8-Days Island Hopping Cruise from Zadar to Split

Dalmatian Highlights Zadar and Split Region Cruise 

Overview

Discover Croatia by sea on the Dalmatian Highlights Zadar and Split Region Cruise, an 8-day island-hopping journey through the Adriatic’s indented coastline and dazzling archipelagos. From historic port towns to swim stops in crystal-clear bays, the Dalmatian Highlights Zadar and Split Region Cruise blends relaxed cruising with unforgettable coastal scenery.

🗺️ What to Expect

This is a very easy-paced cruise designed for travelers who want a smooth rhythm of sailing, sightseeing, and swimming. Days typically flow from scenic cruising to a refreshing dip in a quiet bay, followed by afternoons and evenings in character-filled towns like Vodice, Šibenik, Split, and Trogir. Expect a friendly onboard atmosphere, comfortable time to explore at your own pace, and standout nature moments in places like Krka National Park, Kornati National Park, and Telašćica Nature Park.

✨ Highlights

• 🏝️ Cruise among Croatia’s magical islands and swim in clear Adriatic bays
• 🌊 Experience Zadar’s famous Sea Organ, where waves create natural music
• 💦 Visit Krka National Park and see the “Skradinski Buk” waterfall area (entrance payable on-site)
• 🏛️ Explore Split’s old town built around Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site
• 🧱 Wander Šibenik’s fortress-like old town and admire St. Jacob’s Cathedral
• 🧭 Sail through the Kornati Islands National Park, a dense nautical paradise of islets and reefs
• 🪨 Discover Telašćica Nature Park, with dramatic cliffs and the saltwater lake Mir

📍 Itinerary

Day 1, Zadar boarding (11:30 am to 1:00 pm), board at the port of Zadar. Late arrivals will need a transfer to the next port of call for embarkation, Vodice Port. Welcome drink, meet the crew and fellow passengers, snack onboard, then a first swim stop on one of the islands. Continue to Vodice, dinner onboard, evening at leisure in local taverns or Konobas. Overnight onboard.

Day 2, Skradin, Krka National Park, Šibenik, cruise into the River Krka and anchor in Skradin. Take smaller boats to Krka National Park to visit “Skradinski Buk” (park entrance including boat ride not included, payable on-site). Return toward the Adriatic and stop in Šibenik for a stroll and time to see St. Jacob’s Cathedral from the outside and explore the old town. Dinner opportunity in town. Overnight onboard.

Day 3, Primošten, swim bay, Split, visit Primošten and stroll its charming old town on a peninsula. After lunch onboard, enjoy a bathing break in a bay, then continue to Split. Explore the old town that grew out of Diocletian’s Palace, part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Overnight onboard.

Important note for Split (starting in 2025), a pier in the Port of Split will undergo complete reconstruction, reducing available berths. In exceptional cases, Split may not be called, with alternative stops such as Omiš, Milna (Brač Island), or Rogač (Šolta Island) used instead.

Day 4, swim break, Trogir, depart the harbor, enjoy a refreshing swim break, then continue to Trogir. Guided tour of the UNESCO-protected old town, then dinner opportunity at local restaurants. Overnight onboard.

Day 5, Drvenik Veli, Zlarin, sail to Drvenik Veli for a swim stop in one of the bays. After lunch onboard, continue to the island of Zlarin and moor in the small harbor of the fishing village. Dinner opportunity in town. Overnight onboard.

Day 6, Kornati Islands National Park, Telašćica Nature Park (Dugi Otok), cruise the length of the Kornati Islands, a national park since 1980. Anchor in a beautiful bay for an extended swim break, then arrive at Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok. Walk to the steep cliffs and the saltwater lake Mir. Overnight onboard.

Day 7, Ugljan swim break, Zadar guided tour, leave Telašćica and stop in a bay on Ugljan for a last extensive swim break. Return to Zadar and join a guided tour of the old town, including key sights such as the Roman Forum, the Church of Sveti Donat, the Cathedral of Sveta Stošija, and the Sea Organ. Overnight onboard.

Day 8, Zadar disembarkation (until 9:00 am), breakfast onboard, then disembark by 9:00 am.

✅ What’s Included

• 8-day cruise itinerary from Zadar through Dalmatia, as described
• Onboard welcome drink
• Snack after embarkation on Day 1
• Dinner onboard on Day 1
• Guided tour of Trogir old town
• Guided tour of Zadar old town
• Multiple scheduled swimming and bathing breaks, as per itinerary

❌ Exclusions

• Krka National Park entrance and boat ride, payable on-site
• Dinners in local restaurants on evenings at leisure
• Any transfers for late arrivals requiring embarkation at Vodice Port
• Any items, services, or activities not explicitly listed as included

ℹ️ Important Information

• Meeting point, boarding at the port of Zadar between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm.
• Late arrival policy, passengers arriving later will need a transfer to the next port of call for embarkation, Vodice Port.
• Disembarkation, after breakfast on the final day, disembarkation is until 9:00 am.
• Difficulty, Very easy. The pace is relaxed, with walking tours and optional independent exploration in ports.
• Krka visit, the stop includes time to visit “Skradinski Buk.” Park entrance, including boat ride, is not included and is payable on-site.
• Split port reconstruction notice, starting in 2025, reduced berths may occasionally mean Split is replaced by Omiš, Milna (Brač Island), or Rogač (Šolta Island).

🚢 Ready to Sail the Dalmatian Coast?

If you want an island-focused journey that balances iconic towns with swim stops in peaceful bays, the Dalmatian Highlights Zadar and Split Region Cruise is an ideal way to experience Dalmatia at an easy pace. Secure your place and look forward to guided walks in Zadar and Trogir, unforgettable nature in Kornati and Telašćica, and the timeless appeal of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Q1. What are the embarkation and disembarkation times in Zadar?
A1. Boarding at the port of Zadar is between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. After breakfast on the final day, disembarkation is until 9:00 am.

Q2. What happens if I arrive late for boarding in Zadar?
A2. Passengers arriving later will need a transfer to the next port of call for embarkation, Vodice Port. This ensures you can still join the cruise after it departs Zadar.

Q3. Is the Krka National Park entrance fee included?
A3. No. The Krka National Park entrance, including the boat ride to the park area, is not included and is payable on-site.

Q4. Will the cruise definitely visit Split?
A4. Starting in 2025, reconstruction at a pier in the Port of Split may reduce available berths. In exceptional cases, the Dalmatian Highlights Zadar and Split Region Cruise may use alternative stops such as Omiš, Milna (Brač Island), or Rogač (Šolta Island).

Q5. What is the difficulty level of the cruise?
A5. The trip is rated very easy. The Dalmatian Highlights Zadar and Split Region Cruise is designed around relaxed cruising, swim breaks, and manageable walking during guided tours and port visits.