OVERVIEW

Visit the elegant seaside city of Opatija and hilltop Moscenice, a medieval town whose stone buildings and protective walls were designed to ward off invaders. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque drive along the northernmost part of the Adriatic Sea to Opatija. Its idyllic setting and gentle sea breezes have long attracted vacationers and by the mid-1800s numerous health resorts began to appear on the coast. In 1889, Opatija was officially declared a “climatic health resort,” attracting royalty and artists such as James Joyce and Giacomo Puccini. Opatija remains wonderfully enticing, as you will discover during a guided walk that may include a visit to Villa Angiolina. Credited as the building that began the city’s tourist epoch, the former health resort is surrounded by a diverse botanical park. You might also stroll a section of the Lungomare, a coastal promenade that winds past extraordinary examples of Belle Epoque architecture and important Croatian monuments. Farther down the coast, you will find the medieval hilltop town of Moscenice. While walking along its narrow stone-paved streets, you might spot the family crest of the Habsburgs above the ancient town gate and churches such as St. Bartol, a 17th-century gem. There is also a well-preserved loggia with a plaque noting the date of its last renovation: 1624. Following your guided walk, you will pause at a restaurant in town to sample delicacies that may include locally produced ham and cheese and fresh-baked bread. Afterwards, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn how exquisite Opatija became known as "a climatic health resort" that attracted artists and royalty.
• Survey sights that might include Villa Angiolina, credited with launching Opatija’s resort craze, or the Lungomare promenade and its stunning Belle Epoque architecture.
• Spot the Habsburg family crest on medieval Moscenice’s gates and enter the town’s 17th-century St. Bartol church.
• Savor mouthwatering delicacies like locally produced ham, cheese and fresh-baked bread.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely, up-close tour of Rijeka by walking through the winding streets of Old Town and admiring its landmark attractions. After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in Rijeka’s city center for an enlightening walking tour of its highlights. In Croatian, the name Rijeka means “river,” a reference to the river that flows through downtown and empties into the bay. Rijeka is a wonderfully scenic town, especially in the pedestrian-only Korzo area, which is full of shops and restaurants. Highlights here include a Roman Arch thought to be from the 4th century, the ornate National Theater, and the octagonal-shaped Church of St. Vitus. The oldest section of town is Trsat, which the Romans called Tarsatica. While strolling its winding atmospheric streets, you can’t help but notice the 13th-century castle looming over the city. The castle was rebuilt following a 1750 earthquake and again after both world wars. Today, the castle is used primarily for concerts. The nearby Church of Our Lady of Trsat is another revered landmark. It has been a pilgrimage site since the 14th century, as local legend has it that angels carried the Virgin Mary’s house here from Nazareth before moving it to Loreto in Italy. Much of the nave and sanctuary originate from the Gothic era. The statue outside was erected to honor Pope John Paul II, who visited in 2003. Following the enlightening walking tour of Rijeka, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Understand the origin of Rijeka’s name, inspired by the placid river flowing through its historic downtown.
• Wander the pedestrian-only Korzo area with unique shops and enchanting restaurants.
• Explore Rijeka’s outstanding medieval quarter of Trsat, conquered by the Romans and the Celts.
• Discover the lovely Church of Our Lady of Trsat, revered by pilgrims worldwide as the temporary site of the Virgin Mary’s house.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore a more than 2,000-year-old walled city on the island of Krk and then enjoy a boat ride to a smaller island nearby to tour a centuries-old Franciscan monastery. Later, you’ll sample some local snacks and wine. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely 75 minute drive south to the lovely city of Krk on the island of the same name. As you explore the historical streets, be sure to notice the 2,000-year-old city walls that once protected Krk from invaders, the Krk Cathedral and Frankopan Castle which overlooks the city. The noble Frankopan family initiated construction on the castle in the 12th century. Next, you’ll board a boat for a brief but scenic cruise to tiny Kosljun Island. Uninhabited except for the Franciscan monks living in St. Mary’s Monastery, the island is heavily forested. More than 400 species of plants thrive here, some of them planted by the monks long ago. While exploring the museum in the 16th-century monastery, you may view a collection of ethnographic items from local fishermen and farmers, as well as folk costumes. The monastery’s library holds more than 30,000 titles, the rarest being Ptolemy’s atlas, one of three known copies from 1511. After returning to the mainland, you will continue on to Vrbnik, a town surrounded by fertile farmland and vineyards. Stopping at a small tavern, you will have the opportunity to sample some locally produced items such as savory prosciutto, smoked cheeses and the region’s characteristic wine whites and brandy. Afterwards, you will return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the ancient town of Krk, watched over by Krk Cathedral and a commanding 12th-century castle.
• View the impressive 2000-year-old defensive wall built around the village of Krk.
• Cruise to tiny Kosljun Island and examine intriguing artifacts at a 16th-century Franciscan Monastery.
• Revel in savory prosciutto, smoked cheeses, local wine and brandy at an atmospheric tavern.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the seaside resort city of Opatija and ancient hilltop Kastav while walking their winding, atmospheric streets and admiring the natural beauty. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque drive along the northernmost part of the Adriatic Sea to Opatija. Its idyllic setting and gentle sea breezes have long attracted vacationers and by the mid-1800s numerous health resorts began to appear on the coast. In 1889, Opatija was officially declared a “climatic health resort,” attracting royalty and artists such as James Joyce and Giacomo Puccini. Opatija remains wonderfully enticing, as you will discover during a guided walk that includes a visit to Villa Angiolina. Credited as the building that began the city’s tourist epoch, the former health resort is surrounded by a diverse botanical park. You will also stroll a section of the Lungomare, a coastal promenade that winds past extraordinary examples of Belle Epoque architecture, important Croatian monuments, pebbly beaches and tiny marinas. Tall evergreens shade much of the promenade, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Then, it’s on to Kastav for another enlightening walking tour. Perched on a high hill above the sea, Kastav is known for its medieval architecture and natural beauty. During your visit you can expect to see the ancient town gates, municipal loggia and fortress. St. Jelena’s Church is the most dominant landmark, as its bell tower soars above Kastav. Following your guided tour, you’ll have some free time here to further explore on your own before returning to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn why the idyllic seaside resort town of Opatija is renowned as “a climatic health resort.”
• Visit Villa Angiolina, recognized as the origin of Opatija’s popularity with health-minded guests.
• Stroll the Lungomare promenade in seaside Opatija, viewing stunning Belle Epoque architecture.
• Appreciate lovely Kastav’s medieval buildings, atmospheric streets and dramatic sweeping vistas.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain greater insight into the Croatian culture and spectacular natural beauty by visiting several characteristic towns and attractions such as a mountain lake and limestone cavern. After departing from the pier, you will drive into the lush, mountainous countryside to Bajer Lake. Like many of the lakes in this area, Bajer was manmade to hold the abundant rainwater that falls in this part of Croatia, and the lake water is typically a beautiful royal blue. After pausing for photos, you will continue to Vrelo Cave, an ancient limestone cavern that was accidentally discovered when Bajer Lake was being created. Inside, you will see its unusual rock formations, which are dramatically illuminated to enhance the setting. The nearest town is leafy Fuzine, which nestles along the southern shore of Bajer Lake. After free time to browse the shops and stroll the attractive streets in Fuzine, you will enjoy a brief drive to the village of Lic. It is renowned for the locally made liqueurs and golden honey, both of which you will have the opportunity to sample. A leisurely drive back towards the Adriatic Sea follows, during which you will stop in Bribir for a hearty lunch. You can expect the cuisine to reflect the best of the Gorski-Kotar region, which may include smoked meats, flavorful cheeses and grilled, farm-fresh vegetables. After dining, you will transfer directly back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Appreciate man-made Bajer Lake’s intense azure waters, the result of rainwater collection.
• Explore intriguing Vrelo Cave, a happy accident discovered during the creation of the Bajer Lake reservoir.
• Shop in picture-perfect Fuzine or meander along its pristine lakeshore.
• Sample luscious homemade liqueurs and golden honey in the hamlet of Lic.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the most historical and architecturally appealing sections of Rijeka, a town that was frequented conquered over the centuries by the likes of the Celts and Romans. After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in Trsat, the oldest section of Rijeka, which the Romans called Tarsatica. While walking its atmospheric streets, you can’t help but notice the 13th-century castle looming over the city. The castle was rebuilt following a 1750 earthquake and again after both world wars. Today, the castle is frequently used for concerts. The nearby Church of Our Lady of Trsat is another revered landmark. It has been a pilgrimage site since the 14th century, as local legend has it that angels carried the Virgin Mary’s house here from Nazareth before moving it to Loreto in Italy. Much of the nave and sanctuary originate from the Gothic era. The statue outside was erected to honor Pope John Paul II, who visited in 2003. In time, your walking tour will continue into Rijeka’s city center. In Croatian, the name Rijeka means “river,” a reference to the river that flows through downtown and empties into the bay. It’s a wonderfully scenic town, especially in the pedestrian-only Korzo area, which is full of shops and restaurants. Highlights here include a Roman Arch thought to be from the 4th century, the ornate National Theater, and the octagonal-shaped Church of St. Vitus. Following free time in downtown Rijeka, you will re-board your coach and return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Rijeka’s outstanding medieval quarter of Trsat, conquered by the Romans and the Celts.
• Survey storied Trsat from the lofty vantage point atop a mighty 13th-century castle.
• Discover the lovely Church of Our Lady of Trsat, revered by pilgrims worldwide as a temporary site of the Virgin Mary’s house.
• Uncover Croatian history at a 4th-century Roman arch, the magnificent National Theater and the quirky Church of St. Vitus.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy free time exploring Trsat, the oldest section of Rijeka and the resort town of Opatija, whose seaside setting and gorgeous architecture have attracted vacationers since the 19th century. After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in the heart of Rijeka, an area settled in prehistoric times and once part of the Holy Roman Empire. The oldest section of Rijeka is Trsat, where a 13th-century castle looms over the city and offers spectacular views. After an orientation by your escort, you will have some free time to explore on your own. You may wish to take the opportunity to see the castle and the nearby Church of Our Lady of Trsat, another revered landmark. The church has been a pilgrimage site since the 14th century, as local legend has it that angels carried the Virgin Mary’s house here from Nazareth before moving it to Loreto in Italy. Much of the nave and sanctuary originate from the Gothic era. The statue outside was erected to honor Pope John Paul II, who visited in 2003. Continuing on, you will travel to the nearby seaside resort of Opatija. More free time awaits you in this beautiful setting of cliffside villas and attractive parks such as Saint James. Be sure to venture along Lungomare, a coastal promenade that winds past extraordinary examples of Belle Epoque architecture, important Croatian monuments, pebbly beaches and tiny marinas. Tall evergreens shade much of the promenade, making a leisurely walk all the more enjoyable. Following your free time, you will rejoin your coach and transfer back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stroll two unique Croatian towns, with the freedom to go wherever you wish at your own pace.
• Survey the medieval quarter of Trsat from the lofty vantage point atop a mighty 13th-century castle.
• Discover the lovely Church of Our Lady of Trsat, revered by pilgrims worldwide as a temporary site of the Virgin Mary’s house.
• Find serenity on Opatija’s cozy pebbled beaches and within its beautifully maintained parks.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the bountiful charms of Zagreb, a culturally diverse city known for its spectacular architecture, impressive museums and fine cuisine. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a relaxing and immensely scenic drive to Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia. Now surging in popularity thanks to an artistic and culinary revitalization, Zagreb has become Croatia’s must-see inland city. For an in-depth understanding of Zagreb, you will explore it three ways: via a panoramic drive to some of its most important landmarks, on a leisurely walking tour, and then on your own. There is plenty to see throughout the city, whether it’s the more medieval Upper Town, or the more modern Lower Town, you’ll find abundant cafés, shops and squares. Zagreb is also extraordinarily artistic. Museums range from the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters to the Museum of Broken Relationships. Voted Europe’s most innovative museum, the latter showcases quirky items that include air-sickness bags from a failed long-distance relationship to an axe that a jilted man used to chop up his ex-lover’s furniture. You will find Zagreb full of surprises, wonderfully engaging and intellectually enriching. Following your walking tour, you will have free time to explore on your own and grab some lunch before rejoining your coach and returning to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the vibrant and beautiful city of Zagreb, the resurgent capital of Croatia.
• Visit the vastly different but equally delightful medieval Upper Town and modern Lower Town.
• Satisfy your artistic curiosity with a visit to The Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters.
• Choose to spend your free time with further exploration or a taste of local specialties.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit the world’s smallest town, which despite its size contains several historically important buildings, including one with wall writings in an ancient Glagolitic script. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque drive with sweeping views of the coast before you head inland through a verdant national park. Here, you will find Hum, a tiny medieval town whose population usually hovers around 20. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Hum is the world’s smallest town but it’s anything but ho-hum. While walking about, you will see several gray stone houses and the Romanesque chapel of St. Jerome near the Hum cemetery. The chapel is historically important for its frescoes and the Glagolitic script written on the walls of an adjacent building. The script is a fine example of the area’s earliest written language, which is a precursor to today’s Cyrillic. Later, you will stop to sample some of the excellent brandies produced in this region of Croatia. As an accompaniment, you will also be served a snack of local sausages, smoked ham and truffle cheese. Continuing on, you will next descend through the beautiful Ucka foothills to the Capo Pax Tecum lookout. It stands high above the Kvarner Gulf and offers panoramic views of the sea and several nearby islands. After pausing for photos and to admire the natural beauty, you will drive directly back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the world’s smallest town of Hum, recognized by the renowned Guinness Book of World Records.
• Gaze upon ancient frescoes and writings in the lost Slavic Glagolitic script at the quaint St. Jerome Chapel.
• Indulge in smooth local brandies accompanied by delicious sausages, smoked ham and truffle cheese.
• View the glittering Kvarner Gulf and its picturesque islands from the Capo Pax Tecum lookout.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.