Discover the Adriatic from Venice to Rome

Your Croatian cruise begins in the romantic city of Venice, which was founded in the 5th century and stretches across 118 small islands of the marshy Venetian Lagoon. The grandeur of this city needs no introduction, from its legendary canals to magnificent St Mark’s Basilica.  Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a compelling journey of history, art and natural wonders.  Please book your flight to arrive into Venice prior to 04:00 PM.

Located on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, the lovely town of Rovinj is interwoven with Italian influences. A rabbit warren of narrow, winding cobbled streets and small squares, Rovinj is a delight to explore by foot among the colourful buildings and art galleries, of which there are plenty here. On a hilltop, the belltower of the baroque-style St Euphemia’s Church pierces the sky, while down below, the picturesque harbour is filled with fishing boats, a nod to the town’s seafaring and fishing traditions.  

Founded by the Slavs in 1066, Šibenik is one of Croatia’s oldest towns. It’s nestled on the coast between Zadar and Split, it has been conquered by Venetians, Byzantines, Hungarians and Habsburgs, meaning there is a plethora of architectural styles to admire. This tiny city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites: the white stone Saint James’ Cathedral, an architectural fusion of Gothic and Renaissance – take the stairs from the Riva, the seaside promenade – and Nikola Fort, built between the 16th and 17th centuries.  

Located on a small island between the Croatian mainland and Ciovo Island, UNESCO-listed Trogir is an ancient settlement that dates to the Hellenistic period. It’s filled with Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque buildings, with St Lawrence Cathedral dominating the old town square. Climb to the top of the belltower for spectacular views over the town. Spend time people-watching on the wide seaside promenade, which is packed with bars and cafes.  

The island of Vis served as a Yugoslav military base from the 1950s until 1989, during which it was cut off to visitors and left vastly unpopulated. This, however, has preserved the island’s authenticity and life here is very laidback and unhurried, with a rocky coastline and azure waters, and the town of Kut, which was built by the Venetians, a series of narrow passageways and ancient palazzos. The island was used as the setting for the sequel to the film Mamma Mia!, depicting the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi.

Hvar is a photogenic jumble of whitewashed buildings topped with sun-kissed terracotta roofs, and beyond, scenic rolling hills peppered with lavender fields, olive groves, and grapevines. The heart of Hvar is its Old Town, which reveals multiple layers of history and architectural wonders, including the vast St Stephen’s Square, which is home to a cathedral built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the restored Arsenal, which was used to repair and refit war galleons from the 17th century. Hvar is said to be the sunniest place in all of Croatia, so soak up the rays as you wander the harbour lined with yachts or make your way up to Fortica, the island’s medieval fortress which has sweeping views over Hvar and its neighbouring islands. 

A gem of the Adriatic, Korcula is among the most beloved islands in Croatia. It boasts a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, and a striking coast of white pebble beaches and azure waters. While there’s evidence the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the fortified old town is on UNESCO’s tentative list for its late medieval planning and has been referred to by the locals as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. It is a delightful mix of medieval churches, elegant palaces and squares. See the impressive St. Mark’s Cathedral built in Gothic-Renaissance style, and the captivating Marco Polo Center, where you can understand the legacy of the explorer who was thought to have been born here. The villages of Cara and Smokvica are renowned for producing the country’s signature dry white wine. 

At the southernmost point of Croatia on the Dalmatian Coast, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. The city is renowned for its breathtaking architecture: its red terracotta tiled roofs and whiteish walls striking against the turquoise waters that laps below. Stroll through the iconic Old Town, where cobbled streets lead you past magnificent baroque buildings, enjoy a drink on the Stradun, the main thoroughfare through the city, and take a walk along the ancient city walls for panoramic views over the rooftops and Adriatic Sea. And be awed by the impressive Rectors Palace, a 15th-century Gothic Renaissance palace that was once the administrative centre of Dubrovnik.

Split is a stunning city laden with culture, history, and striking architecture. Take a stroll along the Riva, a palm-lined promenade that is the beating heart of the city, past beautiful terraces and bustling eateries with harbour views. Built from the 4th century AD and added to over millennia, the ruins of the Diocletians Palace dominate the city centre. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised an imperial residence, military fortress, fortified town, with gates and walls; its remnants housing myriad bars and cafés today.

The heart of Hvar is the Old Town; while this has developed as a modern-day hotspot, it reveals multiple layers of history and architectural wonders. The Old Town of Hvar presents a photogenic jumble of whitewashed buildings topped with terracotta roofs, and beyond, scenic rolling hills peppered with lavender fields, olive groves, and grapevines.

Tracing its origins back to 545 AD when it was founded by the Greeks, Monopoli is a melting pot of Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish influence. Located in Puglia, on Italy’s south-eastern coast, Monopoli’s charming harbour, which is busy with fishermen, is surrounded by medieval stone walls and a 16th century fortress. Take a walk on lungomare, the seafront promenade that wraps around the town, take a dip at Cala Porta Vecchia, the town’s main beach or visit The Church of the Purgatory, a Baroque chapel which houses mummified remains of past citizens.

One of Greece’s most beloved and beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, Corfu harbours a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town dates to the 8th century and is a labyrinthine of alleyways and home to the largest square in Greece, the impressive Spianada, a leafy green space with gardens and historical monuments. The island is home to authentic Greek villages, as well as beaches lapped by aquamarine waters.

Spend time on board your luxury yacht today as you cruise towards Sicily. Read a book in your suite or stateroom, swim in the infinity-style Aqua Pool, unwind in the infrared sauna, socialise with fellow guests in the Observation Lounge or ascend to the Sky Deck for a drink with panoramic views. Enjoy delectable meals onboard and attentive service from your on board crew as you enjoy some relaxation in between exciting days on shore.

Nestled on Sicily’s eastern shores, the picturesque town of Giardini Naxos reveals stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the fabled active volcano. This seaside town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear aquamarine waters and a vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafés popular with locals and visitors alike. Giardini Naxos also harbours a rich tapestry of history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times and is near to the esteemed Taormina Archaeological Park.

Built into the cliffside of the Amalfi Coast, overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the town of Amalfi is known for its stunning views but also has a rich history. Its striking cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi, dates to the 9th century and features intricate Byzantine mosaics. Explore the historic centre of Amalfi, with its narrow alleyways, colourful buildings, and quaint shops selling local ceramics. In the evening we’ll sail overnight in Sorrento.

Another steep, cliffside town of the Amalfi Coast with a hotchpotch of pastel-coloured buildings that teeter over the sea, Sorrento is a mix of breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and charming historic villas. Sorrento boasts breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and imposing Mount Vesuvius across the water, with a coastline filled with colourful parasols. The towns centre is filled with atmospheric narrow streets, lined with shops selling traditional products, such as ceramics and limoncello, a liqueur made from locally grown lemons.

Your luxurious yacht cruise returns to Civitavecchia, an ancient seaport which traces its origins back to the 2nd century AD. Here, your memorable journey concludes, and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 01:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.