Land & Cruise Program 2023 - 

Scenic Croatia, Slovenia and Venice Tour, 13 Days - 
tour starts in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ends in Venice, Italy

The tour visits Dubrovnik, Elaphiti Islands, Slano, Mljet, Korčula, Biševo, Vis, Hvar, Stari Grad, Split, Plitvice national park, Opatija, Postojna, Poreč, Pula, Rovinj and ends in Venice

Day-By-Day Program:

Day 1          Arrive in Dubrovnik     SAT 

You will be transferred from Dubrovnik airport or your Dubrovnik hotel to harbour, where embarkation begins at 1 pm. Get settled in your cabin before attending a Welcome reception followed by dinner (WR,D)

Day 2          Dubrovnik–Elaphiti Islands–Slano (Oyster Tasting)     SUN

Start the day with a walking tour of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of Adriatic”. Walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage site, including a visit to the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy. After returning to the ship, enjoy the magic scenery as the ship cruises around Dubrovnik city walls and continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swim stop. Afternoon arrival in Slano, a peaceful fishermen’s village and our starting point to Ston, once fortified small village famous for its oysters situated on Peljesac peninsula. Peljesac peninsula is known as one of the best wine-producing regions in Croatia. After exploring the town we go to a small nearby village to enjoy the authentic local oyster tasting. Overnight and Captains Dinner in Slano (B,L,D)

Day 3          Slano – Mljet – Korčula     MON

In the morning we continue north to the Island of Mljet. Join your Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Afterwords, continue our cruise towards the Korčula island best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. After arrival in Korčula, join us for a guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls, which is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Overnight in Korčula where you can enjoy a gourmet experience at the multiple restaurants and bars (B,L)

Day 4          Korčula – Biševo – Vis     TUE

Early in the morning we sail to the small island of Biševo and, weather permitted, visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. Cruise towards the island of Vis, once a strategic naval Yugoslav base and restricted to the public. Due to this isolation, Vis has a special charm – “the Mediterranean as it once was” making it really interesting to visit. Try some exquisite wine sorts in one of the Vis traditional wineries. If interested, visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, City Museum or simply take a walk enjoying the views. Overnight in the port of Vis (B,L)

Day 5          Vis – Hvar – Stari Grad     WED

In the morning sailing continues towards Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, with a swim stop and lunch on board. Afternoon arrival in Hvar town followed by a tour of the town – the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. After the tour, set sail towards Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, one of the oldest cities in Europe where you will overnight (B,L)

Day 6          Stari Grad – Trogir (Krka Natl Park visit)     THU

Early morning departure to the old Dalmatian town Trogir. Trogir is sometimes referred to as “miniature Venice” or a “mini Dubrovnik” because of its ancient walls, or a floating museum town – as it has a masterful architecture including some stunning Venetian palaces. Followed by visit to the Krka National Park and the small access port of Skradin with its exceptional flora and fauna. Overnight in Trogir (B,L)

Day 7          Trogir – Split     FRI

In the morning join our guided tour of Trogir with a local tour guide. Set sail to Split with a stop along the way to swim and relax, if weather permits, with lunch on board. In the late afternoon we arrive at Split to spend the night. After arriving in Split, join a guided tour of the city, visit the seafront promenade and Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. The historical center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your evening is free in Split (B,L)

Day 8          Split -Plitvice – Opatija     SAT

After breakfast it’s time to disembark and say goodbye to the crew. We continue north by motor coach to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Plitvice, we walk around several of the lower lakes. The Park is a natural wonder with 16 terraced lakes surrounded by wooded mountains and lush vegetation. After our visit, you will be transferred to Opatija where dinner is served at our hotel (B,D)

Day 9          Opatija- Postojna – Poreč     SUN

After breakfast, we travel to Slovenia and visit the unique and beautiful Postojna Cave, one of the largest in Europe. We will explore this wonderous subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterwards, we drive to Poreč.  Visit of the old town of Porec, whose traces of the past are preserved in the old core of the town. Stone streets, ruins of ancient temples, forums and many beautiful buildings preserved from ancient times testify to the number of conquerors. The Euphrasian Basilica from the 6th century is the most valuable historical and cultural monument in Istria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance to the Euphrasian Basilica. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Poreč (B)

Day 10          Poreč – Pula – Rovinj – Poreč     MON

After breakfast, we drive to Pula for an orientation tour of this strategic port city. We also visit the preserved Amphitheater, the sixth largest in the world. Then we continue to Rovinj, the most romantic town in Croatia, a charmingly picturesque old town. One of the most famous attractions is the St. Euphemia Cathedral, the largest baroque building in Istria. Built according to plans by venetian architect Giovanni Dizzi, the bell tower on the church is a copy of the one at St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Free time in Rovinj. Afterward, we return to Poreč. Your evening is free (B)

Day 11          Venice     TUE

We embark the catamaran early in the morning and sail directly to Italy where Venice beckons on idyllic setting on 119 islands. After check in at the hotel, in the afternoon we start exploring Venice by a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassblowing factories. In a working factory, we observe master craftsmen demonstrate the art of traditional Venetian glassblowing. Enjoy the rest of your day on your own (B)

Day 12          Venice     WED   

After breakfast, we depart for St. Mark’s Square, for a walking tour with visits of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. En route, we enjoy the views of the Bell Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. The balance of the day is at leisure in Venice. Later, we gather for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Venice (B,D)

Day 13          Depart Venice     THU

You will be transferred to Venice’s airport for your flight home (B)

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch. D-Dinner, WR-Welcome Reception, CD-Captain’s dinner, T-Tasting