DAY 1 Zagreb
Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia's capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Your tour begins with an arrival transfer from Zagreb Airport, bus or train station. After check in, your time is free to begin exploring the city on your own before meeting your Tour Manager this evening, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay at: Hotel Dubrovnik or similar
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2 Zagreb – Motovun – Buzet
This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of Zagreb’s historic Upper Town, taking in iconic sights like St. Mark’s Church and the Government Palace before exploring the colourful open-air market. Afterward, leave the capital behind and journey toward the Mediterranean charm of the Istrian peninsula, a region famous for its medieval hilltop towns and culinary treasures. Your first stop is the stunning village of Motovun, where you can soak in the panoramic countryside views and beautifully preserved architecture. Venture into the forest of a neighbouring village for an authentic truffle hunting demonstration. Learn the secrets and history of these elusive delicacies, before wrapping up the day with a short drive to your base for the next two nights in Buzet.
Stay at: Hotel Vela Vrata or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 3 Buzet / Istrian Peninsula
Spend a full day uncovering the treasures of the Istrian peninsula, beginning with a scenic drive south to the coastal gem of Rovinj. Upon arrival meet your local guide and stroll through the town seeing the Church of St. Euphemia, the city gates and an artist colony. After the tour enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the charming, stone-built medieval village of Bale. Here, visit a local olive grove farm to learn more about the olive-growing process and a tasting of some olive oil with a snack. Next, travel to Pula—Istria's largest city—for a guided tour of its spectacular Roman landmarks, including the remarkably preserved Pula Arena with its four intact towers, Hercules Gate, the Cathedral, and the Temple of Augustus, followed by free time to explore before returning to Buzet.
Stay at: Hotel Vela Vrata or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 4 Buzet – Opatija – Plitvice Lakes National Park
Set off for Kvarner Bay and arrive at the coastal town of Opatija which lays claim to having the first hotel built along the Adriatic coast. Seen as a summer resort town, it has long attracted a steady stream of holiday makers seeking sun and sea and was once the holiday destination for the aristocrats of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Take some free time to explore Opatija at your own pace and be sure to stroll down the scenic seaside promenade, where you'll spot the famous 'Maiden with the Seagull' statue. In the afternoon, continue your travels with a scenic drive to one of Croatia's top highlights, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Join your local specialist for a guided walking tour through the park where 16 terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls. Admire the parks exceptional natural beauty as you stroll atop wooden boardwalks that criss-cross over the turquoise lakes.
Stay at: Ethno Houses or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 5 Plitvice Lakes National Park – Split or Sibenik
Return to the coast as your journey brings you into Dalmatia and the historic settlement of Split. As Croatia’s second largest city, Split is a vibrant coastal town where a 1,700-year-old Roman palace blends seamlessly with a lively modern waterfront, acting as the ultimate gateway to Croatia's islands. Meet your local guide before embarking on a walking tour exploring the massive Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy some free time to explore Split’s Old Town at your own pace or grab lunch along the bustling Riva promenade. In the afternoon head towards Split port/Sibenik to board your cruise.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 6 CRUISE Split or Sibenik – Hvar
Early this morning, depart Sibenik for the charming seaside town of Jelsa, nestled along the lush northern shores of Hvar Island. Celebrated for its undulating lavender fields, sun-kissed vineyards yielding world-renowned Plavac Mali wines, and centuries-old olive groves producing liquid gold, Hvar exudes a vibrant, summer atmosphere that endures year-round. Enjoy lunch on board and a swim stop at one of the many clear blue coves before arriving at Jelsa’s picturesque harbour in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day will be free to explore the town at your own pace. Stop by the 16th-century fortified church, its bell tower gazing over the bay, or wander into cobbled alleyways for local lavender souvenirs, olive oil tastings, and glimpses of everyday island life.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 7 CRUISE Hvar
Your Hvar experience begins with an introduction to island life on one of the world’s most stunning islands. By coach, explore small fishing villages of Vrboska and Stari Grad, seeing vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender (seasonal) along the way. Sit back and relax with a wine tasting and a traditional Peka lunch at a local konoba (traditional tavern). In the afternoon sail around the island to Hvar Town for a guided walking tour of this historical centre. The remainder of the evening is then free to explore Hvar, perhaps climbing to the top of the Spanish Fortress for scenic views over the town and out to sea. The evening is free to experience the vibrant night life of this popular Adriatic hot spot.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Note: The ship may not be able to dock until 7-8pm tonight in Hvar Town.
DAY 8 CRUISE Hvar – Vis
Continue your cruise with a stop for a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic on the way to beautiful Vis Island. Until the late 80’s Vis was closed to tourists and served as a military zone for the Yugoslav army, because of this and coupled with its remoteness, it has helped preserve the island's authenticity. Enjoy time in Vis Town to experience the island's local food and wine, discover Greek and Roman ruins or simply marvel in the beauty of this island that featured in the movie Mama Mia 2.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Note: The port of call in Vis can be substituted for Komiza because of the limited capacity in the harbour of Vis Town.
DAY 9 CRUISE Vis – Bisevo – Korcula
This morning cruise to Bisevo Island’s incredible Blue Cave, a unique otherworldly natural phenomenon. Only recently opened to the public, its silvery blue waters are a must to see. Afterwards enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing swim stop on the way to the island of Korcula. Cruise along the length of the island to enchanting Korcula Town where, on a walking tour, you will see the mighty fortress and city walls and learn about the infamous Marco Polo and his connection to this island.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Note: The Blue Cave is only accessible with small boats through an entrance just 1.5m high so it is unfortunately sometimes made inaccessible by bad weather and high waves.
DAY 10 CRUISE Korcula – Mljet – Slano
Depart Korcula early and continue your cruise to Mljet, one of Adriatic’s prettiest islands. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt beauty of the National Park, its two unique salt water lakes and medieval monastery. Continue this afternoon to the quaint fisherman's village of Slano, where your day ends with dinner and live Klapa music with the Captain, the perfect chance to get to share stories with new friends.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 11 CRUISE Slano – Dubrovnik
Cruise the final stretch to Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic, enjoying a scenic swim stop and lunch on board before your arrival. In the afternoon join your local guide on a walking tour of the walled city, a UNESCO-listed site. Surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, stroll the Stradun and admire the treasure trove of architectural facades and cultural masterpieces such as the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery which houses the third oldest pharmacy in Europe. The remainder of the evening is free to enjoy this modern medieval city by night.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 12 CRUISE Dubrovnik
Your cruise concludes with a departure transfer for your onward travels.
Meals included: Breakfast
Please note that Split port is currently undergoing renovations that is set to last until 2027. There is a possibility some 2027 cruises will be redirected to arrive/depart from a nearby alternate port and may require the itinerary to be adjusted accordingly. In case of any changes to your embarkation/disembarkation port, our team will notify guests as soon as possible.
