A Taste of Croatia & Slovenia Hosted Tour & Cruise 2021

Welcome to Croatia. Your day is at leisure before meeting your Host and Tour Director. Overnight and dinner at the hotel. (D)

Zagreb is home to a mix of 18th and 19th century buildings with many charming parks, squares and city markets. You will discover Ban Jelačić Square and medieval settlements of Gradec and Kaptol. See the Cathedral, Dolac Market, Tkalčićeva Street, Stone Gate and St Mark’s Church. Proceed through the Hrvatsko Zagorje region to visit Trakošćan Castle dating back to the 13th century. It is Croatia’s most celebrated and romantic castle due to the surrounding parklands and lake. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner in one of Zagreb’s most loved restaurants. (B, D)

Head to the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana. Ljubljana lies in a basin between the Karst and Alpine region. This city with a soul features the Baroque Old Town nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, the Art Nouveau mansions and masterpieces of the renowned architect Jože Plečnik. We visit the local markets and explore the city before taking funicular train to Ljubljana Castle, for lunch at local Slovenian restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

Lake Bled, together with its surroundings ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. Enjoy a Pletna boat ride along the lake to Bled Island. See St Mary’s Church and later continue to the old medieval castle up on the cliff. The enchanting views and fairy-tale beauty are sensational. After sightseeing, enjoy a memorable lunch in Bled. Continue to visit a local producer of honey, to learn about the beekeeping tradition in Slovenia and to sample their products. Before returning to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure, we stop in Radovljica for a stroll through this magical little town. (B, L, T)

Postojna Caves is one of the world’s largest karst monuments. For 140 years train journeys have been taking visitors through the caves to see the spectacular underground subterranean world. Photo stop in Predjama Castle before continuing to the Tuscany of Slovenia the Goriška Brda region for our overnight in the village of Šmartno. Upon arrival we visit a family owned winery for a wine tasting and viewing of their cellars before a dinner this evening. (B, T, D)

This morning take a stroll through the village and enjoy in the spectacular views of the rolling hills, vineyards and orchards before returning to Croatia for our stay in the Istria region. Proceed to the gorgeous hilltop town of Motovun, possibly the most picturesque medieval hilltop town of inner Istria. Lunch will be served in Livade, where you will experience a tasting of Istria’s most famous delicacy their truffles. Upon arrival to Poreč, evening is at leisure. (B, T/L)

The seaside town of Poreč is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century AD. The apse of the Basilica is ornately decorated with figural mosaics noted as one of the most remarkable examples of mosaic art in Europe. We discover Poreč before continuing to Pula with its impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of Sergii. There is a long tradition of olive oil making in Istria and we get a taste of this in Vodnjan where we visit a renowned family producer of olive oil. Return to Poreč where the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, T, D)

Enjoy a day trip to Venice. A walking tour will show you the highlights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass blowing factory and watch a master artisan demonstrate this traditional Venetian art. The rest of your day is at leisure to experience Venice. Late afternoon return to Poreč, for dinner and overnight.
(B, D)

Rovinj is one of the most romantic towns on the Mediterranean, with its cobbled streets, squares and picturesque buildings. Enjoy some free time here to explore the town and its must see local markets. We continue to an authentic family owned restaurant for a memorable Istrian style lunch in the small village of Momjan. Enroute to Poreč we stop for a stroll through Grožnjan, a gorgeous medieval village and artists retreat. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Today we depart for the Plitvice Lakes. Enroute stop in Opatija, one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic. It is often referred to as Croatia’s Monte Carlo and was once the playground of the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Continue to Plitvice with a stop in Rastoke before arriving to Plitvice where the rest of the day is at leisure before dinner this evening. (B, D)

The Plitvice Lakes are Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction. The beauty lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. After discovering the National Park we continue to the Dalmatian coast for our stay in Zadar, upon arrival the rest of the day is at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B, D)

Zadar is one of the most charming old Dalmatian cities dating back to Roman times. Steeped in history, see the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, the reconstructed Romanesque St Grisigono’s Church, St Mary’s Bell Tower and St Anastasia Cathedral. Take a stroll along its beautiful promenade Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun, a sound and light spectacle and an award-winning architectural space before a tasting of famous Dalmatian cheeses and liquors. Enjoy another afternoon at leisure. Dinner is at the hotel. (B, T, D)​

Today we depart for Split, we travel along the Dalmatian coastline where our first stop is Šibenik. Discover the oldest Croatian city on the Adriatic and see Croatia’s most beautiful monument St James Cathedral. We continue to Skradin to visit one of Croatia’s most famous wineries, for an unforgettable lunch and wine tasting. Late afternoon arrival to Split, the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, T, L)

This morning we are transferred to Klis to visit its medieval fortress built by the Illyrians over 2,000 years ago. The fortress overlooks the village and offers breathtaking views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. We continue to a unique family owned estate. Here we partake in a cooking class, visit their ethno village and learn about traditional Dalmatian life, and the family’s production of traditional local delicacies. Upon return to Split the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B, L)

This morning enjoy some free time to relax and explore the unique city of Split, the main sights are only moments away from our hotel. Later transfer to Split Port to join our cruise. After settling in enjoy a guided tour of Split, a historic town under UNESCO protection and part of the world heritage with an abundance of Roman architecture, including Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and his cellars. This evening enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner to meet your Captain, crew & fellow cruise passengers. (B, D)

Our first day of cruising the Dalmatian coast begins. We visit a gorgeous bay to enjoy a dip in the Adriatic Sea before our lunch is served. Continue to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage protected historic stone town, often described as an open-air museum. We explore the charming town with its narrow alleyways and view the Cathedral of St Lawrence and the magnificent Kamerlengo Tower. Enjoy your evening at leisure. (B, L)

This morning we take a refreshing swim stop and visit the most famous beach in Croatia, Zlatni Rat near Bol on the Island of Brač. Following lunch, we continue to Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic. We explore its old town, then take an excursion to a renowned family owned winery, we learn about its history of wine making and sample the local Dalmatian wine. One last stop takes us to the must-see Spanish Fortress which offers incredibly scenic views of the town and Pakleni Islands. This evening experience the electric atmosphere of Hvar’s famous night life. Dine at a local restaurant or visit the bars and cafes which are open long into the night. (B, L, T)

Cruise towards Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon (visit is weather dependent). Vis was once a naval base and closed to the public. Due to this isolation, it has a unique charm. Arrive to an old fisherman’s village of Komiža, to enjoy free time and experience its relaxed pace of life. On arrival to Vis Town, your time is at leisure. Visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, town museum, or simply enjoy the surrounds. This evening make sure to dine at a local fish restaurant to sample fish and seafood prepared in traditional Dalmatian style. (B, L)

Cruise towards Korčula the birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch is in a secluded bay enroute. A fish bone street pattern design was used in Korčula Old Town to reduce effects of wind and sun and provide citizens with sheltered and comfortable accommodation. Discover the town and later there are many wonderful restaurants to dine at or an optional excursion to a small village near Korčula where you will enjoy dinner and hear about history and true local life. (B, L)

Continue to Mljet. Join the Cruise Director for a stroll to the saltwater lakes in the National Park and enjoy a boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. Depart to Slano a peaceful fishermen’s village and the starting point to Ston, a once fortified small town, famous for its medieval ramparts, saltworks and oysters. After exploring the town our excursion takes us to a family owned oyster farm for a special tasting and experience. Return to the ship for Captain’s farewell dinner with live entertainment. (B, L, T, D)

Discover the charm and fascination of Dubrovnik. We cruise along the City Walls for lunch, before docking in Gruž Port. Transfer to the Old Town for a walking tour to see Onofrio’s Fountain, the Franciscan & Dominican monasteries & Rector’s Palace. Take the cable car from the Old Town to Mount Srđ for incredible scenic views of the city and Elaphiti Islands. A walk along the city walls is a must do. Enjoy your evening at leisure. (B, L)

Check out is by 0900HRS. Say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. For those of you returning home, or travelling onwards you will be transferred to Dubrovnik Airport. We are sure you will have made many friends and have a wealth of memories to treasure and take home with you. Sretan Put. (B)