Adriatic discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian archipelago

Your Adriatic cruise begins in the centuries-old, Italian city of Venice. Here, you will be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a compelling journey of history, art, and natural wonders.

Please book your flight to arrive into Venice prior to 04:00 PM.

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Your first stop is Piran, a pretty town of red-tiled, whitewashed buildings clustered on the tip of the Piran peninsula and Slovenia’s glamorous yachting destination.  Part of the Venetian empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century, Piran is esteemed for its gothic-style Venetian architecture.

Set at the apex of a long natural harbour and ringed by elegant, gently weathered Adriatic town houses and verdant hills, this fascinating Croatian town straddles both coasts on the narrowest section of the island. Mali Lošinj  boasts  countless natural wonders, as well as historical sites that testify to its turbulent and storied past.

Stroll around this charming Croatian coastal town, gateway to the renowned Plitvice National Park. Later in the morning, sail to Baška, famous for its old town with old stone houses and narrow streets. You will also appreciate the beautiful beaches and stunning nature here.

Located on the western peninsula of Croatia, Opatija boasts alluring views across the Adriatic towards the Kvarner Islands and distant Istrian mountains. Known as the ‘Nice of Croatia’, Opatija  is home to lovely seaside promenades and fairy-tale villas. While here, be sure to sample some of the local specialities, mussels with pršut or fish stew.

Stroll along Opatija’s seaside promenade, and soak up the splendour, as you enjoy fresh sea air, the sight of waving yacht masts, and the presence of grand ocean-facing buildings. Historically a fashionable destination for European aristocracy, the city is just as in-demand today - with palatial structures watching out over an inviting blue sea, and a border of lush green mountains stretching around the city. Vibrant gardens, glorious weather and endless seafront combine to ensure that Croatia’s original tourist destination remains one of the country’s finest.

The delightful town of Rovinj, resting on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, is intertwined with a myriad of Italian influences. Here, you will have time to admire the meandering city streets, picturesque harbour dotted with fishing boats and colourful façades of the old buildings. Rovinj is a quaint and easily walkable town, where you can also discover plenty of art galleries and small, historic squares.

One of the true jewels of the Mediterranean, Rovinj is a jaw-droppingly beautiful town, which juts out into sparkling Mediterranean. Dominated by the pencil-like bell tower of the Venetian Saint Euphemia Cathedral, pine tree forests flow to the borders of the quaint Old Town - which evokes the romantic, tangled backstreets of the Venice. Rovinj - or Rovino in Italian - is a city of split personalities, with two official languages - having been owned by the Kingdom of Italy between 1919 and 1947.

Venice is an enchanting city that exudes an atmosphere not found anywhere else in the world. Established in the 5th century, this historic Italian city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic. Among the many highlights in Venice, admire the grandeur of the city’s iconic canals and magnificent St. Marks Basilica.

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Your Emerald Cruises voyage concludes here.  You will be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Venice after 11:00 AM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.