Your Adriatic cruise begins in Croatia, in the dazzling city of Dubrovnik. Here, you will be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a voyage to discover historic towns and cities and extraordinary coastlines.  

Please book your flight to arrive into Dubrovnik prior to 07:00 PM.

Docked: overnight

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik presents a compelling historic city along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast; its walled Old Town presents one of the finest examples of a medieval citadel in Europe.  With its storied history and breathtaking views of iconic terracotta rooftops and the alluring Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and a relaxing beach holiday.  

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Walking tour of Dubrovnik (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Embark on a captivating walking tour of Dubrovnik, starting with a scenic coach journey from the pier to Pile Gate. Explore the Franciscan Monastery, where the mesmerizing cloister and Europe's oldest operating pharmacy, dating back to 1317, await your discovery. Admire the exterior of other notable sites, soaking in the rich history and architectural beauty of Dubrovnik. After the guided tour, take advantage of some free time to further explore the town at your own pace, perhaps wandering through charming alleyways or pausing to indulge in local cuisine.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours

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Dalmatian family experience (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Travel by motorcoach to Cilipi, a quaint village near Dubrovnik. Our experience will begin with a brief stroll through the village alongside our hosts, allowing us to meet the residents and gain insight into their everyday lives. You'll also savor authentic, home-cooked Croatian dishes as we partake in a meal that reflects the daily culinary traditions of our host family.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Docked: 08:00 - 18:00

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is visually stunning and laden with culture, history, and striking architecture. Take a stroll along the Riva, past beautiful terraces, palm trees and bustling eateries to enjoy gorgeous harbour views. Diocletian's Palace, built in the 4th century AD and today, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, dominates the city centre and houses a myriad of buzzing bars and cafés. Today choose between our Included Excursion, EmeraldACTIVE or DiscoverMORE option.

Included Excursion
A walking tour of Split 
A panoramic drive through the town of Split brings you to the Mestrovic Gallery. Continue to the Old Town of Split that is built on and around the spectacular 4th-century Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian. Your walking tour starts with a visit to the Palace’s cellars and the Cathedral of St Duje, the charming Temple of Jupiter and view other landmarks such as the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate and Peristyle Square from the outside. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Marjan hill
Explore the natural beauty and rich history of Split with a leisurely walking and hiking excursion through Marjan Park Forest. Pass by the quaint fishing port and venture through the oldest neighbourhood, immersing yourself in the city's centuries-old charm. Ascend Marjan's winding trails, shaded by majestic pine trees. Learn about the hill's rich heritage and the efforts of the Marjan Association to preserve its pristine beauty since the 19th century.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Guided tour of Trogir (extra expense)
Embark on a picturesque drive to the town of Trogir, situated on a small island between the mainland and Ciovo. Experience the charm of narrow streets, offering a glimpse into life in days gone by. Join a guided walking tour to explore Town Loggia, the Town Hall, and the Cipiko Palace, culminating in a visit to the highlight—the Cathedral of St. Lawrence.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

EmeraldPLUS
Klapa performance on board
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Dalmatia region with an enchanting Klapa Performance on board. Delight in the harmonious melodies of traditional Dalmatian songs as the Klapa ensemble serenades you with their captivating vocals. Typically performed by male singers, klapa music is celebrated for its rich sound and cultural significance, captivating audiences with its timeless beauty.
Event duration: 1 hour 

Offshore: 08:00 - 05:00 (next day)

Split's ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split's magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic's main trading ports, and the city's splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

In the morning, get ready to set sail from Split to Zadar. A historic city set on a peninsula; Zadar boasts relics from a variety of eras. Explore the old churches, Roman ruins, and unique modern attractions, including the Sun Salutation and Sea Organ, which are innovative sound and sun-activated art pieces. 

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Walking tour of Zadar and Rural estate visit (extra expense)
Embark on a captivating journey that blends history, nature, and the warm hospitality of Croatia. Your adventure begins with a scenic walking tour of Zadar, a city steeped in cultural richness. Stroll through charming streets and admire architectural wonders, including the famous Sea Organ, Greetings to the Sun, the Forum, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Next, take a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Nadin, where you'll arrive at the eco-friendly Odzakovic Estate. Greeted by a host in traditional Croatian folk attire, you’ll be immersed in the estate’s warm, rustic atmosphere. Delight in a traditional Croatian aperitif while learning about the region’s storied winemaking tradition. Your visit also includes a fascinating tour of the estate’s ethnographic museum, showcasing the local customs, crafts, and traditions.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours

Docked: 14:00 - 22:00

Split's ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split's magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic's main trading ports, and the city's splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik. What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history. The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula some 4 km (2½ miles) long and just 1,640 feet wide, is bustling and beautiful: the marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. Parts of the new town are comparatively dreary, a testament to what a world war followed by decades of communism, not to mention a civil war, can do to the architecture of a city that is 3,000 years old. A settlement had already existed on the site of the present-day city for some 2,000 years when Rome finally conquered Zadar in the 1st century BC; the foundations of the forum can be seen today. Before the Romans came the Liburnians had made it a key center for trade with the Greeks and Romans for 800 years. In the 3rd century BC the Romans began to seriously pester the Liburnians, but required two centuries to bring the area under their control. During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St. Donat's Basilica. It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries. The city then experienced successive onslaughts and occupations—both long and short—by the Osogoths, the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the Venetians, the Turks, the Habsburgs, the French, the Habsburgs again, and finally the Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia and, in 1991, the independent republic of Croatia. Zadar was for centuries an Italian-speaking city, and Italian is still spoken widely, especially by older people. Indeed, it was ceded to Italy in 1921 under the Treaty of Rapallo (and reverted to its Italian name of Zara). Its occupation by the Germans from 1943 led to intense bombing by the Allies during World War II, which left most of the city in ruins. Zadar became part of Tito's Yugoslavia in 1947, prompting many Italian residents to leave. Zadar's most recent ravages occurred during a three-month siege by Serb forces and months more of bombardment during the Croatian-Serbian war between 1991 and 1995. But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold. There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.

On the western peninsula of Croatia, southwest of the city of Rijeka, Opatija provides alluring views across the Adriatic towards the Kvarner Islands and the distant Istrian mountains. Known as the ‘Nice of Croatia’, Opatija reveals lovely seaside promenades and fairy-tale villas. While here, be sure to sample one of the famous local dishes, mussels with  pršut or fish stew. 

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Wine Roads to Motovun & Groznjan (extra expense)
Venture into the heart of Istria on a captivating full-day excursion that blends medieval charm, scenic landscapes, and the region’s finest flavors. Travel through lush hills to Motovun, a fortified hilltop town famed for its truffles and historic ambiance. Explore its cobblestone streets and ancient walls before heading to Groznjan, an artists’ haven brimming with creative spirit. After time to wander its galleries and stone alleys, unwind with a curated wine tasting featuring local varietals and regional delicacies. This immersive experience showcases the very best of Istrian culture, history, and cuisine.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 7.5 hours

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Hiking to Kamacnik Spink (extra expense)
Board your motor coach for a scenic one-hour journey to Gorski Kotar, specifically the Vrbovsko area, where your hiking adventure begins in the breathtaking Kamacnik Canyon. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you, walking alongside the creek and crossing sturdy wooden bridges that elegantly arch over the small rapids or stretch over the water’s edge. The trail leads you through a lush valley, creating a truly enchanting scene.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 5 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 19:00

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.

Piran is a pretty town of red-tiled, whitewashed buildings clustered on the tip of the Slovenia’s Piran peninsula. 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. 

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Postoina cave and Predjana Castle with Home Hosted Experience (extra expense)
Experience the natural and cultural treasures of Slovenia on a captivating journey to two of its most iconic sites. Begin with a visit to the world-famous Postojna Cave, a breathtaking underground marvel carved by nature over millions of years. Accompanied by expert guides, explore its awe-inspiring chambers and spectacular limestone formations, uncovering the hidden secrets of this vast subterranean world. After the cave visit, enjoy time to browse for local souvenirs and keepsakes before continuing to the nearby Predjama Castle. Built dramatically into a cliffside cave, this extraordinary medieval fortress is steeped in legend and offers stunning views and fascinating tales of knights, sieges, and rebellion. Your day continues with a warm welcome at a private local home, where you'll enjoy an authentic Slovenian lunch prepared with traditional ingredients—offering a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 8 hours

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Slovenia’s alluring Lipica Stud (extra expense)
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the prestigious Lipica Stud Farm, renowned for its rich equestrian heritage and majestic Lipizzaner horses. Immerse yourself in the splendour of the stud farm with a guided walking tour, where you'll discover the elegant stables and lush pastures that have bred these noble creatures for centuries. Enjoy the added charm of a horse carriage ride through the picturesque surroundings.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 23:00

Today, you will arrive in Venice, truly an enchanting city that exudes an evocative atmosphere not found anywhere else in the world. Established in the 5th century, this romantic Italian city spans 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Coast. Admire the grandeur of the iconic canals and magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica.

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Walking tour of Venice with Doge's Palace (extra expense)
Depart from the pier and take a scenic 20-minute ride in a private motorboat to the Saint Mark’s district, navigating along the stunning Canale della Giudecca. Marvel at the impressive Marciana Library, the towering belltower and the clocktower. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the magnificent Doges' Palace with its exquisite façade and intricate loggias. Next, you'll see the iconic Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the former ducal prison, steeped in legend and history.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4.5 hours

Docked: 09:00 - overnight

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. From your luxury yacht, 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.

Docked: 09:00 (day prior)

*Please verify with the Shore Excursion Manager onboard whether a DiscoverMORE tour is available on disembarkation day.    

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.