck: The Sun Deck has sun loungers and seating for outdoor dining (weather permitting). SMOKING Smoking is restricted to the designated open areas only. Smoking is prohibited in all other areas including cabins and the restaurant.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Zadar, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight to Split. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Zadar. Enjoy our welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Zadar & Ilovik.
Once a dominant city on the Adriatic Coast rivalling Venice, Zadar is today a treasured city that has preserved its historical core. Enjoy a morning walking tour strolling around the old town with its Roman columns and portals, Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Of particular interest are the 9th century circular Church of St Donat, and the 13th century Romanesque cathedral. Sail in the late morning and spend the afternoon relaxing on board as we make our way to Ilovik. Known as the island of flowers with oleander, palms and roses growing around every house and with only 170 residents, Ilovik is well off the traditional tourist route. We will moor overnight allowing time for a wander or a swim before dinner on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 Ilovik & Mali Losinj.
We will sail from Ilovik in the late morning and hope to take the opportunity for a swim stop before arriving at Mali Losinj which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. It is the island’s mild climate and rich flora that give Mali Losinj its reputation as one of the most fragrant islands in Croatia; its air is scented with lavender, sage and rosemary. The seafront of the old town is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas and is a pleasant place to wander and find a restaurant for dinner.
Day 4 - Day 4 Pula.
Set sail this morning and after a leisurely day we arrive, in the late afternoon, at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On our walking tour we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. Return to the ship and enjoy dinner on board.
Day 5 - Day 5 Cres
During breakfast we will cruise to the island of Cres, mooring after lunch in the sheltered scenic Medieval harbour at Cres Town. Enjoy a walk through the atmospheric streets which have a strong Italian feel having been under Venetian rule in the 15th and 16th centuries. We will continue to the former fort city of Lubenice. Situated on a cliff 378 metres above the sea we will explore the fortress, city gates, houses, chapels and winding streets of this evocative site and enjoy the stunning views over the bay below. Dine ashore this evening and perhaps take a stroll along the seaside promenade
Day 6 - Day 6 Krk.
This morning we set sail to Krk where an afternoon walking tour will include the 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral, the Frankopan Castle and the Church of St Quirnus before we arrive at the main town square. See the walls that once fortified the city and enjoy time to wander the cobbled streets or around the harbour and find a restaurant to dine in this evening.
Day 7 - Day 7 Opatjia
After a morning cruising we arrive in Opatija and have some time to explore this genteel resort town before we enjoy our farewell dinner on board.
Day 8 - Day 8 Opatjia to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Zagreb Airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-10-202409-10-2024GBP £3,195Category 2
02-10-202409-10-2024GBP £3,195Category 1
02-10-202409-10-2024GBP £3,195Category 6 Sole
02-10-202409-10-2024GBP £3,495Category 3
02-10-202409-10-2024GBP £3,895Category 4
02-10-202409-10-2024GBP £4,195Category 5

Inclusions

    • Zadar's Historical Core: Explore the well-preserved historical core of Zadar, once a rival to Venice. Highlights include the circular Church of St. Donat, the Romanesque cathedral, Roman columns and portals, and a mix of architectural styles, including Baroque palaces and Austrian villas.
    • Idyllic Ilovik: Visit Ilovik, the "island of flowers," characterized by its lush flora, oleander, palms, and roses. With only 170 residents, it's a tranquil escape off the beaten tourist path. Take a leisurely stroll or a swim and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
    • Roman Heritage in Pula: Explore Pula, located at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula. Discover one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, the Arena, which dates back to the 1st century AD. Additionally, explore a variety of architectural styles, including Baroque palaces, Christian churches, and Austrian villas.
    • Cultural and Scenic Exploration on Cres: Visit the island of Cres and its scenic Medieval harbor at Cres Town. With a strong Italian feel due to its Venetian rule, you can explore atmospheric streets and continue your journey to the former fort city of Lubenice, perched on a cliff 378 meters above the sea. This site offers an evocative experience with its fortress, city gates, chapels, and stunning views over the bay. Enjoy local dining and a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade.

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