Discover the Best of the Croatian Coast

Spend another fascinating day exploring the city of Dubrovnik. Be awed by the impressive Rector's Palace, a 15th-century Gothic Renaissance palace that was once the administrative centre of the city. Enjoy a drink on the Stradun, the main thoroughfare through the city, and take a walk along the ancient city walls for panoramic views over the rooftops and Adriatic Sea. 

Split is a stunning city laden with culture, history and striking architecture. Take a stroll along the Riva, a palm-lined promenade that is the beating heart of the city, passing beautiful terraces and bustling eateries with harbour views. Built from the fourth century and added to over 1,700 years, the ruins of Diocletian's Palace dominate the city centre. This incredible World Heritage site comprises an imperial residence, military fortress and fortified town with gates and walls. Today, its remnants house a myriad of bars and cafés. 

Zadar is something of a hidden Croatian gem, a captivating blend of ancient history and modern charm. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, encounter spectacular Roman ruins, including the well-preserved Roman Forum constructed between the first century BC and third century AD, and the majestic St. Donatus Church, a symbol of the city's rich heritage. You’ll be mesmerised by the Sea Organ, stone carvings along the promenade designed so the lapping waves create natural and hauntingly beautiful melodies. As the sun disappears, be captivated by Sun Salutation, a dazzling solar-powered installation that lights up at night. 

On the western peninsula of Croatia, southwest of the large city of Rijeka, Opatija has alluring views across the Adriatic towards the Kvarner Islands and the distant Istrian Mountains. Known as the ‘Nice of Croatia’, Opatija was a seaside resort for the upper classes during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it retains its lovely seaside promenades, handsome villas and manicured parks and gardens. 

Piran is a pretty town of red-tiled and whitewashed buildings clustered on the tip of Slovenia’s Piran Peninsula. Part of the Venetian Empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century, Piran is known for its grand Gothic architecture. The town has a history of salt panning, and its landscape is dotted with olive groves and pebbly beaches. Restaurants line the waterfront and serve seafood direct from the Adriatic, as well as drawing inspiration from its Italian heritage with excellent gelaterias and pizzerias.

Today, you will arrive in Venice, a 1,600-year-old city that is one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Built across 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, it’s a place shaped by water, from its quiet canals to St Mark’s Basilica and the grand piazza in front. It’s a spectacular city to get lost in, with its maze-like alleyways and vibrant squares. With your luxury yacht docked here overnight, you can choose to linger over a drink at a tiny bar or glide along the canals by gondola as the city lights illuminate the water. 

The Italian ‘City of Canals,’ Venice, is an enchanting city that exudes an atmosphere not found elsewhere in the world. Established in the 5th century, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic. Soak up the romance of the iconic canals and bridges and relish sailing out of Venice via the traditional passage past St. Mark's Basilica, a route exclusively reserved for a few cruise vessels.

Located on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, the lovely town of Rovinj is interwoven with Italian influences. A rabbit warren of narrow, winding cobbled streets and small squares, Rovinj is a delight to explore on foot, strolling among the many colourful buildings and art galleries. On a hilltop, the belltower of the Baroque-style St Euphemia’s Church pierces the sky, while down below, the picturesque harbour is filled with fishing boats, a nod to the town’s seafaring and fishing traditions.  

First mentioned in written records in 1066, Šibenik is one of Croatia’s oldest towns. Nestled on the coast between Zadar and Split, it has been conquered by Venetians, Byzantines, Hungarians and Habsburgs, meaning there is a plethora of architectural styles to admire. This tiny city is home to two World Heritage-listed sites: the white-stone Saint James’ Cathedral, an architectural fusion of Gothic and Renaissance, and the 16th- and 17th-century fortress of St Nicholas. 

Located on a small island between the Croatian mainland and Ciovo Island, World Heritage-listed Trogir is an ancient settlement with roots in the Hellenistic period, later shaped by Roman, Venetian and Croatian influences. It’s filled with Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque buildings, with St Lawrence Cathedral dominating the old town square. Climb to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views over the town. Spend time people-watching on the wide seaside promenade, which is packed with bars and cafes.  

The island of Vis served as a Yugoslav military base from the 1950s until 1989, during which it was cut off to visitors and left vastly unpopulated. This has preserved the island’s authenticity and life here is laidback and unhurried, with a rocky coastline and azure waters. The town of Komiža, significantly developed during Venetian rule, is made up of narrow passageways and historic stone buildings. The island was used as a filming location for the sequel to the film Mamma Mia!, depicting the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. 

Hvar is a photogenic jumble of whitewashed buildings topped with terracotta roofs, and beyond, picturesque rolling hills peppered with lavender fields, olive groves, and grapevines. The heart of Hvar is its Old Town, which reveals multiple layers of history and architectural wonders. These include the vast St Stephen’s Square, which is home to a cathedral built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the restored Arsenal, which was used to repair and refit war galleons from the 17th century. Hvar is said to be the sunniest place in all of Croatia, so soak up the rays as you wander the yacht-lined harbour or make your way up to Fortica, the island’s medieval fortress that has sweeping views over Hvar and its neighbouring islands. 

A gem of the Adriatic, Korcula is among the most beloved islands in Croatia. It boasts a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, and a striking coast of white pebble beaches and azure waters. While there’s evidence the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the fortified old town is on UNESCO’s tentative list for its late medieval planning and has been referred to by the locals as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. It’s a delightful mix of medieval churches, elegant palaces and squares. See the impressive St Mark’s Cathedral, built in Gothic-Renaissance style, and the captivating Marco Polo Center, where you can understand the legacy of the explorer who is said to have been born here. The villages of Cara and Smokvica are renowned for producing the country’s signature dry white wine. 

Your Emerald Cruises voyage concludes in the grand city of Dubrovnik, a World Heritage Site known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. The city is renowned for its breathtaking architecture of red terracotta-tiled roofs and white stone walls, striking against the turquoise waters that lap below. From your luxury yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Dubrovnik after 12:00 PM.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.