Discover Croatia Cruise and Land Tour
Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Split - Trogir - Bol - Hvar - Blue Cave - Vis - Korcula - Mljet National Park - Slano - Dubrovnik
HIGHLIGHTS
Discover Croatia Cruise and Land Tour
Explore 3,000 years of history in the capital city of Zagreb, immerse yourself in nature at Plitvice Lakes National Park and tour Split’s fascinating 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace before cruising the stunning Southern Dalmatian coast. On this island-hopping journey, you’ll visit famous islands like Hvar and Korcula, along with enchanting hidden gems, before concluding in medieval Dubrovnik.
At a Glance
- Visit Croatia's capital and discover its unique art scene and charming Old Town
- Explore one of Croatia’s most popular attractions, Plitvice Lakes National Park with its 16 lakes and countless waterfalls
- Witness the unique Sea Organ art installation in Zadar, which plays music with the waves
- Wander through 1,700 years of history on a guided tour through Split’s 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace
- Marvel at one of the finest examples of sacral architecture, Trogir’s Cathedral of St. Lawrence
- Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear blue waters of one of Europe’s most stunning beaches, Zlatni Rat
- Take a small boat tour to visit famous Blue Cave on Bisevo Island
- Explore the fairytale-like walled Old Town on the island of Korcula
- Visit an oyster farm and sample fresh oysters in Ston
- Tour the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik, including a walk atop its medieval walls
Day by Day Itinerary (B-Breakfast/ L-Lunch/ T-Tasting/ D-Dinner)
ZAGREB
Welcome to Zagreb. After arrival into the capital city, you’ll be met by our driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Relax and refresh before taking a private guided tour of this 3,000-year-old city’s Old Town. Follow your professional guide through the cobbled streets of the Upper Town to witness sights like one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb. St. Mark’s Church and its often-photographed, colorful roof, dated back to the 13th-century. You’ll want to capture a photo of Zagreb Cathedral too, considered the most monumental sacral building built in in Gothic style southeast of the Alps, and the country’s tallest with its two soaring twin spires. The Lower Town houses pretty parks, cafes, eateries and shops.
PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK (B)
Your driver will meet up with you this morning for a trip to the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s top attractions. This UNESCO-listed site is considered one of the world’s most enchanting natural wonders with 16 lakes in hues that range from brilliant blue to emerald green, that has been flowing over the chalk and limestone for thousands of years. Over time, barriers were created, resulting in the many serene pools and cascading falls there today, along with caves and rivers. You’ll walk the wooden pathways for a closeup look and hop on a boat ride across dazzling Kozjak Lake before returning via a panoramic train ride.
SPLIT (B)
This morning you’ll journey by private transfer to the ancient city of Split, a trip that will bring you through more than 1,700 years of history. Along the way, you’ll stop in Zadar to see its renowned pair of art installations, the Sea Organ which makes use of the waves along the waterfront to play music and the Greeting to the Sun which communicates with light. After arriving into Split, you’ll have a leisurely time to wander the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace which covers nearly half the historic center or take a stroll along the Riva promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, the perfect place for people watching while sipping wine.
SPLIT (B, D)
The cruise portion of your itinerary begins today, with embarkation possible anytime from 1pm on. In the meantime, you might want to explore the palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s one of the most well-preserved of its time. Not only are there many magnificent wonders from the Roman era and beyond, but lots of unique shops and charming cafes. Be sure to board the ship in time for the welcome meeting and three-course dinner that will be hosted this evening at 7pm. You’ll be given more details about what to expect along with introductions to the crew and your fellow passengers.
TROGIR (B)
Before we set sail, you’ll get to join a guided tour for a more in-depth look at Diocletian’s Palace, with history coming to life as you hear the stories and marvel at the spectacular buildings and monuments with influences by the Greeks, Romans and Venetian, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, one of the finest examples of Renaissance and Gothic architecture. After hopping back on board, we’ll cruise to Trogir, home to the remarkably preserved Kamerlengo Castle, along with a wealth of impressive Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque structures. Its many highlights, like the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, one of Croatia’s finest examples of sacral architecture will be revealed.
BOL - HVAR (B, L, T)
After departing Trogir, we continue our cruise to Bol to swim off the shores of a beach that’s often named among Europe’s, and the world’s, most stunning. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters that surround this unique stretch that juts out as far as a third of a mile into the sea or explore the town of Bol with its pretty harbor, restaurants and bars. As we make our way to Hvar, head to the ship’s upper deck to soak up the sun and jaw-dropping scenery, with hidden coves and sparkling blue bays. Upon our arrival to this cosmopolitan isle, enjoy a wine tasting tour at a popular family-run winery, then on our return to Hvar harbor, enjoy a guided walking tour of this picturesque Old Town.
BLUE CAVE - VIS (B, L)
Sailing early this morning toward Vis, we’ll make a stop to experience another one of Croatia’s top attractions, the renowned Blue Cave which lies southeastern side of Bisevo Island. You’ll be able to witness the surreal beauty that occurs when conditions are just right. As the sun’s rays enter a crack in the cave’s interior, reflecting on the white limestone sea bottom, it becomes illuminated in an aquamarine glow. After lunch, we head to the practically untouched island of Vis, closed off to the public for 40 years while used as a military base. You’ll be able to experience the “Mediterranean as it once was,” enjoying leisure time to stroll the peaceful streets.
KORCULA (B, L)
Named for its dense, dark woods by the Greeks, Korkyra Melaina, which translates to “Black Corfu,” Korcula is our next destination, famous as the birthplace of international explorer Marco Polo. Enjoy the gorgeous views before we arrive in the afternoon just outside of the fairytale-like Old Town. You’ll get to join a local guide take a tour of this historic center with its well-preserved medieval walls and fortified bastions. This evening you’ll have the option to join a traditional Croatian village party, complete with authentic local entertainment or enjoy sampling one of the many Korcula eateries on your own.
MLJET NATIONAL PARK - SLANO (B, L, T, D)
Continuing our journey to Mljet Island and its lush national park, you’ll have time to wander the scenic paths that wind through the forest and around emerald-hued saltwater lakes, one of which is home to a tiny island with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. Once everyone is back on board, we’ll cruise to the traditional fishing village of Slano which lies near another fortified village, Ston. You’ll have time to check out the ramparts and defensive walls before enjoying a short walk along the coast to an oyster farm. Look forward to enjoying samples of the fresh oysters and mussels, while learning more about Ston’s famous delicacy. Tonight, the Captain’s dinner will be hosted on board, complete with live entertainment.
DUBROVNIK (B, L)
Our last full day of the cruise brings us to the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik. You’ll join a local guide for a walking tour of its medieval center, strolling its cobbled streets and marble-paved squares. Take in the sights like Rector’s Palace, one of the most impressive and important buildings in the old Dubrovnik Republic, before taking a walk right atop the city’s defensive walls for views of the endless red-tiled roofs, the Aegean Sea and the neighboring Elaphiti Islands. Afterwards, enjoy time on your own to celebrate your experience by dining in one of the outstanding rooftop eateries while gazing out at one last sunset over the sea.
DEPARTURE DAY (B)
You’ll want to have your bags packed and ready early this morning – after breakfast and time for farewells to the crew and your fellow shipmates, now new friends, you’ll be met by private transfer for the drive to Dubrovnik Airport or your onward hotel in Dubrovnik if you’ve decided to extend your time here. As so many find it hard to leave, if you haven’t made plans to stay and aren’t ready to say goodbye, contact our travel experts who will be happy to help.
Your Ship
What's included
- A 10-night, 9-day deluxe land and cruise tour in your choice of cabin
- Private hotel, airport and ship transfers throughout
- Bed-and-breakfast accommodation at 4- or 5-star hotels in Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes and Split
- Guided walking tours of Zagreb, Split, Korcula and Dubrovnik
- Hot-and-cold breakfast buffet served daily
- Daily three course set lunch on the cruise
- Fresh fruit available during the cruise
- 3-course welcome dinner on first night
- Captain’s Dinner, including three courses, enjoyed with live entertainment
- Filtered water, coffee and tea available throughout the cruise
- Wine tasting at a popular family-run winery on Hvar
- Oyster farm tour in Ston, including a fresh oyster and mussel tasting
- Admission fees to the Blue Cave and Mljet National Park
- Cabin cleaning service, daily
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Professional English-speaking cruise director throughout
2021 Departure Dates
- May 12, 26
- June 9, 23
- July 7, 21
- August 4, 18
- September 1, 9, 15, 29
2022 Departure Dates
- May 4, 18
- June 1, 15, 29
- July 13, 27
- August 10, 24
- September 7, 21
- October 5
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