Signature Journey: Croatia and Slovenia by Land and By Sea 2024 (Venice - Dubrovnik)

DAY 1 Venice
Embark on an in depth discovery of Croatia and Slovenia. Your journey begins in Venice, one of the world's most iconic cities with its inimitable landscape and myriad of canals and islands. After arrival, your day is free to explore before joining your fellow travellers and Tour Manager in the evening for a Welcome Dinner.

Stay at: Hotel Carnival Palace or similar
Meals included: Dinner

DAY 2 Venice – Postojna – Bled
This morning head towards the Karstic region of Slovenia and stop for wine tasting and a light lunch before heading to Postojna to discover one of Europe’s largest cave systems. Travel by electric train into the underground and uncover the two million year old caverns, halls and passages of this jaw-dropping subterranean world. Continue on to picturesque Bled where you will stay for the next two nights. You’ll have the opportunity to tour around Bled’s imposing castle sitting on a cliff overlooking the city. Be rewarded with excellent views of the lake and its surrounds.

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

DAY 3 Bled / Julian Alps
Discover Slovenia’s breathtaking alpine region further with a relaxing pletna boat ride on Lake Bled with a visit the historic Church of Assumption on the island. After travel to stunning Lake Bohinj for a cable car ride to the top of Mt Vogel. Continue your regional exploration to an eco dairy farm for an opportunity to participate in a butter making workshop the traditional way – in a copper cauldron with a wood-burning stove! Then later tonight, head out to the neighbouring village of Radovljica for a delicious, nouvelle Slovenian dinner made using local ingredients and using inspiration from traditional recipes.

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

DAY 4 Bled – Ljubljana – Zagreb
Say goodbye to Lake Bled behind and set off for Slovenia’s lively capital Ljubljana. Upon arrival, commence your guided walking tour through the city’s baroque Old Town and take in the sights of the iconic three bridges. Your tour includes a return funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle followed by some free time to roam the city at your own pace. Next, make your way across the border and into continental Croatia, but first, stop by Novo Mesto for a unique and traditional rafting experience down the Krka river. Upon arrival into the Croatian capital of Zagreb, join your guide for a walking tour of the country’s cultural, commercial and political heart, featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church and Government Palace.

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

DAY 5 Zagreb – Rovinj – Buzet
Leave the city behind and head towards the coast for a taste of the Mediterranean! Discover Istria, a peninsula which still retains its Venetian heritage, and witness Croatia’s mesmerising and diverse inland region dotted with delightful medieval hilltop villages. Stop by a small family-owned olive oil mill for a tasting of the revered Istrian olive oil. Put your olfactory senses to the test as you learn of both the modern and traditional processing methods. Continue to the picturesque town of Rovinj for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy some free time to wander the pretty cobbled streets and see the hilltop church of St. Euphemia, a striking baroque building which dominates the core of the Old Town. After, head to your hotel for check in and get acquainted with the surrounds of an idyllic Istrian village.

Stay at: Hotel Vela Vrata or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 6 Buzet / Istrian Peninsula
Experience Istria's romantic hilltop town as you join your local guide for a truffle tasting and lunch. A region known for these delicacies, the prized Istrian truffle can only be found with the help from a truffle hound. Journey south towards Pula to visit its ancient Roman amphitheatre towering over the town's centre. The Pula Arena is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatre with four sides of its towers still intact. Return back to your hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure.

Stay at: Hotel Vela Vrata or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 7 Buzet – Opatija – Plitvice Lakes National Park
Set off for Kvarner Bay and arrive at the coastal town of Opatija which lays claim to having the first hotel built along the Adriatic coast. Seen as a summer resort, the town has long attracted a steady stream of holiday makers seeking sun and sea, and was once the holiday destination for the aristocrats of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Take a stroll down the Opatija Riviera, a seaside promenade where you will find the popular ‘Maiden with the Seagull’ statue. Continue your travels with a scenic drive to one of Croatia's top highlights, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Join your local specialist for a guided walking tour through the park where 16 terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls, the largest of which – Veliki Slap – is 78 metres tall. Admire the parks exceptional natural beauty as you stroll atop wooden boardwalks that criss-cross over the turquoise lakes.

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

DAY 8 Plitvice Lakes National Park – Skradin – Split
This morning presents another opportunity to capture the beauty of the lakes as you explore the park before travelling through Croatia's heartland to Bibich Winery. At this culinary stop you will have the opportunity to sample locally produced wines and enjoy a 4 course menu of regional foods before proceeding to Split where you will embark your cruise aboard the deluxe MS Suzana through the stunning Dalmatian Islands.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 9 CRUISE: Split – Brac – Hvar
Accompanied by your guide, tour Split’s historic centre built around the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace. See the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, it's Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, as well as the palace cellars which today has become an exhibition space as well as a market to find goods and souvenirs from local artisans. After, set off for the island of Brac to enjoy a swim at the iconic Zlatni Rat (also known as Golden Horn beach). Overnight in the charming town of Jelsa, situated on the northern side of Hvar Island.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 10 CRUISE: Hvar
Your Hvar experience continues with an in-depth introduction to island life on one of the world’s most stunning islands. Wander through small fishing villages, see vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender (seasonal), followed by a traditional peka lunch including wine tasting at a local konoba (traditional tavern). In the afternoon, cruise into Hvar Town, the historical centre of Hvar Island, for a guided walk through this popular Adriatic hot spot.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 11 CRUISE: Hvar – Vis
Continue your cruise with a stop for a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic enroute to beautiful Vis Island. Until the late 80’s Vis was closed to tourists and served as a military zone for the Yugoslav army, because of this and coupled with its remoteness, it has helped preserve the island's authenticity. Enjoy time in Vis Town to experience the island's local food and wine, discover Greek and Roman ruins or simply marvel in the beauty of this island that featured in the movie Mama Mia 2.

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 12 CRUISE: Vis – Bisevo – Korcula
This morning, cruise to Bisevo Island’s incredible Blue Cave, a unique otherworldly natural phenomenon. Only recently opened to the public, its silvery blue waters and cave are a must to see. Afterwards enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing swim stop on the way to the island of Korcula. Cruise along the length of the island to enchanting Korcula Town where, on a walking tour, we will see the mighty fortress and city walls.

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 13 CRUISE: Korcula – Mljet – Slano
Depart Korcula early and continue your journey to Mljet, one of the Adriatic’s prettiest and greenest islands. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt beauty of the National Park, its two unique salt water lakes and medieval monastery. Continue this afternoon to the quaint fisherman's village of Slano, where your day ends with dinner and live Klapa music with the Captain - the perfect chance to get to share stories with new friends!

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 14 CRUISE: Slano – Dubrovnik
Cruise the final stretch to Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic! Enjoy a scenic swim stop and lunch on board before your arrival into the ancient fortified city. In the afternoon join your local guide on a walking tour of the walled city that was added onto the UNESC World Heritage List in 1979. Surrounded by ramparts and fortresses and a treasure trove of architectural and cultural masterpieces, Dubrovnik has plenty to offer its visitors. Unwind and embrace the Croatian coffee culture while people watching in the Stradun – the main thoroughfare in the Old Town, visit the Franciscan Monastery which houses the third oldest pharmacy in Europe, or take a cable car to the top of Mt Srd for incredible panoramic views of Dubrovnik.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 15 CRUISE: Dubrovnik
Your cruise-tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast