Croatian Escape Extended 2024 (Zagreb - Dubrovnik)

DAY 1 Zagreb
Arrive at Zagreb airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend discovering this wonderful city. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

Stay at: Hotel Zonar Zagreb (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Dinner

DAY 2 Zagreb
Discover the historic Upper Town as you embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Zagreb this morning. You will also see St. Marks Church, St. Catherine’s Church, Parliament and Government Palace as part of your tour. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets of the old town at your own pace or perhaps take an Optional Excursion into the countryside.
*Note: Zagreb Cathedral is expected to reopen in March 2024
Stay at: Hotel Zonar Zagreb (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 Zagreb – Ljubljana – Bled
This morning, head to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. An orientation tour will take you to the highlights of the old city centre, including the lively open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain – a baroque monument modelled after classic Roman fountains. Afterwards, continue your journey towards the Julian Alps and arrive in the picturesque town of Bled where you will overnight.

Stay at: Hotel Kompas (4 star), Bled Rose Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 4 Bled
Located in the foothills of the Julian Alps, Bled is set along an alpine lake surrounded by dramatic high peaks and a picture perfect setting. The exquisite location has turned the area into a popular resort town with a smattering of hotels, villas and restaurants, giving it a lively atmosphere and making it a year-round destination. A sightseeing tour will take you around this charming lakeside town and includes a visit to the imposing Bled Castle, perched high atop a cliff above the lake. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to relax and enjoy the enchanting scenery.

Stay at: Hotel Kompas (4 star), Bled Rose Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5 Bled – Postojna – Opatija – Plitvice Lakes
Your adventure continues to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. You’ll have the opportunity to tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train for a truly one-of-a-kind experience! Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to the popular resort town of Opatija. Dotted with Austro-Hungarian Habsburg period villas, Opatija still retains its glamour and charm from a bygone era. After enjoying a walking tour of this town, travel to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes.
Stay at Hotel Jezero (3 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 6 Plitvice Lakes – Split
This morning, take a relaxing walking tour of the 16 breathtaking, turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Continue with your journey towards Split, one of Croatia’s major coastal cities.

Stay at: Hotel Corner (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 7 CRUISE: Split
After breakfast, transfer to Split harbour with embarkation for the cruise from 14.00hrs. Once settled, enjoy a guided tour of Split and see the historic inner city, built around the impressive Diocletian's Palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Afterwards, meet your fellow passengers at a welcome reception followed by dinner onboard.

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 8 CRUISE: Split - Trogir
Cruise towards Trogir and enjoy a guided tour. Located on a small island, joined to the mainland by a bridge, this town has a well preserved old town with a wonderful mix of architectural styles. Following this, you will be taken on a guided tour to visit Krka National Park, an area rich with flora and fauna where you will find impressive waterfalls, several scenic lakes, and plenty of adventurous hiking trails.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 9 CRUISE: Trogir - Hvar
This morning Continue on to Stari Grad, located on the island of Hvar, supposedly the sunniest island in the Adriatic. Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe. On disembarkation you will be taken by bus to Hvar Town, a hot spot for travellers from around the world. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the charming town, seeing the Renaissance cathedral and the oldest community theatre in Europe. After soaking it all in, hop back on the bus to Stari Grad.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 10 CRUISE: Hvar - Bisevo - Vis
Enjoy breakfast as you cruise to the spectacular Blue Cave on the island of Biševo. The cave’s natural underwater entrance creates a magical deep blue light that engulfs the interior (subject to weather conditions). Sail to Vis, which for many years was used as a strategic military base and as such was closed off to the general public. As a result, the island has retained a remarkable untouched charm. Upon arrival, spend an afternoon at leisure to explore. You may like to walk along the coastal Villae Rusticae or visit the ancient Issa or Roman baths.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Please note: The Blue Cave is only accessible with small boats through an entrance just 1.5m high so unfortunately it can easily be made inaccessible by bad weather and high waves.

DAY 11 CRUISE: Vis - Korcula
Continue towards the town of Korcula, best known as the supposed birthplace of Marco Polo. Stop for lunch en route in one of the secluded bays. Upon arrival embark on a guided walking tour of the town and discover its fishbone streets and numerous restaurants. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can visit the small Marco Polo Museum and climb the tower for wonderful views, enjoy a drink at a bar within the fortifications or simply wander through its charming pedestrian streets.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 12 CRUISE: Korcula - Mljet - Slano
Today you cruise to Mljet to visit the National Park famous for its salt lakes and an ancient Benedictine monastery. Here, you can either rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to explore the National Park or join your Cruise Manager for a stroll to the salt lakes. Enjoy lunch onboard on your way to Slano, a peaceful fisherman's village. On arrival, embark on your excursion to Ston, a once-fortified small village now famous for its oysters. After exploring the town's medieval ramparts a short coastal walk leads you to an oyster farm where you will learn more about oysters and enjoy a tasting of this delicious treat. Upon returning to the vessel tonight, enjoy the Capitan's dinner, whilst overnighting in Slano.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 13 CRUISE: Slano - Dubrovnik
Cruise to the Elephati Islands this morning and enjoy a swim in one of the bays before arriving in Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise along the famed city walls. Upon arrival embark on a guided city tour to discover the treasures of the Old Town and visit the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy. Afterwards, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the town and surrounds, perhaps take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 14 CRUISE: Dubrovnik
Say goodbye to your crew and new friends as you disembark after breakfast. Your adventure continues with an included shared departure transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast