EUROPE - CROATIA : AN ELEGANT LOOK AT THE SUNNY ADRIATIC
by Ruby Turner



Croatia’s Adriatic shoreline guarantees a cruise of spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. I decided it was time to enjoy such a cruise so started checking cruise itineraries. I wanted to make sure I got the chance to visit the well known historical cities as well as the smaller coastal towns and islands.
 
I checked a popular small cruise line – Elegant Cruises & Tours which specializes in Croatia and the Adriatic – and found a perfect 8-day/7-night itinerary on the MS Monet. It was exactly what I was looking for, including as it did stops in Split and Dubrovnik as well as five other smaller ports. The ship sails roundtrip Venice to Venice which made the connecting flights easy to arrange.
 
We sailed from Venice under a setting sun. The color on the water and fading daylight had all the passengers out on deck agreeing that cruising offers such a unique perspective on traveling. It was just the first of many wonderful vistas.
 
Our first port of call was Pula at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula. As our ship docked alongside the main road, we had the advantage of walking to all the sights. We headed up the hill to the Roman Amphitheater which dates from the 1st century. The amphitheater is in remarkably good condition and the views include the town plus the large ship-building docks. A short visit to the Archaeological Museum will give you a general understanding of the town’s many historical monuments. Just off the main square is the local market offering fresh fruit and a selection of local crafts.
 
The extraordinary old town of Split was next on the itinerary. Another chance just to walk off our ship to view the sights without having to wait for buses or taxis. The massive walls of Diocletian’s Palace surround the old city. We started from the waterfront and entered by the Bronze Gate which was the quickest route to the tourist information shop. We picked up a map and sat on the steps of the Palace’s centerpiece, the Peristyle. This is the perfect spot to sit and contemplate the 17 centuries of history in evidence around you. After visiting some of the monuments we headed over to the outdoor market. Flowers, crafts, cloths and all types of food filled three large squares. It was picture-taking heaven.
 
Hvar, our next port, is known as the Croatian Madeira because of its lush vegetation and mild climate. Our ship tied up alongside the city square with its many shops and restaurants. We strolled along the waterfront promenade and through the Old Town which revealed a wealth of historic medieval and Renaissance buildings as well as lovely seaside scenery. We were lucky enough to witness a large local wedding and were made to feel very welcome in sharing the joy of the day.
 
At Dubrovnik we opted for a bus tour offered by the ship. Some passengers did walk (20 minutes) but we chose the bus as its route took us up the hill behind the city which gave us a magnificent view of the famous walled city and sparkling waters of the Adriatic. Once inside the walls, we climbed up the highest tower and were rewarded by unforgettable new perspectives over the terra-cotta roofs of the city. We took the guided city tour and found it very worthwhile as the events that shaped this city from the 14th century to modern times are complex and intriguing. If you are lucky enough to be in Dubrovnik without two or three large cruise ship in port, you will find the shopping relaxing and rewarding. We found the morning was busy but as soon as the large ships left, the streets were quiet.
 
Mljet was the only port we had to anchor offshore and take a tender to shore. The reason was quite simple. There is no dock of any size. With only 48 passengers on the Monet it took only two boatloads to transfer us all. We chose the option of a lovely afternoon swim while others wandered along easy-to-navigate paths through a lovely pine forest. The local hotel was pleased to see us and offered us all the amenities of the hotel.
 
Shoppers will enjoy the stop in Korcula. This is supposedly the home town of Marco Polo but even the local residents doubt it really is. The city is a charming medieval town where Croatian folk art  is found in the many shops inside the town and along the breezy seawall. I found the selection of amber jewelry too hard to resist. It was the beginning of the season so the merchants were well stocked.
 
Zadar was our last stop but one of the most spectacular. The old town is located on a narrow peninsula which separates the harbor from the Zadar channel and so seems to be on a self-contained island. We walked through the city with visits to the 9th century Church of St. Donatus which was built on the remains of a Roman Forum. The shops varied from modern designers to small local craft stores just a few blocks away. It was a windless day so we missed the opportunity to hear the wind organ which was situated just a few steps from our ship.
 
This itinerary provided passengers with enough stops and ample time to make the cruise very worthwhile. Following the coastline between Dubrovnik and Venice, Elegant Cruises plans the itineraries to allow a variety of stops. The larger cities were spaced between the quiet islands and small towns.
 
Our cruise along Croatia’s Adriatic coast with its breathtaking views and historical coastal towns and islands was nothing short of spectacular. We choose to travel in June which gave us sunny days and calm seas. Just what a cruiser likes.

Photos courtesy Croatian National Tourist Board


SCRIBBLES ETCETERAS


For more information visit Elegant Cruises & Tours Inc, the exclusive operator of the 104-passenger MS Andrea, a handsome expedition ship and the 62-passenger yacht-like MS Monet; and is the reservations agent for the legendary tall ship Sea Cloud. The company is also a wholesaler and retailer for the deluxe riverboats, River Cloud, River Cloud II, Amadeus Princess and other fine vessels.
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