Itinerary
DAY 1 Zagreb
Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia's capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Your tour begins with an arrival transfer from Zagreb Airport, bus or train station. After check in, your time is free to begin exploring the city on your own before meeting your Tour Manager this evening, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay at: Hotel Dubrovnik or similar
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2 Zagreb – Motovun – Buzet
This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of the country’s cultural, commercial and political heart, featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church and Government Palace. There is also time to wander through the colourful open air market. Leave the city behind and head towards the coast for a taste of the Mediterranean! Over the next couple of days you will discover the culinary and historical delights of the Istrian peninsula whilst visiting some of the enchanting medieval hilltop villages and towns dotted throughout the region. Your first stop today will be the village of Motovun known for its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and its well-preserved historic architecture. Then travel to a neighbouring village for a truffle hunt demonstration. During the demonstration, you'll witness firsthand the ancient art of truffle hunting as the guides lead you on a journey through the forest in search of these elusive treasures. Learn about the fascinating biology of truffles, the techniques used to locate them, and the rich history of truffle hunting in Istria. A short drive away is the village of Buzet, where you will stay tonight.
Stay at: Hotel Vela Vrata or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 3 Buzet / Istrian Peninsula
Delight in a full day exploring the Istrian peninsula which begins with a scenic drive south to Rovinj. Upon arrival meet your local guide and stroll through the town seeing the Church of St. Euphemia, the city gates and an artist colony. After the tour enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the village of Bale. Here, visit a local olive grove farm to learn more about the olive-growing process and a tasting of some olive oil with a snack. Travel to Pula - the largest city in Istria, where on a guided city tour you will visit the well known, Pula Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres with four sides of its towers still intact. Also stop and see Hercules Gate, the Cathedral and the Temple of Augustus before enjoying some free time before returning to Buzet.
Stay at: Hotel Vela Vrata or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 4 Buzet – Opatija – Plitvice Lakes National Park
Set off for Kvarner Bay and arrive at the coastal town of Opatija which lays claim to having the first hotel built along the Adriatic coast. Seen as a summer resort town, it has long attracted a steady stream of holiday makers seeking sun and sea, and was once the holiday destination for the aristocrats of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Enjoy one last culinary delight in this region with a visit to Milenij Choco World for a short lesson on the origin of chocolate and of course, a sweet tasting. After, enjoy some free time to explore Opatija. You can take a stroll down the seaside promenade where you will find the popular ‘Maiden with the Seagull’ statue. This afternoon, continue your travels with a scenic drive to one of Croatia's top highlights, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Join your local specialist for a guided walking tour through the park where 16 terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls. Admire the parks exceptional natural beauty as you stroll atop wooden boardwalks that criss-cross over the turquoise lakes.
Stay at: Ethno Houses or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 5 Plitvice Lakes National Park – Zadar - Split
This morning, head back towards the coast to the town of Zadar. Be taken on a walking tour of city centre with a local guide. Admire the Roman remains of St Donatus, the beautiful architecture, and the stunning waterfront. One of its most famous modern landmarks is the Sea Organ, an experimental musical instrument that plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. Enjoy some free time in Zadar before heading to Split this afternoon, where you will embark the MS Suzana for your cruise through the stunning Dalmatian Islands. Relax onboard before getting acquainted with the city on a walking tour of the historic centre built around the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace. See Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and touch the toe of the Gregory of Nin statue for good luck! Gather onboard for a welcome dinner, to meet the Captain, crew and more fellow travellers for the next week.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 6 CRUISE: Split - Brac - Hvar
Set sail this morning, cruising through the stunning Dalmatian Islands to the Island of Brac where you will stop in the town of Bol, where you have the chance for a refreshing swim stop at the iconic Zlatni Rat (also known as Golden Horn beach). After, cruise towards Hvar Island, enjoying another swim stop along the way before arriving at the charming town of Jelsa, situated on the northern side of Hvar Island, where you will spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 7 CRUISE: Hvar
Your Hvar experience begins with an introduction to island life on one of the world’s most stunning islands. Explore small fishing villages of Vrboska and Stari Grad, seeing vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender (seasonal) along the way. Sit back and relax with a wine tasting and a traditional Peka lunch at a local konoba (traditional tavern). In the afternoon sail around the island to Hvar Town for a guided walking tour of this historical centre. The remainder of the evening is then free to explore Hvar, perhaps climbing to the top of the Spanish Fortress for scenic views over the town and out to sea. The evening is free to experience the vibrant nightlife of this popular Adriatic hot spot.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Note: The ship may not be able to dock until 7-8pm tonight in Hvar Town.
DAY 8 CRUISE: Hvar - Vis
Continue your cruise with a stop for a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic on the way to beautiful Vis Island. Until the late 80’s Vis was closed to tourists and served as a military zone for the Yugoslav army, because of this and coupled with its remoteness, it has helped preserve the island's authenticity. Enjoy time in Vis Town to experience the island's local food and wine, discover Greek and Roman ruins or simply marvel in the beauty of this island that featured in the movie Mama Mia 2.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Note: The port of call in Vis can be substituted for Komiza because of the limited capacity in the harbour of Vis Town.
DAY 9 CRUISE: Vis - Bisevo - Korcula
This morning cruise to Bisevo Island’s incredible Blue Cave, a unique otherworldly natural phenomenon. Only recently opened to the public, its silvery blue waters are a must to see. Afterwards enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing swim stop on the way to the island of Korcula. Cruise along the length of the island to enchanting Korcula Town where, on a walking tour, you will see the mighty fortress and city walls and learn about the infamous Marco Polo and his connection to this island.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Note: The Blue Cave is only accessible with small boats through an entrance just 1.5m high so it is unfortunately sometimes made inaccessible by bad weather and high waves.
DAY 10 CRUISE: Korcula - Mljet - Slano
Depart Korcula early and continue your journey to Mljet, one of Adriatic’s prettiest islands. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt beauty of the National Park, its two unique salt water lakes and medieval monastery. Continue this afternoon to the quaint fisherman's village of Slano, where your day ends with dinner and live Klapa music with the Captain, the perfect chance to get to share stories with new friends.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 11 CRUISE: Slano - Dubrovnik
Cruise the final stretch to Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic, enjoying a scenic swim stop and lunch on board before your arrival. In the afternoon join your local guide on a walking tour of the walled city, a UNESCO-listed site. Surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, stroll the Stradun and admire the treasure trove of architectural facades and cultural masterpieces such as the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery which houses the third oldest pharmacy in Europe. The remainder of the evening is free to enjoy this modern medieval city by night.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 12 CRUISE: Dubrovnik
Your cruise concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast
