Destination Reviews
Duration
7 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from Croatia
Ports
8 Ports
18 May
Setting sail from Dubrovnik
We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Formerly known as Ragusa, Dubrovnik is a city with a rich, and occasionally troubled, history; the shelling of the city was one of the most shocking images of the Balkan wars of the 1990s, which makes the painstaking restoration of the old town in the years since all the more remarkable. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the views across the rooftops towards Lokrum island, and the deep sapphire of the Adriatic Sea beyond.
Our tip
Walking the entire length of the walls involves a lot of steps, and it can be quite exhausting in the hot Croatian sun. If you’d rather just see a smaller section, the Minčeta tower provides the best photo opportunities.
19 May
Croatia: Korcula
Draped in vineyards and olive groves, the verdant Croatian island of Korcula is famous for its white wine and is said by some to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The main settlement, Korcula Town, bears more than a passing resemblance to Dubrovnik, with a historic centre encircled by medieval walls and towers.
20 May
Croatia: Split
Croatia’s second city enjoys a dramatic setting, hugging a sweeping bay against a backdrop of sheer grey mountains. Split's labyrinthine old town is contained within the remarkable Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spills out onto the buzzing seafront Riva promenade.
21 May
Croatia: Hvar
Hvar is the most popular of Croatia’s islands, a ruggedly beautiful place carpeted with lavender fields and dotted with little villages. The island’s capital, Hvar Town, is a charming collection of marble streets arranged around a harbour, and it gets very busy in the summer months.
22 May
Croatia: Šibenik
One of the Dalmatian coast’s lesser known cities, Šibenik is notable for its compact medieval centre, UNESCO-listed Gothic-Renaissance cathedral and crumbling fortresses. The nearby islands of Zlarin and Prvić also make for an enjoyable day trip.
23 May
Croatia: Zadar
Located on the quieter northern stretch of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the walled port city of Zadar is an intriguing blend of old and new, where Roman ruins and psychedelic modern art installations sit alongside one another.
24 May
Croatia: Rovinj
Rovinj is undoubtedly the highlight of the Istrian coast, a picturesque medieval fishing port with a strong Italian influence discernible in everything from the elegant architecture to the bilingual street signs. A day trip to one of the nearby islands also makes for an enjoyable excursion.
25 May
Arriving in Venice
Venice is a city like no other, a marble maze of turquoise canals criss-crossed by beautiful bridges, overflowing with palaces, churches and charming little piazzas. No matter how many times you've seen it in photographs, that first glimpse of the Grand Canal will simply take your breath away; it hardly seems credible that such an eye-popping scene could exist outside of a Canaletto painting. Of course Venice is a city that draws big crowds, especially in summer, but don't let this put you off; even the busiest areas are never more than a few steps from a quiet courtyard or a secluded square.
Don't miss
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection houses an eclectic assortment of works from the likes of Picasso, Magritte and Jackson Pollock. There is also a lovely garden facing on to the Grand Canal, with a rather rude sculpture of a rider on horseback.
Your home from home
Emerald Azzurra and Sakara are the first ships in the Emerald yacht fleet, carrying just 100 lucky travellers in sleek and stylish surroundings.
What we love
Enjoy small ship cruising in style, with comfortable staterooms and suites (most with private balcony), an à la carte restaurant, infinity-style pool, al fresco Sky Bar, wellness area and a marina at the back of the yacht, allowing you to hop straight into the water and have fun with a host of water toys.
| Capacity | 100 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 64 Staff |
| Style |
Intimate and informal, with an emphasis on relaxed, al fresco living and exploration ashore. |
| Inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Dubrovnik
We love the intimate Villa Orsula, with just eight lovely bedrooms and excellent sea views, but if you want to stay in the Old Town itself, the Pucic Palace is the one to go for.
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Make the short trip across the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina and visit the pretty little town of Mostar, with its famous stone bridge over the river Neretva.
Our favourite hotel in Venice
The Metropole is an old favourite for its quieter location and lovely lagoon views.
See more of the Veneto
If you’ve time, take the train to Padova and visit the Scrovegni Chapel.
