Adriatic Cruise Chronicles – Zadar, Croatia

Now it’s Thursday, 30 October and we’re finally packed up and on a bus headed toward the port where we will board our ship. On the way, we stop at one of Croatia’s great national parks. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique environment where limestone and dolomite geology has created a chain of lakes that cascade into one another.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (30 October 2025)

It is the nation’s oldest and largest national park. There are two trails that get you through the area. I took the shorter upper trail because I don’t trust my old legs. Also, the trail rose above the waters and allowed for more panoramic views of the fascinating features.

 

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (30 October 2025)

The cascades are impressive. One shot I will not show is another sign of the Apocalypse. When I zoomed in on a trail below, there were two young people right next to waterfalls and crystal waters and exotic vegetation…looking at their phones.

Zadar Waterfront (31 October 2025)

By the end of the day, we were in Zadar, an ancient port city known to the Greeks and Romans.

Finally, on the eighth day of the trip, we are on the boat. After unpacking in our cabin, we walked around the waterfront. The sea wall and promenade made for an attractive stroll. The following morning, we continued to walk through the ancient quarter.

Roman Forum, Zadar, Croatia (31 October 2025)

The old quarter of Zadar is really old and has more ancient churches that would seem necessary…but that’s old Christians for you. Here among the Roman ruins is the bell tower of St. Anastasia Cathedral next to the round Church of St. Donatus.

St. Donatus Church (31 October 2025)

St. Donatus is a pre-Romanesque design that dates to the 9th century. It was constructed with materials taken from the nearby Roman forum. The inside is captivating when you think of what has transpired there over twelve centuries. As a current music venue, the acoustics are said to be excellent.

St. Chrysogonas Church (31 October 2025)

St. Chrysogonas is the patron saint of Zadar. He was martyred during Emperor Diocletian’s rampage against Christians around 310. This classic Romanesque church is named after him.

‘My Little Violet,’ Zadar, Croatia (31 October 2025)

As you might imagine, you can find some spectacular yachts in this part of the world. Docked here in Zadar is the ‘My Little Violet.’ You can look it up. A modest 150 feet long, it accommodates ten guests in five suites…so you and four other couples can split the 200,000 Euros/week rental charge.

We’re finally at sea and future Cruise Chronicles can live up to its name.

Adriatic Cruise Chronicle – Varazdin, Croatia

Town Square, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

Today, we were taken to the charming baroque city of Varazdin. Compared to Vienna back in the day, the city was an important center during the reign of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. That is, until a fire in 1776 destroyed 80% of the city. After that, the power center moved to Zagreb, but the baroque charm remains. Above are the town hall and main square lined with cafes.

Stari Grad, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

The centerpiece of the town is ‘Stari Grad.’ The fortress dates to the 12th century and was the seat of power for whoever conquered the area. Now a museum, it is the main attraction of the town but is also closed for renovation. I’m glad this country is doing what it can to restore historic properties…just sorry I couldn’t see them on this visit.

Inside the Entomology Museum, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

Look at what else do we found here for the bug guy - the Museum of Entomology. This tidy little attraction houses the collected life work of a local scientist presented in an appealing way.

Look Down, Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

I must admit the town does have exquisite manhole covers.

Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

All over Europe, couples have declared their love by placing a lock on public fences and bridge railings. Varazdin either lacks similar places or has the good sense to create an appealing alternative in keeping with its baroque styles. Our local tour guide, dressed in period costume, added to the authenticity of our visit.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary,

Varazdin, Croatia (29 October 2025)

We ducked into a modest church for a moment. The altar area is a fine representation of baroque excess with angels on top of statues on top of paintings on top of gold accents. When Pope John Paul II declared Varazdin a diocese in 1997, the church became a cathedral.

Tomorrow, we (finally) get to the coast and board the small ship that was the reason we booked this deal in the first place.