16 Day Gems Of Slovenia & Croatia

Welcome to Italy! Make your own way to the hotel.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.

You’ll meet your tour leader at hotel reception at 9am and head for Venice. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, enchanting Venice has no roads – just canals, including its famed Grand Canal thoroughfare. Given its unique architectural and cultural heritage, the city and its lagoon are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll take a walking tour with your English-speaking guide before returning back to land and continuing towards Slovenia.

Enjoy a relaxing tour of stunning Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations thanks to its picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and forests. Yes, the colour of this alpine lake really is that intense turquoise!

After a ride on Lake Bled on a traditional Pletna boat, enjoy some free time. On the tiny island you can ring a bell for your wish to come true!

Then we’ll head to the medieval Bled Castle. Perched on a steep cliff above the lake you’ll have lovely views to admire this wonderful historic city, lake and surrounding mountains. On a clear day you can see Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain. The castle is considered the oldest in Slovenia.

Our final stop will be Lake Bohinj, one of the best kept secrets in the area. It feels a bit more unspoilt in comparison to Lake Bled and isn’t as busy. Get ready for more great photo opportunities!

We’ll visit neighbouring Austria today, which means you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Alps – impressive at any time of year.

Across the border in the historic county of Carinthia, enjoy a panoramic tour of popular vacation spot Lake Wörth. At 20km long, it’s one of Europe’s bigger lakes. The setting is beautiful; mountain peaks, lush greenery, clear blue-green water.

We’ll continue to charming Klagenfurt, a university town with the beautiful Lindwurm Fountain dominating the old city square, Neuer Platz.

Before we return back to our hotel, we’ll have lunch in the Klagenfurt area.

We’ll head for Croatia today. On the way we’ll stop at Postojna Caves, one of the largest underground cave systems in Europe – some 24km long. You’ll find wondrous geological creations and magnificent cave formations, carved out of the limestone over millions of years. Enjoy a ride on the underground tourist train. This series of caverns, halls and passages is home to more than 150 animal species, the most famous of which is likely the olm – baby dragon!

Next we’ll see the beautiful Renaissance Predjama Castle, perched high on a rocky cliff with a certain fairytale charm. This 800-year-old beauty is a medieval delight and holds a certain mystery – underground tunnels connect it with the cave directly beneath.

We’ll then head for the Istrian Coast, a wedge-shaped peninsula in northwest Croatia with a rich history. We’ll arrive at the enchanting coastal town of Rovinj in the late afternoon, on the western side of the peninsula.

We’ll see the most precious jewels of the Istrian Coast today.

A walk through Rovinj’s labyrinth of cobble streets will show you some of the most picturesque streets in Istrian. Rovinj’s old town, with its romantic marble streets and pastel-coloured houses, has a distinct Venetian influence in its architecture.

Istria is renowned for its food; no surprise given the Italian influence here. We’ll head towards Livade for a unique gastronomic experience – a sample of one of the tastiest Istrian treasures, the truffle.

You’ll then enjoy an olive oil tasting, appreciating the scent and flavour of various extra virgin olive oils at one of the most renowned local producers.

We’ll then head to Pula. This city, about 3000 years old, is the largest city in Istria and famous for its Roman ruins and ancient history. We’ll visit its well-preserved amphitheatre.

We’ll head away from the peninsula this morning, with our first stop at Opatija. Enjoy some free time to enjoy this little town full of magnificent villas and old hotels, once the famous winter resort of Austrian elite. Take a stroll through Lungomare Promenade, visit gorgeous Angiolina Park, or simply enjoy a coffee break on the terrace at Caffe Wagner.

After we pass the mountainous Gorski Kotar region, we’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Fuzine to explore the Vrelo Cave. The cave is a popular respite in summer given its shade and cooler temperatures. It’s illuminated with artificial lighting and a mountain spring runs through the cave to add to the fairytale appeal.

We’ll then stop for a traditional lunch at local restaurant Bitoraj at for an authentic taste of the region.

The trip continues through lush green scenery to the water paradise of Plitvice Lakes.

After breakfast we’ll head towards the spectacular Plitvice National Park, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 16 beautifully-coloured lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades.

Our journey continues towards Split, a buzzing city on the Dalmatian coast. Around here the locals say pomalo for a greeting – it means take it easy.

We’ll take a short evening walk. The old city is a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a city within a city: the wonderfully-preserved 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor. This renowned site is a sprawling treasure trove of history – original Roman streets, marble-tiled Pjaca Square and a host of Renaissance architectural delights. We’ll see the Grgur Ninski Statue and will see the Cathedral of St. Domnius, with its iconic bell tower.

Tonight enjoy a group dinner in a konoba, a traditional Dalmatian restaurant.

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of this coastal city. After a stroll around you’ll understand why some Game of Thrones scenes were filmed here. The old city is a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a city within a city: the wonderfully-preserved 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor. This renowned site is a sprawling treasure trove of history – original Roman streets, marble-tiled Pjaca Square and a host of Renaissance architectural delights.

We’ll transfer to the harbour for check in, from 2pm onwards. Welcome aboard to your home for the next seven nights as your cruise the vivid blue Adriatic waters of the dazzling Dalmatian Coast.

You’ll have some free time to see more of Split before returning to the ship for a welcome meet and greet cocktail reception onboard.

IMPORTANT: Due to specific mooring conditions and requirements in some Croatian ports, ships are moored side by side, making it necessary for travellers to cross from one ship to another with gaps in between ships in order to get to shore. In such cases guest need to take special care when crossing and do this at their own risk. Crew assistance will be given to those needing and requesting it. This cruise is not recommended for passengers in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. 

In the morning we’ll dock at Brač Island, the largest of the Dalmatian Islands, where you can swim at the most famous beach in Dalmatia. Jutting out on a very small peninsula, the white-pebbled beach of Zlatni Rat is a must-visit. Its shape and position shifts as the wind and waves constantly change. The beach is near the harbour town of Bol, a charming fishing village and now a popular tourist destination.

We’ll continue towards the island of Hvar – a favourite among celebrities and the jet set crowd – with lunch onboard at the Pakleni Islands.

Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, known for lavish lavender fields and breathtaking beauty. It’s a stylish, glamorous, upmarket destination; just look at the yachts docked at the harbour. We’ll arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a short presentation of lavender products and a tour of the town’s historic landmarks. We’ll see the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe, founded in 1612. Hike up to the town fort overlooking the harbour for lovely scenic views of your ship and the Pakleni islands.

In the evening Hvar lives up to its reputation as a party island, offering an abundance of entertainment open long into the night. Cocktail bars, seafood restaurants, beach clubs, cafes along the waterfront ripe for people watching. It’s all here.

We’ll spend overnight here.

Enjoy an early morning cruise towards the small island Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. The iridescent blue colour of the water is a marvel. (Entrance isn’t included; approximately seven Euro.)
Weather conditions can sometimes be very unpredictable so the possibility of our visit will depend on these conditions – you’ll be notified of this.

We’ll continue to the island of Vis, once a strategic naval base and closed to the public for decades. Due to this isolation, Vis has a special untouched charm, like “the Mediterranean as it once was”. This makes it an interesting city to explore. It’s not only incredibly picturesque – think red rooftops, lush green scenery and the brilliant blue little bay – it also has a rich history given its strong military roots. It’s a fascinating oasis. You’ll have the chance to try some exquisite wine varieties in one of the traditional wineries. Discover the island’s Roman past by visiting the remains of the Roman thermae (public baths) or the Issa Archaeological Museum. Or simply stroll along, enjoying the views along the lovely waterfront.

Early morning we’ll head towards Korčula island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. We’ll stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route.

We’ll arrive in Korčula in the afternoon and take a guided walking tour of the enchanting Old Town, tucked away behind massive walls on a tiny peninsula. One of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, it really is a living piece of history. A fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korčula Old Town to reduce the effects of wind and sun and provide sheltered and comfortable accommodation. It’s small and compact so easy to walk around, and is often referred to as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. As you wander the narrow, winding streets connected by stone steps you’ll notice the
Venetian influence reflected in the architecture.

Korčula is a great foodie destination, and you’ll find there is an abundance of great dining options – visit a konoba (traditional tavern) to get a real feel for the local cuisine. The island, home to many wineries, is well known for its crisp white wine made from the Posip grape.

You might take an optional excursion to a small village near Korčula for a typical Dalmatian dinner and to discover more about their history and traditional way of living.

We’ll cruise further south to the island paradise of Mljet. Legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. It’s time to take it slow in this tranquil haven. Get back to nature in this quiet, protected area – one of the greenest islands of the Adriatic, over two thirds of the island is covered by forest. Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to the little Isle of St. Mary to visit an ancient Benedectine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating back to the 12th century. You can swim in the lake, rent a bike to cycle along the lake’s shoreline or even rent a kayak.

You’ll have dinner onboard and spend overnight in Polača or Pomena.

We’ll dock at a small village called Slano on the mainland, a peaceful fishing village within easy reach of Ston. The once fortified, small village of Ston has the world’s second-longest fortified walls. After exploring the town’s medieval ramparts, a short coastal walk leads us to an oyster farm to learn more about – and, of course, have a taste of! – these renowned oysters.

We’ll transfer back to the ship for the Captain’s dinner with entertainment and music.

It’s an early morning departure to Dubrovnik, a medieval delight set between cobalt seas and the rugged Dinaric Alps. The special charm of this ancient harbour town is the buildings that have remained since its time of the old Dubrovnik Republic, enclosed by massive 16th-century defensive stone walls.
Before we tie the ropes at Gruž harbour, cruise alongside the old Dubrovnik city walls while lunch is served on deck. After docking, transfer to the Old Town for a guided walking tour. Discover lively promenades and narrow lanes lined with churches, monasteries, shops and cafes.

Take the three-minute cable car from the Old Town to the summit of Mount Srđ for the best views. For those keen, we recommend a walk on top of the city walls – it’s a great way to see the sights and it takes about two hours. Walk across the Pile Gate’s drawbridge and get lost in the buzz of the limestone-paved Stradun, the beautiful main street.

You’ll have free time for dinner and then stay overnight in Dubrovnik.

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Croatian adventure comes to an end. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.

We hope you’ve been inspired.