Seaside town of Brac with small fishing boats, white-sand beach & terra cotta-roofed homes, seen during the Best of Croatia luxury cruise.

A Venice canal of turquoise water flanked by bright gold buildings on a sunny day during the Best of Croatia luxury cruise.

A French flag flies from the aft upper deck of a luxury small ship as it cruises through the narrow Corinth Canal, lined by greenery and tall rock walls, during the Best of Croatia Cruise.

Woman stands on deck of a luxury ship as it cruises past the medieval Croatian city of Dubrovnik at dusk during the Best of Croatia luxury cruise.

A large wave slams into a sea wall on a partly sunny day in the Mediterranean during the Best of Croatia Cruise.

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The Best of Croatia Cruise

Photo by: Laurence Fischer/Ponant

Photo by: Francois Lefebvre/Ponant

Photo by: Laure Patricot/Ponant

Photo by: Julie Gourio/Ponant

Photo by: Laurence Fischer/Ponant

Photo by: Laure Patricot/Ponant

Photo by: Laurence Fischer/Ponant

1/10

$5820^USD

Starting At

Days

Jun

Jul

Overview
Itinerary
Rates & Dates
Accommodations
Testimonials
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Travel Guides

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.

Itinerary

Best of Croatia Itinerary

The Best of Croatia Cruise operates round-trip from Venice, Italy, and cruises along Croatia and Montenegro’s eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, with visits to magical medieval cities such as Split and Dubrovnik.

Route map of Best of Croatia luxury cruise, operating round-trip from Venice, Italy, with visits to Rovinj, Sibenik, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik & Kotor, Montenegro.

Day 1

Embark Venice, Italy

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. Fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for to be explored with its little interlacing streets and canals. Ramble through its squares and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage goes hand in hand with enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

dinner

Days 2 - 7

Cruising The Adriatic

Each Best of Croatia cruise offers a different route but the same visits. Below are the destinations for each departure; your Adventure Specialist can confirm the exact route based on your departure date.

Korcula, Croatia

This harbor town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the north-eastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Pelješac peninsula. To get there, take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, see the bell-tower of Saint-Mark’s cathedral rise above. This landmark will help locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.

Sibenik & Split, Croatia

When the ship drops anchor across from the Croatian village of Sibenik, in the heart of Central Dalmatia, consider the option to discover the exceptional Krka Waterfalls. Krka National Park, with its eight waterfalls formed by calcium carbonate deposited by the water as it flows along the Krka river, is one of the most spectacular in Croatia. During this optional excursion, visit the lush natural site boasting an incredibly rich fauna and flora

On the Dalmatian coast, the town of Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Close to the seafront shaded by palm trees, the historical center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, as well as a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If hunger strikes, then stop off at a terrace in the Pjaca,the main square in the old town, and try a palacinka, a kind of pancake topped with melted cheese.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Be amazed by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik and admire the coastline while walking along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Kotor, Montenegro

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During this stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colorful costumes are often organized.

Hvar, Croatia

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise with its traditions that haven’t changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.

Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent while walking through its old cobblestone town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. Study the Balbi arch with its winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of St. Marc in Venice. From the top of the tower, scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre- and sepia-colored streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8

Disembark Venice, Italy

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities.

Exclusions

Optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; gratuities; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
181 days or more – $250
180 to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Best of Croatia Cruise begins and ends in Venice, Italy (VCE). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Optional activities on your Best of Croatia Cruise include practicing photography, Zodiac cruising and possible swim stops. Optional added-cost excursions are available on certain days and may be pre-booked from two months to one week prior to departure, or booked on board; these excursions may require a minimum group size. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining capacity per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 3 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this cruise. Select departures may offer a Kid’s Club with organized kid-friendly activities. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with one or two full-fare adults. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens Itinerary

The Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens cruise operates westbound from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece, and cruises through the Adriatic Sea before ending in the Aegean Sea.

Route map of Cruising The Dalmatian Coast & Ionian Sea With Smithsonian Journeys Mediterranean cruise, operating between Greece & Italy with visits along Albania, Croatia & Montenegro.

Day 1

Embark Venice, Italy

Accommodations

Le Bougainville

Meals

dinner

Day 2

Hvar, Croatia

Off the coast of Split, Hvar surprises with its traditions that haven’t changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.

Accommodations

Le Bougainville

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Ploce

Ploče is a port that shares with nearby Makarska a reputation for great beaches, upscale seafront promenades and a vibrant nightlife. Ploče’s Rupe Ethnographic Museum and Markaska’s intriguing Shell Museum are both worth a visit. Ploče also serves as a gateway to the Bosnian city of Mostar, which under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving administrative and cultural center. Severely damaged in the military conflict of the 1990s, the town was declared a World Heritage site and now showcases the graceful Stari Most (Old Bridge), originally built in 1566, and the early 17th-century Turkish Tabacica Mosque, both carefully restored with help from UNESCO.

Accommodations

Le Bougainville

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Dubrovnik

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik and admire the coastline while walking along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Accommodations

Le Bougainville

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Kotor, Montenegro

Accommodations

Le Bougainville

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Saranda, Albania

An historical harbor town on the south-west coast of Albania, Saranda is built on a lush green spur. Its streets lined with palms and maritime pines border the beaches of the Ionian sea at the mouth of Corfu Strait. This very ancient town has archaeological ruins dating from Antiquity, which one can visit while walking along the waterfront.

Accommodations

Le Bougainville

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Itea, Greece & Cross The Corinth Canal

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, northwest of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. Be tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just six miles from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over 3 miles long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 250-mile detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately 165 feet. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall ochre cliffs. What an experience!

Accommodations

Le Bougainville

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8

Disembark Athens, Greece

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. Be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past. Disembark the ship and travel home or onward.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

The Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Athens to Venice – With Smithsonian Journeys cruise begins in Venice, Italy (VCE), and ends in Athens, Greece (ATH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Included activities on your Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens cruise are onboard lectures and discussions with subject matter experts from Smithsonian Journeys, the travel component of the Smithsonian Institution. Also included is an excursion in every port of call such as Zodiac cruising; hiking; and guided explorations of cities, museums, monuments, and archeological sites. Additional options include practicing photography and possible swim stops. You will have the opportunity to choose your included excursions prior to departure. Onboard your ship a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; optional spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and more.

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

Itinerary Notes

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Jun 06 - Jun 13, 2024

L'Austral • 8 days

From $5830^USD

Per Person

Jun 13 - Jun 20, 2024

L'Austral • 8 days

From $5820^USD

Per Person

Jun 20 - Jun 27, 2024

L'Austral • 8 days

From $6720^USD

Per Person

Jul 16 - Jul 23, 2024

Le Bougainville • 8 days

From $6790^USD

Per Person

Accommodations

Learn About the Luxury Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship

L'Austral

The 200-to-264-guest L'Austral is a sophisticated, luxury expedition ship cruising Antarctica. Enjoy her chic-yet-casual private yacht atmosphere created by a blend of precious materials, discreet elegance and gastronomic delights, paired with an engaging program of lectures and adventure activities.

Expedition Ship

Le Bougainville

Step aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville cruise ship for an exceptional voyage with highly trained crew, specialist guides, spotless interiors, exquisite food and experience-driven programming both on the ship and off.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Accommodations, Ship And Staff Were All Excellent"

Accommodations, ship and staff were all excellent. Met several great people/couples, all were enjoyable. The Smithsonian lectures and tour guides were very good.

Overall

4.5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

4 /5

Miles P. - Charlottesville, VA

"Accommodations, Ship And Staff Were All Excellent"

Overall

4.5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

4 /5

Accommodations, ship and staff were all excellent. Met several great people/couples, all were enjoyable. The Smithsonian lectures and tour guides were very good.

Meals Review

First, the "dinners" would not stop me from recommending the cruise. For a French cruise line I had very high expectations, maybe too high. Other passengers had similar comments. Overall good, 5 star vessel, 3 star dinners. Other meals very good.

Crew & Guides Review

Overall good. Some details on shore excursion's were lacking. More free time at each would be have been nice.

Itinerary Review

All [places were] enjoyable in there different ways. The hiking excursion although very interesting was poorly planned, more difficult (for the old passengers) and much longer than we were told.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very thorough with all the details.

Learn More

Featured in this Traveler Review

The Best of Croatia Cruise
Le Jacques Cartier

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

877-620-2875 877-620-2875 Contact Us

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