Northern Dalmatia, MS Dalmatino

Boarding at the port of Zadar between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. After a welcome drink and a greeting from the tour guide and crew, we’ll set sail for Preko on the island of Ugljan. From there, we’ll hike to the Sveti Mihovil Fortress, which offers breathtaking views of Zadar, the Velebit Mountains, and the islands of Iž and Dugi Otok. Dinner will be served on board, and we’ll spend the night in Preko.

In the morning, we set course for the Kornati Islands, which, with their 147 islands, islets, and reefs, are among the most impressive natural landscapes in the Adriatic. In Tarac Bay on the island of Kornat, we begin our hike up Metlina (237 m). From the island’s highest point, we enjoy fantastic views of the Kornati archipelago before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok, where we’ll spend the night.

The starting point for today’s hike is Mir Bay in Telašćica Nature Park. The trail leads gently uphill to the steep cliffs, which rise up to 161 meters, offering a fantastic view of Kornati National Park, the lush Telašćica Nature Park, and part of the Zadar Archipelago. We continue hiking along the rocky coast to the salt lake “Mir.” After walking around the lake, we return to our boat, which takes us to the island of Zverinac, where we’ll spend the night.

From Zverinac, we drive to nearby Božava on the island of Dugi Otok, located in a bay surrounded by pine trees. Today’s hike takes us from Božava first up Mount Kapelica (135 m), where we’ll enjoy a magnificent view of Sakarun Bay, the islands of Molat and Zverinac, and the Veli Rat lighthouse. We continue hiking along dry stone walls to the fishing village of Soline and through the village of Polje to Veli Rat, where our boat is waiting for us. We’ll then travel to Starigrad-Paklenica, where we’ll spend the night.

Today we’ll be hiking in the impressive Paklenica National Park in the Velebit mountain range. Transfer from the port of Starigrad-Paklenica to the national park entrance. From here, we’ll hike slightly uphill through the Velika Paklenica Gorge, framed by steep karst cliffs, along the old trade route to the mountain hut. After lunch, we’ll make our way back slowly, but not without first climbing up to the Manita Peć Cave. We’ll visit the cave, which is exceptionally rich in stalagmites and stalactites. We’ll return to the ship, then leave Starigrad-Paklenica and sail through a strait up the Zrmanja River to Obrovac. Overnight stay on board in Obrovac.

We’ll take a bus from Obrovac to the village of Golubić, from where we’ll hike through the karst landscape and along the canyon of the crystal-clear Krupa River. To our left and right, the canyon’s sheer cliffs rise up to 100 meters high, while we enjoy the birdsong and the croaking of the frogs. Along the way, we’ll pass numerous rapids and waterfalls. We’ll take a bus transfer to the island of Vir, where our boat will be waiting for us. Overnight stay in Vir.

During breakfast, we’ll drive to Zaton, where today’s itinerary begins. We’ll hike through pine forests along a quiet road to the ancient Christian town of Nin, once the seat of Croatian bishops and kings and rich in ancient archaeological sites. We continue our hike to the sandy beach of Sabunike and a cove with black therapeutic mud before returning to Zaton. The final leg of our cruise takes us from Zaton back to Zadar. Once we arrive at the port of Zadar, an experienced tour guide will lead us through the historic Old Town with its countless sights and monuments.

Disembarkation takes place after breakfast until 09:00. Afterwards you start your individual journey home.