11-Night Venice & Croatia Deluxe Cruise Tour
Venice - Opatija - Postojna Cave - Istria - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Split - Hvar - Korcula - Dubrovnik - Mljet National Park - Pucisca - Omis - Split
HIGHLIGHTS
11-Night Venice & Croatia Deluxe Cruise Tour
Experience Italy’s City of Canals and the best of Croatia on this 11-night luxury cruise and land adventure, focused on gastronomic delights, wine and culture.
Wine and foodie couples in particular will enjoy the romance of Venice and the highlights of Croatia on this unforgettable cultural journey.
At a Glance
- Go island-hopping, enjoying the scenery from the sea and the comforts of a deluxe, small ship cruise
- Immerse yourself in the ‘floating city’ of Venice
- Taste and drink your way through Istria, the food and wine region of Croatia
- Excursion right into the belly of Postojna Cave
- Witness the stunning beauty of lush Plitvice Lakes National Park with its gem-colored lakes, cascading falls and emerald forest
- Stroll the cobbled streets in the Old Town of Split, exploring the incredible 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace
- Discover Croatia’s most impressive highlights while cruising, including the world-renowned Zlanti Rat Beach
- Dine alfresco while watching a glorious sunset splash colors across the water, Hvar and Korcula islands
- Private transfers in high-end, privately chauffeured vehicles included throughout the trip
Day by Day Itinerary
VENICE - OPATIJA
Begin in the romantic city of Venice, built on the water in the middle of a lagoon, renowned for its iconic gondolas, food, art and historic landmarks. You’ll be able to lose yourself in its many charms before traveling to the trendy destination of Opatija with its unique blend of architecture from Renaissance and Venetian to Gothic, Baroque and Classicism. Stop for a tour of Postojna Cave, famous as the home to an endangered species of salamander, the olm, taking a train ride over 377 feet underground to marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites. A visit to the very place olm offspring successfully hatched in 2016 to give hope for the survival of the species, Vivarium Proteus is next. Finally, we’ll witness the Renaissance Predjama Castle, built within the mouth of a cave. Overnight in Opatija
TOUR OF ISTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE (B, T)
Journeying into the Istrian countryside, renowned for its truffles, wine and ancient hilltop villages, you’ll be able to take a tour with your private guide of two of its alluring hilltop towns: Groznjan and Motovun. A truffle-hunting experience with one of the local families is optional and can be included by speaking with your Croatia travel expert. Head to the picturesque Old Town of Rovinj, made up of Venetian-era pastel colored homes built around a pretty fishing harbor, overlooked by a hilltop church. Stroll the cobbled streets and enjoy the lovely seaside cafes. The grand finale of the day includes a wine tasting tour at one of the area’s most popular wineries.
PLITVICE LAKES (B)
You’ll have the day to explore beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park. A fantasy come to life, it showcases some of the world’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls with 16 crystal-clear lakes in brilliant shades of emerald and turquoise connected by wooden walkways. Look for the abundant flora and fauna as you enjoy a relaxing boat trip across the water, or a ride on a scenic train.
DEPART FOR SPLIT (B, D)
As we make our way to Split, we’ll stop for lunch at one of the local eateries for an authentic Croatian meal. Once in this medieval city we’ll take a trip back in time, exploring the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s 1,700-year-old palace. The beating heart of the historic inner city, it makes up about half of the Old Town. The sprawling complex of Roman temples, Gothic palaces and more modern Mediterranean-style stone homes is also filled with unique shops, cafes and restaurants. The palm tree-lined waterfront promenade known as Riva offers an ideal place for a drink and some people watching while Marjan hill, the famous symbol of Split is the place to go for a breathtaking panoramic vista.
SATURDAY BOARDING YOUR SHIP IN SPLIT (D)
Your private transfer will bring you to Split harbor, where your luxury vessel awaits. You’ll find your new luxury vessel waiting. You’ll be able to board throughout the day, checking in to enjoy resting in the comfort of your cabin before attending the welcome reception and three-course captain’s dinner where you’ll be able to get know your captain, the crew and your fellow passengers. Overnight in Split
SPLIT - BOL – HVAR (B, L)
We’ll set sail to Brac Island, visiting world-renowned Zlatni Rat beach near the fishing village of Bol. Croatia’s most photographed and perhaps most beautiful stretch of sand is framed by dazzling cerulean waters that are ideal for a rejuvenating dip. You’ll have another chance to jump into the enticing waters as we cruise to the island of Hvar, stopping along the way to enjoy one of the secluded bays and coves. Sometimes called the St. Tropez of Croatia, Hvar is a playground for the rich and famous, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy a more authentic slice of life on this beautiful island. Join a walking tour, led by a local to discover its history, culture and traditions and then enjoy a refreshing drink in the sun along the seaside promenade. Overnight in Hvar
HVAR – KORCULA (B, L)
Cruising to the island of Korcula, a swim stop is sure to get your energized for explorations of Korcula town. It’s not only famed as the birthplace for intrepid explorer Marco Polo, but it’s filled with many fascinating historical sites. Take a guided tour through the cobbled streets of Old Town, including the main square, dominated by the 15th-century Cathedral of St. Mark. It’s surrounded by magnificent Venetian/Renaissance-style buildings and medieval city fortifications. You’ll have the evening free to enjoy dinner and authentic Croatian hospitality at one of the local eateries. Overnight in Korcula
KORCULA - DUBROVNIK (B, L)
As we journey to Dubrovnik, we’ll make time to enjoy the spectacular, verdant scenery of Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands. Once in the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ your guide will reveal the best of this ancient, romantic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site like Rector’s Palace. Experience the medieval walls that offer ever-changing views of the Old Town and the Adriatic, best explored with a just over mile-long walk along the battlements. Hop on the cable car that will whiz you up to the top of Mount Srd for an incredible view over it all. Overnight in Dubrovnik
DUBROVNIK- ELAPHITI ISLANDS – NATIONAL PARK MLJET (B, L)
Today we’ll get to enjoy a more in-depth look at the Elaphiti Islands and Mljet National Park, where you’ll be entranced by the unspoiled beauty of the landscape, including two saltwater lakes. Great Lake hosts the Isle of St. Mary, where one can embark on a boat ride to visit its 12th-century Benedictine Monastery for an interesting look at the area’s culture, heritage and history. Overnight in Mljet National Park
MLJET to PUĈIŠĆA (BRAĈ ISLAND) (B, L)
Sailing to Brac Island, take advantage of another enticing swim stop before we reach what’s often called Croatia’s most beautiful village, Pucisca. The gleaming white stone that’s indigent to the island, used in the building of the White House’s limestone columns, Vienna’s Parliament House and other famous buildings, makes the little harbor town a one-of-a-kind destination. Located on the north coast of Brac, sheltered by a protective cove, it’s also an ideal spot for soaking up the sun and pristine sands. Overnight in Slano/ Ston
PUĈIŠĆA – OMIŠ (MAKARSKA RIVIERA) – SPLIT (B,L)
Gliding across the sparkling blue waters of Brac Channel, we make our way to ancient Omis, a legendary pirates’ lair boasting one of Dalmatia’s most dramatic locations, surrounded by massive gorges. You’ll see evidence of its proud, turbulent history on every corner, from medieval city walls and fortresses to stone churches. Less than 16 miles up the coast, it’s time to discover Split, a more than 1,700-year-old city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the magnificent and vast 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Tour the palace, which takes up about half of the historic center, and then go out exploring the many museums, churches, restaurants, cafes and shops. Overnight in Split
SPLIT (B)
A delicious breakfast will provide you with the fuel you’ll need for the return journey home, or further travels, as this unforgettable adventure comes to an end.
Your Ship
What's included
- Two nights at a 4-star hotel in Opatija, breakfast included
- One night at a 4-star hotel in the Plitvice Lakes National park area, breakfast included
- One night at a 4-star hotel in Split, breakfast included
- Private wine tasting tour in Croatia’s wine region of Istria
- Excursion into the belly of Postojna Cave
- 7-night, round-trip cruise from Split in a comfortable air-conditioned, en-suite cabin on a luxury, newly built vessel
- Buffet-style breakfast each day plus four-course set lunches and a 3-course welcome dinner & captain's dinner
- Tours through Split, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik with an expert, English-speaking guide
- Admission to Mljet National Park
- Complimentary WiFi onboard
- Professional onboard cruise director
- Daily cabin service & luggage handling
2021 Departure Dates from Venice
- May 11, 25
- June 8, 22
- July 6, 20
- August 3, 17, 31
- September 8, 14, 28
- October 5
2022 Departure Dates from Venice
- May 3, 17, 31
- June 14, 28
- July 12, 26
- August 9, 23
- September 6, 20
- October4
