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[description] => Small-scale, big experience
A cruise allows you to explore a variety of destinations without the hassle of overland travel. The downside on most cruises, however, is that you will be on board with thousands of other people.
That’s where a small-ship cruise comes in. During our hand-picked holidays, you get all the benefits of a cruise, without the large crowds. You can be safe in the knowledge that our ships can port in far smaller destinations and that you’ll travel with a small group of like-minded travellers who want to experience the destination in the same meaningful way. It's also much more environmentally-friendly than large cruises.
Whether you want to cruise the Croatian coast or explore the wilds of Greenland and Iceland for a totally different cruising experience, we have the small-ship cruise to suit you.
View all of our small-ship cruise holidays
Croatia on a small-ship cruise
Our small-ship cruises allow you to visit some Croatian gems, travelling in comfort and exploring in style.
Our 34-metre longships are a delight. They are wonderfully equipped for exploring the coastal highlights such as Dubrovnik as well as some areas which are further off the beaten track such as Plitvice National Park. Choose from our Cruise the Island and Cities of the Dalmatian Coast trip or our Highlights by Land and Sea holiday here.
We also offer Croatia trips on a catamaran, for an even more personal experience. These vessels carry around 10 people so it’ll just be you, the skipper and a small group of like-minded travellers. Choose from our Elaphiti Island Active Adventure or Adventure Sailing Weekend for a catamaran experience.
Learn more about our small-ship cruises in Croatia here.
Arctic highlights
For those who want an adventure with a difference, we have a range of cruises showcasing the very best of Greenland and Iceland.
These voyages have a real exploratory undertone, focusing heavily on the natural wonders of these remote and wild islands.
You could combine both Greenland and Iceland during our Natural Wonders cruise. On this holiday, you’ll visit the exceptional ice fjords and remote townships which lie around the coast. You’ll also cross The Denmark Strait to the Westman Islands and make port in Iceland where we can arrange a multitude of land-based activities.
To experience Iceland in its entirety, our Small Ship Exploration holiday is a perfect choice. Travel from Reykjavik and back again, stopping at a huge variety of ports that allow you to soak up the natural wonders in this unforgettable destination.
These voyages take place onboard the Ocean Diamond which carries a maximum of 224 people. It is completely equipped for the Arctic while still offering a range of modern comforts. The expert staff and ground excursion options available make this an ideal way to explore this outstanding region.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SMALL-SHIP CRUISES IN ICELAND HERE.
View all of our small-ship cruise holidays here
Image credits: Gulliver Travel, Huck Finn Adventure Travel, Ivo Biocina & Croatian National Tourist Board
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[name] => Cruise the Islands and Cities of the Dalmatian Coast
[title] => Dalmatia Coast Islands and Towns Cruises
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[intro] => Step aboard for a seven-night small-ship cruise holiday to see some of the most beautiful islands and towns in Croatia such as Split, Hvar, Korčula and Mljet. Sailing from one charming spot to another, you can bask in the sun and enjoy a swim in the blue shimmering waters along the way.
[description] => The Croatian islands that are dotted along the Adriatic Coast are home to beautiful beaches, secluded coves and charming towns and villages. You will sail from the ancient and beautiful town of Trogir (or Split if arriving later) to a variety of islands and towns filled with history, culture and beauty. The pace of this Croatia cruise holiday is relaxed and you are free to sit back and unwind on the deck or head out to explore the sights that you will be visiting along the way.
Sailing through the Adriatic and along the coast of middle Dalmatia, the vistas are simply stunning. With jagged mountains, rolling hills and pine-covered islands, this is an idyllic part of the world. You’ll get to visit places such as Korčula, supposedly the home of the great explorer Marco Polo, and home to one of the finest medieval walled towns in Croatia. Another stop on the way is Mljet Island, a national park and home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as a former Benedictine Monastery. The island is so beautiful that it is believed to be one of the islands that Odysseus is stranded on in Homer’s epic.
Bursting with history and legend, this part of Croatia is also home to some incredibly cosmopolitan towns and cities that are filled with vibrant restaurants, cafés and bars. You’ll be visiting Hvar and Dubrovnik, which have some of the most buzzing atmospheres in Croatia and are great places to soak up the culture, unwind and relax.
On top of all this, Croatian food is delectable: fresh seafood, gorgeous salads and flavoursome local wines and beers help to make this one of the most enjoyable destinations on offer, so get those deck shoes at the ready!
Image credits: CNTB, Aleksandar Gospic, Ivo Pervan, Denis Peros, Julien Duval, Zoran Jelaca
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[0] => After arriving into Split airport, you will be transferred to the nearby harbour at the port town of Trogir where you will board your small ship and meet the Captain and crew, as well as your fellow passengers, before setting sail for Split. The ship will be your home and sleeping quarters for the next seven nights.
For passengers boarding the boat after 2pm, you will be transferred from the airport to Split port and board the ship there.
Later this evening (at approximately 6pm), you will be taken on a guided city tour of Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. Surrounded by imposing mountains and crystal-clear waters, the stunning city of Split is famous for its picturesque views, as well as its well-preserved Roman architecture, including Diocletian’s Palace, part of Split’s old town UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tonight you will be dining on-board and the boat will be docked in Split, so you will have the evening free to further explore this beautiful Mediterranean city, if you wish.
Very occasionally, the itinerary and duration of sailing and activities may change according to local conditions, events or guest preferences. Your skipper and his crew will make these decisions based first and foremost on your safety. In such cases, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.
[1] => Following breakfast on board, today you will set sail for the island of Hvar. Once a centre of the Venetian Republic, Hvar was considered one of the most important harbours in Dalmatia. Today it is a cultural hub, filled with vibrant cafés, restaurants and bars and home to some incredible architecture, such as the Franciscan monastery and the amazing citadel fortress.
On the way to Hvar, you will stop for a swim in a secluded bay, before anchoring in the port of Hvar, surrounded by the beautiful collection of offshore islands known as “Pakleni otoci”.
Lunch is served on-board and you will then have the afternoon and evening free to explore this buzzing town and take in the stunning sights. Walk through the charming cobbled streets and soak up the culture and history as you weave your way through the maze of buildings.
You will remain docked here for the night (or in a nearby cove).
[2] => Following breakfast on the boat, you will set sail to Pomena (or Polače), a port on the secluded island of Mljet, a protected national park. Along the way, you will stop for a refreshing swim in a secluded bay.
Mljet is said to be one of the islands featured in Homer’s epic ‘The Odyssey’ where Odysseus is shipwrecked and becomes stranded. You’ll have the chance to explore the island and the legend, walking through the trails of this stunningly-beautiful national park. Head through the forest of pine and oak towards the two saltwater lakes that are on the island; one even includes a former Benedictine monastery on its own private island, which can be reached via small boat. Alternatively, go swimming from the boat into one of the many secluded swimming spots dotted along the shores of the island. Lunch will be served on board today. Entrance fees to the park are payable locally (depending on the season between approximately 10-25 euros per person).
For dinner tonight, why not head into Pomena or Polače, both of which house a few local restaurants serving delightful food and drink.
[3] => After your night anchored by the shores of Mljet you will have breakfast on-board and then set sail for Dubrovnik. You will stop along the way for a swimming break at the gorgeous Elaphiti Islands, before reaching the port of Gruz, near Dubrovnik at approximately 4pm.
A short bus ride (payable locally, approximately 2 euros per person, per one-way journey) will get you to Dubrovnik’s old town where you will enjoy a guided city tour. With its medieval walls, terracotta-tiled buildings and crystal-clear waters, you can understand why Dubrovnik is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.
After the city tour, be sure to take in some of the local cuisine as you walk by the ancient walls and discover its local museums, galleries and shops. The city is renowned for its vibrant and charming atmosphere and its guests are sure to fall in love with it. The bus back to the port departs roughly every 10 minutes.
You will spend the night docked in Dubrovnik before your sailing adventure continues tomorrow.
[4] => Following breakfast on-board, you will set sail towards the island of Korčula. You will make a stop along the way for another dip in the ocean before heading on to the island.
The main town, named after the island, is supposedly the birth place of the legendary traveller Marco Polo and is also home to some of the finest medieval fortifications in Croatia.
Inside the medieval walls lie a myriad of historical and cultural delights, including medieval squares, churches, and stone buildings and an enchanting Old Town. From around mid-June through to September, it is not uncommon for mini-festivals to line the streets, which can mean art exhibitions, musical and dancing performances, fishermen’s evenings and folklore evenings.
You will have the day and night to savour your surroundings, as you remain docked overnight. With a fortified, cobbled headland, filled with restaurants and bars that look out to sea, this is a simply stunning location. Dive into the sea from the local beach, or swimming platforms and then pop into a wine bar to sample some local wines and cured meats. Or, head up into one of the turrets to watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand. Authentic pizzas, pasta and fresh seafood are plentiful here and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking somewhere for dinner tonight.
[5] => Today, you will head towards the island of Brač, sailing past the biggest peninsula in Dalmatia, Pelješac Peninsula, renowned for its shaded slopes, which are the beginnings of some of the country’s most famed wine exports. Another stop will be made along the way for a swim in the sea.
Brač is one of the largest Croatian islands and its steep cliffs, pine forests and crystal-clear waters create a stunning landscape to enjoy. It’s also famous for it’s striking white limestone, which has been used in buildings, such as the White House in Washington and the Reichstag in Berlin.
You will anchor in one of the lovely towns or coves along the northern part of the island; the perfect place to enjoy tonight’s Captain’s Dinner.
[6] => This morning you will set sail towards Trogir, first stopping for a swimming break in a bay on the island of Čiovo.
Trogir is a beautiful, small town, rich in history and packed with things to see. The superb mixture of Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque architecture create a stunning sight, and it’s easy to see why its old town area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will enjoy a guided city walk through the winding streets, and past the fortifications and churches.
There are plenty of fabulous restaurants to enjoy fresh, local cuisine.
[7] => After breakfast, you will sadly have to disembark and say farewell to your ship and the crew. After seven days of travelling, you’ll no doubt be sad to leave, but perhaps you can start planning your next adventure out on the Adriatic!
You will be transferred to the nearby airport of Split for your flight home. Alternatively, why not extend your stay and explore the charming cities of Trogir or Split some more?
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Broaden your Horizon outside of Europe
For families ready to venture further afield, our Beyond Europe collection opens up a world of immersive, long-haul adventures designed to feel both exciting and easy to navigate. These carefully curated trips combine meaningful experiences with well-paced itineraries, ensuring that travelling as a family remains smooth, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
In Costa Rica, families can discover one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, where rainforest trails, wildlife-rich reserves and coastal landscapes create a natural playground for all ages. In Borneo, the focus shifts to ancient jungle environments, offering unforgettable opportunities to experience rare wildlife and conservation-led travel in a way that is both educational and inspiring for children and adults alike. Meanwhile, Morocco delivers a vibrant cultural contrast, where bustling souks, desert landscapes and historic cities create a multi-sensory journey that keeps every member of the family engaged.
Each destination has been thoughtfully selected to balance adventure with accessibility, combining guided experiences, comfortable accommodation and seamless logistics. The result is a long-haul family holiday that feels enriching, well-supported and full of shared moments you’ll talk about long after you return home.
Travel with the experts
Our Artisan Travel Experts know our destinations intimately and will be more than happy to discuss the various activity options with you if you have any questions about our holidays. Our clients’ safety is our primary concern so you can rest assured that you will be travelling in the best possible hands.
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[title] => The Midnight Sun
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[description] => What is the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun is essentially where the sun does not set below the horizon, causing 24 hours of daylight. This is due to the tilt in the world’s axis which makes the North Pole face towards the sun in the summer.
The effect of the Midnight Sun is, of course, longer days. People in this region take full advantage with festivals, barbeques and summer activities such as kayaking and hiking. It is said that those who live in these regions have more energy during the months of the Midnight Sun and can take the time to appreciate the evenings filled with warm light and long shadows.
Another benefit of the Midnight Sun is that it makes even the most remote regions greener. The flora and fauna are given an energy boost which leads to a growth of delicious fruits such as cloudberries and lingonberries.
When does the Midnight Sun occur?
Within the Arctic Circle, this natural occurrence is visible from around the 12th June to 1st July, with a greater date range the further north you travel. In the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, the Svalbard Archipelago does not experience a sunset from around the 19th April to the 23rd August.
We offer several dedicated Midnight Sun trips which all take full advantage of this natural occurrence. There are also a variety of activities we offer throughout the evenings so that you can watch the way the sun barely dips along the horizon before rising again.
Where can I go on holiday to see the Midnight Sun?
We offer a range of Midnight Sun holidays. Whether you want to adventure on a self-drive tour to Norway or immerse yourself in the wilderness of Finnish Lapland, we have the holiday to suit you. Talk to an Artisan Travel Expert today on 01670 785 085 to discuss your perfect Midnight Sun holiday.
View all of our Midnight Sun holidays here
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Small-Ship Cruises
-
Home
-
Experiences
- Small-Ship Cruises
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Small-scale, big experience
A cruise allows you to explore a variety of destinations without the hassle of overland travel. The downside on most cruises, however, is that you will be on board with thousands of other people.
That’s where a small-ship cruise comes in. During our hand-picked holidays, you get all the benefits of a cruise, without the large crowds. You can be safe in the knowledge that our ships can port in far smaller destinations and that you’ll travel with a small group of like-minded travellers who want to experience the destination in the same meaningful way. It's also much more environmentally-friendly than large cruises.
Whether you want to cruise the Croatian coast or explore the wilds of Greenland and Iceland for a totally different cruising experience, we have the small-ship cruise to suit you.
View all of our small-ship cruise holidays
Read moreCroatia on a small-ship cruise
Our small-ship cruises allow you to visit some Croatian gems, travelling in comfort and exploring in style.
Our 34-metre longships are a delight. They are wonderfully equipped for exploring the coastal highlights such as Dubrovnik as well as some areas which are further off the beaten track such as Plitvice National Park. Choose from our Cruise the Island and Cities of the Dalmatian Coast trip or our Highlights by Land and Sea holiday here.
We also offer Croatia trips on a catamaran, for an even more personal experience. These vessels carry around 10 people so it’ll just be you, the skipper and a small group of like-minded travellers. Choose from our Elaphiti Island Active Adventure or Adventure Sailing Weekend for a catamaran experience.
Learn more about our small-ship cruises in Croatia here.
Arctic highlights
For those who want an adventure with a difference, we have a range of cruises showcasing the very best of Greenland and Iceland.
These voyages have a real exploratory undertone, focusing heavily on the natural wonders of these remote and wild islands.
You could combine both Greenland and Iceland during our Natural Wonders cruise. On this holiday, you’ll visit the exceptional ice fjords and remote townships which lie around the coast. You’ll also cross The Denmark Strait to the Westman Islands and make port in Iceland where we can arrange a multitude of land-based activities.
To experience Iceland in its entirety, our Small Ship Exploration holiday is a perfect choice. Travel from Reykjavik and back again, stopping at a huge variety of ports that allow you to soak up the natural wonders in this unforgettable destination.
These voyages take place onboard the Ocean Diamond which carries a maximum of 224 people. It is completely equipped for the Arctic while still offering a range of modern comforts. The expert staff and ground excursion options available make this an ideal way to explore this outstanding region.
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