Croatia is designed for island hopping; there are hundreds of landmasses scattered across the Adriatic. Some are small reefs, some are so big they would take several days to walk around, but only around 50 are actually inhabited.
Along the many miles of coastline we explore, you'll spot ruined forts, monasteries and the remnants of history that include Roman, Venetian and Ottoman rule. We'll enjoy independent visits, guided tours and plenty of free time to really get under the skin of each destination.
Thanks to their small size, our yachts moor in beautiful harbours and ports, so you can step off the ship and straight into our next destination. This means less time travelling and more time exploring - who can say no to that?
Great places, maximum time spent in ports close to town/ city centres. Optional short walking tours organised at locations as well as decent periods of free time for exploration. No time wasted hanging about for busses.
Croatian cities
We'll visit some fascinating cities that sit on the shores of the Adriatic, including Croatia's second city, Split, where history, natural beauty and modernity live side by side in almost perfect balance. Beyond the ancient allure of sights Diocletian's Palace (more on that later), Split is home to a vibrant café culture (coffee is a Croatian essential, they drink it well into the evening), bustling markets and a lively waterfront with bars and restaurants that make the most of their ocean views.
And, of course, we'd be remiss not to add Dubrovnik to some of our itineraries. This historic city is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" thanks to its picturesque streets, baroque architecture and impressive Old Town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Followers of pop culture may recognise some of the structures from a recent favourite Game of Thrones but it's so much more than a nice change of scenery. The city exudes a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, and the locals are very friendly.
Iconic landmarks
Our excursions are designed to show you both the world-famous sites every traveller should see, as well as a few secret spots that let you experience life as a local. While many of Croatia's landmarks might not be easy to list off for the less decerning travellers, we'll make sure you feel 'in-the-know'. We'll take you to some incredible man-made landmarks and a few natural spots sculpted over millennia. Here are a few highlights from across our itineraries:
Arguably one of the most famous sights is Diocletian's Palace, a sprawling complex that's entrenched within Split. Considered one of the greatest structures of the Roman Empire, no expense was spared in its construction from the best Italian marble to columns and sphinxes imported from Egypt. However, while the architecture is undoubtedly impressive, what makes this palace even more so, is that it's fully integrated into the town with a jumble of buildings grafted onto and inside it.
Not to be outdone by Split, Dubrovnik also has a wealth of ancient architecture. But no visit to Dubrovnik is complete without time spent enjoying a leisurely stroll along the top of the city walls. The historic fortifications, which can be seen as we sail into port, encircle the UNESCO-protected Old Town. They're the perfect place from which to admire panoramic views of the Adriatic and inland to the city's iconic, red-roofed buildings.
In Pula, a seafront city on the tip of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, it's hard to miss the magnificent network of limestone arches that make up its amphitheatre (which has a larger capacity than the O2 Arena, despite being built over 2,000 years earlier). The whole city is littered with shards of history but here it's said, if you listen carefully, you can hear the echos of the gladiatorial spectacles that used to unfold here. However, that's not always possible as it still hosts concerts, festivals and other events, making it one of the oldest working arenas in the world!
If you venture inland on one of our yacht and tour holidays, you'll get the opportunity to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Located in the mountainous region of Lika, almost halfway between the country's capital, Zagreb, and Zadar, the park is known for its turquoise lakes, almost 90 waterfalls and lush natural forests. It's said to be one of Croatia's most beautiful landmarks and we're sure after a visit, you'll agree.
While Krka National Park is smaller than Plitvice, it's equally beautiful and more easily accessible from the coast - which means less time spent travelling and more time wandering the wooden boardwalks through its lush greenery. Its interlocking waterfalls channel cascades of water down to crystal-clear pools that reflect the majestic surrounding lakes and luxuriant forests.
An ideal combination of sightseeing and leisure. Ideal for mature travellers and those wanting a real rest with daily tours in the afternoon. Wonderful sights everyday both on and off the ship.
Little ports and islands
Of course, our expert explorers know that to truly get to know a culture, you can't just visit the major cities and well-known landmarks, you must seek out the unknown too. So, they've scoured the country to bring you the must-see places most tourists haven't heard about.
Together with local guides, we'll visit the beautiful, whitewashed fishing villages that punctuate the coastline, and wander the streets of towns like Rab and Korčula, which have a distinctly Venetian feel - you might even stop in to ex-pirate towns with a colourful history, like Makarska, where you'll discover why the Croatian coastline was so popular with buccaneers. And you may also enjoy additional experiences, including e-bike tours, wine tastings and visits to museums (depending on your itinerary).
Yacht and tour
Take your onshore experience to the next level with our yacht and tour holidays
