11 Days: Zagreb, Split, Makarska, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Trstenik, Korcula, Hvar

Tour overview:

Your relaxing journey starts in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb and then on to the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park. You will board your ship in Split, a monumental city under UNESCO protection featuring an abundance of Roman architecture. Cruise the Dalmatian coast with stops along the way to Dubrovnik, the highlight of your cruise. Enjoy the amazing sights of nature as you cruise from one island to another.

Day 1 - Arrival Zagreb

Arrival today in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Transfer to your hotel. The day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Zagreb Walking Tour

This morning take a city tour of Zagreb. Walk through the historicUpper Town, where, among other sites, visit the St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the LotrSCak tower. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 3 - Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes - Split

In the morning depart for the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, consisting of 16 lakes, connected with a series of waterfalls. The National Park was also where Karl May films were made. Take a walk through the park, enjoy a boat ride on the emerald green Kozjak Lake and ride the street train back to the entrance. Walking shoes are essential for our 3 hour walk in this wonderful environment! Later, drive to Split and overnight.

Day 4 - Split - Makarska

This morning, take a guided tour of Split, a monumental city under UNESCO protection. The city features an abundance of Roman architecture; of special interest is the Diocletian palace. The tour will end in the harbor in front of the ship, where we will check-in for the cruise. Luggage transfer will be arranged from the hotel. The cruise will depart from Split harbor at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast to Makarska whilst enjoying your lunch, and perhaps take an afternoon swim at one of the magnificent beaches. From there, those feeling adventurous can join our optional river rafting or zipline excursion on the Cetina river and meet up with the ship in Makarska in the evening. Overnight in the port of Makarska where strolling along the streets, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sites.

Day 5 - Makarska - Mljet

Depart early this morning towards Mljet, with a stop on the PeljeSac peninsula for a refreshing swim. This afternoon visit the salt lakes in Mljet National Park and enjoy the sun, sea and tranquility of this peaceful island. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we will visit the monastery and church on St. Mary isle. Overnight in port PolaCa/Pomena.

Day 6 - Mljet - Dubrovnik

After breakfast depart for Dubrovnik, the highlight of our cruise. Enjoy the amazing sights of nature along the way towards this “heaven on earth” – according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. Arrive at Dubrovnik in the afternoon, where we will embark on sightseeing and an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Take a walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. We recommend a walk on top of the 1,940 m long city walls! Overnight in the port of this magical town.

Day 7 - Dubrovnik - Sipan - Trstenik

The morning is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik. Discover the beauty of history through numerous monuments, little streets, churches and more. Around noon we will depart this magnificent town and continue on our cruise towards the Sipan isle or a small town of Trstenik on the PeljeSac peninsula, where we will spend the night. There is a possibility of visiting a local winery and on return, join the Captain’s dinner party on the ship.

Day 8 - Sipan - Trstenik - Korcula

After breakfast depart for KorCula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch will be on board at the Lumbarda bay near KorCula. We will arrive in the afternoon and overnight at the port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were built over two centuries ago. Take in the sights of KorCula and an optional wine and appetizers tasting at a local winery, before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or “konobas” on your own.

Day 9 - Korcula - Hvar

We’ll depart early this morning towards the Pakleni Islands for lunch and a swim stop. After lunch, see the sights of Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic. The Renaissance cathedral with its original tower as well as the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. Hvar offers abundant entertainment, excellent restaurants and bars and cafes that are open long into the night. Overnight in Hvar.

Day 10 - Hvar (Bol) - Split

Our next stop is BraC island. Swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn – its gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change in shape). Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination. After lunch we head back to Split. A swim break is planned on route in one of the many bays on Brac island. Enjoy the view of the Split Riviera on as you arrive in the late afternoon.

Day 11 - Split - Depart

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends! Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.