Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia Hosted Small Group Tour & Cruise 2024

Welcome to Croatia. Your day is at leisure before meeting your Host and Tour Director. Overnight and dinner at the hotel. (D)

Zagreb is home to a mix of 18th and 19th century buildings with many charming parks, squares and city markets. You will discover Ban Jelačić Square and medieval settlements of Gradec and Kaptol. See the Cathedral, Dolac Market, Tkalčićeva Street, Stone Gate and St Mark’s Church. Proceed through the Hrvatsko Zagorje region to visit Trakošćan Castle dating back to the 13th century. It is Croatia’s most celebrated and romantic castle due to the surrounding parklands and lake. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner in one of Zagreb’s most loved restaurants. (B, D)

Head to the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana. Ljubljana lies in a basin between the Karst and Alpine region. This city with a soul features the Baroque Old Town nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, the Art Nouveau mansions and masterpieces of the renowned architect Jože Plečnik. We visit the local markets and explore the city before taking funicular train to Ljubljana Castle, for lunch at local Slovenian restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

Lake Bled, together with its surroundings ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. Enjoy a Pletna boat ride along the lake to Bled Island. See St Mary’s Church and later continue to the old medieval castle up on the cliff. The enchanting views and fairy-tale beauty are sensational. After sightseeing, enjoy a memorable lunch in Bled. Continue to visit a local producer of honey, to learn about the beekeeping tradition in Slovenia and to sample their products. Before returning to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure, we stop in Radovljica for a stroll through this magical little town. (B, L, T)

Postojna Cave is one of the world’s largest karst monuments. For 140 years train journeys have been taking visitors through the caves to see the spectacular subterranean world. Photo stop in Predjama Castle before arriving to the small village of Momjan where we visit an award-winning winery of famous local wines. This evening, dinner is at the hotel in Poreč. (B, T, D)

The seaside town of Poreč is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century AD. The apse of the Basilica is ornately decorated with figural mosaics noted as one of the most remarkable examples of mosaic art in Europe. Proceed to the gorgeous hilltop town of Motovun, possibly the most picturesque medieval hilltop town of inner Istria. Lunch will be served in locally, where you will experience a tasting of Istria’s most famous delicacy, their truffles. Upon arrival back to Poreč, evening is at leisure. (B, T/L)

Rovinj is one of the most romantic towns on the Mediterranean, with its cobbled streets, squares and picturesque buildings. Enjoy a tour and some free time here to explore the town and its must see local markets, before meeting for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Pula with its impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of Sergii. There is a long tradition of olive oil making in Istria and we get a taste of this in Vodnjan where we visit a renowned family producer of olive oil. Return to Poreč where the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, L, T)

Enjoy a day trip to Venice. A walking tour will show you the highlights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass blowing factory and watch a master artisan demonstrate this traditional Venetian art. The rest of your day is at leisure to experience Venice. Late afternoon return to Poreč for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Today we depart for the Plitvice Lakes. Enroute stop in Opatija, one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic. It is often referred to as Croatia’s Monte Carlo and was once the playground of the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Continue to Plitvice with a stop in Rastoke. Rest of the day is at leisure before dinner this evening. (B, D)

The Plitvice Lakes are Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction. The beauty lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. After discovering the National Park we continue to the Dalmatian coast for our visit of Zadar, one of the most charming old Dalmatian cities dating back to Roman times. Steeped in history, visit the Roman Forum and St Donatus Church, the Romanesque St Grisigono’s Church, St Mary’s Bell Tower and St Anastasia Cathedral. Take a stroll along its beautiful promenade with Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun, a sound and light spectacle and award-winning architectural space. We depart Zadar and travel along the Dalmatian coastline where our next stop is Šibenik. Upon arrival the rest of the day is at leisure before dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Discover the oldest Croatian city on the Adriatic and see Croatia’s most beautiful monument, St James Cathedral. We visit quaint town of Skradin before continuing to the Krka Waterfalls National Park. Experience the natural beauty of the largest of the seven waterfalls, Skradinski Buk on Krka River. Visit the authentically restored ensemble of small stone houses, workshop, exhibits and watermills, and enjoy a beautiful walk through forest pathways and wooden bridges. We continue to the village of Plastovo to visit one of Croatia’s most famous wineries, for an unforgettable lunch and wine tasting. Late afternoon arrival back to Šibenik, the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, T/L)

This morning we are transferred to the ancient Romain ruins of Salona before arriving to Klis. The medieval fortress, built by the Illyrians over 2,000 years ago, overlooks the village and offers breathtaking views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. We continue to a unique family owned estate where we partake in a cooking class lunch, visit their ethno-village and learn about traditional Dalmatian life, and the production of local delicacies. Upon return to Split the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Dubrovnik. Enroute stop at the Biokovo Nature Park for a visit of the Skywalk. Take in the impressive views of the Makarska Riviera and Islands before a lunch stop at a local restaurant in Tučepi. Later proceed to Dubrovnik with a photo stop in front of the Pelješac Bridge. Overnight in Dubrovnik with evening at leisure. (B, L)

Morning at leisure to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. In the afternoon enjoy a folklore show representing a rich traditional culture, musical and dance heritage of the Dubrovnik region and Croatia. This evening experience local cuisine and spectacular views of the fortified Old Town, all from the dinner table. (B, D)

Today our small ship cruise begins. After joining our vessel, transfer to the city gates for a guided tour of the Old Town where you will discover the charm and fascination of Dubrovnik. The Onofrio’s Fountain, Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, and Rector’s Palace. Take the cable car from the Old Town to Mount Srđ for incredible scenic views of the city and Elaphiti Islands. This evening enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner to meet your Captain, crew and fellow cruise passengers. (B, D)

During breakfast take in the spectacular scenery, as the ship cruises around Dubrovnik City Walls, before continuing to one of the Elaphiti Islands for a swim stop. Afternoon arrival in Slano, a peaceful fishermen’s village and the starting point to Ston, a once fortified small town, famous for its medieval ramparts, saltworks and oysters. After exploring the town our excursion takes us to a family owned oyster farm for a special tasting and experience. Return to the ship for an evening at leisure. (B, L, T)

Today we head further north to the Island of Mljet. Join the Cruise Director for a stroll to the famous saltwater lakes in the National Park and enjoy a boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. Cruise towards Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch is in a secluded bay enroute. A fish bone street pattern design was used in Korčula Old Town to reduce effects of wind and sun and provide citizens with sheltered and comfortable accommodation. Discover the town and later there are many wonderful restaurants to dine at or an optional excursion to a small village near Korčula where you will enjoy dinner and hear about history and true local life. (B, L)

Continue to the Island of Vis, which was once a naval base and closed to tourists. Due to this isolation, it has a unique charm. On arrival to Vis Town, your time is at leisure. Visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, town museum, or simply enjoy the surrounds. This evening make sure to dine at a local fish restaurant to sample fish and seafood prepared in traditional Dalmatian style. (B, L)

Cruise towards Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon (visit is weather dependent). Continue to Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic. We explore Hvar Old Town and see the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe. We take a walk to a family owned winery, where we learn about its history of wine making and sample the local Dalmatian wine. One last stop takes us to the must-see Spanish Fortress which offers incredibly scenic views of the town and Pakleni Islands. This evening experience the electric atmosphere of Hvar’s famous nightlife. Dine at a local restaurant or visit the bars and cafes which are open long into the night. (B, L, T)

Morning departure to Brač Island, where swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat near Bol. Bol is a typical fishermen’s town, converted into a popular tourist destination. Continue to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage protected historic stone town, often described as an open-air museum. We explore the charming town with its narrow alleyways and view the Cathedral of St Lawrence and the magnificent Kamerlengo Tower. Return to the ship for your Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment to dance the night away. (B, L, D)

This morning we visit a gorgeous bay for a swim stop, before our lunch is served and we arrive to Split. Enjoy a guided tour of Split, a historic city under UNESCO protection and part of the world heritage with an abundance of Roman architecture including Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and its cellars. Enjoy your final evening at leisure to explore this vibrant city. (B, L)

Check out is by 0900HRS. Say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. For those of you returning home or travelling onwards you will be transferred to Split Airport. We are sure you will have made many friends and have a wealth of memories to treasure and take home with you. Sretan Put. (B)