Croatia By Land and Sea – Best Combo!

Unveil the secrets behind the old facades, discover the hidden courtyards and revive the stories from the past. We'll give you a completely unique perspective of Zagreb. Your walking tour of Zagreb starts with the main square of Ban Jelačić, the cathedral, Tkalčićeva street, the Stone Gate, Upper Town, the historical center of the city, and St. Mark's Church with its famed multi-colored roof.  Using a 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 so much more.

Ljubljana has preserved evidence of its five millennia of history, including, but not limited to, the remains of the Roman city of Emona, the old city center with its medieval castle, and beautiful buildings with Baroque façades, decorative portals, and uneven roofs. Other significant bits in the mosaic of Ljubljana are its picturesque bridges across the river Ljubljanica and its vast Tivoli park, stretching the city center.

Bled is a town that has exists for a thousand years, sheltered by picturesque mountains, with an Alpine lake and the only Slovenian island that reigns in the middle. Lake Bled is truly the jewel of Slovenia with its legendary island in the middle of the lake, castle, and hot springs. Its beneficial climate has attracted numerous cosmopolitan visitors for centuries.

Rovinj is the most romantic place in the Mediterranean! The town of Rovinj is the right destination if you are seeking a sentimental atmosphere of the times that have forever gone by. Rovinj has begun its romantic life on an island, its restricted area resulting in crowded houses, narrow streets and small squares, still untouched by modern urbanism. Built upon a rich fishermen’s tradition, it has become distinctive for its unique boat, the batana, and its songs, bitinada. Its beauty was particularly appreciated by artists who have painted the most beautiful motifs here and exhibited them on Grisia, the street of artists.

Discover the heart of Istria while driving inland and enjoy the picturesque mosaic that will enchant you. Motovun is an ancient Istrian town monument, located atop a 277m high hill, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The position and views of Motovun make it one of the most beautiful towns in the Istrian islands. Go on a truffle search with a professional tartufalo and his dog in the small town of Livade, near the Motovun woods and Buzet – the hometown of the truffle.

Pula is the largest town on the Istrian peninsula and offers a diversity of attractions for lovers of culture. The richness of its three-thousand-year-old history, where every step you take through the old town is a landmark, begins and ends with the Roman amphitheater. While strolling through Pula you will come across numerous monuments of Roman architecture: the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century B.C., Hercules’ Gate, Twin Gates, the Temple of Augustus, Arena, and Small Roman Theater in the town center. The main town square has managed to retain its role as the meeting place since the Augustan Age; sit, relax and enjoy this unique experience. Zadar is a treasure trove of archaeological treasures and monuments to the ancient, medieval and Renaissance periods. This is visible by a number of sacral and architectural monuments – the church of sv. Donat [St. Donatus] where every summer the sounds of Zadar's musical evenings echo, the Roman Forum near the main square, the longest and widest street, the Cathedral of sv. Stošije [St. Anastasia], an Archaeological Museum with its exceptional treasures, and many other monuments of cultural and historical heritage (town gate, Arsenal, churches, museums...). With the most beautiful sunsets, in a maritime archipelago facing a multitude of islands and islets, which protect the city from the strong winds, enjoy the symphony of the Sea Organ and magical urban light installation, Pozdrav suncu [Greeting the Sun], near the new harbor for cruise ships.

The largest part of this amazing river’s course is the national park, which in addition to its natural phenomena abounds with cultural and historical monuments. The most outstanding of these is the Franciscan monastery on the tiny island of Visovac, set in the middle of the lake widening in the river like a precious stone. Within the monastery, there is a picture gallery and a church, origins of which are traced back to the 14th century. In the middle of the canyon, upstream of the river, is an interesting Krka Orthodox monastery; while on the high ground above the river several old ruins sit. The old mills, which have been transformed into small ethnographic museums where one can see how wheat was ground in the olden days, are a popular attraction for visitors. Heritage interpreters are dressed in traditional folk costumes, which is particularly interesting and entertaining for children, who are frequent visitors to the park. However, the main attraction of Krka National Park lies in its seven waterfalls. The widest of these is Roški slap, although Skradinski Buk is the biggest and most well-known. Olives, indigenous aromatic plants, the brilliancy of white stone against the verdant vegetation, and the towering mountain massif of Biokovo whose spurs reach all the way to the sea – yes, this is indeed an exceptional part of the country, and its beauty is made all the more enchanting by numerous historic events and monuments, and cultural manifestations. When, in the year 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled the entire world at that time, decided to build his leisure time abode - in which he intended to spend the rest of his life - he had no doubt as to exactly where build to it. In the very heart of Dalmatia, in the bay of Aspalathos, well protected from the sea by the islands of the Split archipelago, and defended on its landward side by high mountains, Diocletian created a special point on the map: the future city of Split.

Check-in from 2:00 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 as it is a 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 ship for a welcome reception and cocktail to enjoy the meet and greet party on board. Overnight in Split.

Early morning departure towards the Korčula island 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.

The 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. Alternatively, you can rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars to roam around the National Park or island on your own. Return to the ship for lunch followed by departure towards Dubrovnik. Late afternoon arrival in Dubrovnik, but before we tie the ropes at Gruž harbor 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 the Elaphiti Islands. Afternoon at leisure to find idyllic spots for lunch and dinner. For those of you with more enthusiasm, we recommend walking the famous walls 1,940 m long and taking a stroll along the walking street "STRADUN" – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Morning departure from this magnificent town and continue our cruise towards the little seaside village of Kučišće (or similar) on the Pelješac peninsula, well known for its excellent wine. Before lunch a short stop at one of the Elaphiti Islands and afternoon arrival to Kučišće. Today we move away from the shore inland to explore the rural areas. Afternoon transfer to the village Kuna 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 in Kučišće.

Morning departure towards the jet-set island 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. Upon arrival, there will be a short presentation of lavender products followed by a tour of the town. 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 harbor 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 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 and on arrival it is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends! Check out by 9.00 am and a private transfer to Split airport.