TORONTO — In response to growing demand in Mediterranean small-group cruising, G Adventures has launched a new itinerary sailing to lesser-known locations in Venice, Italy and Zadar, Croatia.

Vince Donnelly, G Adventures’ global sailing manager, says the new itinerary gets tourists off the beaten track to experience marine life, secret islands, barbecues on the beach, fresh seafood and local nightlife.

“A small-group sailing adventure is the perfect way for travellers to get away from the hustle and bustle of Europe’s ‘over-touristed’ big cities, but to still see up to four countries while unpacking just once,” he said. “As well as experiencing local food and culture, travellers who are keen can learn to sail and take advantage of the Adriatic’s pristine waters to snorkel and swim in. A sailing trip is really as laidback or active as our travellers want to make it.”

Donnelly also added that each trip is led by a qualified local Skipper “who knows the waters like the back of their hand.”

The new 10-day ‘Sailing Italy to Croatia’ trip is priced from $1,663 per person from Venice to Zadar, and can also be booked in reverse. Beginning in Venice, the voyage then visits the ancient basilicas of Grado before heading through the Gulf of Trieste to Koper, Slovenia’s oldest and largest coastal city. The trip winds down in the sun-soaked islands in the Kvarner Gulf.

For more information, visit gadventures.com.