Opatija, Zadar & Northern Gems of the Adriatic

Arrive to the MS Equator - moored for your arrival in the charming town of Opatija where you’ll receive a warm welcome aboard! The rest of the day (flight time permitting) is for you to settle into life on board, you could catch a few rays on the sun deck or venture ashore. This evening you will have a delicious dinner in the ship's restaurant. 

Connected to the mainland through a bridge spanning 1,430m, Krk is the largest island in Croatia. This ancient walled city was the last to be occupied by the Venetians and is brimming with history. The old town is crammed with historic buildings, cosy cafes, bustling bars and fascinating galleries which you can explore independently. We’ll then return to the ship for lunch on board.   

This afternoon we arrive in Rab, one of the most alluring islands along the Dalmatian Coast. Nestled alongside its robust mountain range, a landscape of pine woods, vineyards and olive orchards unfold into stretches of pristine beach and inlets that grace this breathtaking peninsula. Four vibrant, soaring bell towers emerge from the sea of terracotta rooftops beneath them.  

We’ll begin our walking tour with a local guide, admiring the Romanesque architecture and the ornate Italianate houses—a nod to the Venetian influence. As we soak in the charm of this idyllic town, there’s no better way to finish the day than with a sweet treat. We indulge in Rab Cake, a local delicacy baked on the island for centuries. This delightful dessert features a blend of almonds and Maraschino liqueur, offering an exquisite flavour.  

 For dinner, you have the freedom to choose from various options available in Rab. We recommend heading to the old town, where charming seafood restaurants nestle between ancient buildings. Here, the catch of the day is fried with white wine, garlic, and herbs, and pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of local wine. A relaxing and indulgent evening awaits you.   

This morning, we will spend our time sailing through the calm waters of the Adriatic while enjoying breakfast. Along the coast, there are beautiful bays with calm waters that provide a perfect haven for swimming. During our journey today, we'll make a refreshing stop for a swim, sure to work up an appetite for lunch on board.  

Afterwards, relax on the top deck in a sun lounger and take in the panoramic views. Unwind as you watch the coastal scenery glide by while sipping a refreshing drink or curling up with a good book. The mesmerising waters of the Adriatic glisten in the sunlight, rippling beneath the ship as we head toward Zadar. 

Upon arriving in the bustling coastal town of Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia, we will embark on a guided tour to explore its marble streets. The town exudes the charm of the Italian Riviera, a legacy of its centuries under Venetian rule. You’ll encounter a fascinating array of architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval churches. After the tour, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the town at your own pace.

For dinner, you can choose from many delightful restaurants offering a simple yet delectable menu, featuring grilled meats and fresh seafood. Be sure to experience the hypnotising light show of the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation along the waterfront, where specially crafted concrete steps create beautiful aquatic music. To end the evening, consider trying a local maraschino cherry liqueur, produced in this region since the 1500s.  

This morning you're in for a treat, as we enter the tranquil waters of the Kornati archipelago. A beautiful labyrinth of stony islands that lay scattered around the island of Kornat.  After visiting, George Bernard Shaw said of the region, " [God] ‘created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath' which only alludes to the ethereal beauty of the place that can be felt on a visceral level.

This otherworldly landscape was named a national park in 1980, honouring its peculiar and barren charm. Adding to the mysterious allure of the island, the cliffs are home to many secret caves and grottoes.  

We’ll drop anchor for a refreshing swim stop this morning before we tuck into lunch on board.  

Situated on the island of Dugi Otuk, Sali is the governing centre of the island. Dating back to the 10th century it has been renowned for its fishing, with evidence logged in ancient hand-written documents, and today it's also known for its excellent diving spots. Sali offers picturesque views with palm tree-lined harbours and terracotta-coloured houses and is even more exquisite at night. Spend your evening strolling along its pretty streets under the lamp lights, meander your way to the Parish Church in the village before finding a local restaurant to dine in. Its long history of being a fishing harbour is evident in its delicious grilled fish and seafood adorning the menus.  

Start your leisurely morning on board as we embark on our journey back north. Marvel at the beautiful islands that line the coastline as we glide over the azure waters. Relax on the sun lounger with a chilled drink from the bar, enjoy a good book while feeling the sea breeze, or learn more about Croatia from our expert Tour Manager. We’ll also pause for a swim stop around Silba, where you can float along the water in perfect bliss.  

After lunch, we will have a brief visit of the charming 'island of flowers,' Ilovik. This name is fitting due to its abundance of vibrant and exotic flora. The island is covered in Mediterranean vegetation, with colourful flowers and palm trees adorning the town streets, alongside eucalyptus trees that are over a century old. We’ll take a short stroll around before continuing to the Lošinj peninsula. 

On the southern side of the Bay of Lošinj is the idyllic town of Mali Lošinj. This remote island remains unspoiled by mass tourism, as its shores are difficult to access—only reachable by boat or small plane. Mali Lošinj features quaint shops and homes painted in vibrant colours, which were once the residences of sea captains dating back to the 19th century. As you wander through its charming streets, you'll notice the architecture reflects various influences from the island's rulers throughout the centuries, including the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Lošinj is also known for the restored Greek statue of the Croatian Apoxyomenos, a young athlete discovered off the coast. This statue is now housed in a museum in the town, which we’ll visit today.

The ship will remain moored in Mali Lošinj overnight, allowing you to dine at your leisure wherever you wish.  

We’ll spend a leisurely morning aboard our first-class ship. As we sail to Cres, you can take a refreshing dip in the ocean during a swim stop, (weather permitting) followed by a delicious lunch on board. 

Cres was once part of Mali Lošinj until the Romans dug a channel, separating the two islands. Now, Cres stands as a separate island with its rocky terrain featuring olive groves, vineyards, and oak forests all enclosed by stone walls. Explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Cres at your own pace, starting from the centre and meandering through its quaint courtyards. Seek out the three town gates—Bragadina, Marcela, and St. Mikulo—each over 500 years old.

This evening, enjoy the delightful Captain’s Dinner, one of the most popular nights of the cruise where you can savour delicious fresh local specialties.

Setting sail back to the Opatija Riviera this morning, it's your last chance to take a dip in the Adriatic Sea as we drop anchor for our final swimming spot. Enjoy your last lunch onboard before we arrive back on dry land. 

Nestled at the base of Mount Učka, Opatija’s vibrant terracotta houses shine brightly in the shadow of the peaks, offering a warm welcome to visitors with their timeless beauty. We will embark on a walking tour with a local guide through the charming streets of the town, learning about its fascinating history, monuments, and sites along the way.

After the tour, you will have some free time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps you would like to visit Angiolina Park, which features an exotic array of plants from various parts of the world, including South America, Australia, and the Japanese camellia, a symbol of Opatija. You might also enjoy a stroll along the Lungomare (promenade), which offers views of the dazzling Adriatic Sea, or wander to the picturesque fishing village of Volosko, where quaint bars and bustling restaurants provide the perfect setting for your final meal ashore.