Croatia, Slovenia to Montenegro Cruise-Tour

You’ll be taken by private transfer from Zagreb airport to your Zagreb hotel before joining a guided tour of Croatia’s capital city. You’ll be able to visit its most beautiful square, St. Mark’s Square, which is home to the city’s best-known emblem, 13^th– St. Mark’s Church with its colorfully tiled rooftop that stans out among the standard orange tiles of all the others in town. It’s surrounded by government buildings, including the Croatian parliament. Some of the other highlights include 17^th-century St. Catherine’s Church and the Stone Gate, the only remaining gate of the Gradec city walls.

Private transfer will bring you to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana where you’ll be able to stroll the cobbled streets of the baroque Old Town on a guided tour. Walk over enchanting bridges like the Dragon Bridge. Built in 1901, it features one of the city’s symbols, masterfully designed dragon sculptures and is considered a must photo-op. You’ll visit Ljubljana Castle too, which has been standing here for some 900 years enjoying a clifftop position – from the tower and ramparts, you can admire some of the most impressive views.

Enjoy a day experiencing some of the most fairytale-like scenery, including famous Lake Bled on an unforgettable guided tour. Look forward to walking the shores of the glacial blue waters and snapping photos of Bled Castle – built in the early 11^th-century, it’s the oldest in the country, built on a precipice rising above the lake. You’ll get to visit the lesser-known medieval village Radovlijica too, the birthplace of apiculture. It’s renowned for its colorful facades with storybook 17^th-century homes as well as being the only spot with a still-existing moat in the country.

This morning private transfer will bring you on a scenic drive to your next overnight, the magnificent coastal city of Opatija. This elegant city with its grand villas and palaces was a fashionable resort for the wealthy in the 19^th-century and still retails its many aristocratic charms. Along the way, enjoy a rare treat, a truffle presentation with a local family that specializes in truffle products on the stunning Istria peninsula with its endless vineyards and beautiful hilltop towns. In the hilltop village of Motovun, enjoy a wine tasting experience at a family-run winery before reaching Opatija.

On the agenda today is Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most popular attractions in Croatia, with images of its incredible beauty splashed across countless postcards, brochures and the internet.  This UNESCO-protected park has gone “viral” many times thanks to its nearly 100 waterfalls and 16 interconnected lakes in dazzling shades that range from aquamarine and emerald to electric blue. They’re take your breath away as you walk the scenic trails and hop on a boat across Kozjak lake. You’ll return to the park’s entrance by train before heading to your hotel nearby for the night.

Be ready this morning for a private transfer to ancient Split, built around the 4^th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace where you’ll be able to stroll the cobbled streets, taking in some of Croatia’s most impressive historic sights. But first, enjoy a stop in the walled city of Zadar. Here you’ll venture to the seafront with its picturesque promenade to view a unique attraction, the Sea Organ. This art installation is an experimental musical instrument that plays music using the sea waves via tubes sitting underneath a set a marble steps.

You will have the morning to explore the beautiful town of Split and discover some of the charms of the city. If you arrive early, you can drop off your bags and go exploring, returning to enjoy your cabin any time after 1 p.m. with embarkation possible throughout the day. Enjoy a welcome meeting and 3 course cocktail reception dinner at 7 p.m. which will give you a chance to meet your captain, crew and fellow guests.

After breakfast, join our local English-speaking guide for a tour of Old Town Split, stepping back in time to stroll through the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace built more than 1700 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with Gothic and Renaissance architecture along with many wonders from the Roman era. We’ll begin our cruise at noon, heading to the medieval town of Trogir for an inspiring city tour through its enticing streets, viewing the magnificently preserved Kamerlengo Castle and one of the finest examples of sacral architecture in the country, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence.

As we depart from the charming town of Trogir we cruise to Bol, home of one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Zlati Rat, you can wander through town or enjoy a refreshing swim before returning to the ship for lunch. As we journey to Hvar, soak up the sun and the sights that include secluded coves and glistening bays. On arrival, enjoy a wine tasting tour at a very sought after family winery in Jelsa, a small and charming town on the island. Visit the Spanjola Fortress on our way back to Hvar and enjoy spectacular views over Hvar and its neighboring islands. Overnight in the port.

With an early departure from Hvar we set sail to the island of Vis. First we’ll stop to experience the magical Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, famous for its remarkable natural phenomenon that when conditions are right, illuminate the sea grotto with an almost other-worldly aquamarine glow, thanks to sunlight that reflects from the white sandy bottom. (Weather permitting). After lunch we continue to sail to Vis to experience the ‘Mediterranean as it once was,’ having been virtually cut off from civilization for four decades as an important Yugoslav military base. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to meander through its tranquil streets.

We head on to the striking island of Korčula, which is best known as the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Relax and admire the stunning secluded bays on route. The afternoon arrival in Korčula is followed by a guided walking tour of this charming Old Town. The small fortified town, ruled by Venetians in the past, has an ingenious layout in the shape of a fishbone, both to prevent the strong winds from chilling the houses in winter, and to increase the air circulation in the summer. Tonight we have an optional traditional Croatian village party arranged with authentic local entertainment.

We set sail for the tranquil and stunning Mljet National Park. On arrival, enjoy free time at leisure to stroll to the famous salt lakes, situated in the heart of the park. After lunch, we sail on to the charming village of Slano, situated on the mainland. It is a peaceful traditional fishermen’s village and the entrance point to Ston, another small fortified village that is famous for its oysters. After exploring the town’s medieval ramparts and famous Ston Walls, we will take you to an oyster farm, where you will have the opportunity to sample delicious fresh oysters and mussels. The evening is reserved for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board, with live music and entertainment.

On the last day of our deluxe Croatian cruise we make an early departure to Dubrovnik. The ancient city boasts many historical buildings that date back to the time of the old Dubrovnik Republic. We take a cruise alongside the walls of the old Dubrovnik city centre. Join our guided walking tour of this magnificent city and we have also arranged for entrance to walk the famous City Walls, to enjoy panoramic scenic views of the ancient city walls and beautiful Elaphiti Islands. Enjoy a delicious meal in the Old Town in a roof top restaurant whilst admiring one last sunset over the Adriatic.

Enjoy a private guided tour of Montenegro, taking private transfer from Split, gazing out at the fabulous scenery on your way to Kotor with its UNESCO-listed Old Town. It’s surrounded by defensive stone walls that contain towers, ramparts, gates, bastions, forts, a castle and cisterns, protecting centuries-old squares, palaces and churches. You’ll also visit the small town of Perast, journeying by boat to a tiny islet and the unusual Church of Our Lady of the Rocks that sits in Kotor Bay. Made from sunken ships and local rock, it hosts a small museum and church.

After breakfast this morning to ensure you’re fueled for the journey. The private transfer will bring you to Dubrovnik Airport for your return flight home or further travels. So many travelers find it hard to leave this beautiful region, if you aren’t ready to leave just yet, our travel experts will be happy to help you extend your journey. Otherwise, we’ll hope to see you again on another exciting adventure in the near future.