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Our springtime exploration of the Balkans combines a cruise along Croatia’s spectacular coastline with its intense blue sea and amazingly picturesque islands with visits to both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia. This region has much to offer the genuine traveller and our cruise itinerary has been carefully designed to visit some marvellous places which do not cater for the big ships and each night we remain moored in the picturesque harbours affording the opportunity to dine ashore on some evenings, enjoying the floodlit splendour and lively café society which is so atmospheric.

We will explore Medieval towns and cities, impressive monasteries and UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the magnificent old town of Dubrovnik, the charming islands of Korcula and Rab, the dramatic waterfalls of Krka and the pretty island of Brac. We will also visit the historic cities of Zadar and Split with their history dating back to Roman times and spend a day in Croatia’s lesser-visited neighbour Bosnia-Herzegovina where we will discover the historic city of Mostar. Finally, after our cruise aboard the 36-passenger Queen Eleganza, we have the benefit of a two night hotel stay in Slovenia allowing us time to discover the beautiful cobalt-blue Lake Bled with its tiny castle-topped island in the middle and the largest underground cave system in Europe at Postojna.

Highlights


• Dubrovnik & Korcula

• Korcula & Opuzen

• Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

• Split & Sibenik

• Krka National Park

• Lake Bled, Slovenia

Day 1 London to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Queen Eleganza. Enjoy the welcome dinner on board this evening as we moor overnight. (D)

Day 2 Dubrovnik & Korcula.

Spend the morning in Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. After a short drive to Pile Gate, we will begin our guided walk through the unique Medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. See the major attractions such as the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Sponza Palace. Return to the vessel for lunch as we set sail. In the late afternoon we arrive in Korcula, the reputed birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo, where we will enjoy some time to walk along the crooked Medieval streets to the elegant squares which are flanked with palaces of the old nobility. We will be moored overnight in Korcula and you will be able to dine ashore independently in the Old Town this evening. (B, L)

Day 3 Korcula & Opuzen.

After breakfast we will drive to the interior of the island, past olive groves and vineyards offering views down to the coast below. During our visit to a winery we will learn more about the mainly white wines, which have been cultivated on the island for centuries before enjoying a tasting. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail to Opuzen, located 12 kilometres from the coast on the Neretva River, where we moor overnight allowing for the opportunity to dine ashore independently this evening. (B, L)

Day 4 Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Today we cross the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina for our visit to Mostar. In the 15th century, Mostar became a thriving centre on the banks of the emerald Neretva River under the Ottoman Turks. Damaged by the military conflict in the 1990s, the town has been carefully restored by UNESCO and declared a World Heritage Site. Admire the ethereally graceful Stari Most (‘The Old Bridge’), originally built in 1566, the nearby Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and an old Turkish house, among other sites. You may also wish to explore the old bazaar independently, a haven for the city’s artists and craftsmen. Return to the ship in Opuzen this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Brac, Croatia.

Sail this morning for Brac and the attractive port of Pucisca located at the end of a long bay. Brac is world renowned for the quality of its stone which was used for the Diocletian’s Palace in Split as well as the White House in Washington and other parliament buildings in Europe. Spend a few hours in the charming small town, voted one of the prettiest in Europe, where the white roofs of the buildings create an ambient atmosphere. Later we sail the short distance to Split where we moor overnight and have the opportunity to dine ashore. (B, L)

Day 6 Split & Sibenik.

Our morning guided walk through Split includes the Palace of Diocletian which was built by the emperor in 295-305 AD as his retirement villa. Much of this large building is well preserved and the palace contains Split’s Old Town within its walls, making it the only Roman palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. It is a wonderful spot to wander the maze of street. Over lunch we will sail to Sibenik where we enjoy a late afternoon walking tour through the historic town seeing the Cathedral of St James, the old city walls, and the theatre before dining ashore at your leisure this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Krka National Park.

From our berth in Sibenik we visit the majestic waterfalls of Krka. Enjoy a morning guided walk along wooden walkways and across bridges through this unique fjord like landscape with its multiple waterfalls and interesting flora and fauna. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board sailing through the Kornati Islands as we make our way to Zadar for an overnight mooring and the opportunity to dine ashore independently this evening. (B, L)

Day 8 Zadar.

Once a dominant city on the Adriatic coast rivalling Venice, Zadar is today a treasured city that has preserved its historical core. During our guided walking tour we will stroll around the old town with its Roman columns and portals, Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Of particular interest are the 9th century circular Church of St Donat, and the 13th century Romanesque cathedral. This afternoon we continue our journey north as we sail to Rab where we moor overnight and have the chance to sample one of the many local restaurants. (B, L)

Day 9 Rab.

This morning we will take a 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. After a final afternoon at sea we arrive in Opatija and will take a walk around this genteel resort before our farewell dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Opatija to Lake Bled, Slovenia.

Disembark this morning as we make our way to Slovenia. We will drive through the Karst region, known for its rich natural habitat. The Postojna Cave is a 21 kilometre long karst cave system, a web of underground passages, galleries and chambers, the biggest in Europe. There is almost no corner in the cave without a beautiful stalactite or stalagmite. The cave boasts the oldest underground train in the world, which we will use to partly explore this underground jewel but the two kilometres of its most attractive part is taken on foot allowing us to slowly take in the many natural and unusual wonders of the darkness. After lunch we continue to our hotel in Lake Bled where after some free time we will meet for dinner in the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Lake Bled.

Using the local ‘pletna’ boats, this morning we will cruise the lake and make our way to Blejski Otok, an island situated in the middle of the lake where we will visit the Chapel of Santa Maria. Returning to the lakeside we will make our way to Bled Castle located high on the rock face above the lake, protecting the town since 1004. We end our visit at the picturesque old town of Radovljica, one of the best-preserved towns in Slovenia with houses dating back to the 15th century. After lunch in the town we will return to the hotel in Lake Bled for an afternoon at leisure. Maybe take the walking track around the lake for further views or relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. We will meet for dinner tonight in the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Lake Bled to London.

After breakfast in the hotel we will check out and transfer to Ljubljana airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

26 April, 2024 to 07 May, 2024
ship icon Queen Eleganza
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Category 1

£4,195 GBP pp
Category 1
Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck - 17m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The cabins on the Lower Deck all have two portholes.

Category 6 Sole

£4,195 GBP pp
Category 6 Sole
Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use - 15m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The cabins on the Lower Deck all have two portholes.

Category 2

£4,195 GBP pp
Category 2
Twin Cabin on the Main Deck - 12m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 2 cabins on the Main Deck benefit from a large picture window offering wonderful views.

Category 3

£4,495 GBP pp
Category 3
Twin Cabin on the Main Deck - 14.5m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 3 cabins have three portholes.

Category 4

£4,795 GBP pp
Category 4
Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck - 15m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 4 cabins on the Main Deck benefit from a large picture window offering wonderful views.

Category 5

£5,095 GBP pp
Category 5
Double cabin on the Main Deck - 26m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 5 cabin has four portholes.

07 October, 2024 to 18 October, 2024(reverse)
ship icon Queen Eleganza
Book now

Category 6 Sole

£4,195 GBP pp
Category 6 Sole
Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use - 15m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The cabins on the Lower Deck all have two portholes.

Category 1

£4,195 GBP pp
Category 1
Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck - 17m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The cabins on the Lower Deck all have two portholes.

Category 2

£4,195 GBP pp
Category 2
Twin Cabin on the Main Deck - 12m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 2 cabins on the Main Deck benefit from a large picture window offering wonderful views.

Category 3

£4,495 GBP pp
Category 3
Twin Cabin on the Main Deck - 14.5m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 3 cabins have three portholes.

Category 4

£4,795 GBP pp
Category 4
Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck - 15m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 4 cabins on the Main Deck benefit from a large picture window offering wonderful views.

Category 5

£5,095 GBP pp
Category 5
Double cabin on the Main Deck - 26m2. All cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The category 5 cabin has four portholes.

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.

Cabin layout for Queen Eleganza

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited)

Exclusions


• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature
Queen Eleganza
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Map for Balkan Delights with Queen Eleganza
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