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This 14-night adventure offers a trip of a lifetime, bringing some of the best of the Balkans, including medieval cities like romantic Dubrovnik, Slovenia’s picturesque Lake Bled with its fairytale castle, the stunning walled city of Kotor, Montenegro and an island-hopping cruise featuring beloved destinations like Korcula, Hvar, Vis and Mljet, as well as the renowned Blue Cave on Bisevo.
MV Memories is a 53m (174 ft) long, 8.6m (28 ft) wide ‘Signature’ cruise ship, with a speed of nine nautical miles per hour. The ship is brand-new, was launched in 2020, and features the latest equipment and amenities. The ship has a maximum capacity of 38 passengers in 19 twin or double cabins, ensuring exceptional personal service. The ship’s main deck features a spacious air-conditioned dining room and bar area, with an LCD TV, a corner buffet breakfast table, and an outdoor covered lounge area.
Your 14-night tour begins Ljubljana, Slovenia, the country’s capital and the city that was named the European Great Capital for 2016. It sits within a lush alpine valley along the Ljubljanica River, which makes it ideal for enjoying on a river boat sightseeing cruise. The river meanders through, bringing views of the buildings that date all the way back to the Middle Ages, including influences from the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau periods. Following the spirit of this environmentally-friendly town, take advantage of its bike-sharing scheme or electric cars called kavalirs to go exploring – be sure to visit Tivoli Park.
Enjoy the short and scenic drive to famous Lake Bled, known for its fairytale-like look with its emerald waters home to a little island that holds an historic church. Surrounded by the slopes of dramatic mountains, you’ll want to have your camera ready. Enjoy multiple views, including a perspective right from the water after taking a boat trip on a traditional “pletna” to visit the isle and the Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage Church where legend tells, if you ring the bell, your wish will be granted. You’ll get to visit the over thousand-year-old Bled Castle and a nature walk at nearby Vintgar Gorge too.
Travel to towards beautiful Opatija today, with the highlight a visit to Postojna Cave, the largest show caves in Europe, featuring a diverse array of fauna like the endangered olm, a species of salamander, along with some remarkable formations. Take a train ride into the cave’s belly to marvel at it all and then visit Vivarium Proteus. This is the place where offspring of the olm managed to be successfully hatched, giving hope for the species’ survival.
Today you are off to discover the Istrian peninsula, which many travelers compare to 1950’s Tuscany. The tour begins with a guided walk through the picturesque town of Rovinj, including time to drop into the galleries and souvenir stores of historic Via Grisia. You’ll then head to the beautiful hilltop town of Motovun, around an hour away, stopping en route for a wine and brandy tasting session at a local winery. Motovun is arguably Istria’s most beautiful hill town and a center for the local truffle industry. Return to your hotel via the equally scenic village of Buzet, also in the heart of Croatia’s truffle country.
While it’s hard to say goodbye to Istria, we’ll make that easier by traveling to Croatia’s bucket-list national park, Plitvice Lakes. This is the place you’ve probably glimpsed numerous times on the Internet and perhaps on postcards, but in real-life it’s even more jaw-dropping. This fantasy-like landscape is a maze of 16 crystal-clear lakes that range in shades from brilliant blue to emerald, with serene pools and endless waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. Hop on a boat across one of the lakes before strolling the paths and wooden walkways that bring many photo-ops, and then take the train for a panoramic ride back to the park entrance.
After breakfast our private driver will pick you up from your hotel in the lakes and drive you to Split. You will arrive in Split in the early afternoon in time to check into your hotel. Your hotel will be within easy reach of the 1,700-year-old palace that began when Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his retirement residence here. His 4th-century palace forms nearly half of the Old City, some of which was featured in the hit show “Game of Thrones.” Explore its many shops, restaurants and cafes, and enjoy a stroll on the seaside Riva promenade for some great people watching.
This morning you will have the morning free to explore Split at your leisure before our driver picks you up from 2pm for your transfer to our vessel which will be docked in the port. You will have time to check into your cabin before joining our local guide and your fellow guests for a guided tour of Split’s Old Town which will take you through the intriguing narrow streets and alleyways of the UNESCO-listed palace and more. Return in time for the 7 pm Welcome Reception that brings introductions to the captain and crew along with more details about your cruise followed by the captain’s delicious dinner. You’ll have plenty of time to mingle and get to know your fell passengers too.
The charming medieval town of Trogir is our next destination today. This UNESCO-listed gem with its pristine marina is often compared to a mini-Venice. On route to Trogir, the captain will find a secluded spot for you to enjoy the first swim stop of your cruise from the back of the boat. On arrival, we have a fabulous trip to the stunning Krka Waterfalls National Park planned. Enjoy the afternoon admiring the beautiful waterfalls and lakes and stroll along pathways winding through the lush flora. Enjoy a picturesque photo stop in front of the stunning Skradinski Buk waterfall.
Today our yacht departs early from Trogir and sets sail to the off the hidden gem which is the Island of Vis, famed for its seclusion and isolation. Vis was once used as a military base and therefore out of bounds to tourists, so it has maintained a beautiful untouched uniqueness. You will have the afternoon free to explore Vis at your leisure and meander through its charming streets which is full of quaint sea front cafes and stunning marina views. Those who are feeling up for a short hike, can take a 25 minute walk up the hill to enjoy sunset drinks at Fort George, which has sublime sunset views over the island.
We will set off before breakfast to make our way to the nearby Island of Bisevo, which is home to the magical Blue Cave. Weather permitting, guests will enjoy an optional guided tour inside the stunning Blue Cave, which will leave you in awe. (Entry to the Blue Cave is subject to weather and sea conditions and therefore the entry fee of EUR20pp is payable on the day). Our boat will then set sail through the gorgeous Pakleni island archipelago, with an opportunity to swim in this stunning secluded bay on route. We will arrive on Hvar Island in the afternoon, with a fascinating Hvar Island tour planned. The first stop on this tour is an opportunity for you to sample locally produced wines at a stunning family run winery. We then continue on to the chic town of Hvar, where you will have free time to explore this picturesque town at your leisure.
This morning during breakfast we will sail on to our next destination today, the medieval Island of Korcula. On route, the captain will take us past one of Croatia’s most sought after beaches, the Golden Horn Beach, known in Croatia as Zlatni Rat. We will then continue our journey on to Korcula, where we will have a refreshing swim stop in the afternoon shortly before arriving in Korcula. Once we are docked, join our cruise director and our guide who will take you through the narrow, cobbled streets to view the impressive Venetian-gothic architecture and learn more about the alleged birthplace of explorer Marco Polo along with reason for the fishbone layout of the streets. This evening, you have a choice of dinner in one of Korcula’s many superb restaurants or speak to our cruise director about doing our optional Traditional Village Dinner experience.
Today we depart early to visit the tranquil and stunning Mljet National Park. On arrival, our cruise director will take you for a stroll to visit the famous salt lakes, situated in the heart of this tranquil national park. We sail on to the charming village of Slano, situated on the mainland. Head to an oyster farm where you will have the opportunity to sample delicious fresh oysters. The evening is reserved for the Captain’s Dinner on board, with live music and entertainment.
The last full day of our cruise brings us to Dubrovnik by way of the enchanting Elaphiti Islands. Before anchoring, you’ll get to enjoy it from the perspective of the water as we sail around the Old City’s medieval walls. Upon our arrival, meet our local guide for a tour of the historic center, which will include those centuries-old walls and the Gothic/Renaissance/Baroque Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and the Pile Gate. If you’re a fan of “Game of Thrones,” you’ll notice it from the series.
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to say farewell to the ship, captain and crew and get ready for a private tour of Montenegro. This fascinating full day private tour will bring you to the UNESCO-listed fortified Old Town of Kotor with its landmarks that date anywhere from the 15th– to 18th-centuries. You will also get to visit the picturesque town of Perast which enjoys idyllic views across the sparking waters of the Bay of Kotor. Enjoy a short boat ride across to Our Lady of the Rocks monastery before our driver brings you back to Dubrovnik to check into your hotel.
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you’ll be met by private transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for further travels or your return home. If you aren’t ready to leave just yet, be sure to reach out to our travel experts who will be more than happy to assist.
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