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.