Croatian Island Explorer

Day 3 – Cres – Susak – Mali Loinj (overnight)

We sail this morning to Susak, one of the smallest of Croatias inhabited islands – just 4 sq km in size. Weather permitting, well take a short walk on this car free island, carpeted in herbs and trees, and circled by golden sandy beaches – its a true taste of unspoiled Croatian island life. Then we sail east to the island of Mali Loinj, whose crystal-clear waters were felt to give the island unique healing powers. A health resort for the Habsburg Royal Family in the 19th century, 200 years later the island is having a wellness revival, with travellers visiting for the clean water, medicinal herbs and warm climate. We dock in the main town of Mali Loinj. Remnants of its grand Venetian past, the pastel-painted facades and sun-faded clocktowers make it one of the prettiest harbours in the Adriatic. We go ashore to explore the town and take a guided tour of the Garden of Fine Scents – a walled garden of over 250 species of herbs and medicinal plants that naturally grow on the island.

MV Dalmatia (3-star)

Day 4 – Mali Loinj – Ilovik – Rab (overnight)

Sailing onwards this morning, we head towards the small island of Ilovik. Well make a short visit after lunch (weather permitting). Well then spend the rest of the day making our way to Rab, the greenest and best known of the Kvarner Islands. Rab fits the archetypal Adriatic paradise perfectly – jade green waters, verdant hillsides and a red-roofed old town that looks straight out of a story book. We moor here overnight.

MV Dalmatia (3-star)

Day 5 – Rab (overnight)

Dominated by four bell towers, Rabs ancient walled town bears the beauty of its changing hands over the years – with Byzantine churches, elegant Italianate mansions and Romanesque towers to explore. After a walking tour, the afternoon is free to wander independently or soak up the citys crumbling Venetian charms from the ship. Perhaps visit the House of Rab Cake, home of the delicious spiral-shaped cake made mainly from almonds and Maraschino liqueur, first served in 1177 to Pope Alexander III.

MV Dalmatia (3-star)

Day 6 – Rab – Krk (overnight)

We head towards the former prisoner island of Goli Otok this morning where well make a short visit (weather permitting) and explore a little before continuing to Krk. Here, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town – now a familiar but still magical mix of Venetian buildings, Franciscan and Benedictine monasteries and fortified castles. We then travel by coach to Vrbnik, a medieval hilltop village whose silhouette is defined by its soaring Renaissance bell tower. As well as being one of the most picturesque villages in Croatia, Vrbnik is also known for lahtina – a white wine grape grown exclusively on the island. We tour a family-run winery and sample some of the goods before heading back to Krk Town where we stay moored for the night.

MV Dalmatia (3-star)

Day 7 – Krk – Opatija (overnight)

This morning, there’s the chance to join an optional coach tour to the Istrian Peninsula and a boat out to Brijuni National Park – an archipelago of 14 jewelled islands and islets. Topped by forests and fringed with white beaches, this protected paradise is also scattered with Neolithic, Illyrian and Byzantine ruins. Fully reclaimed by nature, the archipelago is home to over 600 species of plant and 150 species of bird. Meanwhile, our ship sails towards Opatija, a summer resort town built in the 19th century for Habsburg royalty. We enjoy a walking tour and learn about the towns interesting past and our ship remains in port overnight.

MV Dalmatia (3-star)

Day 8 – Opatija – Zagreb – UK

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Opatija – Zagreb – UK