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9-Night Croatia Intensive Voyage

Aboard Azamara Onward with Azamara

Departure Date

18 September 2025

Duration

9 Nights

Cruise Only From

£4,615pp

Cruise Reference

ART-39-AZ20

Cruise Overview

Venice is a city unlike any other.

No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine.

With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere.

The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient.

Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.
Stroll along Opatija’s seaside promenade, and soak up the splendour, as you enjoy fresh sea air, the sight of waving yacht masts, and the presence of grand ocean-facing buildings.

Historically a fashionable destination for European aristocracy, the city is just as in-demand today - with palatial structures watching out over an inviting blue sea, and a border of lush green mountains stretching around the city.

Vibrant gardens, glorious weather and endless seafront combine to ensure that Croatia’s original tourist destination remains one of the country’s finest.
Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik.

What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history.

The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula some 4 km (2½ miles) long and just 1,640 feet wide, is bustling and beautiful: the marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries.

Parts of the new town are comparatively dreary, a testament to what a world war followed by decades of communism, not to mention a civil war, can do to the architecture of a city that is 3,000 years old.

A settlement had already existed on the site of the present-day city for some 2,000 years when Rome finally conquered Zadar in the 1st century BC; the foundations of the forum can be seen today.

Before the Romans came the Liburnians had made it a key center for trade with the Greeks and Romans for 800 years.

In the 3rd century BC the Romans began to seriously pester the Liburnians, but required two centuries to bring the area under their control.

During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St.

Donat's Basilica.

It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries.

The city then experienced successive onslaughts and occupations—both long and short—by the Osogoths, the Croatian-Hungarian kings, the Venetians, the Turks, the Habsburgs, the French, the Habsburgs again, and finally the Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia and, in 1991, the independent republic of Croatia.

Zadar was for centuries an Italian-speaking city, and Italian is still spoken widely, especially by older people.

Indeed, it was ceded to Italy in 1921 under the Treaty of Rapallo (and reverted to its Italian name of Zara).

Its occupation by the Germans from 1943 led to intense bombing by the Allies during World War II, which left most of the city in ruins.

Zadar became part of Tito's Yugoslavia in 1947, prompting many Italian residents to leave.

Zadar's most recent ravages occurred during a three-month siege by Serb forces and months more of bombardment during the Croatian-Serbian war between 1991 and 1995.

But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold.

There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.

Cruise Itinerary

Aboard Azamara Onward

Launch Year: 1999 Length: 180 Width: 25 Currency: USD Capacity: 692 Crew Count: 375 Deck Count: 11 Cabin Count: 338

Step aboard the new Azamara Onward℠, and arrive at the doorstep of the globe’s most hidden gems and storied cities. Built to cross oceans, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations larger ships can’t access — this small ship cruising experience is unlike any other.

Throughout your journey, you’ll find so many ways to immerse yourself in your travels. Our thoughtfully-planned itineraries feature more extended stays, more overnights, and unique night touring, giving you more time for what matters — experiencing the history, arts, cuisine, and local customs that make each port memorable.

And after a day spent discovering the treasures of your destination, retreat to your seaside sanctuary for ocean views, saltwater breezes, and all the lush amenities you can imagine. From 24-hour room service to five-star butler service, our luxury staterooms and spacious suites deliver genuine tranquility and comfort.

Azamara ships are designed to meet your every need, no matter where you’re going. That’s why our list of onboard amenities is almost as far-reaching as the locations we visit. Discover a world of flavors at our specialty restaurants, recharge and relax at our state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and take in nightly on-board entertainment, from signature shows, comedy nights, and unforgettable events.

While our destinations may bring you on board, it’s our international crew that keeps you coming back. Across the fleet, our authentic service goes beyond the expectations of even the most well-traveled cruisers. From anticipating your needs and knowing you by name to offering the most dedicated attention to detail, personal connections are always a moment away.

Azamara Onward Facilities

Azamara Onward Includes

Cabin Details

YOUR OWN SEASIDE RETREAT

Welcome to your vacation home with ocean views, sea breezes, and all the style and amenities of a boutique hotel. Relax in your cruise stateroom with plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, and 24-hour room service. Our goal is to make you comfortable so you can spend more time on important things. Like exploring the world.

EXPERIENCE THE SUITE LIFE

The premier way to travel, discover luxury with each Azamara voyage from our Club World Owner's Suite, Club Ocean Suite, Club Continent Suite or Club Spa Suites. As a suite guest receive a variety of exclusive benefits in addition to modern accommodations and authentic service. We take care of all the details, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

A boutique hotel at sea, each of our cruise suites offer the comforts of a five-star hotel suite with the added decadence of ocean views, sea breezes, and butler service. Relax with spa-like sea breezes, and butler service. Relax with spa-like amenities including plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, and fine linens. Open the sliding glass doors to your private balcony and curl up with book, dine al fresco dining, or stargaze. Share a drink of your favorite spirit—on the house. And should you need anything, your English-trained butler is never more than a call away, ready to assist with reservations, private parties, dinners for two, and much more.

THE LUXE LIFE: YOUR CRUISE STATEROOM

When you book a cruise stateroom, you'll love the polished style and stellar service in your own private retreat. You'll appreciate the finer touches included, but it takes more than a beautiful room to elevate a voyage from "good" to "great." With Azamara®, you'll discover just how much professional service and a friendly attitude can add to your enjoyment.

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