Excursion Zadar & archipelago highlights tour at Zadar

Explore the beauty and history of Zadar by land and sea during this full-day sightseeing excursion to the Old Town and Ošljak Island with lunch.

Zadar, Old Town Walking Tour, Cathedral of St. Anastasia, Church of St. Donatus

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour guided stroll through the Old Town of Zadar. Upon entering the heart of the Old Town, see the highlights of this magnificent city. Pass by the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. The finest example of Romanesque architecture in Zadar, the Cathedral was dedicated to St. Anastasia. Further along, see the Church of St. Donatus, believed to have been built by Bishop Donatus on Roman foundations at the beginning of the 9th century. This is the most monumental church on the Eastern Adriatic, and features a round shape with three naves. After passing by the Church of St. Donatus, a visit is made to the Museum of Ancient Glass, a unique cultural institution.

Museum of Ancient Glass, Ancient Glass Collections & Exhibits, Glass-Blowing Workshop

The museum is located inside the refurbished historical palace of the Cosmacendi family, which dates to the second-half of the 19th century. The palace’s original architecture was enriched by an annex on the northern side due to the demands related to the museum concept of the permanent display, as well as performing everyday museum activities. It now serves as an archaeological museum specialising in ancient glass. Its displays present a unique collection of over 5,000 various glass objects dating to antiquity. In the glass-blowing demo workshop, replicas of ancient glass are made by using the free-blowing technique.

Free Time, Shopping, Boat-Ride, Zadar Archipelago, Ošljak Island, Swimming, Exploring, Lunch

After some free time in the Old Town for independent shopping and exploration, embark a speedboat for the short, yet scenic transfer to nearby Ošljak Island, one of many islands of the Zadar Archipelago. Upon arrival, some free time is made to for swimming and/or to explore Ošljak. The smallest populated island in the Adriatic, Ošljak is a serene oasis for nature enthusiasts just a short boat-ride away from Zadar. Despite its small size, this island is steeped in rich history waiting to be explored. Following your free time, proceed for a delicious lunch accompanied by local wines at the Lazaret restaurant. After lunch, embark your boat for the short return transfer to Zadar. Upon arrival, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Zadar, Old Town Walking Tour, Cathedral of St. Anastasia, Church of St. Donatus, Museum of Ancient Glass, Ošljak Island, Free Time, Sunbathing, Swimming, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.1 miles (about 1.7 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, slippery, and sandy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the speedboat, and in the Old Town and Ošljak Islands. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a towel, weatherproof windbreaker, change of clothing, bottled water, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Additional drinks area available at the restaurant at each guest’s own expense. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.