Croatia Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Croatia Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

596 Croatia trips. Tours from 134 tour companies. 1,189 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

81 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
A journey between Central Europe and the Balkans
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Budapest

Highlights

  • CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED 2-DAY/1-NIGHT EXTENSION: Lake Balaton and Varazdin
  • Visit to the Tihany Peninsula
  • One night's accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Balatonfüred
  • EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: Kopacki Rit Nature Park and Osijek
  • The medieval city of Ilok
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Family Friendly, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Summary over a cruise on the Haute Seine and Yonne on a barge. As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience about traveling on a barge in a canal. It was also time to overcome this lack. A number of companies offer this kind of cruising on barge with 8 to 16 passengers, however very often at exorbitant prices. Luckily, we discovered that the company CroisiEurope offers one week cruise on various canals in Europe, at very decent price, especially considering that all is inclusive (full board, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all excursions) on modern barges with a maximum of 22 passengers. We opted for the barge Ms Deborah, which cruises on the canal de la Loire, with the Briare to Nevers’ route. We were looking forward to this itinerary because the proposed excursions particularly suited us. Unfortunately, only a few days before departure, we were informed that due of a lack of water in the Loire canal the Ms Deborah was switched over to the Haute Seine and Yonne for a new itinerary from Paris to Sens. Despites the fact that this new itinerary didn’t really meet our desires, especially the excursions, we decided to accept the change. Our group of 6 persons from Switzerland was very warmly greeted by all members of the crew when arriving on the quai de Grenelle in Paris where we see the MS DEBORAH for the first time, our floating home for the week. With its two dominating colours blue and white, it is difficult not to fall in love with this beautiful small ship. We were invited immediately for the welcome cocktail during which we met officially the crew and the other six individual passengers originating from New Zealand, England and the USA. With less time than it needs to tell, the relation between us was created, so that everyone felt part of a bunch of friends knowing each other for long time. There is no need to present here the MS Deborah itself, as this is already thoroughly done on the Cruise Critic page. The crew of 6 persons is composed of a captain, a sailor, a cruise director, a chef, a waitress and a cabin hostess who put all their efforts to satisfy the passengers and offer them the best possible service. The captain as well as the sailor are always trying to make passengers at ease, answer questions or even bring a drink. The lady cruise director is omnipresent, taking care of the passengers better than a mother hen would do. The talented young French chef aims to produce dishes which please everybody. His outstanding sauces and excellent desserts should be particularly praised. However, referring to comments we made during a cruise on the Seine Princess two years ago, we cannot understand that why today it is not possible to offer the choice of a light buffet at lunch instead a three or even four course menu! The always smiling and friendly Hungarian waitress was very caring and attentive, without forgetting the cabin hostess doing a great job in the cabins, the public spaces and even the kitchen. It wouldn’t be fair to name a single person as all members of the crew, without any exception, do all they can to make the cruise unforgettable. Our one-week cruise on the barge Ms Deborah enables us today to make the following comments: ~ a cruise on a barge cannot be compared to any other kind of cruise ~ despite all the comfort offered on modern barge, one must be very aware that life on board happens at a restraint space, requiring therefore much flexibility and understanding in all aspects from all passengers ~ in our case, being only 12 passengers, we had the opportunity to take our meals on the terrace. We also never had the feeling that the boat was overcrowded. This can be different when the ship is full, especially by bad weather ~ the state of mind between the passengers who are mostly of foreign nationalities, who don’t know each other and don’t speak French, must function well right from the beginning ~ if the interrelation works, it is difficult to find a more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling ~ the success on a barge is mainly due on the quality of its crew. Ms Deborah’s crew members have quickly created a family spirit on board, showing also that they genuinely like what they do ~ excursions can play a major role in choosing an itinerary. Not speaking French or English can be a handicap Do we recommend to do a cruise on a barge? Yes, definitively! It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting. In our case, this second try with CroisiEurope gives them a better note."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • What better way to see the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast than aboard a private yacht? All aboard for a week in paradise.
  • Explore beautiful Split, where tradition, modernity and a variety of European influences come together. A visit to the Diocletian’s Palace reveals some of the Adriatic Coast’s most important surviving Roman buildings.
  • Bliss out on Brac’s world famous Zlatni Rat beach, a spit of white sand jutting out into turquoise waters.
  • Opened to the public only in 1989, the island of Vis boasts coastal scenery and a military history just waiting to be discovered. Also, the local vugava wine is rather nice.
  • Stari Grad, Hvar’s Old Town, is quite literally one of the oldest towns in Europe, and a charming one at that. It provides a great base from which to explore the island.

Themes

Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • What better way to see the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast than aboard a private yacht? All aboard for a week in paradise.
  • Set sail out of beautiful Dubrovnik. The World Heritage-listed walled city plays host to film crews every year.
  • Wander the length of car-free Lopud in the idyllic Elafiti Islands.
  • Discover the lush forests of Mljet, which are yet to be spoilt by mainstream tourism.
  • Visit Odysseus Cave where, according to legend, the king of Ithaca once found refuge after surviving a shipwreck.
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Highlights of Eastern Europe (Vienna, Vienna)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 16 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Balkan Delight
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Dubrovnik: Gain a deep appreciation for Croatian hospitality as you meet the Knez family for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience in their tavern overlooking the Dubrovnik Hills.
  • Split: See the ancient fortress built in Split as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
  • Zagreb: Spend the day discovering the diverse cultures and traditions of Zagreb.
  • Zagreb: Take in the scenic landscapes of Zagreb.
  • Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Croatia and Montenegro Sailing Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Croatia, Kotor, Montenegro

Highlights

  • See the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia and Montenegro along Dalmatian Coast and Bay of Kotor – aboard a private yacht, no less.
  • Visit Old Town Dubrovnik, the World Heritage-listed walled city that often plays host to film crews. You’ll see why when you experience this medieval-like architecture surrounded by a glittering coast.
  • Make daily excursions to explore wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades, dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient olive groves and traditional wineries.
  • Customise your trip with lots of free time and a flexible schedule – your skipper will always consider the weather conditions and the group’s desires.
  • Learn some fascinating legends, myths and stories at each stop – including gems like Brac, Hvar, Vis, Korcula, Lastovo, Mljet, the Elafiti Islands, Kotor, Dobrec, Sveti Dorde and Gospa od Skrpjela.

Themes

Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Budva, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Montenegro, Perast

Highlights

  • Sail between towering cliffs and into the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, where ancient mountain hamlets are stuffed with World Heritage-listed villages and sublime beaches.
  • Snorkel the clearest water in the Mediterranean and cool off with daily swim stops at secluded coves and bays, whenever it takes the group's fancy.
  • Dine on some of the world’s freshest seafood. Grilled, fried and cooked to perfection in tiny waterfront restaurants where recipes have been perfected over generations.
  • From the winding walls leading to the Castle of San Giovanni in Kotor to the 15th-century Podmaine Monastery in Budva, this trip will surely delight amateur historians.
  • Enjoy a unique optional experience in Montenegro with a local family and sit down to a homecooked, homegrown three-course meal with unlimited wine and homemade grappa.
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
81 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
...

1

2

3

4

5

...

Croatia Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
1,189  Reviews
See all Croatia tour reviews
Excellent
479
Great
147
Average
21
Disappointing
2
Terrible
5
R

Robert

Oct 2015

Written on

1. Excellent itinerary 2. Excellent logistics/transport to destinations 3.

1. Excellent itinerary 2. Excellent logistics/transport to destinations 3. Excellent trip guide

G

Geoff

Oct 2015

Written on

Dinko Pervan was an excellent leader; he

Dinko Pervan was an excellent leader; he spoke knowledgeably and not too much :) I liked the format of the trip where we were given an introduction to a new locatio...

H

Helen

Oct 2015

Written on

I like the Intrepid style of trip

I like the Intrepid style of trip where you are not organised all the time

T

Tracey

Oct 2015

Written on

Love small group tours, the free time

Love small group tours, the free time and travelling on loca...

P

Penelope

Oct 2015

Written on

The trip was actually split into two

The trip was actually split into two trips which made it difficult to develop a good rapport with the rest of the group & the tour leaders. We were just starting...

Write a Review

Croatia Tour Selection Trips

  • Traveling with a knowledgeable guide in Croatia can provide invaluable background on the long history of the country, as well as its more recent history in the Bosnian War of the early to mid-1990s.
  • Look for Croatia tours that combine both the dramatic coastal cities and islands with excursions into the interior of the country; Zagreb is well worth a visit.
  • Be aware that traveling in Croatia requires climbing some steep steps to walk on Dubrovnik’s city walls and more climbing to visit Roman ruins, medieval castles and other sites, many of which were built on top of high hills for defensive purposes.   
  • Because of the hilly terrain in some places, bus rides can induce motion sickness.  If you’re prone to that malady, carry along pills to combat the sensation.

Additional details

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Croatia is now open to travelers from both Europe and the United States.

Read more about Countries Reopening for Tourism


Why Visit Croatia on a Tour?

Where else can you get stunning coastlines, teal waterfalls, historic old towns, and delicious food? Croatia is a top destination in Europe because of its affordability and rich culture. However, getting around Croatia can be a little bit difficult with transportation and a growing tourism scene.

Croatia is in the rebuilding process after the Croatia War of Independence and the most common mode of transportation is by local or charter bus, not train. If you are traveling through the busy areas, many of those buses are fully booked and could delay your travels.

Visiting Croatia on a tour allows you the comfort of pre-booked travel and inside access to top destinations. There are specialized tours to Croatia providing behind the scenes access and allowing you to skip the long lines.

Additionally, Croatia is a great place for a road trip, but parking isn’t always easy. Many of the top attractions in Croatia are the old towns on the coast. Many of these towns you cannot park in or do not have easily accessible parking.

Croatia Cruises

Another way to visit Croatia is by cruises. Croatia is a top country for those looking to enjoy a cruise vacation. Up and down the Croatian coastline you can find stunning old towns and sheer white cliffs. Also, Croatia has over 1,000 islands you can visit on your cruise.

Cruises to Croatia have a variety of boat types and tour lengths. There are some tours that use the large cruise ships and dock in main ports like Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar, and there are tours that use smaller, sailing ships.

If you are visiting Croatia by a land tour, you can also book day or week cruises to the islands. These tours are typically on smaller boats and you can rent them for however long you wish. This is a great way to visit the smaller or farther out islands that can’t be reached by the large cruise ships.

Who Will Enjoy Visiting Croatia?

Croatia has something to offer every type of traveler. Those interested in history will really enjoy the old towns on the Dalmatian Coast. Many of these cities are centuries old and are some of the most picturesque villages in Europe.

Speaking of pictures, photographers will love the views of Croatia by both land and sea. Croatia’s coastline is characterized by towering white cliffs and green forests. If you venture inland, you will come across teal lakes, green mountains, and hill villages.

Travelers who are looking to visit Europe on a budget will also enjoy traveling to Croatia. Croatia is one of the more expensive countries in the Balkans; however, compared to Western Europe and the United Kingdom, it is very affordable.

Croatia Currency

Croatia does use its own currency. Croatia began using the Kuna in 1994 when Croatia gained its independence after the fall of Yugoslavia. Even though Croatia is part of the European Union, they currently still use the Kuna.

You can exchange your money before you leave your home country, but it’s recommended you do in smaller amounts. There are plenty of places throughout Croatia where you can exchange or take out money from ATMs. But make sure to switch back to your own currency before leaving, you may get a better rate in Croatia then in the U.S.

There are some places in Croatia, like Dubrovnik and Split, that may take Euros. Since these are top tourist destinations, some shops and restaurants will accept them. However, it’s best to use the Kuna for easier conversion.

Is Croatia Safe?

Yes, Croatia is very safe. Conflict ended in Croatia in 1995 and violent crime is very rare. However, visitors are advised to always safeguard your possessions. Like most top tourist destinations, petty crime like pickpocketing can be common.

Sailing in Croatia

If you love being on the water, and are a bona fide skipper, a nautical tour of Croatia may be your dream come true. It is not only possible to sail Croatia -- jumping from island to island on the calm, sapphire Adriatic aboard a gorgeous sailboat -- this is one popular form of guided tour.

Whether you restrict yourself to Croatia, or decide to explore all of the Balkans, traveling by sailboat is a relaxing and intimate experience, the ideal aquatic version of a Croatia vacation.

Croatia Cycling and Bike Tours

If you want access to some of the most beautiful, scenic bike trails on the planet, consider going on a cycling tour of Croatia’s Dalmation Coast. Your guide will be able to save you the hassle of meticulously planning your routes, packing food, maps, and foreign dictionaries, and allow you to focus on the physical activity and your breathtaking surroundings. Not only this, but on a multi-day escorted bike tour, your guide is likely to take you off of the mainland to enjoy some island views.

What to Know Before Going on A Croatia Bike Tour
  • Weather: Croatia has a typical Mediterranean climate. This means, in the summer, expect weather in the high 70’s. Luckily, Croatia is not prone to rain, although you may want to pack a small waterproof jacket just in case it does, or the wind leaves you a little chillier in the early morning -- you will spend a lot of time outdoors on a bike tour!
  • How should I be? This largely depends on what level of tour you embark on. Stride can help you look for easier cycling tours, but make sure to reach out to tour providers for more information about what kind of endurance you need.
  • Croatia roads: The roads in Croatia are usually well paved, and as you will be traveling on the scenic routes, you should not encounter much vehicular traffic.
  • What’s the difference between guided and self guided tours? Guided tours usually include a lot more than a self-guided tour. You will not only have a person with you to help or answer any questions, but you will often benefit from services such as various included meals, transfers to and from the airport, and van support.

Best Times to Visit Croatia

While there really is not a bad time to visit Croatia, each season comes with its own significance. When you are planning your vacation, it’s important to take into consideration certain seasonal associations like weather, festivities and limitations.

Winter

Winter in Croatia varies by region. At its coastline, the region has a mediterranean climate and remains relatively warm. Dubrovnik is perfect for those who love celebrating the holidays but cannot stand the cold. Dubrovnik’s Christmas Fair celebrates with live music, local foods, and performances. For those looking for something sweet, Opatija hosts their annual Chocolate Festival every December.

Moving inland, the weather gets much colder. Croatia’s central and northern regions usually have snow by the end of December. Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, also has a Christmas Fair in Ban Josip Jelačić Square where you can celebrate with live performance and music.

Plitvice National Park can be visited in the winter, but it should be noted that bad weather conditions can sometimes cause the rangers to close off certain parts of it. Before you make the journey out to the park, make sure you check its official website for any weather related updates. When the conditions are mild and pleasant, the park truly looks like a winter wonderland.  

Spring

Spring time weather throughout Croatia is relatively mild and warm. It is also far less busy with tourist. In central Croatia, the weather varies slightly between warm and cool temperatures. This is largely due to frequent winds that blow prominently during this time of the year. At its coastline, there are also frequent winds, but the weather is much warmer.

Throughout Croatia, there are numerous festivals that celebrate the blooming vegetation. In April, Dubrovnik’s FestiWine has become a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.  Zagreb has the Floraart International Garden Show and International Street Festival every May. And the Flower Fair of Zadar every April is a must-see.

With the recently melted snow, Croatia’s national parks are in prime conditions. Its waterfalls are in full force, the landscape has an endless array of shrubbery, and the wildlife is full of mothers raising their young.

Summer

Croatia is mostly warm and sunny during its summer months. However, occasional rain is common, especially in central and northern Croatia. The height of Croatia’s tourism season is also within these months. If you want to miss the crowds, then go in late May or early June. By July and August, it is at peak season for tourism.

But, there are some pros to traveling during tourism high season. The weather is usually constantly warm. This means that nothing will be closed off at any of the national parks. It is also good for getting around. Because of the influx of visitors, most bus and boat routes add more times to their schedule.

Fall

Fall in Croatia gets the tail end of the summer craziness. The weather is warm, but it isn’t unbearably hot. Most destinations and attractions are slightly less crowded.

Plus, most cities are celebrating the autumn season in some festive way. By the coastline, the water is still warm and there is plenty of sunshine. The national parks are just as lovely and transportation is still easily accessible.

If you are looking for a quieter and more relaxing trip, then Croatia in the fall is a good idea.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 596 trips to Croatia and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!