Best of Croatia & the Adriatic

Your journey begins in the most extraordinary city on earth. Arrive in Venice and settle into your 4-star hotel for one night. Spend the evening exploring the iconic canals, crossing the Rialto Bridge, and soaking up the golden light of a Venetian summer evening.

A final morning to explore Venice before transferring to Fusina to embark Azamara Onward. Sail away at 6:00 PM as the lagoon’s timeless skyline fades beautifully behind you.

Croatia’s elegant resort town, Opatija was the beloved playground of the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy and retains its grand Belle Époque charm. Stroll the famous Lungomare coastal promenade lined with magnolias and grand villas, and take in sweeping views across the sparkling Kvarner Gulf.

One of Croatia’s most captivating and underrated cities, Zadar rewards with its remarkably preserved Roman forum, medieval churches, and the world-famous Sea Organ — a unique installation that transforms the rhythm of the waves into hauntingly beautiful music. Stay until 8:00 PM to witness the legendary Zadar sunset, famously declared the most beautiful in the world by Alfred Hitchcock.

Croatia’s second-largest city is built within and around the magnificent Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian — a UNESCO World Heritage Site still vibrantly alive with cafes, galleries, and local life. Explore the labyrinthine old town, visit the cathedral built inside a Roman mausoleum, and soak up the electric atmosphere of one of the Adriatic’s most captivating cities. With an extended stay until 10:00 PM, there’s plenty of time to enjoy Split after dark.

Often called Little Dubrovnik, the walled island town of Korčula is one of the Adriatic’s best-kept secrets. Explore its compact medieval old town of narrow fishbone streets and Gothic palaces, visit the house reputedly birthplace of Marco Polo, sample the island’s excellent local wines, and enjoy the relaxed pace of this beautiful Croatian island gem.

The crown jewel of the Adriatic. Walk the magnificent ancient city walls for breathtaking views over the terracotta rooftops and impossibly blue sea below, stroll the gleaming marble-paved Stradun, and explore the baroque churches, elegant palaces, and hidden sea coves of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage City. With an extended stay until 10:00 PM, experience Dubrovnik as the day crowds depart and the city truly comes alive.

Nestled dramatically at the innermost point of Europe’s southernmost fjord, Kotor is one of the Adriatic’s most breathtaking destinations. Explore the remarkably preserved medieval walled city, climb the ancient fortress walls for sweeping panoramic views over the bay and surrounding mountains, and wander through a maze of Venetian squares, Byzantine churches, and hidden courtyards.

A sea day heading south through the Ionian Sea toward Crete as Azamara Onward leaves the Adriatic behind. Nine days have covered the full Dalmatian Coast from Venice through Opatija, Zadar, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik and Kotor, and the transition from the limestone and cypress world of the eastern Adriatic to the Greek island landscape of Crete is one of the most pleasant geographical shifts in Mediterranean sailing. The Prime C and Aqualina are both worth reserving for tonight as the final port approaches.

A wonderful final port of call. Chania is widely considered Crete’s most beautiful city, with a stunning Venetian harbour lined with colourful buildings, narrow laneways filled with artisan shops, and an extraordinary mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture. Explore the covered market, visit the picturesque lighthouse, and savour fresh Cretan cuisine at a harbourside taverna.

Your Best of Croatia and the Adriatic voyage concludes at Piraeus this morning with your private transfer to Athens International Airport. Ten nights have taken you from Venice’s canals to the full length of the Dalmatian Coast, Kotor’s mountain-flanked bay and a final morning in one of the finest cities in Greece. Ask your Cruiseabout specialist about a post-cruise Athens hotel stay if you would like to add the Acropolis and the Plaka before flying home.