Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast
From medieval architecture to ethereal waterfalls, coast along the sparkling Adriatic Sea and experience the best of Croatia. Enjoy a memorable 7-night cruise on the Adriatic Sea along Croatia’s coast aboard a privately chartered ship. Tour the Old City of Dubrovnik and walk along the picturesque cobblestone streets. Visit the island of Biševo, home to the mystical Blue Cave. On Brac Island, take in the “Golden Cape” of Bol. Discover the ancient palace of Emperor Diocletian in Split. Stand in awe before the cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park. Get to know Zagreb, the illustrious capital of Croatia. See the country’s immaculate beauty as you cruise its vibrant waters and step into its rich history.
From medieval architecture to ethereal waterfalls, coast along the sparkling Adriatic Sea and experience the best of Croatia. Enjoy a memorable 7-night cruise on the Adriatic Sea along Croatia’s coast aboard a privately chartered ship. Tour the Old City of Dubrovnik and walk along the picturesque cobblestone streets. Visit the island of Biševo, home to the mystical Blue Cave. On Brac Island, take in the “Golden Cape” of Bol. Discover the ancient palace of Emperor Diocletian in Split. Stand in awe before the cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park. Get to know Zagreb, the illustrious capital of Croatia. See the country’s immaculate beauty as you cruise its vibrant waters and step into its rich history.
Highlights
- See why Dubrovnik is called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” when you take in the medieval stonewalls, iconic Baroque rooftops, and winding cobblestone streets. Fell as if you’ve stepped into another time as you explore the Old City with a local guide.
- Coast along the sparkling Adriatic shoreline on a 7-night cruise, allowing you to unpack and relax as you travel over the strikingly blue waters. With daily stops along the country’s coast and islands, you’ll get a chance to walk along the sandy beaches, discover the cobblestone streets, and swim in the clear waves.
- Located on Mljet Island, this national park contains crystal clear waters and two saltwater lakes. Stroll around the Large and Small Lakes before exploring the Islet of St. Mary, home to a Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century.
- Korcula is the debated birthplace of one of the world’s most famous explorers, Marco Polo. Discover the streets of the town, known as “Little Dubrovnik,” because of its medieval architecture and vibrant rooftops.
- A small island practically untouched by tourism, Vis is overflowing with Renaissance architecture and beautiful beaches. This coastal gem was featured as the main filming location for the free-spirited and fun-loving movie, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again."
- The island of Biševo is home to the Blue Cave, a stunning grotto with a luminous blue glow. The original entrance to the cave was below sea level but a manmade entrance was built in the mid 1800s.
- Dock on the sunny island of Hvar. Get acquainted with the area when a local guide introduces you to the history, culture, and lifestyle of the city. Discover how lavender was traditionally grown in the region for centuries and take a closer look at the custom.
- Visit Trogir, a coastal gem renowned for its picturesque Venetian architecture. Located within medieval walls, admire the prominent stone houses and towering cathedral as you tour this historic city with a guide.
- Split is one of the oldest cities in the region and is known for Diocletian’s Palace, a famous ancient fortress. One of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Emperor Diocletian chose the palace to be his retirement home because of the incomparable beauty of Split.
- Enjoy free time in Šibenik and get to know this Dalmatian town’s historic architecture and striking coastline. Set upon the Krka River, this city serves as a gateway into the nearby national park.
- See the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, admire the striking stone walls, towering dome, and vaulted ceilings.
- Known for its cascading falls and dramatic gorges, the Krka National Park covers an area of over 50 square miles (109 square kilometers) and seven waterfalls. The pristine pools appear to glisten vibrantly in the sunlight, taking on a blue-green hue. You can admire the falls from the footpaths spreading throughout the park.
- Located in the northwest of the country, Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is a city with a rich history dating from the Roman times to the present day. Zagreb is the most important transport hub in Croatia. The city is known for its diverse economy, high quality of living, museums, sporting and entertainment events.
- Built in the 13th century, visit Zagreb’s legendary Stone Gate. Following a fire in the 17th century, the only surviving part of the original gate was a portrait of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, resulting in the gate turning into a makeshift shrine.
Hotels
- <i>MS Avantura</i> — Dubrovnik
- Hotel Olympia Sky — Vodice
- Hotel International — Zagreb
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Dubrovnik
- End City
- Zagreb
- Duration (Days)
- 12
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 20 meals included
- See why Dubrovnik is called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” when you take in the medieval stonewalls, iconic Baroque rooftops, and winding cobblestone streets. Fell as if you’ve stepped into another time as you explore the Old City with a local guide.
- Coast along the sparkling Adriatic shoreline on a 7-night cruise, allowing you to unpack and relax as you travel over the strikingly blue waters. With daily stops along the country’s coast and islands, you’ll get a chance to walk along the sandy beaches, discover the cobblestone streets, and swim in the clear waves.
- Located on Mljet Island, this national park contains crystal clear waters and two saltwater lakes. Stroll around the Large and Small Lakes before exploring the Islet of St. Mary, home to a Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century.
- Korcula is the debated birthplace of one of the world’s most famous explorers, Marco Polo. Discover the streets of the town, known as “Little Dubrovnik,” because of its medieval architecture and vibrant rooftops.
- A small island practically untouched by tourism, Vis is overflowing with Renaissance architecture and beautiful beaches. This coastal gem was featured as the main filming location for the free-spirited and fun-loving movie, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again."
- The island of Biševo is home to the Blue Cave, a stunning grotto with a luminous blue glow. The original entrance to the cave was below sea level but a manmade entrance was built in the mid 1800s.
- Dock on the sunny island of Hvar. Get acquainted with the area when a local guide introduces you to the history, culture, and lifestyle of the city. Discover how lavender was traditionally grown in the region for centuries and take a closer look at the custom.
- Visit Trogir, a coastal gem renowned for its picturesque Venetian architecture. Located within medieval walls, admire the prominent stone houses and towering cathedral as you tour this historic city with a guide.
- Split is one of the oldest cities in the region and is known for Diocletian’s Palace, a famous ancient fortress. One of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Emperor Diocletian chose the palace to be his retirement home because of the incomparable beauty of Split.
- Enjoy free time in Šibenik and get to know this Dalmatian town’s historic architecture and striking coastline. Set upon the Krka River, this city serves as a gateway into the nearby national park.
- See the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, admire the striking stone walls, towering dome, and vaulted ceilings.
- Known for its cascading falls and dramatic gorges, the Krka National Park covers an area of over 50 square miles (109 square kilometers) and seven waterfalls. The pristine pools appear to glisten vibrantly in the sunlight, taking on a blue-green hue. You can admire the falls from the footpaths spreading throughout the park.
- Located in the northwest of the country, Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is a city with a rich history dating from the Roman times to the present day. Zagreb is the most important transport hub in Croatia. The city is known for its diverse economy, high quality of living, museums, sporting and entertainment events.
- Built in the 13th century, visit Zagreb’s legendary Stone Gate. Following a fire in the 17th century, the only surviving part of the original gate was a portrait of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, resulting in the gate turning into a makeshift shrine.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 5,799.00 | 2026-10-03 | |
| Single | USD 8,599.00 | 2026-10-03 | |
| Double | USD 5,799.00 | 2026-10-17 | |
| Single | USD 8,599.00 | 2026-10-17 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
Wander along medieval walls, marvel at enchanting waterfalls, and relax on sunny islands. From Dubrovnik to Zagreb, set out to experience the best of Croatia and the Adriatic Coast.
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Day 2: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Board Ship
Welcome to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” This afternoon, board a private 4-star ship and revel in all the comforts of a small cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. As arrival times may vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Relax onboard before experiencing a captain’s welcome dinner. Enjoy your meal accompanied by live Klapa music, the traditional Croatian style of singing.
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Day 3: Dubrovnik - Slano - Ljubac - Slano
This morning, take in the medieval stone walls, iconic Baroque rooftops, and winding cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik. Embrace the feeling that you’ve stepped into another time as you explore the Old City with a local guide. During this walk, be prepared to navigate stairs and trek carefully across slippery limestone pavement. With free time, perhaps you’ll visit the famous City Walls, take a cable car to the top of Mount Srd for awe-inspiring views of Dubrovnik, or simply enjoy some free time on the Stradun (main street). After your visit, sail toward Slano, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Adriatic coastline. Upon arrival, board a coach for a scenic drive into the countryside toward the charming village of Ljubac. Here, enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring traditional Dalmatian folk entertainment, local music, and a warm, rustic atmosphere. A traditional Dalmatian dinner will be served, showcasing regional dishes prepared according to long-standing culinary traditions.
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Day 4: Slano - Mljet National Park - Korcula
This morning, arrive in Mljet National Park. Stroll beside its two saltwater lakes, Big Lake and Small Lake, before exploring the Islet of St. Mary, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. Here, be prepared for some stairs and walking on uneven ground. Then, it’s on to Korcula, the debated home of one of the world’s most famous explorers: Marco Polo. Decide for yourself if he was born in Korcula or Venice as you tour his purported home and take in the fantastic sea views. Join a local guide and make your way along the narrow stone streets while you wander among the medieval buildings and vibrant houses in the town known as “Little Dubrovnik.” Enjoy the evening at leisure to discover the charms of this age-old island town.
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Day 5: Korcula - Vis
Cruise on to Vis,* a small island overflowing with architecture that reflects its long history and beautiful beaches. With free time this afternoon, relax onboard and enjoy a leisurely evening, or consider an optional excursion to experience more of this breathtaking island.
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Day 6: Vis - Biševo - Stari Grad - Hvar - Stari Grad
Embark on a morning cruise to the island of Biševo. This island is home to the Blue Cave,** a stunning grotto with a luminous blue glow. Return to the ship and cruise to the sunny island of Hvar. Upon arrival in Stari Grad, the oldest port town on Hvar, join a scenic bus tour to Hvar Town, enjoying spectacular views of the island and the Adriatic Sea. Top off your afternoon with a guided walking tour of Hvar Town, followed by time on your own to stroll its hidden corners or dine in one of Hvar’s many local, family-owned restaurants before returning to the ship.
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Day 7: Stari Grad - Bol - Split
Start your day in the town of Bol, located on the picturesque island of Brac. With some free time this morning, perhaps you’ll choose to swim along the shore of the “Golden Cape,” known to be one of the most popular beaches in Croatia. Return to the ship for lunch, then it’s off to Split, one of the oldest cities in this historic region. In this bustling port, explore Diocletian’s Palace, one of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. A guided tour takes you through the mysterious passageways and into the lower levels of this massive structure. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Split, located in the former residential complex of Diocletian’s Palace, showcasing the traditional costumes, crafts and culture of Split -OR- explore more of the Diocletian’s Palace during a visit to its substructure. Set below the imperial apartments, this represents one of the best-preserved ancient complexes of its kind in the world. The evening is yours to enjoy this vibrant city.
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Day 8: Split - Trogir
Your adventure continues! After an overnight in Split, enjoy a morning at leisure and a swim stop. Discover Trogir, a coastal gem renowned for its picturesque Venetian architecture. Admire the striking stone houses and towering cathedral as you tour the city with a local guide. This evening, enjoy the views during your dinner on board.
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Day 9: Trogir - Disembark Ship - Šibenik - Vodice
This morning, after disembarking your ship in Trogir, the journey continues towards Šibenik. Join a local guide on a walking tour through the ancient alleyways and roads of this beautiful town where you’ll see the Cathedral of St. James – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy your free time in town for lunch before you head to Vodice. Tonight, embrace the culture of Croatia as you learn about prosciutto production and enjoy a traditional Dalmatian dinner at a family-run, farm-to-table restaurant.
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Day 10: Vodice - Krka National Park - Vodice
This morning, venture to the breathtaking Krka National Park, where waterfalls tumble through dramatic gorges. Meander along the trails that surround the falls before embarking on a boat ride that takes you along the river to Skradin.** Make the most of your free evening to enjoy the beautiful coastal town of Vodice.
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Day 11: Vodice - Zagreb
This morning, travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia! Step right into the history and culture of everyday life as you tour the city with a local guide. Become acquainted with the city as you see the main sights of the capital, the Croatian Parliament building, and the legendary Stone Gate. Tonight, raise a glass and say živjeli (to life) as you toast your Croatian journey over dinner featuring traditional continental cuisine.
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Day 12: Zagreb - Tour Ends
Say goodbye to Croatia as your tour of the Adriatic Coast comes to a close today.