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Adriatic Sea Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025
60 Adriatic Sea trips. Compare tour itineraries from 17 tour companies. 302 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.
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Top Adriatic Sea Attractions
The Adriatic Sea offers various experiences that cater to different interests, from exploring historic cities and cultural landmarks to enjoying breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a deep dive into the local culture, Adriatic Sea tours provide something for everyone.
- Roaming the piazzas and canals of magical Venice
- Relaxing on the Puglian coast: sunbathe, swim, eat, repeat
- Enjoying a historical walk around the city walls of Dubrovnik and through the ruins of Diocletian's Palace in Split
- Taking in the coastal views from Portoroz in Slovenia
- Indulging in fresh seafood at a traditional konoba (tavern) in the coastal villages of Istria
- Diving in the Blue Grotto on the island of Biševo, known for its mesmerizing blue light
- Visiting the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pula, Croatia, one of the best-preserved in the world
- Hearing locals in Rovinj speak in Istriot, a language not widely spoken anymore
- Exploring the more than 1,000 islands on the Dalmatian coast, each with their own distinct appeal
- Visiting Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik
- Exploring the historic town of Korcula
- Sailing around the picturesque Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, exploring its medieval towns and stunning fjords
- Attending a classical music concert at the beautiful Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik
- Visiting the beautiful inland Krka and Plitvice National Parks in Croatia
- Hiking through the scenic hills of the Makarska Riviera, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea
Adriatic Sea Tours & Travel Guide
Adriatic Sea Attractions & Landmarks Guide
The Adriatic Sea, a 500-mile-long arm of the Mediterranean, divides Italy from the Balkans and provides the scenic waterway for small-ship cruises that leave from Venice to explore the coast of Croatia and Slovenia to the southeast and, sometimes, farther south to Montenegro and Albania. Adriatic tours often include visits to iconic cities like Ljubljana and historical sites.
The jewels of the Adriatic are Venice and the Croatian islands, as well as historic Croatian coastal cities such as Pula, Split, and Dubrovnik. The short Slovenian coastline, with its charming towns like Portoroz and Piran, also lies along the Adriatic.
Why Join Adriatic Sea Tours?
The Adriatic Sea is a pristine body of water that still feels like something of a secret compared to the nearby Mediterranean and Aegean. First and foremost, the waters of the Adriatic are soft and shockingly clear. The blues range from deep midnight to dark teal to pale turquoise in the shallows over pebble beaches.
Consistently sunny skies and dry, sunbaked shores make the water more appealing — this is some of the best swimming in the world. The Italian and Croatian sides tend to have smooth stone beaches instead of sand, but most swimmers bask on large rock outcrops and plunge directly into the water.
Beyond its sparkling water and craggy coastlines, the Adriatic is also an intensely concentrated cultural hub that abuts the entire eastern coast of Italy, from Venice in the north to Puglia in the south, as well as Albania, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro.
The exotic trade routes of the Venetian and Ottoman Empires influenced these areas, and today, this provides a fascinating historical context for a seaside getaway. It's best to explore the Adriatic by boat for maximum accessibility to medieval cities, hidden coves, and quiet pine islands.
Private mega-yachts were the first to cruise the eastern Adriatic, spilling over from the Mediterranean after the Balkan states stabilized in the late 1990s. Commercial cruise ships followed, the largest of which threatened to overwhelm the ancient walled cities and empty islands with massive overcrowding.
It's best to avoid this experience (and popular ports at peak docking times) by choosing a small ship cruise, which can navigate these intricate shores with nuance and style.
The Italian Side of the Adriatic
Venice, Italy's enchanting northern city, is the most well-known gateway to the Adriatic. Less familiar, though gaining traction, is the southeastern region of Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot.
Puglia has long been a vacation destination for Italians, who go there for the quiet coastline and the simple pleasures of life among lemon trees, vineyards, and olive groves (Puglia produces 40% of Italy's olive oil).
Time spent in Puglia is low-key and endlessly relaxing. It lacks the swish scene of the Amalfi coast or the tourist crush of Portofino. Puglia flies under the radar to great effect.
The Croatian Coast
Apart from Italy, Croatia has emerged as the most popular destination on the Adriatic. Croatia offers a great diversity of regional experiences, even within its long shoreline, but it would be a shame to miss the southernmost Dalmatian Coast.
The Dalmatian Coast twists about 100 miles from Split in the north to Dubrovnik in the south and encompasses more than 1,000 islands, creating hidden harbors and secret coves galore.
From swanky Hvar to charming Korcula to quiet Miljet, there is an island for everyone on this laid-back coastline. The hulking Balkan range dwarves deep blue seas, pine forests, terra-cotta roofs, and medieval walled villages. The views from the water, facing this backdrop, are unforgettable.
Split and Dubrovnik, a shimmering limestone port dubbed the "Pearl of the Adriatic," are excellent cities to wander. Both have complex histories and a rich cultural heritage thanks to successive waves of Mongol, Roman, Venetian, Ottoman, Slavic, Austro-Hungarian, and French occupation.
This amalgam of influences makes it the perfect setting for the fictional Kings Landing from Game of Thrones, another major draw for visitors.
The art and architecture retain an old-world patina, and the culture has a distinctive Slavic charm. Add to this the modern bars, cafes, and nightclubs that have popped up in recent years to please the jet-set and yacht crowd, and Croatia becomes an exceptionally well-rounded holiday destination.
Lesser Known Balkans: Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania
The beautiful landscape of the Dalmatian Coast extends south across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina and then Montenegro. Boating is the perfect choice to experience these countries without sacrificing the creature comforts and service of a small cruising vessel.
Farther south is Albania, where the Eastern European flavor is much more pronounced on the rugged, isolated coastline — the Albanian Riviera — and the interior terrain sharpens into jagged mountain ranges. Also, flush with forests and villages, Albania is perhaps the most mysterious gem along the Adriatic.
Bucolic Slovenia
Finally, a tiny slice of Slovenia is wedged into the northern pocket between Italy and Croatia. At once rustic and sophisticated, Slovenia is a paradise of valleys and snow-capped mountains, rivers, chapels, and castles, bound together by warm Slovenian hospitality. There is much to explore.
Top Activities to Enjoy on Adriatic Sea Tours
The Adriatic Sea region offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests, from nature enthusiasts to history buffs. Explore the beauty and culture of this unique area with these top activities.
- Walking the Walls of Dubrovnik: Experience the historic city of Dubrovnik by walking its ancient walls. These well-preserved fortifications offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the old town’s red-roofed buildings.
- Sailing Around the Dalmatian Islands: Discover the charm of the Dalmatian coast by sailing between its numerous islands. Visit Hvar, Korčula, and Vis, each with unique landscapes and attractions.
- Exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia features a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls. Wooden boardwalks offer an immersive way to explore this natural wonder.
- Visiting Lake Bled: Located in Slovenia, Lake Bled is renowned for its picturesque setting. Take a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island or hike to Bled Castle for panoramic views.
- Touring Ljubljana Castle: Overlooking Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana Castle offers historical exhibits and stunning city views. The funicular ride to the castle adds to the experience.
- Exploring Roman Ruins in Pula: Visit the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pula, one of the best-preserved in the world. Explore the city’s other Roman ruins and enjoy its vibrant cultural scene.
- Swimming in the Adriatic Sea: Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic at various beaches along the coast. The smooth stone beaches and secluded coves provide perfect spots for swimming and sunbathing.
Adriatic Sea Reviews & Ratings
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Cycling
The brochure tells you about the scenery etc but until you get there whow! It's a trip you must do the scenery ,roads and great guide will bring you to places you...
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Breathtaking scenery and super smooth cycling!
It really was as described on the label - fabulously clear seas teeming with fish, gorgeous vistas of islands, vines and historic villages, with hidden gems of fre...
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Wonderful way to see a beautiful country
This Croatian trip was a wonderful mix of unspoilt countryside, sparkling clear seas and historical walled towns and cities. It was also a good mix of fairly chall...
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Highly recommended!
My husband and I have just returned from this cycle trip and we can highly recommend it to anyone thinking of doing the same. Alan, the tour leader, was outstandin...
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stunning coastline
Excellent leader Alan. Great balance between towns and countryside. Difficult to find anything I would change, perhaps better hotel coffee. not having been before, D...
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