Sailing Italy to Croatia
About Venice
With so many peaceful coves, hidden inlets, and secluded beaches to visit in the northern Adriatic, this flexible 10-day sailing tour is the best way to discover the region's hidden gems. Begin in Venice then visit the ancient basilicas and eclectic bars of Grado. Voyage through the Gulf of Trieste and hit Koper, Slovenia's oldest and largest coastal city, before sailing along sun-soaked islands and tranquil beaches in the Kvarner Gulf. With the comfort of on-board conveniences and a time-efficient itinerary, this Italy-to-Croatia sailing tour balances moments of relaxation with opportunities to discover the unknown.
Travel Style
Marine
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
Trip Type
Small Group
What's Included
Sailing the Adriatic Coast. Fully licensed skipper. Snorkelling equipment.
Highlights
Taste Croatian wine in historic Pula, visit the Slovenian sister towns of Piran and Portorož, witness majestic cliffs in the sun-soaked Kvarner islands, feast on fresh seafood from the Adriatic Sea, lounge on secluded beaches in Dugi
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
1. Space is limited on the boat and especially in your cabin. You can only take soft sided luggage on board, such as a mid-sized backpack or soft duffel bag. (Less than is 15kgs). Suitcases are not appropriate for our Sailing adventures as they are not pliable enough to fit into the niches available for luggage.
2. Fresh water is very limited on board, and as such we ask for your understanding that showers are limited to one quick shower per person a day.
3. Kindly note that there may be one or two longer travel days specified on the itinerary, and we appreciate your understanding as we strive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Group Leader Description
A G Adventures skipper will be with the group throughout your journey. The aim of the skipper is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible, as well as taking complete charge of the sailing, your safety on board and the safety of the vessel. As this is a real sailing adventure, our skipper might also request your help on board and will be more than happy to impart some of their vast sailing knowledge during the course of the journey. Our skippers are all fully licensed with many years of experience sailing in the area. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the islands you will visit.
Group Size Notes
Max 8.
Meals Included
No meals included
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Transport
16m (52 ft) Mediterranean Sailing Yacht.
About our Transportation
Our 50ft sailing boats are equipped with state of the art technology offering all travellers onboard a safe and enjoyable experience. Space is optimized – sleeping quarters are snug, meaning that more of the boat is open from everyone to enjoy. Cabins are allotted by the skipper based on the gender and traveller make-up of the group.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
4 twin/double bed cabins, 3 bathrooms, 2 showers (9nts).
About Accommodation
A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON SAILBOATS:
- Please note that the rooming for these boats is assigned upon arrival and neither particular cabins, nor berths can be guaranteed. You will be sharing a bunk or double bed with your travel partner or one of your fellow passengers of the same sex and sharing the bathrooms onboard.
- Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel and the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance.
- It may be possible to smell engine and/or diesel fumes when in the cabins, due to their proximity to the engine room. Most travel is done during the day, so it is unlikely you will be in the cabin when the engine is running.
- Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters.
- Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available.
- Please note that the skipper may also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.
- Power onboard is 220V on European 2 pin sockets. Please note that this is not suitable for sleeping aid machines, as the power source may not always be operating. Bringing a battery pack is recommended.
Joining Instructions
The meeting point in Venice is at the Venice Certosa Hotel on the island of Certosa;
Venice Certosa Hotel
Isola della Certosa
30141 Venezia
The marina is about 400m from the hotel, and your Skipper/CEO will meet you at 16:00 at the hotel.
Certosa is directly connected to Marco Polo Airport by ferry. From the airport, take the Alilaguna Rossa line if arriving during the day, and the Alilaguna Blu line if arriving at night. This line is active from April to October, and you must request the stop once you get on board.
Or if coming from Venice city centre (15 minutes from St. Mark's Square) then it is connected by Vaporetto ferry either from San Elena or San Pietro. Between 6 AM and 9 PM, take the ACTV public transport line 4.1 or 4.2 (Vaporetto) and get off at Certosa. You must request the stop.
The trip end point is;
Marina Boric, Obala kneza Domagoja 1, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider
https://partner.holidaytaxis.com/?ref=GADVE
Choose from a range of transport options including both private and shared transfers at a discounted rate.
We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking:
- Flight number
- Flight Arrival Time and Date
- Flight Departure Time and Date
- Passenger's Name
- Number of Passengers
- Valid Mobile Telephone Number
- Drop off and/or Pick Up Address
Emergency Contact
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Should you need to contact us during a situation of a dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
In case of serious emergency, please contact:
Head Skipper +385 91 172 2944
Operations +94 777 353 606
Director of Global Sailing +353 87 660 0644
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 2060
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 853 325
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 415
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
ALL OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: +44 207 243 9878
Packing List
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Laundry
Laundry facilities can be found in some harbours, ask your skipper for the best places.
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is expected - though not a compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or collectively and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however it is suggested 10EUR per person, per day can be used as a guideline.
Optional Activities
No optional activities
Health
Please note: We do not have a constant power source onboard, and cannot facilitate the use of Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines. Bringing a suitable battery pack is required.
Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
People who are sensitive to seasickness should come prepared.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.
Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.
Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Newsletter
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Group Leader
Skipper/CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Max Pax
8
Itinerary
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Venice
Arrival day. Join the group at 4pm for an important group meeting where you will meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO), Skipper, and the other group members.
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Venice/Grado
Embark from Venice as we hug the Adriatic coastline all the way to Grado.
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Gulf of Trieste & Slovenia
Depart Grado as we begin the second section of our voyage through the Gulf of Trieste.
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Gulf of Trieste & Slovenia
Depart Grado as we begin the second section of our voyage through the Gulf of Trieste.
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Istrian Peninsula
Traverse the coastline of Croatia's Istrian peninsula, with the possibility of visiting the seaside towns of Rovinj and Pula.
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Istrian Peninsula
Traverse the coastline of Croatia's Istrian peninsula, with the possibility of visiting the seaside towns of Rovinj and Pula.
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Kvarner Bay Islands
As we enter the Kvarner island chain, spend the next few days touring the archipelago as we feast on fresh seafood and lounge on the areas many secluded beaches.
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Kvarner Bay Islands
As we enter the Kvarner island chain, spend the next few days touring the archipelago as we feast on fresh seafood and lounge on the areas many secluded beaches.
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Kvarner Bay Islands
As we enter the Kvarner island chain, spend the next few days touring the archipelago as we feast on fresh seafood and lounge on the areas many secluded beaches.
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Zadar
Say farewell to your sailing partners, and depart after breakfast.