Balkan Express 2023 (Split - Split)

DAY 1 Split
Welcome to Split! Your cruise commences with an arrival transfer from Split airport or Split hotel to the harbour where embarkation begins from 13.00hrs. The afternoon is free to get settled into your cabin or explore Split on your own. In the evening meet your fellow passengers at a welcome reception which is followed by dinner on board. D

DAY 2 Split - Ploce (Mostar excursion - Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Early this morning cruise towards Ploce and then board a coach for an excursion to Mostar where lunch is included. Built alongside the Neretva River, the historic town of Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and its iconic stone bridge, Stari Most or “Old Bridge”. Despite being destroyed in the Bosnian civil war during 1993, the bridge and its surrounds were built and have been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2005. Spend the day wandering through the cobblestone streets in this picturesque little town, shopping for souvenirs in the old city bazaars or visiting the Koski Mehmed-Pasha mosque for stunning panoramic views of city from stop its minaret. Once back on the boat, enjoy a Captain’s dinner and overnight in Ploce. BLD

DAY 3 Ploce - Mljet - Dubrovnik
Cruise south towards the island of Mljet in the morning. Join your cruise manager on a stroll around the famous salt lakes in Mljet National Park before continuing your journey onto Dubrovnik. Lunch will be served on board and there’ll be a swim stop along the way (weather permitting). In the late afternoon arrive into Dubrovnik, affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, and begin your guided tour of the Old Town. Discover the treasures of this beautiful city including the Franciscan monastery Pharmacy and the Stradun, the main street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Afterwards the remainder of the day is yours to explore the town and surrounds, perhaps walk the city walls or take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd. Overnight in Dubrovnik. BL

DAY 4 Dubrovnik - Kotor (Montenegro)
Today you depart for Kotor, the fortified, medieval coastal town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline that’s also the country’s oldest. After lunch on board, embark on a trip to Lovcen Mountain, Njegusi Village and resort town of Budva on a private coach. You’ll be rewarded with breath taking views of Kotor Bay and encounter the rich culture, deep heritage and striking landscape of Montenegro along the way. Included in your journey is a visit to the village smokehouse and a snack stop where you can try smoked ham, cheese, brandy and wine - all local specialties. Return back to Kotor for a guided tour around this wonderful city that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Visit St Tryphon’s Cathedral which is Kotor’s largest and most beautiful historic building. The evening will be free for you stroll through the maze of cobbled streets that are lined with museums, stone churches, Venetian palaces and bustling open squares with plenty of dining options for your to try out tonight. BL

Please note: Customs inspection will take place aboard the ship at Gruz port in Dubrovnik and also on the way to Kotor (in Zelenika or Kotor). This is a border crossing requirement due to the movement from one country to another.

DAY 5 Kotor - Cavtat - Korcula
After breakfast, head towards Cavtat, a hidden gem in southern Dalmatia that’s only half an hour south of Dubrovnik. Continue your cruise to the island of Korcula where you'll get to enjoy a swim stop along the way. Arrive into Korcula in the afternoon and begin a guided walking tour of the city’s charming Old Town which is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean and also considered the birth place of famed explorer Marco Polo. Overnight in Korcula where you can enjoy a gourmet experience at the multiple restaurants and bars. BL

Please note: Customs inspection will take in Kotor (in Zelenika or Kotor) and in Cavtat. This is a border crossing requirement due to the movement from one country to another.

DAY 6 Korcula - Bisevo - Vis
Set off for Bisevo early this morning to visit the Blue Cave, a spectacular natural phenomenon that sees glowing blue light appear in the cave. Next, head on to the island of Vis, which was once a strategic Yugoslav base that was restricted to the public. As a result, the culture and architecture has been well preserved. After your guided city tour you'll have free time to spend the day discovering this fascinating island. Perhaps you may like to visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, rent a scooter, try the delicious local wines or simply take a walk along the beautiful waterfront. It’s easy to see why Vis is fast becoming a popular destination when visiting Croatia and why it was chosen as the location for Mama Mia 2. Overnight in the port of Vis.

Please note: Visit to Blue Cave is dependant on weather conditions as sometimes high tide can prevent entry. Your Captain will advise the conditions and accessibility the morning of scheduled visit.

DAY 7 Vis - Hvar - Split
Depart for Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and enjoy a swim stop and lunch en-route. After arriving into Hvar town in the afternoon, commence a guided city tour of this traffic-free town surrounded by beautiful Venetian architecture, Gothic palaces and marble streets. Hvar is also home to the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. After the tour, head back on board and continue cruising to Split. Upon arrival join a guided tour to discover this 1,700 year old UNESCO World Heritage listed of the cit. Don’t forget to include a visit the seafront promenade and Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace! The evening will be at your leisure to make the most of this vibrant city, BL

DAY 8 Split
Your cruise concludes in Split with a departure transfer for your onward journey. B


Key: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner