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Queen Eleganza
Opatjia to Pula
Overview
For those who enjoy cruising amongst some of the world’s most beautiful coastal scenery and exploring Medieval harbour towns and picturesque villages with a small group of like-minded travellers, our eight night journey along the Istrian coast will surely appeal. With just 36 guests on board, the Queen Eleganza has the advantage of being able to dock centrally in towns and call into secluded bays and hidden coves, enabling us to explore parts of the Istrian coast and islands in Kvarner Bay that passengers aboard the large cruise ships in the region rarely get to visit. As we make our way along the coast we will witness a range of scenic delights including the charming island of Mali Losinj, the fascinating Brijuni Islands and the ancient town of Porec. Whilst in Pula, we will visit one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and the strong Venetian influence on the region will be evident during our exploration of Cres. We will also travel inland to an area of disarming beauty characterised by fertile valleys with hilltop villages. Here we explore the village of Motovun, in the middle of truffle territory, which has arguably the best views of the Istrian interior from its ramparts. Istria is often acclaimed for its gastronomy and we will enjoy some lunches ashore to experience the local cuisine as well as a visit to a vineyard to taste the wines typical of the area. In addition to our included guided excursions, we have allowed ample time at leisure taking advantage of our central moorings, to dine ashore and experience the atmospheric ports in their evening splendour.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Fly by scheduled flight to Zagreb and transfer to the Queen Eleganza in Opatija. After settling into your cabin, enjoy welcome drinks and dinner. We will moor overnight allowing time to enjoy an evening walk in this genteel resort. (D)
We sail during breakfast for the island of Rab. This afternoon we will enjoy some time at leisure and an early evening guided walk through the picturesque Old Town, a perfectly preserved late Medieval Adriatic settlement squeezed into a slender peninsula along which are dotted a sequence of Romanesque campaniles. We have the opportunity this evening to dine ashore and sample one of the many local restaurants and we will remain moored overnight in the harbour. (B, L)
Spend a relaxing morning on board as we sail to another of Croatia’s charming islands. Arrive this afternoon at Mali Losinj which sits at the foot of a protected harbour on the southeast coast of Losinj Island. It is the island’s mild climate and rich flora that gave Mali Losinj its reputation as one of the most fragrant islands in Croatia; its air is scented with lavender, sage and rosemary. The seafront of Mali Losinj old town is lined with a string of imposing 19th century houses and villas. Dine ashore tonight in this stunning location. (B, L)
During breakfast we will cruise to the nearby island of Cres, mooring in the sheltered scenic Medieval harbour at Cres Town. Enjoy a walk through the atmospheric streets which have a strong Italian feel having been under Venetian rule in the 15th and 16th centuries. We will continue to the former fort city of Lubenice. Situated on a cliff 378 metres above the sea we will explore the fortress, city gates, houses, chapels and winding streets of this evocative site and enjoy the stunning views over the bay below. Dine ashore this evening and perhaps take a stroll along the seaside promenade. (B, L)
Sail today to the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean into 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 sometime around 800 AD. Take the opportunity to dine ashore this evening in one of the delightful local restaurants. (B, L)
After a short sail to Porec we will travel to the Istrian interior, an area famed for its picturesque villages, vineyards producing fine Malvasia and Teran wines and the forests that produce Istrian white truffles. On a morning walking tour we will explore Motovun which is perched on a hill in the Mirna River Valley with its Romanesque- Gothic bell tower, the Renaissance Church of St Stephen designed by Andrea Palladio and the charming central square. After a lunch of local specialities we will head into the agricultural area around Momjan where some of Croatia’s finest olives and vines have been grown for thousands of years. We will visit a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of the Muscat and Malvasia wines which are typical of the region before sampling the olive oil. Return to the ship for dinner on board. (B, L, D)
On a morning walking tour we will discover the compact old town including the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture. Sail in the late morning and arrive this afternoon in the 14 islands of Brijuni, which 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. 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. (B, L, D)
Today we arrive at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On a morning 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. The afternoon is free before we meet for our farewell dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.
Queen Eleganza
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.
Highlights
• Mali Losinj • Cres & Rovinj • Motovun & Momjan • Porec & Brijuni Islands
Map
