Small Group 25 PAXFood & Wine LoversHistory & CultureUnique ExperiencesDeluxe Superior Package

Delights of Croatia & Slovenia Small Group Tour & Cruise 2024

Zagreb - Ljubljana - Bled - Radovljica - Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Predjama - Momjan - Poreč - Motovun - Rovinj - Poreč - Pula - Vodnjan - Opatija - Rastoke - Plitvice Lakes NP - Zadar - Split - Korčula - Mljet NP - Dubrovnik - Elaphiti Islands - Slano - Ston - Trstenik - Hvar - Bol - Trogir - Split

Discover the history, nature, culture and wonderful cuisine of Croatia & Slovenia. Spend 7 unforgettable days touring the highlights on land followed by 8 days onboard a relaxing Deluxe Small Ship, cruising the gorgeous Adriatic coastline. All details of this itinerary have been carefully crafted to showcase the very best of these destinations.

Cruise check in SPLIT on WEDNESDAYS or SATURDAYS from 1400HRS, first night in Split Port
Cruise check out SPLIT on WEDNESDAYS or SATURDAYS by 0900HRS

 

MS Rhapsody      MS Markan      MS Ave Maria

 

MS Rhapsody (2020) - Sat 29 Jun 2024 & Sat 17 Aug 2024
Vessel Features 
Capacity 36 passengers, A/C, 11 VIP Upper Deck Cabins with Private Balconies, 8 Lower Deck Cabins with ensuites, length 50m, width 8.63m, 220V, restaurant, bar, lounge, SAT TV, covered terrace, sun deck, jacuzzi, swimming platform.

MS Markan (2018) - Wed 28 Aug 2024
Vessel Features Capacity 36 passengers, A/C, 9 VIP Upper Deck Cabins with Private Balconies, 2 Main Deck Cabins, 8 Lower Deck Cabins with ensuites, length 48.5m, width 8.8m, 220V, restaurant, bar, lounge, SAT TV, covered terrace, sun deck, jacuzzi, swimming platform.

MS Ave Maria (2018) - Sat 21 Sep 2024
Vessel Features Capacity 36 passengers, A/C, 11 VIP Upper Deck Cabins with Private Balconies, 8 Lower Deck Cabins with ensuites, length 51.5m, width 8.6m, 220V, restaurant, bar, lounge, SAT TV, covered terrace, sun deck, jacuzzi, sea water mini pool, swimming platform.

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Zagreb

Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Free time before a welcome dinner at one of Zagreb’s most loved restaurants. (D)

Day 2
Zagreb - Ljubljana

Zagreb is home to a mix of 18th and 19th century buildings with many charming parks, squares and city markets. Discover the city’s sights then continue to Ljubljana. The lively city features a gorgeous pedestrian only Baroque Old Town nestled at the foot of Castle Hill. Dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 3
Ljubljana - Bled - Radovljica - Ljubljana

Lake Bled ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. Enjoy a Pletna boat ride to Bled Island. Continue to the medieval castle perched high on a cliff top for a memorable lunch. Stop in Radovljica for a stroll through this magical little town. Return to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4
Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Predjama Castle - Momjan - Poreč

See the subterranean world of the Postojna Caves by train. Photo stop at Predjama Castle, followed by a wine tasting at one of Croatia’s best wineries. Arrive to Poreč, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century AD. Dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, T, D)

Day 5
Poreč - Motovun - Rovinj - Poreč

Visit the medieval hilltop town of Motovun followed by lunch where you will experience a tasting of local truffles. Proceed to the seaside town of Rovinj, one of the most romantic towns on the Mediterranean, with its cobbled streets, squares and picturesque buildings. Return to Poreč for an afternoon at leisure. (B, L/T)

Day 6
Poreč - Pula - Vodnjan - Opatija - Rastoke - Plitvice Lakes

Depart for Plitvice, enroute see Pula and its impressive Roman Amphitheatre followed by a visit to a renowned family producer of olive oil. Continue to Opatija, the old playground of the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Photo stop in Rastoke. Overnight in Plitvice Lakes and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B, T, D)

Day 7
Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Split

The beauty of the Plitvice Lakes lies in its 16 lakes inter-connected by a series of waterfalls. Discover the National Park and have picnic lunch before continuing to Zadar. Zadar dates back to Roman times, see its beautiful promenade Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun. Overnight in Split this evening. Dinner is at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 8
Split

Check in from 1400HRS onwards. After settling, enjoy a guided tour of the city. Split is a historic town under UNESCO protection and a part of the world heritage. One will find an abundance of Roman architecture, of special interest is the magnificent Diocletian Palace, once inhabited by the Roman Emperor. After the tour of Split, return to your ship for a welcome cocktail and dinner. (B, D)

Day 9
Split - Korčula

Early morning departure towards Korčula Island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays enroute. Early afternoon arrival in Korčula, followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting town with fortified walls. On this Island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else while you wander along the herringbone pattern streets. Korčula has an abundant choice of restaurants where you can continue your gourmet experience and there are many bars and clubs for those looking for evening entertainment. Overnight in Korčula. (B, L)

Day 10
Korčula - Mljet - Dubrovnik

This morning we head further south to the Island of Mljet. Join the Cruise Director for a stroll to the famous saltwater lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to the St Mary’s Isle, where you will visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating from the 12th century. Alternatively, you can rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars to roam around the National Park or the island on your own. Return to the ship for lunch, followed by departure towards Dubrovnik. Late afternoon arrival in Dubrovnik, but before we tie the ropes at Gruž Port, the captain will take you for an evening cruise alongside the Old Town walls while a buffet dinner is served on deck. Enjoy the spectacular views of this magnificent Old Town. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B, L, D)

Day 11
Dubrovnik

After breakfast, transfer to the Old Town for a guided walking tour of this magical town. You will have an opportunity to take the best photos of the town of Dubrovnik as we take the cable car from the Old Town to Mount Srđ to enjoy scenic views of the walls and Elaphiti Islands. Afternoon at leisure to find idyllic spots for lunch. For those of you with more enthusiasm, we recommend to walk the famous 1,940m-long city walls and take a stroll along ‘Stradun’, both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. Dinner will be served onboard. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B, D)

Day 12
Dubrovnik - Elaphiti Islands - Slano - Ston - Trstenik

During breakfast take in the spectacular scenery, as the ship cruises to one of the Elaphiti Islands for a swim stop enroute to Slano, a peaceful fishermen’s village on the mainland. Slano is the starting point to Ston, a once fortified small town, famous for its medieval ramparts, saltworks and oysters. After exploring the town our coach excursion takes us to a family owned oyster farm for a special tasting and experience. Meet the ship again in the village of Trstenik from where we move away from the shore inland to explore the rural areas of Pelješac Peninsula. Afternoon transfer to the village for a visit to a local farm where you will indulge in a typical village party with Croatian delicacies, an all-inclusive dinner with local dishes made from their own produce. Late transfer back to the ship in Trstenik for overnight. (B, T, D)

Day 13
Trstenik - Hvar

Cruise towards Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, with swim stop and lunch enroute. We explore Hvar’s old town and see the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe. We take a walk to a family owned winery, where 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 nightlife. Dine at a local restaurant or visit the bars and cafes which are open long into the night. (B, L, T)

Day 14
Hvar - Bol - Trogir

Morning departure to Brač Island, where swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat near Bol. Bol is a typical fishermen’s town, converted into a popular tourist destination. 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. Return to the ship for your Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment to dance the night away. (B, L, D)

Day 15
Trogir - Split

Early morning departure for Split and on arrival check out by 0900HRS with transfer to Split 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)

Inclusions

Tour & Cruise Includes

  • 7 Nights in 4-5* hotels
  • Tour Director
  • All transfers as per itinerary
  • 14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 10 Dinners (B, L, D)
  • Modern A/C motor coach or minivan
  • Service charges & hotel taxes
  • Cruise Director
  • Authentic Food & Wine Experiences (T)
  • 7 Nights on Luxury Small Ship
  • Ship Welcome Reception & Cocktail
  • Daily cabin service
  • Free WiFi on ship (restrictions may apply)
  • Visitor taxes & port fees
  • Headsets
  • Porterage

Highlights

  • Authentic dining experiences at local restaurants
  • Unique stays in centrally located properties
  • Wine Tasting at an award-winning winery in Istria
  • Truffle Tasting Lunch in Istria
  • Olive Oil Tasting at a family owned estate in Vodnjan
  • Visit & Tasting at Ston Oyster Farm
  • Village Dinner Party on Pelješac Peninsula
  • Wine Tasting on the Island of Hvar
  • Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment
  • Cable car ride in Dubrovnik with sensational views of the Old Town

Sightseeing with Local Guides

  • Zagreb
  • Ljubljana
  • Bled
  • Poreč
  • Motovun
  • Rovinj
  • Pula
  • Plitvice NP
  • Zadar
  • Split
  • Korčula
  • Dubrovnik
  • Hvar
  • Trogir

Entrance Fees

  • Zagreb - Funicular
  • Bled - Castle, Pletna Boat, Church
  • Postojna - Cave
  • Poreč - Euphrasius Basilica
  • Motovun - Shuttle Bus, Town Walls
  • Pula - Amphitheatre Arena
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park
  • Split - Diocletian Palace Cellars
  • Mljet - National Park
  • Dubrovnik - Cable Car
  • Hvar - Spanish Fortress

Exclusions

Optional Excursion (booked & paid direct, price subject to change)

  • Korčula Village Dinner €45-60 per person approx

Pricing and Accommodation

Start DateEnd Date
VIP Upper DeckTwinSingle Main DeckTwinSingle Lower DeckTwinSingle
Sat 29 Jun 24Sat 13 Jul 24
$12,595$POA$POA$POA$10,975$POA
Sat 17 Aug 24Sat 31 Aug 24
$12,560$POA$POA$POA$10,940$POA
Wed 28 Aug 24Wed 11 Sep 24
$12,980$POA$11,990$POA$10,550$POA
Sat 21 Sep 24Sat 05 Oct 24
$12,525$POA$POA$POA$10,785$POA
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Important Notes

Cruise Information
VIP Cabins are on the Upper Deck. Upper Deck Cabins are above the Main Deck. Lower Deck Cabins are in the hull of the ship, below the Main Deck. All cabins are allocated according to availability. Most port arrivals are in the late afternoon. Cruising time is approximately 4-5 hours a day. Guests are obliged to follow ship rules. Due to specific mooring conditions and requirements in some Croatian Ports, ships are moored side by side. This makes it necessary to cross from one ship to the other where there are gaps in between each ship. Special care must be taken at all times when crossing between the vessels and guests do this at their own risk. Crew assistance will be given to those needing and requesting it. Cruises are not recommended for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

Booking Terms & Conditions
Deposits:
Upon confirmation a non-refundable deposit of NZ$1,000 per person is payable. Final Payment: Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure from New Zealand. Prices: All prices are in NZ$ based on twin share per person. Airfares and any costs not stated are not included. Solo Travellers: To guarantee a private room, solo travellers must book the ‘single use’ price. Group Size: Tour & Cruise - up to 25. Cruise only - up to 36. Guaranteed departure based on minimum 10 guests. Additional cost will apply if group size is below minimum numbers. Tour Transport & Guide: If group size is below 7 passengers, transportation will be in a minivan & with a driver/guide. Tour Arrangements: We reserve the right to alter the routing, change accommodation and services if required. The cruise operator reserves the right to alter the route due to weather or other conditions and cancel or change the ship if necessary. Travel Insurance: It is a requirement of this travel arrangement that all travellers must take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance for the full duration of this trip. Contact us or your Travel Agent for more information. For full booking terms & conditions click here.

Extras and Add Ons

Add Sightseeing & Excursions

Insurance is required for this tour. We'll be happy to provide a quote or you'll need evidence of your own insurance.

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