Opatija, Rab, Zadar, Pag & Krk, 7 Days

Arrival in Opatija on the northern Adriatic coast. In the early afternoon you board the motor sailer that is your quarters for the coming week. Anyone coming with a trailer can reserve a guarded parking space in advance. The rest of the day stays free for the promenade and a first evening on deck.

Passing Rijeka you follow the Jadranska Magistrala south. Near Senj the route turns inland into Velebit Nature Park, where the landscape changes completely within a few kilometres. That is also the first proper mountain stretch of the week. In the evening the ship lies at Rab.

By ferry back to the mainland and on to Karlobag, where a second detour climbs almost 950 metres over the mountains. After crossing the Velebit more bends follow before Zadar is reached, known for the sea organ played by the surf.

A quiet day. After a short detour to the island of Vir the bridge leads across to Pag and on to the harbour town of Mandre. In the afternoon a boat excursion along the coast of Pag offers a chance to swim, before the ship ties up in the harbour for the evening.

The longest stage of the week leads back to the mainland and then along the whole Jadranska Magistrala to the Krk bridge, almost 150 kilometres of bends on one of the finest coast roads anywhere. After the bridge it runs straight into the harbour of the island town of Krk, where the ship is already waiting.

By car ferry from Krk to Cres and on to a stop in a fishing village on Lošinj. Back on Cres a second ferry carries you to Istria, while the ship is heading in parallel towards Rabac, where you meet again in the evening.

The last riding day saves the best. Via Pazin with a view of Mitterburg it continues into the truffle town of Buzet, then over the Učka mountains on tight switchbacks and down to the Opatija riviera. The final night is spent together on board.

The loop ends where it began. After breakfast you leave the ship in Opatija and set off for home. Extra nights in Opatija are available on request, which makes sense for anyone with a long way to travel.