Signature Journey: Croatian & Slovenian Encounter 2023 (Dubrovnik - Venice)

DAY 1 CRUISE: Dubrovnik
Your cruise commences with an arrival transfer to your ship. Embarkation is from 2:00pm followed by an on board welcome dinner. D

DAY 2 CRUISE: Dubrovnik - Slano
Experience Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic, and its walled Old Town on a walking tour with your local guide. See the the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column and the Sponza Palace are all on the itinerary, as are the Dominican- and Franciscan Monastery, one of the oldest in the world. Explore the Old Port - the key to Dubrovnik's trading and maritime success and hear of the legend of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's Patron Saint. Return to the ship to begin your journey on the Adriatic Sea, lunch will be served on board as you cruise to the quaint fisherman's village of Slano. The day ends with dinner and live Klapa music with the Captain, the perfect chance to get to share stories with new friends. BLD

DAY 3 CRUISE: Slano - Mljet - Korcula
A short cruise away is the island of Mljet; much of the island is covered by Mljet National Park which includes two unique salt water lakes and a medieval monastery. Discover the unspoilt beauty of Mljet before cruising to Korcula. On arrival, join your fellow travellers in a walking tour of this enchanting town. BL

Day 4 CRUISE: Korcula - Vis
Stop for a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic as you sail to beautiful Vis Island which until the late 80’s was closed to tourism and served as a military zone for the Yugoslav army. Its authenticity is still evident as you explore Vis Town waterfront. BL

DAY 5 CRUISE: Vis - Bisevo - Hvar
A morning cruise to Bisevo Island’s Blue Cave, one of the most unique natural phenomena in the world. Only recently opened to the public, its silvery blue waters are a must-see. Your journey continues to Hvar Town, the historical centre of Hvar Island, for a guided walking tour. BL

DAY 6 CRUISE: Hvar
Begin your day with a cruise along this beautiful island to its ancient port of Stari Grad. Experience the true nature of the Adriatic as you stop for swims in secluded bays and coves before continuing your exploration of the island by coach. Take an excursion to Hvar’s small fishing villages to get a glimpse of traditional island life, see its vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and undulating rosemary and lavender fields (seasonal). Enjoy a tasty peka lunch including wine tasting at a local konoba (traditional tavern) and return to Stari Grad with the evening free. BL

DAY 7 CRUISE: Hvar - Brac - Split
Explore one of the Adriatic’s loveliest islands, Brac and the picturesque town of Bol where you can find the famous Golden Horn beach. Continue onboard, enjoying lunch as you travel to historic Split. With your local guide, discover the city’s historic centre built around the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace - a wonderful and lively area to enjoy a drink and dinner on the last night of your cruise. BL

DAY 8 CRUISE: Split - Trogir - Skradin - Plitvice
Farewell your captain and crew as you continue your travels by coach north into Croatia’s heartland. Visit Trogir for a tour of its ancient artistic centre before a culinary experience at Bibich Winery where you will taste locally produced wines and regional delicacies. Continue to one of Europe's great natural wonders, Plitvice Lakes National Park. BL
Stay at Hotel Fenomen or similar (4 star)

DAY 9 Plitvice - Zagreb
This morning join our local specialist for a guided walking tour through the park where 16 terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls offering breathtaking scenery. Then journey to Croatia’s lively capital Zagreb, and uncover the history of the Upper Town, St Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral and Government Palace on a guided walking tour. Celebrate the conclusion of your tour at this evening’s farewell dinner at a local restaurant. BD
Stay at Hotel Dubrovnik (4 star) or similar

DAY 10 Zagreb - Ljubljana - Bled
Continue your journey to neighbouring Slovenia, first stopping in its charming capital city Ljubljana which is a unique gem waiting to be explored. On our guided walking tour discover the Baroque Old Town, open-air market, Robba's Fountain and the Three Bridges. Afterwards enjoy a furnicular ride to Ljubljana Castle perched on a hill overlooking the city. Proceed to the picturesque resort town of Bled where we'll stay the next two nights. BD
Stay at Hotel Astoria (4 star) or similar

DAY 11 Bled / Julian Alps
We discover Slovenia’s breathtaking alpine region with a morning tour of Bled including a pletna boat ride on the lake followed by a visit to the island's church and the castle perched on a clifftop overlooking the village. Then we travel to stunning Lake Bohinj for a cable car ride to the top of Mt Vogel for incredible views of the Julian Alps. Continue your regional exploration and visit a local tourist farm for an opportunity to participate in a butter making workshop. This evening travel to a nearby village for dinner in a local restaurant. BD
Stay at Hotel Astoria (4 star) or similar

DAY 12 Bled - Postojna - Venice
Venture into the undergound world of Postojna to explore one of Europe’s largest cave systems. Travel by electric train into the caves and explore the two million year old caverns, halls and passages of this jaw-dropping subterranean world. Then cross the border into Italy and journey to Venice, one of the world's most iconic cities. This evening, join your newfound friends for a farewell dinner to mark the conclusion of your tour. BD
Best Western Premier Collection Continental (4 star) or similar

DAY 13 Venice
Our cruise-tour concludes with a departure transfer to the airport of train station. B