Croatian Island Explorer

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Zagreb. On arrival transfer to the Opatija Riviera to board the ship.

Sail this morning to Cres, one of the largest of Croatia’s 718 islands and among the least developed, with thick forests, olive groves and rocky hilltop villages. Adding to its remote charm, the island is home to around 80 breeding pairs of rare griffon vultures, often seen along the rugged shoreline.

Moor in Cres Town and step ashore for a guided walking tour. Though home to only about 3,000 permanent residents, Cres has a rich history, with buildings, churches and ruins reflecting Roman, Byzantine and Venetian rule. Remain moored here overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Sail this morning to Susak, one of Croatia’s smallest inhabited islands, just 4 sq km in size. Weather permitting, take a short walk on this car-free island, carpeted in herbs and trees and circled by golden sandy beaches — a true taste of unspoiled Croatian island life.

Continue east to Mali Lošinj, long associated with healing waters. Once a health resort for the Habsburg royal family in the 19th century, the island now enjoys a wellness revival, attracting visitors for its clean sea, medicinal herbs and warm climate. Dock in Mali Lošinj town, where pastel-painted façades and sun-faded clocktowers reflect its Venetian past, creating one of the Adriatic’s prettiest harbours. Step ashore to explore and join a guided visit to the Garden of Fine Scents, home to more than 250 species of native herbs and medicinal plants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Sailing onwards this morning, head towards the small island of Ilovik. Make a short visit after lunch (weather permitting), then spend the rest of the day heading to Rab, the greenest and best known of the Kvarner Islands. Rab fits the archetypal Adriatic paradise perfectly - jade green waters, verdant hillsides and a red-roofed old town that looks straight out of a story book. Moor here overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Dominated by four bell towers, Rab’s ancient walled town bears the beauty of its changing hands over the years - with Byzantine churches, elegant Italianate mansions and Romanesque towers to explore. After a walking tour, the afternoon is free to wander independently or soak up the city’s crumbling Venetian charms from the ship. Perhaps visit the House of Rab Cake, home of the delicious spiral-shaped cake made mainly from almonds and Maraschino liqueur, first served in 1177 to Pope Alexander III.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Head this morning towards the former prison island of Goli Otok for a short visit, weather permitting, with time to explore before continuing to Krk. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town, a familiar yet still magical blend of Venetian buildings, Franciscan and Benedictine monasteries, and fortified castles.

Travel by coach to Vrbnik, a medieval hilltop village defined by its soaring Renaissance bell tower. Among Croatia’s most picturesque villages, Vrbnik is also known for Žlahtina, a white grape grown exclusively on the island. Visit a family-run winery for a tasting, then return to Krk Town to remain moored overnight.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Sail towards Opatija, a 19th-century summer resort developed for Habsburg royalty. On arrival, join a walking tour and discover the town’s history and elegant architecture. Continue to Rijeka, where the ship moors overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Rijeka, followed by an included lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to Zagreb Airport for the return flight, with a comfort stop and free time in Fužine en route (weather permitting). Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch