AC104 Deluxe Cruise and Croatia Tour

Unveil the secrets behind the old facades, discover the hidden courtyards and revive the stories from the past. We’ll give you a completely new perspective of Zagreb City. Walking tour of Zagreb starts with the main square Ban Jelačić, Cathedral, Tkalčićeva street, the Stone Gate, Upper Town, the historical center of the city, and St. Mark’s Church with the famed multi-colored roof. Using funicular, close to the Lotrščak Tower, you can go down to the Lower town to see a part of the famous Ilica Street, the Croatian National Theatre, the University, and more. Relax at your hotel, the rest of the evening on your own, and an overnight in Zagreb.

Meeting with your guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Zagreb (entrance fees not included) Explore Zagreb’s dazzling parks and tree-lined streets that take the edge off from urban noise. Next, enjoy your evening on your own and stay overnight in Zagreb.

Opatija

Variously known as the ‘Old Dame,’ the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ or the ‘Queen of Tourism,’ Opatija in Croatia is a remarkable seaside resort town with a long history of tourism stretching back to 1844. When in Opatija, the feel of the 19th century is everywhere and amongst grand hotels with elegant facades, you can easily visualize past visitors from Austria’s Hapsburg dynasty, such as Emperor Franz Joseph, or perhaps famous artists like Isadora Duncan, or a long list of world dignitaries who have over the years chosen this gem of Croatia’s Adriatic coast as their holiday destination. And what Opatija has preserved and certainly has today is a holiday destination of elegance and style.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

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. The main attractions of this park are the 16 small lakes joined by waterfalls created by the sedimentation of travertine, a special type of limestone. This national park encompasses the source of the river Korana, located in the area surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir, and spruce. There are also several caves in the park, as well as springs and flowering meadows. The brown bear stands out as one of many protected animal species. The popularity of this park is also boosted by the special means of transport used to ferry visitors around: the panoramic electric trains and the noiseless electro-powered boats. By a network of paths, visitors can get around and access the numerous waterfalls and the rocky lake shores easily.

Itinerary

• OPTIONAL: During your transfer from Zagreb to Opatija a detour for a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park (visit on your own)
• The oldest (since 1949) and largest (294,82 km2) National park in Croatia. The only National park in Croatia on the UNESCO’s list of protected natural and cultural heritage (for almost 30 years). The riches of sixteen wonderful, interlinked azure-green colored crystalline lakes. The constant formation of the barrier modeled the appearance of the lakes today and is the main feature of the National park. The water of Plitvice Lakes is prime category drinking water (a rarity in Croatia).
• Final drive to Opatija

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure
• Check out and embark on the cruise in Opatija

Departure at 13h towards Rab, known as the “island of love,” with an old town of the same name. Join the guided city tour, visit the medieval walls and the famous four towers (perhaps climb one of them later!) together with palaces, churches, and squares. There’s a slight Montmartre feel with many artists painting and exhibiting out on the streets. Legend has it that local nuns created a special Rab cake for a visiting Pope and we will sample it after the tour. The recipe remains forever secret. Overnight in Rab.

After breakfast, head for Zadar, the oldest university town in Croatia with an amazing heritage and where history looks into the eyes: the Roman Forum from the 1^st century, St Donat church from the 9^th century – the most famous medieval Basilica and the city’s symbol. The mighty city walls, over 30 churches, museums and former noble families’ palaces and villas in the old town. In recent years Zadar has added a touch of cool with the famous Sea Organs and “Greeting to the Sun” light installations, both located on the city’s waterfront. Watch the fabulous sunset from here. Guided city tour.

Wine and waterfalls! Cruise towards Skradin, then get aboard the coach. The first stop is the famous Bibich winery for wine tasting and light tapas lunch. Back in Skradin, walk through the Krka Waterfalls National Park and visit “Skradinski Buk.” Jaw-droppingly beautiful, this is the most popular of the Krka waterfalls. There are 17 waterfalls, with cascades up to 100 m wide, and the Krka River tumbles 45.7 meters. The afternoon destination is Šibenik, a town situated in the very central part of Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Explore the glorious old town, the cultural monuments, and possibly the most famous one here, the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James. Wander and discover the historic core and waterfront. There are some good boutique shopping possibilities, too. Dinner on board.

Cruise southern to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, where Roman Emperor Diocletian built a retirement palace now under UNESCO protection. Split waterfront is a happening place and there’s a buzz along the beautiful wide promenade. Join a local guide for a walk through the heart of the bustling old town and the market.

Today, discover one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. Cruise to Metković, on the banks of the river Neretva, after which the delta is named. Here, mandarins grow by the water channels. Take a barge ride to explore the groves, the flora and fauna, wild birds, and the traditional way of life of the Neretva people. There’s a delightful, “time warp” feeling like nowhere else on the coast. Visit Narona archaeological museum in Vid, formally inaugurated in 2007 as the first “in situ” museum in Croatia, exhibiting the remains of a Roman temple. In fact, Narona holds the remains of the Roman temple – the Augusteum – and seventeen monumental marble sculptures of Roman emperors and their family members. This is where the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans once sailed, and, according to legend, the pirates of Neretva planned their raids on enemy galleys. Captain’s dinner with live entertainment on board is scheduled for this evening.

Departure towards Korčula, an island best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. Swim stop and lunch on board. Korčula town is commonly referred to be a “miniature Dubrovnik,” as it is encased by medieval stone ramparts and towers. Sightseeing with a local guide through the old town and tiny streets, built in a fishbone pattern for a reason you will learn about on the guided tour! Lots of simple konobas, restaurants and cool cocktail bars for chill-out time. Overnight in Korčula.

There is no better way to catch the first sight of your final destination – the famous town Dubrovnik – than approaching from the sea. It is one of the few walled cities on the sea in the world. Writer George Bernard Shaw described it as “heaven on earth.”  Cruise alongside the old city walls for a true perspective of the majesty of this town. Lunch is served on deck as headed for the Gruž harbor to dock. Once moored, join a transfer to the old town for a guided walking tour. In your free time, why not walk a 1940 meters long famous ramparts! Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srđ mountain for fabulous views of the city itself and the Elaphiti Islands (ticket included). If you want to explore any of the museums in more detail, such as Sponza or Rectors, now is the time.

Gather for one final breakfast on the vessel, followed by goodbyes with the crew and new friends, before they see you off in Dubrovnik.

Legend: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner, T – tasting, CD – Captain`s dinner