Pearls of the Adriatic Southbound

Medieval Zagreb kickstarts your mesmerising Adriatic journey south to Dubrovnik. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to Opatija where your Local Host will give you a glimpse into what you can expect over the coming days. You’ll have some free time to get your own taste of why Opatija, with its 'Riviera' feel and colourful history, was a favourite getaway of the Habsburgs. Stay: Paris

Prime your sea legs this morning as you transfer to Opatija port and board the MV Aquamarin to meet your onboard team. This afternoon, you’ll set sail for the 'island of love'. A guided tour of Rab will reveal its highlights, including its ancient walls, church bell towers and the monastery at the 16th-century Church of St. Justine. Sample Rab cake and enjoy a presentation of how this local delight is made. Rub shoulders with local artists who add a splash of colour to the streets of the town, then retire to the comfort of your cruise ship for the night. (B/L) Stay: Adriatic Cruise

Cruise to Zadar, Croatia’s oldest university town. From the 1st-century Roman forum to the 9th-century St. Donat Church, there’s history around every turn. After exploring the wealth of museums, churches and palaces, you’ll make your way to Zadar’s Riva to see (and hear) the mesmerising Sea Organ, comprising several stairs that descend into the sea. (B/L)

Arrive in Skradin and travel to Bibich winery where you'll Dive Into Culture, learning the stories of the family who own this boutique vineyard. Indulge in a wine tasting of some of the indigenous varietals produced by the vineyards that surround you, paired with some of the favourite tapas delicacies of the area while you learn how the grapes are grown, picked and fermented to perfection using the same traditional techniques several generations of the Bibić family have used for centuries. You’ll leave feeling absorbed by this culture and way of life.

Next up is a visit to Krka Waterfalls National Park, where you'll visit Skradinski Buk, a spectacular vantage point from which to view 17 separate falls cascading 150 feet (45 m) to the pools below. You'll have the afternoon to explore the cultural monuments and waterfront attractions of Šibenik, a historic city along the Dalmatian coast and the oldest native Croatian town on the shores of the Adriatic. (B/D)

Your cruise continues towards the capital of Dalmatia and home to the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. Explore another aspect of Split’s buzzing historical town centre on foot with your Local Specialist who’ll share all the iconic and unexpected highlights with you as you wind your way towards Split Market. (B/L)

Follow in the footsteps of ancient Illyrian, Greek and Roman sailors as you cruise to Metković. It’s here, on the banks of the Neretva, that you’ll find one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. A barge ride into the groves provides the perfect opportunity to view the local flora, fauna and birdlife. Next, visit the Narona Archaeological Museum, where you’ll see the remains of the Augusteum Roman temple, at the heart of what was once a major Roman stronghold. Tonight, you’ll be hosted by the Captain for dinner. (B/L/D)

Set sail for Korčula, most famously the birthplace of Marco Polo. You’ll discover why the locals call it 'The Black Island' and see how its towering walls have shielded its capital for centuries. After a tour through the Old Town’s narrow streets, you’ll have time to soak up the local atmosphere in one of the many konobas, restaurants or cocktail bars. (B/L)

Approaching Dubrovnik from the sea is a sight to behold. As you sail past its imposing walls, you’ll get a glimpse of why George Bernard Shaw described the city as 'heaven on earth'. Lunch is served on deck as the ship moors in Gruz harbour. You’ll be treated to a guided tour of the Old Town before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring on your own. You could choose to walk the ramparts, ascend Srđ mountain by cable car for spectacular views, or take a step back in time in its labyrinthine lanes. (B/L)

Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and take your airport transfer for your return flight. (B)