DAY 1 – LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
Your 14-night tour begins Ljubljana, Slovenia 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.
Excursions Included: Guided tour of Ljubljana
Accommodation Options: Hotel Cubo / Hotel Grand Union
DAY 2 – LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA
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 11th-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 17th-century homes as well as being the only spot with a still-existing moat in the country.
Excursions Included: Guided tour of Lake Bled
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 3 – POSTOJNA CAVE TO OPATIJA
Travel to towards beautiful Opatija today, with the highlight a visit to Postojna Cave, the largest show caves in Europe, featuring a diverse array of fauna like the endangered olm, a species of salamander, along with some remarkable formations. Take a train ride into the cave’s belly to marvel at it all and then visit Vivarium Proteus. This is the place where offspring of the olm managed to be successfully hatched, giving hope for the species’ survival.
Excursions Included: Guided tour of Postojna Cave
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation Options: Hotel Ambasador / Hotel Milenij
DAY 4 – ISTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE
For food and wine lovers there may be no better way to experience its flavours than this private tour. Start by sampling local delicacies and brandies in Hum, the world’s smallest town. While it may be the world’s smallest town with just one street looping around its historic walls, it has an especially enchanting atmosphere. Continue your journey to Motovun, which is arguably Istria’s most beautiful hill town. Here you will have the chance to sample local wines whilst enjoying the view overlooking numerous vineyards.
Excursions Included: Private Explore Istria tour
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 5 – PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
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.
Excursions Included: Entrance fees & guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation Options: Hotel Degenija / Hotel Fenomen
DAY 6 – SPLIT
Our unforgettable land tour will end in the ancient city of Split where we’ll journey to today. Enjoy a tasty lunch among picturesque scenery before we reach the 1,700-year-old city that began when Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his retirement residence here. His 4th-century palace forms nearly half of the Old City, some of which was featured in the hit show “Game of Thrones.” Explore its many shops, restaurants and cafes, and enjoy a stroll on the seaside Riva promenade for some great people watching.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation Options: Piazza Heritage Hotel / Cornaro Hotel
DAY 7 – SPLIT
Meet your transfer to the port and board your ship, your home for the next 7 nights. Check-in is from 2 pm. Afterward, head out on our guided walking tour to explore unencumbered, discovering captivating places like the 4th-century Diocletian’s Place, Split’s historic emblem, or taking a stroll along the famous palm-lined Riva promenade with its beautiful sea views. Once back on board, you’ll be introduced to the captain, your cruise director, and fellow passengers at a meet-and-greet cocktail and dinner reception.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Welcome Drink
DAY 8 – KRKA NATIONAL PARK & TROGIR
The charming medieval town of Trogir is our next destination today. This UNESCO-listed gem with its pristine marina is often compared to a mini-Venice. On arrival, we will have a fabulous trip to the stunning Krka Waterfalls National Park. Enjoy the afternoon admiring the beautiful waterfalls and lakes and stroll along pathways winding through the lush flora. Enjoy a picturesque photo stop in front of the stunning Skradinski Buk waterfall. Return to Trogir where you can explore the labyrinth of backstreets and medieval alleyways and discover the hidden gems.
Excursions Included: Guided tour of Krka National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9 – VIS
Today we set off from Trogir towards the peaceful island of Vis, famed for its seclusion and isolation. After the refreshing swim stop, we will arrive to Vis in the mid-afternoon. Vis was once a strategic Yugoslav naval base and off-limits to visitors. Due to the island’s seclusion and isolation, Vis has retained a very unique charm that typifies ‘the Mediterranean as it once was’. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring picturesque towns on the island, with its charming seafront cafes and labyrinth of quaint streets.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10 – BLUE CAVE & HVAR
We have an early start this morning as we set off from Vis and head to the Island of Bisevo, home to the magical Blue Cave. Enjoy an optional guided tour inside this beautiful natural phenomenon and marvel at the beautiful colours which will leave you mesmerized. Please note that entry to the Blue Cave is subject to weather and sea conditions, which is why its listed as an option tour with a EUR25pp entrance fee payable on the day. We then sail on to the island of Hvar. To get to Hvar we sail through the beautiful Pakleni island archipelago which is known for its stunning secluded bays with crystal clear water. We will enjoy a swim stop before arriving on Hvar, with an exciting Hvar island tour planned. The first stop is an opportunity for you to sample some locally produced wines at a very sought after family winery. We then continue on to the cosmopolitan town of Hvar, where you will have free time to explore this picturesque town at your leisure.
Excursions Included: Wine tasting in Hvar
Optional guided tour of the Blue Cave (entrance fee payable locally)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11 – KORCULA
Today we sail on to the island of Korcula, which is best known as the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Relax, enjoy the extended swim stop and admire the stunning secluded bays on route. This afternoon you will arrive on the island, and you will have a guided walking tour of the charming Old Town with an expert local guide. The picturesque, fortified town, ruled by Venetians in the past, has an ingenious layout in the shape of a fishbone. You will get to learn more about why the town was built this way and explore its beautiful medieval streets.
Excursions Included: Guided tour of Korcula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12 – MLJAT NATIONAL PARK & SLANO
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 Dinner on board, with live music and entertainment.
Excursions Included: Oyster and mussel-tasting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Captain’s Dinner
DAY 13 – DUBROVNIK
We’ll sail through the Elaphiti Islands with their soft sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, lush vegetation, and grand historic mansions before reaching our destination: Dubrovnik. First, enjoy an awe-inspiring view from the perspective of the water as we cruise around the massive stone walls of the Old City. Once on land, our local guide will provide a walking tour of the pedestrianized historic center, including iconic spots like Pile Gate, Sponza Palace, and Rector’s Palace, with various architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic. This is another place “Game of Thrones” fans are sure to recognize from the series.
Excursions Included: Guided tour of Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14 – DAY TRIP TO MONTENEGRO
Disembark after breakfast for a private guided tour of Montenegro, taking a private transfer from Dubrovnik, and 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. Head back to Dubrovnik and your hotel for the night.
Excursions Included: Private guided tour of Montenegro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation Options: Hotel More / Hotel Excelsior
DAY 15 – DEPART DUBROVNIK
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 travel. 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
