Essentially, Croatia and Its Islands

Welcome! You have arrived to Croatia’s capital.
Transfer to the hotel, accommodation and dinner.

This morning we will enjoy a guided walking city tour. The tour visits Zagreb’s core, the central Ban Jelačić Square, as well as the religious center Kaptol, with the spectacular Cathedral, and afterwards Zagreb’s ancient secular heart, Gradec, with the Stone Gate, St. Marco’s church and Lotršćak tower. After some free time for lunch, we will take a half day trip to Zagorje and the most romantic of Croatia’s castles – Trakošćan. Return to Zagreb in the evening. Dinner and overnight.

This day is dedicated to nature as we will visit the National Park Plitvice, a UNESCO natural heritage site. The park is the most visited nature site in Croatia for a good reason: its 16 crystalline lakes connect through various waterfalls spread out over travertine barriers cascading or dropping steeply from heights and offering amazing colours and views wherever you turn. Watch your step, stay on the marked paths and enjoy a train ride through the park and/or a boat ride over the lake Kozjak to get the most of it. After the visit we will continue to Zadar. Dinner and overnight.

In the morning our local guide will introduce us to the city’s rich history and show us around its narrow streets called ‘kalè’. After the city tour we will head to Šibenik for a free walk around the city. If you like you can visit the famous UNESCO site – St. James’ Cathedral. For lunch we will venture to the ethno village restaurant and museum Pakovo selo. It is about a half an hour’s ride from Šibenik and a place to get to know the Dalmatian hinterland and have a really good authentic lunch. With our bellies full we continue towards Split, our final destination for today. Dinner and overnight.

It’s time to say goodbye to the tour leader and our group in order to make your Cruise connection!

Early in the morning we set sail for the island of Korčula, rich in vineyards, olive groves and small villages with numerous bays and coves. Swim stop in one of the peaceful bays, perfect to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the unspoiled nature, lush vegetation and crystal clear sea. Lunch on board. Afternoon arrival in Korčula. This medieval ”little Dubrovnik”, said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, has an ancient atmosphere and we will enjoy getting to know it on an interesting tour along its winding streets (only in case you have purchased our excursion package). After the tour, make the best of  some free time and sip a glass of local wine or coffee at an outdoor cafe, take a dip in the sea or just continue walking the streets. Overnight in Korčula.

Early in the morning we depart to Elaphiti Islands with plenty of time for swimming along the way. As we continue our journey towards Dubrovnik, enjoy the lunch while sailing alongside the old city walls. This is the perfect time for you to make some magnificent photos and memories that will last a lifetime. After docking join a guided tour of the Old Town (only if you have purchased our excursion package). After visiting this stunningly intact walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast, you will have the opportunity to experience the best things this town has to offer by yourself. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Today we sail to Mljet -the most forested island in the Adriatic and one of the most beautiful pearls of the Mediterranean. Mljet is also well known for its two salted lakes – Veliko and Malo Jezero located at the north end of the island. The Benedictine monastery, situated on the island of St. Mary on Veliko Jezero, one of the most beautiful locations in the area, is also the most visited spot and symbol of the National Park. Join the cruise manager on this magnificent tour and find out why the Greek hero Ulysses considered it his favourite holiday spot (only in case you have purchased our excursion package). Return to the ship followed by captain’s dinner aboard. Overnight In port Pomena.

Early in the morning we set sail to Hvar. It is the longest island in Croatia and the sunniest in all Europe (2724 sunny hours each year) and undeniably among the most beautiful islands in the world. You probably don’t know that the first theatre in Europe is located here in Hvar (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK) which is only one detail testifying to the island’s rich cultural heritage. In case you have purchased our excursion package, you can join the guided tour of Hvar and learn why this amazing town is a must see on the historical map of the Croatia. Your evening is free to explore this amazing holiday spot by yourself. We suggest you to take a jeep safari which will take you away from the popular tourist resorts, on an intoxicating voyage of discovery through the aromatic hills of rosemary and lavender, through the various hilltop villages of the island, and along tracks off-limits to most vehicles.

Note: port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad because of the limited capacity of Hvar harbour. In that case transfer to and from Hvar will be organized by Zantium travel.

After our visit to Hvar the boat will head towards the town of Stari Grad. Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in the region founded in 384. B.c. situated in a deep and protected bay in  the north-western part of Hvar island, the town is rich with cultural and historical heritage and is a staple in the sailing routes of many navigators sailing in the Adriatic Sea. After lunch on board, in case you have purchased our excursion package, you will make your way towards a local winery, not far from Stari Grad. There you will learn about local winemaking and it’s history on the island and the region and have a wine tasting session in the winery. Return to the ship. Upon your return you will be able to explore Stari Grad on your own. We suggest that you find a cosy local restaurant (konoba) and relax as the sun sets with a lovely glass of local wine and a pleasant meal. Return to the ship and overnight in Stari Grad.

Early in the morning we set sail to Brač where a swimming stop is planned at Zlatni Rat beach, a long, pebbly beach near Bol that protrudes over 500m out into the Adriatic Sea and, surrounded by deep blue water, changes shape with the wind, which makes it unique in Croatia. In case of bad weather, we will make a stop at nearby Milna. Enjoy our last day specialties as we sail to our final port Split. Upon arrival, join the walking tour through Split with an expert guide who will bring the past to life and also tell you a lot about Split today. Stroll the streets and learn many interesting facts that make this unique town’s history full of intrigue. Take part of the story of this more than 1700 years old town, founded by the Roman emperor Diocletian who chose this beautiful place as his retirement residence. Let the story of who he was and why he loved Dalmatia so much amaze you! Overnight in Split.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark.
Transfer to the airport.