When Rijeka, the principal seaport and third-largest city in Croatia, is on your Adriatic cruise itinerary, you’ll find that it is a city perfectly suited for discovering on foot. To see this charming city’s most interesting sights, you’ll want to book Rijeka shore excursions for walking tours of its key landmarks.

On guided Rijeka shore excursions, take in the breathtaking Leaning Tower in the old town. The tower is actually the bell tower of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected in the 14th century. Due to age and the gradual sinking of the land, the leaning is now visually evident. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Rijeka’s most important church, and take in its magnificent Baroque main altar, Gothic crucifix from the 13th century, and side altar statues of St. Vitus and St. Modesto. While you’re visiting the cathedral on your Rijeka cruise, you’ll hear about the legend of the “Miraculous Crucifix”.

As your guided Rijeka shore excursions continue on to the heart of the city, you’ll enjoy strolling the halls and stalls of the City Market, originally started at the end of the 19th century by the fishermen who brought their catch ashore at the very spot where the market now stands. In three different halls, see not only the day’s fresh catch, but also attractively arranged stalls of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices from all over the world. Along with produce, you’ll find meats in one hall, and breads, pastries, dairy, and more in the third hall. See the Croatian National Theatre, and stop for a coffee and a snack before continuing on for some souvenir shopping.

A Rijeka cruise excursion to the picturesque villages of Krk and Vrbnik offers the opportunity to visit a family-owned winery and sample local wines paired with Croatian specialties, ranging from smoked meats to cheeses and breads. Vrbnik, one of the most scenic towns in this region, is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. Walk the narrowest cobblestone street in the world and sip Zlahtina, the town’s famous golden wine. You’ll soon discover why Rijeka is one of the best reasons to visit Croatia.