Discover the western Balkans + Adriatic paradise cruise

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Unesco heritage sites:

- Historic City of Trogir (1997)
- Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian (1979)
- Old City of Dubrovnik (1979)
- Plitvice Lakes National Park (1979)
- Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor (1979)
- Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar; Zadar (2017)

Capital cities:

- Zagreb (Croatia)
- Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Natural sites:

- Lake Bled

National Parks:

- Mljet

Islands:

- Hvar
- Korčula
- Mljet
- Brač

Day 1 Wednesday ZAGREB; D

Transfer on the day of the tour from Zagreb airport, or another hotel in Zagreb to the tour hotel, rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Zagreb/Zagreb area/. 

Day 2 Thursday ZAGREB - BLED; B, D

Morning sightseeing tour of Zagreb, Croatian capital city, gives you the opportunity to see the fortified Upper Town, the city’s historical center, St Mark’s church with its multi-colored roof, the Cathedral, Croatian National Theatre and the University. Through the carved facades of buildings and baroque churches, we see many green spaces and terraces of cafes where the locals like to gather. Early afternoon departure to Bled, small town in the Julian Alps which could be a setting for a classic fairy tale: immense natural beauty with mountains and forest surrounding an emerald glacial lake, an island in the middle of the lake with a church steeple and its wishing bell, a cliff top castle with picturesque views, and a well-known sweet treat. Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts and is renowned also for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Dinner and overnight in Bled/Bled area/.

Day 3 Friday BLED - LJUBLJANA - PLITVICE; B, D

Morning departure to Ljubljana, Slovenian capital where you will have a guided tour of the most significant sights of its old center: the picturesque Central open-air Market and the Three Bridges, the Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain. After Ljubljana we are continuing our journey to Plitvice lakes, well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, natural beauty of the 16 crystal - blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades with magnificent views on the waters where every turn leads to a breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Dinner and overnight in Plitvice area.

Day 4 Saturday PLITVICE - ZADAR - SPLIT; B, D

Morning departure towards Zadar, where upon arrival we'll be taking you for a guided walking tour through the Roman Forum from the 2nd century BC, passing by the 9th century pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus as well as St. Anastasia church. Departure to Split. This afternoon our guide will uncover for you the secrets of the UNESCO protected Diocletian’s Palace and its cellars. This Roman emperor spared no expense for the construction of a sumptuous residence, importing best quality marble, sphinx and columns. The original palace was modified by its new inhabitants during the Middle Ages, but making it even more beautiful and what it is today: the city's living heart. Its narrow streets hide passageways and courtyards, some deserted and eerie, others lively and animated by the music from bars and cafes, or by the everyday life of its residents. Embarkation on Adriatic Paradise Cruise, Dinner and overnight Split.

Day 5 Sunday SPLIT - HVAR (Island of HVAR) - VELA LUKA (Island of Korcula); B, D (Captains dinner)

Late in the morning we will set sail towards Hvar, known as the sunniest island in Croatia, famous for its endless fields of lavender and rosemary, its beautiful coast and lovely historical towns. Your destination is the town of Hvar, a town of immense beauty that buzzes with vibrant energy in the summer sun. Upon arrival, our expert local guide will take you for a walk around the ancient streets of Hvar. After the guided walking tour* of Hvar we will set sail to Korcula Island. Along the way we will stop for a swim near beautiful islands (Pakleni otoci), known by very warm sea. After the swimming break the Dalmatian fried fish will be served for a snack. Arrival in Vela Lula (Korcula Island) in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Vela Luka (Korcula Island).

*Hvar town – optional walking tour package

Day 6 Monday VELA LUKA (Island of KORCULA) - POMENA (Island of MLJET) - SLANO; B, L

Monday morning after leaving the stunning beauty of Vela Luka, your Captain will hand-pick a bay for you where he will drop the anchor. You can hop into your swimsuit and have a swim in the crystal-blue Adriatic, surrounded by pine trees and the sound of crickets. After the swim break you will continue sailing to Pomena on the island of Mljet. Island of Mljet on its western side houses National Park Mljet, known for its immense beauty and its two turquoise salty lakes surrounded by thick forest. Upon arrival you will have plenty of free time to explore the park individually, for example, by renting bikes and cycling or jogging on the numerous paths around the lakes or in the forests. If you feel like just relaxing you can hop onto the small boat that will take you to a tiny island on one of the lakes, where you can discover a monastery and a church of St. Mary’s built in the 12th century and enjoy a cup of coffee with the view and the quiet. In the late afternoon we will depart towards Slano. Overnight in Slano.

**Optional excursion: Mljet National Park, free time in the National park.

Day 7 Tuesday SLANO - DUBROVNIK; B, L 

After breakfast you are free to take optional guided tour Taste of Dalmatia –you will visit Ston small town famous of its 5 km long city walls (the longest one in Europe) and visit a local vinery where you will have opportunity to taste some finest Dalmatian wines. Later, we set sail to the Lopud island for a short swim and continue to Dubrovnik and cruise beneath Tje City Walls. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the Old Town gate where you will be joining guided tour* of Dubrovnik. Our local expert will show you around this fascinating world-known landmark, an ancient town protected by 13th century fortifications. Dubrovnik was for centuries a standalone Republic and the only power able to compete with the Venetians. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

*Dubrovnik town tour with a coach transfer from Dubrovnik port (Gruz) to the Old town – optional walking tour package

**Optional excursion:  Taste of Dalmatia

Day 8 Wednesday DUBROVNIK - EXCURSION TO MONTENEGRO; B, D

Excursion to Montenegro after breakfast. Located less than an hour's drive from Dubrovnik, Montenegro offers an unforgettable experience; exceptional natural beauty in combination with a rich history and culture. Beautiful beaches, clear waters and gorgeous mountains that plunge into the sea will greet you upon your arrival to the Gulf of Kotor. Encircled in the mountains, the innermost bays of the Gulf, Risan and Kotor, are the earliest inhabited areas with evidences of civilization dating from Illyrian, Roman and early Christian periods. This is a land where the mountains descend almost directly into the sea creating a surreal atmosphere. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 9 Thursday DUBROVNIK - ELAPHITE ISLANDS - KORČULA; B, L

Morning departure from Dubrovnik to Korčula. On our way to Korcula we will have a short stop for swimming and relaxing on one of the beautiful Elafiti Islands. Lunch will be served on board before the late afternoon arrival to Korcula, the alleged birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. After arrival guide will take you for a walk* around the town of Korcula. You will hear of its long history, ingenious building strategies, peculiar building layout and a legend of a great merchant traveler Marco Polo who was born and spent his childhood in the streets of Korcula. Overnight Korcula.

*Korcula town walking tour – optional walking tour package

Day 10 Friday KORČULA - BRAČ - OMIŠ; B, L

Sail towards Brač. The Captain will  make a stop for refreshing swim in a secluded bay, after which you will continue your journey towards Pucisca. After docking at Pucisca, you can join a short visit* to a stonemasonry school nearby where you will learn of the Brac limestone and their centuries-old tradition of stonemasonry and the unconventional tools they use before we continue our journey to Omiš ( a town known for two things: stunning beauty of the river Cetina canyon and its historic pirates). Upon arrival you are free to take an optional Cetina river trip. Dinner is taken on board if you have a full board option. Overnight in Omis.

*Stonemasonry School in Pucisca – optional walking tour package

**Optional excursion: Cetina river

Day 11 Saturday OMIŠ - SPLIT; B

Early morning departure from Omis towards Split.

Disembarkation after breakfast by 9:00 AM.