AC103 Deluxe Cruise and Croatia Land

Arrive at Zagreb Airport and meet with your driver for a private transfer to your centrally situated hotel in Zagreb. Time at leisure and overnight in Zagreb.

Breakfast at the hotel Meeting with your guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Zagreb Start with exploring the capital’s historic center, Gornji Grad (“Upper Town”), to see the top tourist attractions, find the most Instagram-worthy spots and walk on picturesque cobblestone streets. St. Mark’s Church is one of Zagreb’s most emblematic buildings. Not surprising as just a glance at the gorgeous, tiled roof can take your breath away. Dolac Market is a farmer’s market located in Gornji Grad, just a few meters away from the main city square, Ban Jelačić Square. Here you can find anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers and souvenirs, like Licitars. The fairytale street of Tkalčićeva, which snakes up from focal Jelačić trg, was once the flowing stream of Medveščak. The little side streets leading off it, Splavnica (from splav, raft) and Krvavi most (‘Bloody Bridge’), link to its watery origins and colorful past as the flashpoint in local disputes over the centuries. For two decades, this atmospheric thoroughfare has provided Zagreb with its prime bar crawl, a constant current of revelers moving from spot to spot. Explore the city further on your own. Time at leisure and overnight in Zagreb.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s best-known national park and the only one of eight that is listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage sites. Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Meeting with your driver for a private transfer from Zagreb to Split with en-route stop in Plitvice Lakes National Park area for a visit on your own. The 16 crystal-blue lakes lying at different levels are linked together by spectacular cascading waterfalls. The forest around the lakes with beautiful beech, fir, and maple trees is the home to bear, wolves, wild boars, deer, and many rare bird species. The largest national park in Croatia, Plitvice was included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979 in recognition of its “outstanding natural beauty, and the undisturbed production of travertine (tuff) through chemical and biological activity”. Visit the national park on your own and enjoy the natural wonder of the only UNESCO natural protected site in Croatia The final drive to Split will follow, time at leisure and an overnight in Split.

Transfer from the Split hotel to the Split harbor where the vessel will be docked. Check-in from 2 pm onwards. After settling, enjoy the guided tour of the city (not possible for late arrivals). Split is a historic town under UNESCO protection and part of the world heritage. One will find an abundance of Roman architecture – of special interest is the magnificent Diocletian palace, once inhabited by the Roman emperor. After the tour of Split, return to the vessel for a welcome reception and cocktail. Enjoy the meet and greet party on board. Overnight in Split.

In the morning, a departure from this magnificent town and 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 the enchanting town fortified by walls. Korčula treasures more legends, tales, and monuments than any other place. Discover some wandering along the herringbone pattern streets. Korčula has an abundant choice of restaurants for a great gourmet experience and there are many bars and clubs for those looking for evening entertainment. Overnight in Korčula.

The next morning, 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 an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey, and a Church dating from the 12^th century is situated. Return to the vessel for lunch, followed by departure towards Dubrovnik. Late afternoon arrival in Dubrovnik, but before tying the ropes at the Gruž harbor, the captain will arrange an evening cruise alongside the old city walls while a buffet dinner is served on deck. Enjoy the spectacular views of this magnificent ancient town. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

After breakfast, transfer to the old town for a guided walking tour to enjoy this magical town. There will be plenty of opportunities to take great pictures as the cable car takes us from the Old Town to the Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Walls and the Elaphiti Islands. Afternoon at leisure to find idyllic spots for lunch and dinner. Meander through the narrow car-free limestone streets – worn smooth under the soles of centuries of pedestrians, seek out a drink in one of the trendy piazzas or walk the famous 1,940 m long walls and take a stroll along the famous STRADUN – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Early morning departure towards the Pelješac peninsula, home to Croatia’s best-known red wines: Dingač and Postup. Before lunch, a short stop at one of the Elaphiti Islands and afternoon arrival to Pelješac peninsula. Today, move away from the shore inland to explore the rural areas. Afternoon transfer to the village, followed by a visit to a local farm to 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 vessel. 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 breath-taking 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 -to name a few. Hike up to the town fort overlooking the harbor to get some lovely scenic views of the vessel 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 the 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 afternoon wine tasting in the facilities of the oldest Dalmatia wine cooperative (dating 1903) followed by the Captain’s farewell dinner with entertainment on board. Overnight in Bol or nearby Milna.

Early morning departure for Split. Gather for one last breakfast at the vessel, followed by goodbyes with the crew and all the new friends, before they see you off in Split. Transfer to the Split airport.

* Legend: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner, T – tasting, CD – Captain`s dinner Please note the last overnight is not in Split port as the ship arrives in Split on Saturday morning at 09:00 AM!