Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro Cruise Tour

Start your 14-night journey in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Tucked into a lush alpine valley with the Ljubljanica River running through looking like a fairytale, beautiful bridges cross the water while magnificent buildings in Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles line cobbled streets and a hilltop castle overlooks it all. Upon your arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in the city. Get settled in and perhaps take advantage of the bike-sharing program or one of the electric cars called kavalirs to explore. Tivoli Park is a must-visit.

• Excursions Included: N/A
• Meals Included: N/A
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Kubo, Ljubljana

A scenic drive brings you to the emerald waters of Lake Bled, known for its tiny islet in the middle topped by historic Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage Church and backed by the dramatic peaks of the Julian Alps. It’s a scene that’s drawn many artists and photographers from around the world. Your visit brings various views, including from the water while on the traditional pletna boat that brings you to visit the isle and its church. Be sure to ring the bell as legend says your wish will be granted if you do. Visit Bled Castle and enjoy a nature walk at Vintgar Gorge too.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Lake Bled
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Kubo, Ljubljana

Traveling toward Opatija, a seaside town on the Istrian peninsula, you’ll enjoy a stop along the way to visit Europe’s largest show cave, Postojna. Not only does it have incredible stalagmites and stalactites, but it’s home to a diverse range of fauna, including the rare and endangered olm which was once described as a baby dragon, although it’s a type of salamander. Hop in a train to reach the belly of the cave and then head to the Vivarium that shelters the olm and dozens of other cave-dwelling species. You’ll also visit the unique Pedjama Castle which was built inside a cave.

• Excursions Included: Postojna Cave tour & Pedjama Castle visit
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Abasador, Opatija

A private tour will bring you into the Tuscan-like landscapes of the Istrian countryside to marvel at its magnificent hilltop villages and sample some of its most famous flavors, including rare truffles and wine. You can take an optional truffle hunting excursion led by a professional and a crew of dogs that includes a sample of the rare treats. Wine enthusiasts might want to opt for a wine-tasting experience at the award-winning Kozlovic Winery. Or choose to take a scenic drive that visits the popular hilltop villages of Motovun and Groznjan as well as the towns of Rovinj, Porec, and Pula along the coast.

• Excursions Included: Private guided Istrian Peninsula tour OR Istrian truffle-hunting & wine experience
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Abasador, Opatija

Today you’ll get to experience a bucket-list destination: Plitvice National Park. This is the park that’s called many to visit Croatia after viewing its stunning lakes and waterfalls online and in tourism ads. It’s even more breathtaking in person with the crystal-clear lakes in various brilliant hues of blue and green, laced with countless waterfalls in between. The lakes are divided into upper and lower sections, and a boat ride across one allows you to travel to the next, following the scenic paths and boardwalks that wind through, bringing many fabulous photo-ops. Conclude by hopping aboard a panoramic train, and riding back to the park’s entrance.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel Degenija, Plitvice

The land portion of your tour ends in Split. Your private driver will transfer you to the ancient city, stopping for lunch in a scenic spot along the way. After you’ve checked into your accommodation, enjoy exploring the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace which was built as the emperor’s retirement residence. It covers nearly half the historic center, with magnificent buildings now home to shops, galleries, wine bars, cafes, and restaurants. Fans of the hit series “Game of Thrones,” are likely to recognize it as it was used as a filming site. This evening, take a stroll along the waterfront Riva promenade.

• Excursions Included: N/A
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Preferred Hotel: Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

Your signature island-hopping and city cruise begins with a private transfer from Split’s airport to the port where check-in is possible from 2 p.m. Once you’ve settled in you might check out the facilities in your elegant ship, take time to refresh, and then join our local guide for a tour of the historic center. It contains some of the world’s most impressively well-preserved Roman architecture, including the vast Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. After exploring, return to your ship and get ready for the evening’s three-course welcome dinner which includes introductions to the captain and crew, along with an overview of the journey ahead.

• Excursions Included: Guided walking tour of Split
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Welcome Dinner

Your cruise gets underway this morning with the first swim stop of the trip along the way. The captain will find the most enticing secluded bay for your enjoyment. Once everyone is back onboard you’ll continue to the medieval town of Trogir, but before exploring it you’ll head to Krka Waterfalls National Park. Walk the scenic pathways framed by lush flora that bring views of its spectacular cascades and sparkling lakes. Once back in Trogir this evening, you’ll have time to experience highlights like the 15th-century Venetian castle/fortress and St. Lawrence Cathedral, as well as enjoy dinner on your own.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Krka National Park
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy a swim stop at Golden Horn Beach on your way to sunny Hvar. Officially called Zlatni Rat, it’s one of Europe’s most photographed. You’ll reach Stari Grad on Hvar’s northern coast shortly after lunch. Here you’ll visit one of Hvar’s most popular family-run wineries, with a tasting of the locally produced wines included. Continue to Hvar Town where you’ll have leisure time to explore on your own, with several impressive historical landmarks in the Old Town. Opt to stay here afterward, sampling the renowned dining and nightlife, or return to Stari Grad for a laid-back alfresco dinner.

• Excursions Included: Wine tasting tour on Hvar Island
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Your overnight destination today is tranquil Vis, the furthest island from the Croatian mainland. You’ll sail through the Pakleni Islands, winding your way through magnificent secluded bays with crystal-clear cobalt water, enjoying an extended swim stop in one of the most alluring. This is a great time to take advantage of the onboard snorkel gear and other water toys. Upon arrival to the island known as the ‘Mediterranean as it once was’ having been closed off to the public for 40 years while used as a military base, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Perhaps wander the labyrinth of charming streets and explore the archaeological museum, or enjoy an awe-inspiring view from Fort George.

• Excursions Included: N/A
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Leaving Vis early this morning so that you can take a guided tour of the world-famous Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, if conditions allow, you’ll hop in a small boat to enter the narrow entrance and marvel at the interior, illuminated in a surreal blue glow. Continue to Korcula afterward, with its fairytale-like Old Town, surrounded by walls, ramparts, and gates. You’ll enjoy a guided tour through its atmospheric streets, discovering centuries-old buildings with significant Venetian influence while learning about the fascinating stories behind the landmarks along the way. Your local guide will also reveal the reasons why the streets have such an ingenious layout.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Korcula / Guided tour of the Blue Cave (entrance fee payable locally)
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Your next destination is Mljet National Park which covers much of the forested Mljet Island. Join your cruise manager for a walk to its famous saltwater lakes, including the Great Lake with a tiny islet at its heart topped with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. Back onboard, continue to the fishing village of Slano on the mainland. It’s also the gateway to Ston, internationally renowned for its oysters. Explore its ancient ramparts and then visit an oyster farm for a special tasting of freshly harvested delicacies. The Captain’s Dinner will be hosted on the vessel this evening, complete with live music and entertainment.

• Excursions Included: Oyster tasting experience
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Captain's Dinner

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 and Lunch

While your cruise ends this morning, you still have more fun to look forward to. Enjoy one last breakfast on board along with farewells to your new friends, the captain, and crew, disembarking to join your driver for a scenic drive across the border to Montenegro. Upon arrival, a local guide will tour you through the UNESCO-listed walled Old City of Kotor with its lovely squares, palaces, and churches dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Afterward, enjoy lunch on your own with a view over gorgeous Kotor Bay, and then make your way back to Dubrovnik for the night.

• Excursions Included: Guided tour of Kotor’s Old City
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Preferred Hotel: Hotel More, Dubrovnik

As they say, all good things must come to an end but after two full weeks exploring three different countries, you’ll have many photos and memories to take with you. Your driver will meet you at your Dubrovnik hotel for a transfer to Dubrovnik Airport where you can begin your journey home or head out on further travels.

• Excursions Included: N/A
• Meals Included: Breakfast