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 will leave this magnificent town and continue our cruise towards the Island of Korčula, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route. Early afternoon arrival in Korčula followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting town with fortified walls. On this Island, you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else while you wander along the herringbone pattern streets. Korčula has an abundant choice of restaurants where you can continue your gourmet experience and there are many bars and clubs for those looking for evening entertainment.

Overnight in Korčula.

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.

Next morning we head further south to the Island of Mljet. Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to the St Mary Isle, where you will visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a Church dating from the 12th Century. 

Return to the ship for lunch followed by departure towards Dubrovnik. Late afternoon arrival in Dubrovnik, but before we tie the ropes at Gruž harbour the captain will take you for an evening cruise alongside the old city walls while a buffet dinner is served on deck. Enjoy the spectacular views of this magnificent old town.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

After breakfast transfer to the old town for the guided walking tour to enjoy this magical town. You will have the opportunity to take the best pictures of the town of Dubrovnik as we take the cable car from the Old Town to Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Walls and Elaphiti Islands. 

Afternoon at leisure to find idyllic spots for lunch and dinner. For those of you with more enthusiasm, we recommend to walk the famous walls 1,940 m long and take a stroll along the walking street "STRADUN" – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Early morning departure towards the Pelješac peninsula, well known for its excellent wine.

Before lunch a short stop at one of the Elaphiti Islands and afternoon arrival to Pelješac peninsula.

Today we move away from the shore inland to explore the rural areas. Afternoon transfer to the village followed by a visit to a local farm you will indulge in a typical village party with Croatian delicacies, an all-inclusive dinner with local dishes made from their own produce.

Late transfer back to the ship. Overnight on Pelješac peninsula.

Morning departure towards Hvar. Lunch stop on the small Island of Šćedro followed by a swim stop at the Pakleni Islands.  Arrival to Hvar in the afternoon.

Hvar is the longest Island in the Adriatic and one of the sunniest; known for lavish lavender fields and breathtaking beauty. One can find many historical landmarks in Hvar: the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe which was founded in 1612. Hike up to the town fort overlooking the harbour to get some lovely scenic views of your ship and the Pakleni islands. In the evening Hvar offers an abundance of entertainment - many restaurants, bars and cafes are open long into the night.

Overnight in Hvar.

Our final stop will be the Island of Brač and picturesque town of Bol. Walk along the promenade or swim at one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat (the Golden cape - known for its gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change its shape). Bol is a typical fishermen’s town turned into a popular tourist destination.

After lunch on board time at leisure until Captain’s farewell dinner with live entertainment on board.

Overnight in Bol or nearby Milna.

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

We hope you’ve been inspired.