Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia - Hosted

Welcome to Croatia. Your day is at leisure before meeting your Host and Tour Director. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Zagreb is home to a mix of 18th and 19th century buildings with many charming parks, squares and city markets. You will discover Ban Jelačić Square and medieval settlements of Gradec and Kaptol. See the Cathedral, Dolac Market, Tkalčićeva Street, Stone Gate and St Mark’s Church. Head to the Slovenian capital city. Ljubljana lies in a basin between the Karst and Alpine region. This city with a soul features the Baroque Old Town nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, the Art Nouveau mansions and masterpieces of the renowned architect Jože Plečnik. Upon arrival we will have free time to explore the city before taking a walking tour and funicular to Ljubljana Castle. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Lake Bled, together with its surroundings ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. Enjoy a Pletna boat ride along the lake to Bled Island. See St Mary’s Church and later continue to the old medieval castle up on the cliff. The enchanting views and fairy-tale beauty are sensational. After sightseeing, enjoy a memorable lunch in Bled. Continue to visit a local producer of honey, to learn about the beekeeping tradition in Slovenia and to sample their products. Return to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure. (B, L, T)

Postojna Cave is one of the world’s largest karst monuments. Opened as a show cave in 1819. Then in 1872 the first documented underground railway opened to visitors, showcasing the spectacular subterranean world. Photo stop in front of the Predjama Castle before arriving to the small village of Momjan to visit an award-winning winery. This evening, dinner is at the hotel in Poreč. (B, T, D)

This morning take a tour of Pula and visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of Sergii. Later we visit a local olive grove in nearby Medulin, where we will partake in a cooking class and enjoy lunch. Return to Poreč for an afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

The seaside town of Poreč is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century AD. The apse of the Basilica is ornately decorated with figural mosaics noted as one of the most remarkable examples of mosaic art in Europe. Proceed to the gorgeous hilltop town of Motovun, possibly the most picturesque medieval hilltop town of inner Istria. Lunch will be served in locally, where you will experience a tasting of Istria’s most famous delicacy, their truffles. Upon arrival back to Poreč, evening is at leisure. (B, T/L)

This morning take a tour of Rovinj, one of the most romantic and much photographed towns on the Mediterranean. There is free time to explore the town and its market before lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we depart for the Plitvice Lakes. Enroute stop in Opatija, one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic. It is often referred to as Croatia’s Monte Carlo and was once the playground of the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Arrival to Plitvice for dinner at the hotel and overnight. (B, L, D)

Croatia’s most popular natural attraction is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its beauty lies in the sixteen lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls. Set in deep woodland and home to rare bird species and wildlife such as the brown bear. We explore the park and have a picnic lunch. Later we continue to the Dalmatian coast and the charming town of Zadar, dating back to Roman times. Steeped in history, visit the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church and St Anastasia Cathedral. We walk along the promenade, to the Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun, awarded for its use of architectural space. Continue to the coastal town of Šibenik with rest of the evening. (B, L)

Discover the oldest Croatian town on the Adriatic and see Croatia’s most beautiful monument, St James Cathedral. We continue to the village of Plastovo to visit one of Croatia’s most famous wineries, for an unforgettable lunch and wine tasting. Afternoon arrival back to Šibenik, the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, T/L)

This morning we are transferred to the ancient ruins of Salona, which was once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. We continue to a unique family owned estate where we will enjoy tasting of Dalmatian olive oil, visit their ethno-village and learn about traditional Dalmatian life, and the production of local delicacies. Continue to Trogir with free time to explore Trogir Old Town (B, T/L)

Morning at leisure. Today our small ship cruise begins. After settling in, go on a short orientation tour through this medieval town. Trogir is sometimes referred to as “miniature Venice” or a “mini Dubrovnik” because of its ancient walls, or a “floating museum town”, as it has a masterful architecture including some stunning Venetian palaces. After returning to the ship, enjoy a Welcome Reception followed by dinner this evening. (B,D)

In the morning, head towards Split where you will join a guided tour of historic old town that takes us to the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.You will see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. After visiting Split, head towards Milna on the Island of Brač with a swim stop, weather permitting, in one of pristine bays, time to relax and lunch on board. After lunch we arrive in Milna still known as the most beautiful and most protected harbour on Brač Island. Explore this Dalmatian town dominated by a Baroque church with a typical Dalmatian bell tower. The interior of the church is rich in valuable paintings by Venetian painters. Overnight in one of the harbours on Brač Island . (B, L, T)

Notes: Due to the limited capacity of the Split Port (reconstructions related) transfer by coach may be organised to and from Split for the sightseeing tour.

Leave Brač Island in the morning and cruise to Vis Island, once a strategic naval base and off limits to tourists. Due to this isolation, Vis has a special charm of the “Mediterranean as it once was” making it interesting to visit. Since the independence of Croatia, the island began opening slowly to the outside world. Some of Europe's largest and greatest naval battles had happened in the waters of Vis. Vis Island holds many historic secrets and you will explore Vis history by military Land Rover Defenders. Overnight in one of the harbours on Vis Island . (B, L)

Leave Vis in the morning and sail towards the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon on the Islet of Biševo just in front of the town of Komiža. The possibility of our visit will depend on weather conditions, and you will be notified of this on board. Afterwards continue to the Island of Hvar, take a swim break and continue sailing through lunch. Upon arrival in the afternoon, disembark and join a guided walking tour of Hvar Town where you will see many historical sights of the town, such as St. Stephen’s Square and Cathedral, the Arsenal with the theatre built on its first floor, and the first municipal theatre in Europe. Above Hvar Town is the impressive fortress Fortica offering magnificent views over the bay and Pakleni Islands. Overnight in one of the harbours on Hvar Island. (B, L, T)

Early in the morning set sail for the Island of Korčula, with swimming stop, if weather permits, in one of pristine bays, time to relax and lunch on board. Continue towards Korčula, one of the most preserved medieval towns, thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. You will spend the night here. Take a walking tour of Korčula which takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets full of history. Evening is free to explore the town on your own. (B, L)

In the morning head further south to the Island of Mljet. Join the Cruise Director for a stroll to the famous saltwater lakes in the Mljet National Park. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to explore the National Park or the island on your own. Lunch on board and departure for a small village called Slano on the mainland.  Slano is a peaceful fishing village and the starting point to Ston, situated on Pelješac Peninsula - a fortified small village famous for its oysters which you will taste in a nearby village. The Pelješac Peninsula is also known as one of the best wine producing regions in Croatia. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s Dinner on board and overnight in Slano. (B, L, T, D)

Early morning cruise to Elaphiti Islands with swim stop in one of the secluded bays. Continue sailing to Dubrovnik. Before mooring at the Gruž Port, you will cruise alongside the old city walls. After docking, join a guided tour at the historical centre of Dubrovnik, walk through Stradun, both a street and a square, the most famous place inside the city walls, enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will show you the most interesting sights of the Old Town. After city tour, you will be on your own to explore the city, visit the City Walls, the Rector's Palace, and the Cathedral, or take a boat ride to Lokrum island or take the cable car to the top of the Mount Srđ. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B, L)

After breakfast it’s time to disembark by 0900HRS. (B)