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Day 1 Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik’s old town is the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its tiled roofs and white stone buildings, the old town remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. If you do arrive early, why not head out to one of the Elafiti Islands? There's Lopud, a quiet island with lovely hikes, clean beaches and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave that boasts walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the isles and reputedly has the most hospitable inhabitants. Alternatively, you might choose to simply laze about on one of Dubrovnik's beaches and people-watch for hours.

Day 2 Dubrovnik

Start the day by beating the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik's famous 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the old town. Enjoy views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.

Day 3 Peljesac Peninsula / Korcula Island

Journey to Korcula today, along the narrow and scenic Peljesac Peninsula to its very tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be done by car ferry. For the next two nights, stay with generous hosts – locals who rent out their rooms in the summer season. The rooms, while simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. When you arrive, head out for a sunset hike to Zrnovo village. Wind through old villages next to olive trees and soak up the view over Peljesac Channel. End your hike when you arrive at a family-owned restaurant in Zrnovo village and sit down for an included dinner of local ingredients, including traditional Dalmatian meat loaf or pasticada (traditional stewed beef) and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses (and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together). Return back to Korcula via private vehicle and use the evening to relax.

Day 4 Mljet Island National Park / Korcula Island

Today, head on a day trip to the stunning Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island, with a large section of the north western shores part of a national park. The island is well known for its two salt lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) – that are located at the north end of the island. With some of the clearest waters in the world, any of the Adriatic islands shimmer in the sunlight, but Mljet is extra special. Start Mljet's exploration with a short hike into the island's interior, followed by a ferry ride to St Mary's Benedictine Monastery, located on an island in one of the lakes. Spend the day discovering its tiny towns dotted around the island, the weaving and winding coastline full of nature walks and scenic lookouts and, of course, the sandy beaches, tranquil inlets and turquoise blue shores calling out to be explored. Mljet is a little further away and less visited than the tourist hotspots of Brac and Hvar, so you’ll be able to stray away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise to yourself. Head back to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, hopefully full of delicious food and some great local wine.

Day 5 Hvar Island

A hydrofoil ferry takes you to the neighbouring island of Hvar this morning. . Beautiful Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. When you arrive, get to know the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades on an orientation walk. Later, you can enjoy your included hop on hop off taxi boat pass that departs every half hour to the nearby Pakleni islands – largely uninhabited and often described as being among the most beautiful in the world. All three islands have gorgeous beaches and walking trails to explore and also boast plenty of bars and restaurants, so you'll have no shortage of lunch, aperitif and dinner spots to choose from!

Day 6 Hvar Island

Today is a free day to explore this island at your leisure. Maybe take a bus to the interior of Hvar Island where you can take a leisurely hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending all the way down to the sea at Milna Bay. On the way you can witness what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Cool down in the shimmering waters upon arrival into the little town of Milna where the hike ends. Alternatively there are plenty of other options for exciting activities in town. If you’re not feeling super energetic today, spend the day lounging at one of the island's many quiet beaches and enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour promenade.

Day 7 Split

Catch a boat to Split this morning. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of this stunning seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace – Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old and there’s ample time to walk around. Split grew out from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but Split is a dynamic and vibrant place, and now the palace houses many businesses and homes. If your feet get tired, why not grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while? Be sure get your group together for a harbourside dinner – it’s time for more of a relax!

Day 8 Split

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Split and the surrounding area, such as Salona, Trogir or Sibenik, you may want to consider extending your time in Split. Just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: Depart for Zagreb

The adventure begins!

Day 2: Arrive in Zagreb

Meals: Dinner

Today you will arrive Zagreb International Airport upon clearing Customs and Immigration you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the beautiful city of Zagreb.

Zagreb Private Walking Tour, pick up 5:30pm (duration: 2hrs)

You will have some free time before picked up for your afternoon Zagreb tour.

During this tour, you will visit all the important monuments and sights in downtown Zagreb. By shortest funicular in the world you will climb on the top of the oldest part of the city, where is fortified tower proudly standing while shooting every noon. How come that there is only one entrance to the old city left after the big fire. Do you want to know what actually happened on the Bloody bridge and where have all the millers gone? Here are people still buying food on open vegetarian, fish and meat market protected from sun by lovely picturesque parasols.

This evening we will have our Welcome dinner at a great local restaurant. We will taste local delicacies accompanied with fine wine along with a traditional Folk Show.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 3: Zagreb

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Private Tour to Zagorje, pick up 9:00am (duration: 6-8hrs)

Today you will visit Croatian Zagorje just outside of Zagreb. That relatively small piece of land boasts an extraordinary rich history and cultural heritage. No other part of Croatia can offer that many medieval castles and fortifications, churches and abbeys, and archaeological sites that attract visitors. Along with cultural and natural heritage we promise we will pamper you with great local dishes and a glass of high quality wine.

Departure from Zagreb. Arrival to one of the most beautiful castles in Croatia – castle Trakoscan. Find out which royal family lived there, sightseeing the castle with a local guide and take a walk around amazing lake and nature scenery next to the castle. After Trakoscan you will depart to Old village Kumrovec, which is the biggest open-air museum in this part of Europe and a birth place of world famous leader Tito. The museum reveals the charm of the architecture of the Croatian Zagorje from the late 19th and early 20th century. The old wooden houses and the oldest Zagorje crafts will take in a completely different time, a time when everything was handcrafted, handmade, and much simpler.

After the sightseeing you will get a chance to sit down in a traditional local restaurant. You will be served with local dishes and wine that are famous for this Croatian region.

The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 4: Zagreb – Plitvice

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today you will head to Plitvice (pick up 10am).

Upon arrival check into your hotel. This afternoon you will explore this gorgeous national park!

Plitvice Private Tour, pick up 1:30pm

This tour will take you to the one of most beautiful European park, protected by UNESCO since 1979, as a World Natural Heritage. Plitvice Lakes National Park was founded in 1949 which makes it one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe.

In Plitvice National Park, nature has created 16 lakes and connected them by amazing travertine waterfalls. The National Park covers 29685 hectares, where lakes take up to 200 hectares and forest covers the rest of the park. In this area you can encounter different species that have been living here since before the arrival of humans.

Sightseeing is circular and includes the Lower and Upper Lakes area, and a combination of walks and electric-boat rides, while the return to starting point will be mostly by panoramic train. Enjoy the beauty of the largest and most attractive waterfalls (“Great Waterfall”, “VelikiPrštavac” and “Mali Prštavac”), and countless smaller waterfalls, as well as the lakes.

The Plitvice lakes National Park belongs to Dinaric karst area and due to its specific geology, geomorphology and hydrology it truly is one of the most impressive karst entities in the world. Apart from dolomitic rock, Mesozoic limestones with dolomite inserts prevail. The ratio between less porous or water-retaining dolomites and porous Jurassic limestone sediments in the karst has influenced the landscape of the overall area today. Specific hydrology properties of rock have enabled water retention on Triassic dolomite rocks, as well as canyon formation by water cutting through Cretaceous limestone deposits. Tufa barriers are a phenomenon enabling water to remain inside the lakes.

Overnight in Plitvice.

Day 5: Plitvice – Zadar

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today you will be transferred to Zadar (pick up 9:30am).

Zadar Walking Tour 2hours

Discover the historically rich and architecturally beautiful city of Zadar - the capital of the entire region in a walking tour with expert local guide, learning about the way of living in Zadar and discovering its mysteries through 2000 years of history.

Zadar is a perfect example how cultural heritage of the past can be combined with modern achievements and ideas.

The rest of the day is free.

Overnight in Zadar.

Day 6: Zadar – Split

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today after your morning breakfast and check out of the hotel you will be transferred to Split from where you will embark on the cruise

After settling, enjoy the guided tour of Split, a historic town under UNESCO protection and part of the world heritage with an abundance of Roman architecture – of special interest is the magnificent Diocletian Palace, once inhabited by the Roman emperor.

After the tour, return to the ship for a welcome meet & greet cocktail reception on board.

Overnight in Split.

Day 7: Split – (Bol) Hvar

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Morning departure to Brač island where swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat near Bol – whose gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change in shape. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination.

Continue towards the jet-set island Hvar with lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands. Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic known for lavish lavender fields and breathtaking beauty.

Afternoon arrival followed by a short presentation of lavender products and a tour of the town’s historical landmarks - the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. Hike up to the town fort overlooking the harbor for some lovely scenic views of your ship and the Pakleni islands.

In the evening Hvar offers an abundance of entertainment - numerous restaurants, bars and cafes are open long into the night.

Overnight in the port.

Day 8: Hvar – Vis

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Early morning cruise towards small island Biševo to visit the Blue cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon (entrances to be paid on the spot – approx. 7 EUR).

As sometimes weather conditions can be very unpredictable, the possibility of our visit will depend on those conditions, however you will be notified of this on time.

Continue to the island of Vis, once a strategic naval Yugoslav base and closed to the public. Due to this isolation, Vis has a special charm – “the Mediterranean as it once was” making it really interesting to visit. Situated on the northern side of the island, Vis has developed near the remains of the ancient Issa, first urban center in Croatia. You will try some exquisite wine sorts in one of the Vis traditional wineries.

Then you will visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, City museum. You will walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront.

Overnight in the port of Vis.

Day 9: Vis – Korčula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early morning departure towards the Korčula island best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route.

Afternoon arrival in Korčula followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. and one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fish bone street pattern was used in Korčula Old Town design to reduce effects of wind and sun and provide citizens with sheltered and comfortable accommodation.

In the evening you will enjoy a private tour to small village near Korčula for typical Dalmatian dinner and to find out more about the history and traditional way of living.

Korčula has an abundant choice of restaurants to enjoy your gourmet experience and there are numerous bars and clubs for those looking for evening entertainment.

Overnight in Korčula.

Day 10: Korčula – Mljet

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Next morning we head further south to the Island of Mljet. The legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso.

Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to the St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a Church dating back to the 12th Century.

Dinner on board and overnight in port Polača or Pomena.

Day 11: Mljet - Slano/ Ston

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Departure for a small village called Slano on the mainland, a peaceful fishermen's village and the starting point to Ston, another, once fortified small village famous for its oysters. The postcard-perfect peninsula boasts a fertile landscape that produces high quality wine, salt and seafood.

After exploring the town’s medieval ramparts a short coastal walk leads us to an oyster farm to learn more about oysters and tasting this delicious treat.

Then you will travel along the undulating coastline of Peljesac Peninsula and, in between gazing at the turquoise Adriatic Sea, stop at a family-run winery to sample their wares. Plavicmali is the region’s principle grape and, while your wine samples vary on each occasion, you will taste several made from the ubiquitous grape. Snacks such as artisan cheese and bread are served alongside the wine.

Transfer to the ship for the Captain’s farewell dinner with entertainment and music.

Day 12: Slano – Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Early morning departure to Dubrovnik - a unique town on the Adriatic. The special charm of this ancient town are the buildings that have remained from the time of the old Dubrovnik Republic. A larger part of the monuments belonging to the modest Renaissance architecture with some traces of the Gothic style.

Before we tie the ropes at Gruž harbour cruise alongside the old Dubrovnik city walls while lunch is served on deck.

After docking, transfer to the old town for the guided walking tour of this magical town. Take the cable car from the Old Town to Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Walls and Elaphiti Islands. Walk on top of the 1940 m long city walls!

Day 13: Dubrovnik Check out

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast and time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends! Check out by 9.00 am.

Mostar Full Day Tour

Mostar, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is known as a melting pot of cultures and religions, where east meets west and north meets south. It is a city where a traveler from the north feels the first dashes of Mediterranean air imbued with scents of citrus and sea, and a traveler from the south gets a first glimpse of the continent beyond. A day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik is definitely a day well spent.

Drive along the coast to Neum and through the picturesque Neretva River Delta. Explore the fortress town of Počitelj, a well-preserved example of oriental architecture perched on a hillside over the river. Continue to Mostar, which during the Turkish rule, was developed on the banks of the river as an important trade center on caravan routes.

During your tour of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, you’ll see its historic Old Bridge, the colorful Old Bazaar with traditional handicrafts and a well-preserved traditional Turkish home. The town has exceptional dwellings and monuments that were assembled harmoniously over the centuries thanks to favorable geographical conditions and a sound economic climate.

After your guided tour of town, you will have free time to visit the old craft shops and then you will enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local a restaurant.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 14: Dubrovnik – Home

Meals: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.