Europe Mediterranean Cruise

The Best of Croatia Cruise

Discover the beauty of the Adriatic on this exceptional 8-day luxury Croatia cruise, operating round-trip from Venice, Italy. Aboard a French luxury ship, fall under the spell of the hidden treasures of the Croatian coast and its turquoise waters. The voyage begins in Italy with an embarkation in Venice. Savor the opportunity to discover (or rediscover) the sublime city of the Doges, with its many canals, its vaporetti and its mythical gondolas.

Go on to visit Korčula, full of olive groves, vineyards and ancient buildings. This is an island marked by history as the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. Visit the aptly named Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, its terracotta-tiled roofs, palaces, cloisters and fountains are bound to impress. Plunge into the heart of Croatian history here. Sail to Montenegro for an unforgettable cruise in the Bay of Kotor. This impressive gash between two mountain ranges is home to a veritable inland lake with a magical atmosphere; the medieval city of Kotor and its many historical monuments are its jewels. Continue exploring the Croatian coastline with visits to Hvar, Pula and Rovinj, before heading back to Venice for disembarkation.

The main itinerary operates round-trip from Venice, Italy, focusing on visits along the Croatian coastline. Alternative itineraries offer variations of this luxury Adriatic Sea cruise. A select annual “Piano Festival at Sea” departure follows this same route, with a special musical line-up for concerts at sea featured during the cruise.

The 8-day Cruising The Dalmatian Coast & the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens itinerary makes unique stops in Ploce, Croatia and Saranda, Albania. This itinerary is tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. These Ponant voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture. Look for the themed icon in the Rates and Dates table below.

Passage is aboard 264-guest L’Austral or 184-guest Le Bougainville, both luxury expedition ships cruising the Mediterranean. Enjoy their elegant decor that reflects the seas in which they sail. Explore breathtaking medieval walled cities, romantic canals and magical bays off ship, then return on board your luxury ship for 5-star hotel service and a plethora of activities such as performances, culinary tastings and enriching lectures.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s other small ship Croatia cruises, small ship Mediterranean cruises and Mediterranean trips.