Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro Cruise Tour

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.

• Hotel Accommodation: Cubo Hotel
• Meals Included: N/A

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.

• Hotel Accommodation: Cubo Hotel
• Excursions Included: Guided tours of Lake Bled
• Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

• Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Ambasador
• Excursions Included: Guided tours of Postojona Cave
• Meals Included: Breakfast

A foodie favorite, travel into the Istrian countryside on a private tour to experiences the region’s picturesque hilltop villages and delve into its delicious flavors from rare truffles to wine. You’ll have the option to join a truffle hunt, with your private driver bringing you to this excursion that’s led by professional truffle sniffing dogs – and enjoy sampling the treats that are uncovered too. Or, if wine is your passion, join a wine tasting tour at award-winning Kozlovic winery. Yet another alternative is a scenic drive, stopping in the hilltop villages of Groznjan and Motovun as well as the coastal towns of Pula, Porec and Rovinj.

• Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Ambasador
• Excursions Included: Private day trip with a tour through the Istrian countryside or a truffle-hunting and wine tasting excursion in Istria
• Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

• Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Degenija
• Excursions Included: Entrance Fees and Guided tours of Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Our unforgettable land tour will end in the ancient city of Split where we’ll journey to today. Enjoy a tasty lunch among picturesque scenery before we reach the 1,700-year-old city that began when Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his retirement residence here. His 4^th-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.

• Hotel Accommodation: Piazza Heritage Hotel
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Join us onboard anytime from 1pm on for the cruising portion of your tour, with your luxury ship waiting in Split Harbour. If you’d like you can drop off your bags and enjoy more of the city or relax and take advantage of the vessel’s many facilities, perhaps lounging on the sundeck. You’ll want to return in time for the 7pm 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.

• Meals Included: Dinner

Your day begins with 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. Next, we’ll begin cruising with our first stop. Trogir, a living town museum with its entire historic walled city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Looking forward to an inspiration tour of its fascinating mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture, marveling at the traditional stone homes, medieval towers, monasteries and churches, including the renowned Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the North Gate. You’ll have time this evening to enjoy it on your own, sampling some of the enticing restaurants, bars and cafes.

• Excursions Included: Walking Tour of Split
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Our cruise will bring us sunny Hvar this afternoon, one of the most popular islands in Croatia, but first we’ll make a stop on Brac Island where you’ll have the opportunity to swim from the shores of one of the most stunning beaches in all of Europe, Zlatni Rat, a long stretch nearly surrounded by breathtaking turquoise water. Or if you prefer, you can explore the town of Bol. Once back on board, we continue our journey to Hvar enjoying views of hidden coves and sparkling bays along the way. Upon our arrival, join a wine tasting tour at a popular family-run winery in the small town of Jelsa before returning to Hvar for a guided walking tour of this beautiful Old Town.

• Excursions Included: Walking Tour of Split, Wine tasting tour at a family run winery
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Our destination this evening will be the unspoiled island of Vis, but weather permitting, first you’ll be able to experience the ethereal blue glow that occurs in the world-famous Blue Cave, the result of the sun’s rays which enter the interior through a crack in the rock and reflect of the white limestone floor (Entry fee of EUR20pp is payable on the day). If the cave can’t be accessed due to high haves, we’ll tour the pretty village of Komiza on Vis with its World War II RAF airport. Either way, Vis Town will be today’s final spot.

• Excursions Included: Entrance fee to Blue Cave
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

We journey to the charming island of Korcula today, docking near the walled Old Town. You’ll meet your guide near the steps of the entrance, who will regale you with its history while exploring the Venetian-Gothic architecture inside. Enjoy time on your own afterward to continue your explorations, which lots of enticing shops and eateries to enjoy among the impressive buildings. Take a stroll along the waterfront or cobblestone streets to discover that ideal restaurant for sampling some of the traditional cuisine.

• Excursions Included: Walking Tour of Korcula
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

The tiny traditional village of Slano is where we’ll venture next. It sits at the edge of the renowned gastronomic area of Ston, famous for its oysters, olive groves and fruit trees. You’ll be able to check out the ancient ramparts of the walled village before taking a short walk along the coast to sample fresh oysters and learn more about them at an oyster farm.

• Excursions Included: Visit to an oyster farm for a mussel and oyster tasting
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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.

• Excursions Included: Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to say farewell to the ship, captain and crew and get ready for a day trip to Croatia’s eastern neighbor. The private tour will bring you to the UNESCO-listed fortified Old Town of Kotor with its landmarks that date anywhere from the 15^th– to 18^th-centuries. You’ll end it with lunch overlooking the sparkling waters of Kotor Bay and then travel back to Dubrovnik.

• Excursions Included: Private day trip to Kotor, Montenegro
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Hotel Accommodation: Hotel More

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.

• Meals Included: Breakfast