Trip Reports
Duration
7 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from Italy
Ports
8 Ports
4 July
Setting sail from Venice
Venice is a city like no other, a marble maze of turquoise canals criss-crossed by beautiful bridges, overflowing with palaces, churches and charming little piazzas. No matter how many times you've seen it in photographs, that first glimpse of the Grand Canal will simply take your breath away; it hardly seems credible that such an eye-popping scene could exist outside of a Canaletto painting. Of course Venice is a city that draws big crowds, especially in summer, but don't let this put you off; even the busiest areas are never more than a few steps from a quiet courtyard or a secluded square.
Don't miss
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection houses an eclectic assortment of works from the likes of Picasso, Magritte and Jackson Pollock. There is also a lovely garden facing on to the Grand Canal, with a rather rude sculpture of a rider on horseback.
5 July
Slovenia: Piran
Pretty little Piran grew rich thanks to the salt trade, and thrived under both the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian empire. The well-preserved old town is the highlight of Slovenia’s short stretch of coastline, set on a small peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic.
6 July
Croatia: Mali Lošinj
Lošinj is one of Croatia’s lesser known gems, a verdant island that was once the favourite holiday resort of the Austro-Hungarian emperor, Franz Josef. The fishing villages of Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj are pleasingly picturesque, and the surrounding waters are known for their healthy dolphin population.
7 July
Croatia: Senj
7 July
Croatia: Krk
The island of Krk, connected to the Croatian mainland by a bridge, lies at the northern end of the Dalmatian coast, and is a busy holiday destination during summer. The historic centre of Krk Town is a highlight, with its cobbled streets, Romanesque cathedral and the 12th-century Frankopan Castle.
8 July
Croatia: Opatija
Opatija was the favourite seaside resort of the Austro-Hungarian elite during the 19th century, a legacy that lives on in the town's handsome belle époque villas. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy a swim in a protected bay or visit the Volosko neighbourhood, home to some excellent seafood restaurants.
9 July
Croatia: Rovinj
Rovinj is undoubtedly the highlight of the Istrian coast, a picturesque medieval fishing port with a strong Italian influence discernible in everything from the elegant architecture to the bilingual street signs. A day trip to one of the nearby islands also makes for an enjoyable excursion.
10-11 July
Arriving in Venice
Our tip
The long, long queues for St Marks might put you off, but just book online in advance for timed entrance and bypass the exhausted tourists.
Your home from home
The third innovative luxury yacht from Emerald Cruises, Emerald Kaia represents an exciting evolution in intimate small-ship cruising, setting sail in 2026.
What we love
Following the success of sister ships Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises unveils a brand-new luxury yacht due to set sail in 2026, Emerald Kaia. This new yacht will feature enhanced spaces on board including an Observation Sun Deck at the bow, and a reimagined Sky Deck area, perfect for soaking in the views, and will operate itineraries in the Mediterranean and Seychelles.
| capacity | 128 guests |
|---|---|
| crew | 92 staff |
| style | Intimate, luxury cruising akin to sailing on your own private yacht, with enhanced outside spaces perfect for warmer climes. |
| inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Venice
The Metropole is an old favourite for its quieter location and lovely lagoon views.
See more of the Veneto
If you’ve time, take the train to Padova and visit the Scrovegni Chapel.
