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Spring in Croatia (Queen Eleganza)

Spring in Croatia (Queen Eleganza)

From GBP £3,095

Description

Join us for this exploration of Croatia’s spectacular coastline with its intense blue sea and amazingly picturesque islands. Mountains sweep down to the sea, islands lace the coast creating endless inviting waterways and channels and on shore there are great historic villages, towns and cities. This itinerary has been carefully designed to visit some marvellous places which do not cater for the big ships and each night we remain moored in the picturesque harbours affording the opportunity to dine ashore on some evenings to enjoy the floodlit splendour and lively café society which is so atmospheric.

As we make our way along the coast, we will witness a range of scenic delights from the island of Mljet where we explore the National Park including its beautiful lakes, the world-famous Kornati islands and the dramatic waterfalls of Krka. We also visit the historic cities of Dubrovnik, Sibenik and Zadar with their history dating back through the Middle Ages to the Roman era and the island of Korcula with its marble streets and impressive architecture. Finally, we will discover the charming island of Mali Losinj, the fascinating Brijuni Islands, and stunning Lake Bled where we have a two night hotel stay in order to fully explore this wonderful corner of Slovenia.

Trip Name
Spring in Croatia (Queen Eleganza)
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 49m Passenger Capacity: 36 Built/Refurbished: 2018 For our cruises along the Adriatic coast, we are delighted to have the newly built Queen Eleganza. This beautifully crafted vessel is one of the finest Croatian flagged vessels of her kind and we believe she is the perfect vessel from which to explore the Croatian coast. Carrying a maximum of just 36 guests, there is the added benefit of a relaxed and intimate atmosphere on board. The Sun Deck, with its comfortable sun loungers, is the perfect place to watch the passing scenery and the team of friendly Croatian crew will provide you with excellent service and hospitality throughout the ship. To enhance your voyage further there is also a Cruise Director on board. Dining on board is a casual affair and the menus feature locally sourced fresh food including fish. When dining ashore independently, your knowledgeable Cruise Director will recommend popular local restaurants. AIR-CONDITIONING All cabins and public rooms have air-conditioning. BAR/BEVERAGES Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are included in your holiday price. For other drinks consumed throughout your journey you will receive a final bill to settle at the end of your journey. Complimentary bottles of mineral water will be placed in your cabin daily and near reception before an excursion. CABINS The 18 cabins are equipped with air conditioning/heating, a wardrobe, drawers, radio, a flat screen television, a hairdryer and safety deposit box. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The cabins on the Lower Deck all have two portholes whereas on the Main Deck, the category 3 cabins have three portholes and the category 5 cabin has four portholes. The category 2 and 4 cabins on the Main Deck benefit from a large picture window offering wonderful views. Cabins measure between 12 and 18 square metres, with Category 5 measuring 26 square metres. The cabins have fixed twin or double beds and the configuration cannot be changed. Each cabin also has an en-suite bathroom with shampoo /shower gel dispenser. Please note that the movement of the ship can cause small amounts of water to collect on your bathroom floor. Please note that bathrobes and slippers are not provided. DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Meals on board are either buffet style or served and there is one sitting with an open seating arrangement. When the weather permits, lunch and dinner may be served in the covered outside area of the Sun Deck. Please be advised that, as there is not always a choice at meal times it is imperative that you advise any special dietary requests, such as vegetarian, gluten free, low salt etc. to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance. Please also advise if you do not, or cannot, eat fish and shellfish as these feature regularly on the lunch and dinner menus. We regret that the ship is unable to guarantee special requests and is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher or halal cuisine. Complimentary self-service tea and coffee, with fruit and biscuits, are available in the restaurant 24 hours a day. On nights when you are free to dine independently ashore, if instead you wish to stay on board for dinner, this is possible at a rate of €25 per person each time, which will be added to your onboard account. 24 hours advance notice is required. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship does not have facilities for disabled or wheelchair dependent passengers. The stairs between decks are steep and there is no lift or chair lift on board. DOCTOR There is no doctor on board. Should you be in need of medical assistance, please contact a member of the crew who are first aid trained, or the Cruise Director.  ELECTRICITY The cabins feature 220 volt current, with sockets accepting 2 round-pin (European style) sockets. There are no sockets in the bathrooms. We recommend taking a universal adaptor. INTERNET The ship offers a free Wi-Fi connection in the public areas, but not in the cabins. Depending on the ship’s location, there may be times when the connection is very slow or is disrupted and the same level of connectivity that you enjoy at home cannot be expected on board. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. LAUNDRY SERVICE Due to the size of the ship there is no laundry service on board. PUBLIC AREAS Main Deck: Reception is located on the Main Deck. Upper Deck: On the Upper Deck you will find the bar, restaurant, lounge, and public restrooms. The lounge has a small library of books, games and DVDs. The tea/coffee station is located in the restaurant here. Sun Deck: The Sun Deck has sun loungers and seating for outdoor dining (weather permitting). SMOKING Smoking is restricted to the designated open areas only. Smoking is prohibited in all other areas including cabins and the restaurant.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza. After settling into your cabin, enjoy the welcome cocktail and dinner on board as we moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Dubrovnik & Mljet.
Spend the morning in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” where we arrive after lunch. After a short drive to Pile Gate, enjoy a guided walk through the unique Medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. See the major attractions such as the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Sponza Palace. Sail over lunch to Mljet. This is one of the few Dalmatian islands that was never ruled by Venice, which is apparent in the architecture and the absence of any sizeable historic town. What it lacks in terms of great architecture it more than makes up for in natural beauty as we will see on our tour to the National Park including its beautiful lakes. This evening take the opportunity to dine in one of the many restaurants ashore.
Day 3 - Day 3 Korcula & Vis.
This morning we sail the short distance to Korcula, the reputed birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. A guided tour will include a walk along Korcula’s crooked Medieval streets to the elegant squares which are flanked with palaces of the old nobility. Return to the Queen Eleganza and take lunch on board as we sail to Vis arriving late afternoon. Enjoy dinner on board tonight as we moor overnight.
Day 4 - Day 4 Vis & Sibenik.
The island of Vis spent much of its recent history serving as a Yugoslav military base, cut off from foreign visitors from the 1950s right up until 1989. This isolation preserved it from development, and today it offers an authentic tranquility and unique beauty. We return to the ship for lunch and sail to Sibenik. Maybe stroll to the Cathedral of St. James and the St. Nicholas Fortress before taking the opportunity to dine independently tonight in one of the local restaurants.
Day 5 - Day 5 Krka Waterfalls & Zadar.
This morning we will visit the majestic waterfalls of Krka. We will take a guided walk on wooden walkways and across bridges through this unique fjord like landscape with its multiple waterfalls and interesting flora and fauna. Sail this afternoon through the Kornati archipelago, a wonder of natural beauty, coves and clear blue waters. In the evening we arrive in Zadar and have the chance to dine in one of the city’s many restaurants as we moor overnight.
Day 6 - Day 6 Zadar & Mali Losinj.
Once a dominant city on the Adriatic coast rivalling Venice, Zadar is today a treasured city which has preserved its historical core. Enjoy a morning walking tour strolling around the old town with its Roman columns and portals, Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Of particular interest are the 9th century circular Church of St Donat, and the 13th century Romanesque cathedral. Sail over lunch to Mali Losinj often referred to as the prettiest port in the Adriatic with 19th century sea captains’ houses lining the seafront and a charming historic quarter surrounded by green hills. Arrive this afternoon and join a walking tour before finding a restaurant for dinner tonight.
Day 7 - Day 7 Pula.
Today we arrive at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On an afternoon tour we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. Enjoy dinner on board as we remain moored overnight.
Day 8 - Day 8 Brijuni Islands & Rovinj.
The 14 islands of the Brijuni comprise one of Croatia’s National Parks and were once the summer retreat of former Yugoslav leader, Tito. Between 1947 and 1980 he spent up to six months a year in the islands. On a morning excursion we will explore Veliki Brijun including the 1st century Roman Villa, the nine hectare safari park created by Tito to house the exotic animals gifted to him by world leaders and the Church of St Germain. Later, we will sail up the Istrian coast to Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean to each other creating a unique atmosphere. Our guided walking tour will include a visit to the town’s main landmark, St. Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore somewhere around 800 AD. Return to the Queen Eleganza for our farewell dinner on board tonight.
Day 9 - Day 9 Rovinj, Lipicia & Lake Bled, Slovenia.
Disembark this morning and cross the border into Slovenia. We continue to the Lipica Stud Farm, home to about 400 white Lipizzaner horses. With a tradition of over 400 years, it is not only one of Slovenia’s most beautiful cultural and historical sites, it is also the oldest stud farm in the world, breeding horses since its establishment. After lunch we continue to Lake Bled and have some free time before meeting for dinner tonight.
Day 10 - Day 10 Lake Bled.
After breakfast in the hotel we will explore Lake Bled. Using the local “pletna” boats we will cruise the lake and make our way to Blejski Otok, an island situated in the middle of the lake where we can visit the Chapel of Santa Maria. Returning to the lakeside we will make our way to Bled Castle located high on the rock face above the lake, protecting the town since 1004. We end our visit at the picturesque old town of Radovljica, one of the best-preserved towns in Slovenia with houses dating back to the 15th century. After lunch in the town we will return to the hotel in Lake Bled for a free afternoon. Maybe take the walking track around the Lake for further views or relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. We will meet for dinner tonight in the hotel.
Day 11 - Day 11 Ljubljana to London.
Transfer this morning to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-04-202008-05-2020GBP £3,095Category 6 Sole
28-04-202008-05-2020GBP £3,295Category 1
28-04-202008-05-2020GBP £3,295Category 2
28-04-202008-05-2020GBP £3,495Category 3
28-04-202008-05-2020GBP £3,695Category 4
28-04-202008-05-2020GBP £3,895Category 5

Inclusions

    • Discover Dubrovnik & Mljet.
    • Explore Korcula & Vis.
    • Enjoy Krka Waterfalls & Zadar.
    • Sail to Brijuni Islands & Rovinj.
    • Enjoy Lake Bled.

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