Signature Journey: Croatian Encounter 2024 (Dubrovnik - Zagreb)

DAY 1 CRUISE: Dubrovnik
Welcome to Dubrovnik - the Pearl of the Adriatic! Your cruise commences with an arrival transfer to your ship. Embarkation is from 14.00hrs followed by an on board welcome dinner.

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 2 CRUISE: Dubrovnik – Slano
Experience Dubrovnik and its walled Old Town on a walking tour with your local guide. See the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column and the Sponza Palace, as well as the Franciscan Monastery with its pharmacy which is still operating and one of the oldest in the world. Explore the Old Port - the key to Dubrovnik's trading and maritime success and hear of the legend of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's Patron Saint. Return to the ship to begin your adventure on the Adriatic Sea. Lunch will be served on board as you cruise to the quaint fisherman's village of Slano. The day ends with dinner and live Klapa music with the Captain offering you the perfect opportunity to get to share stories with new friends.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 3 CRUISE: Slano – Mljet – Korcula
A short cruise away is the island of Mljet, Croatia’s greenest island. Much of the island is covered by Mljet National Park which includes two unique salt water lakes and a medieval monastery. Soak in the unspoilt beauty of Mljet and enjoy some free time to swim, cycle, kayak or simply relax before cruising to Korcula. On arrival, join your fellow travellers in a walking tour of this enchanting town known to be the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo. Wander through the fishbone-pattern Old Town lined with elegant red-roofed houses and catch a sunset from one of the lively waterside bars.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4 CRUISE: Korcula – Vis
Stop for a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic as you sail to beautiful Vis Island. Be enchanted by peaceful and untouched nature which until the late 80’s was closed to tourism and served as a military zone for the Yugoslav army. Its authenticity is still evident as you explore Vis Town waterfront. The island recently had a starring role as the filming location for Mama Mia 2 with many of the locals participating in the production!

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Please note: The port of call in Vis can be substituted for Komiza because of the limited capacity in the harbour of Vis Town.

DAY 5 CRUISE: Vis – Bisevo – Hvar
This morning, set off for Bisevo Island’s Blue Cave to capture one of the most unique natural phenomena in the world. A highlight Only recently opened to the public, its silvery-blue waters shimmering throughout cave are a must-see! Your cruise continues to Hvar Town, the historical centre of Hvar Island, for a guided walking tour. Stop by the arsenal, which houses one of the first theatres in Europe, and the sprawling Square of St. Stephen, the town’s public and social heart surrounded by the town’s main cathedral.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Please note: The Blue Cave is only accessible with small boats through an entrance just 1.5m high so it is unfortunately sometimes made inaccessible by bad weather and high waves.

DAY 6 CRUISE: Hvar
Begin your day with a tour around the island of Hvar, visiting the ancient port town of Stari Grad and Vrboska to get a glimpse of traditional island life, see its vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and undulating rosemary and lavender fields (seasonal). Feast a tasty peka lunch including wine tasting at a local konoba (traditional tavern) and arrive in the charming town of Jelsa where you will overnight and have the evening free at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 7 CRUISE: Hvar – Brac – Split
Explore one of the Adriatic’s loveliest islands, Brac and the laid-back town of Bol where you can find the famous Golden Horn beach. Continue on board, where lunch will be served, and then stop for a swim in one of the peaceful and secluded coves before making your way to historic Split. With your local guide, discover the city’s historic centre built around the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace - a wonderful and lively area to enjoy drink and dinner on the last night of your cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 8 CRUISE: Split – Skradin – Plitvice Lakes National Park
Farewell your captain and crew as you continue your travels by coach north into Croatia’s heartland. Feast on a culinary experience at Bibich Winery where you will taste locally produced wines and regional delicacies as part of a four course menu. Continue to one of Europe's great natural wonders, Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Stay at: Hotel Fenomen or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 9 Plitvice – Zagreb
This morning join your local specialist for a guided walking tour through the park where 16 terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls offering breathtaking scenery. Then journey to Croatia’s lively capital Zagreb, and uncover the history of the Upper Town, St Mark’s Church and Government Palace on a guided walking tour. Celebrate the conclusion of your tour at this evening’s dinner at a local restaurant.

Stay at: Hotel Dubrovnik or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 10 Zagreb
Your cruise-tour concludes with a departure transfer to the airport or train station.

Meals included: Breakfast