Essence of Croatia Cruise & Land Tour

Upon your arrival to Zagreb, your private driver will meet you at the airport for transfer to your hotel in the capital city. You’ll have time to relax before joining our local guide for a tour of the Old Town which dates back to the Middle Ages. You’ll stroll the cobbled streets in the Upper Town to marvel at 13th-century St. Mark’s Church and its colourful tiled roof as well as the soaring twin spires of Zagreb Cathedral, the most important Gothic style sacral building southeast of the Alps. The Lower Town is home to unique shops, cafes, restaurants, and picturesque parks.

Leaving Zagreb this morning, your driver will pick you up at your accommodation to bring you to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Croatia’s most stunning natural wonders, with its 16 interconnected lakes in shades ranging from vibrant blue to deep emerald, flowing over the limestone and chalk for thousands of years. Walk the scenic pathways and across wooden bridges to view rivers, serene pools and endless waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll take a boat ride across Kozjak Lake to reach them and then return by taking a panoramic train ride.

Your destination this evening is the ancient city of Split which was built around the 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, filled with 1,700 years of history. Along the way your private driver will stop in Zadar so that you can see its world-famous pair of art installations along the waterfront. The Sea Organ plays music using the power of the waves while the Greeting of the Sun is powered by sunlight. Once in Split you’ll enjoy the rest of the day to yourself, perhaps strolling the Riva promenade, stopping at one of the open-air restaurants or cafes to enjoy Croatian wine and people watching.

Your 7-nights cruise begins today – you’re welcome to embark anytime from 1 p.m. on. If you’d like to see more of Split, we recommend exploring the massive palace complex as one of the most well-preserved monuments of the Roman architecture in the world. Today, the buildings house unique shops, galleries, wine bars and cafes. You’ll want to return to the ship in time to attend the 7 p.m. welcome reception which will include introductions to the captain, crew and your fellow passengers as well as information about what you can expect. It will be followed by a delicious three-course dinner.

Before we depart, join our local guide for a tour of Diocletian’s Palace. Its history will come to life as you hear the stories behind the remarkable buildings and monuments with their Greek, Roman and Venetian influences. Once we’re all back on board the ship, it’s time to start cruising with our first destination like an open-air museum. Trogir’s UNESCO-listed Old Town its renowned for its impressive mix of baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque buildings, with the highlights 15th-century Kamerlengo, a castle and fortress, and the 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic St. Lawrence Cathedral, a triple-naved Basilica, one of the finest examples of sacral architecture.

Cruising on, we’ll anchor near Bol on Brac Island so that you can soak up the sun and swim off Zlatni Rat, frequently named one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe. The crystal-clear aquamarine sea surrounds the unique horn-shaped stretch with its glistening white pebbles. From there we’ll continue to Hvar, surrounded by magnificent scenery, ideally enjoyed from the sun deck. Upon our arrival, you’ll embark on a wine tasting tour at one of the island’s top family-run wineries. Afterwards, climb to the top of the fortress for a spectacular view over Hvar Town, the sea and nearby islands.

The unspoiled island of Vis is our next overnight destination, but before we reach it we’ll stop so that you can enjoy a tour of the world-famous Blue Cave on Bisevo Island. Entering in a small boat, you’ll be mesmerised as the interior is illuminated in a surreal blue glow, the result of the sun’s rays entering through a crack and reflecting on the white limestone sea bottom. After lunch, we’ll arrive on Vis. Used as a military base for 40 years, it’s largely untouched by tourism development. You might enjoy a stroll through Vis Town’s ancient streets or relax on the beach.

Continuing to Korcula Island, perhaps best known as the birthplace of world explorer Marco Polo, be sure to head to the top deck to gaze out at the sparkling bays and hidden coves along the way. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll anchor just outside the gate of its storybook walled Old Town. A local guide will meet you near the steps of the entrance for a tour. The streets and alleyways are filled with magnificent Venetian architecture. This evening, you can stick around and enjoy the views while dining in a local eatery or join us for a traditional Croatian village party with local entertainment.

Mljet is the next destination on our island-hopping itinerary. Nearly a third of it is covered by a national park that’s home to two saltwater lakes. A short walk will bring you to view them, including Great Lake which has a tiny islet in the middle topped by a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. Afterwards, we’ll journey to Slano, a traditional fishing village and the gateway to fortified Ston. Check out its defensive walls and ramparts before strolling along the coast to an oyster farm for a tasting of fresh oysters and mussels. The Captain’s dinner will be hosted on the ship this evening with live entertainment.

Dubrovnik is our final stop and a highlight for many as the so-called “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Met our local guide for a walking tour through the walled historic center. As you stroll the marble paved streets, you’ll see many important landmarks like the 15th-century Renaissance-Gothic Rector’s Palace. Afterwards, you’ll be able to walk atop the medieval city walls, enjoying the view of the sea, neighbouring islands and the Old City’s red-tiled roofs. Along the way you’ll find outdoor cafes for relaxing with a drink too. You’ll have time to enjoy a celebratory meal while watching the sunset in a rooftop eatery too.

The day most of us dread has arrived – it’s time to depart. You’ll have time over breakfast for goodbyes to the crew and your fellow passengers, some of whom are probably new friends. When it’s time to disembark, you’ll be met by private transfer to your onward hotel in Dubrovnik or to Dubrovnik Airport.