Croatia | Croatia & Slovenia by Land & by Sea

From Roman origins of its capital, Ljubljana, to spectacular Bled in the Julian Alps and ancient Piran on the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is a very peaceful and lovely country. Although geographically a neighbour, Croatia is culturally a distant cousin and best known for medieval walled cities such as Dubrovnik and its magnificent Dalmatian Coast characterised by dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and hundreds of exquisite islands.

After visiting the most significant places of interest in Croatia and Slovenia by land, you embark on a privately chartered ship to explore Dalmatia by sea. During the day you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe and explore the underworld of the Adriatic Sea. In the evenings, step ashore at fascinating ports to meet the locals, discover the region's rich culture and history and enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine in a truly romantic setting. This 18-day tour will also include memorable excursions to Medjugorje and Mostar in you to join this historically, culturally and architecturally fascinating journey - be enthralled by the spectacular scenery of all four countries, be charmed by the gracious hospitality of the people and be enchanted by the beauty of Dalmatia on your private charter.  

Duration: 18 Days
Tour Code: ITW34
Trip Style: Superior - 4 star
Departure Dates: 23 May 2012, 06 Jun 2012, 29 Aug 2012, 12 Sep 2012
Price: From $4,995
Single Supplement: From $1,400
Places you'll visit:
  • Croatia
  • Slovenia

Highlights:
  • Small-ship, privately-chartered Dalmatian Islands cruise from Split to Dubrovnik
  • 2 night stay in picturesque Bled with a private pletna ride on Lake Bled
  • Lunch at a local restaurant nestled within the breathtaking Julian Alps
  • Exploring the 16 terraced lakes and cascading waterfalls at Plitvice
  • Visit to a provincial vineyard for tasting of regional food and wine
  • 2 days on Hvar with a tour of the island and its lovely lavender fields
  • Swimming at Brac's magical Golden Horn
  • Walk along the city walls of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town
  • Traditional Croatian evening with klapa singing

Ideal for Solo Travellers

This tour/cruise is especially suitable for solo travellers because it is a privately chartered small ship and single supplements are very reasonable.

Trip Details

GROUP SIZE:  30 maximum

PRICES:

Category A cabin:  $5,595; single supplement $1,700
Category B cabin:  $4,995; single supplement $1,400

Category A cabins are on or above the main deck with twin beds or a double bed plus bunk bed. Category B cabins are below the main deck with twin beds or a double bed plus bunk bed.

DAY 1 WED ZAGREB

Arrive in the Croatian capital and meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome meeting and dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Westin (5 star) or similar. (D)

DAY 2 THU ZAGREB

After breakfast, embark on a tour of Zagreb featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark's Church, Zagreb Cathedral, the Parliament and Government Palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon and evening are free. (B, L)

DAY 3 FRI ZAGREB - BREŽICE - BLED

This morning you travel towards Bled with a stop at the picturesque Slovene town of Brežice for a visit to its 16th century castle. Upon arrival, you will have an afternoon tour including a traditional pletna ride on Lake Bled. Tonight, enjoy dinner at Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. Overnight at Hotel Golf (4 star) or similar. (B, D)

DAY 4 SAT BLED / JULIAN ALPS

On today's excursion, discover Slovenia's enchanting alpine region as you travel to the highest mountain pass of the Julian Alps. Your journey continues to the small town of Bovec for lunch, then back to Bled for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 5 SUN BLED - LJUBLJANA

This morning you depart for Ljubljana. On a walking tour of the Slovenian capital, admire the charming baroque architecture of its Old Town and take a funicular to Ljubljana Castle for stunning views over the town. You have free time in the afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Grand Hotel Union Executive (4 star) or similar. (B, D)

DAY 6 MON LJUBLJANA - POSTOJNA - OPATIJA

From Ljubljana, drive to Predjama Castle which is located in the middle of a limestone cliff. After a tour of the castle, continue to nearby Postojna, home to one of Europe's largest cave systems, and witness this fantastic subterranean world by electric train. You finish your day at the exclusive resort town of Opatija for a walking tour and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Bristol (4 star) or similar. (B, D)

DAY 7 TUE OPATIJA / PULA - ROVINJ

Today you will tour the Istrian Peninsula and its medieval towns that still retain their Venetian heritage. First, drive along the peninsula's coast to Pula which was founded over 3,000 years ago and see its famous amphitheatre, then travel to the quaint coastal town of Rovinj. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Opatija for a free evening. (B, L)

DAY 8 WED OPATIJA - PLITVICE

After breakfast, your coach will take you on a scenic drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Take a walking tour and admire the breathtaking scenery of sixteen terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. The afternoon is free to explore this magnificent park further, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Jezero (3 star) or similar. (B, D)

DAY 9 THU PLITVICE - SPLIT

Drive through Croatia's scenic heartland and stop at a provincial vineyard where you will taste excellent regional foods and wines. Arrive in Split for an afternoon tour of its historic Old Town built around 4th century Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a typical Dalmatian dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel President (4 star) or similar. (B, D)

DAY 10 FRI SPLIT / TROGIR

You start the day with an excursion to the lovely coastal town of Trogir for a tour of this ancient artistic centre. After lunch, return to Split with the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 11 SAT CRUISE: SPLIT - MAKARSKA

Free morning, then embark your ship and set sail for the beautiful horse-shoe bay of Makarska which is surrounded by the majestic Biokovo Mountains. While cruising, each day you will be served lunch aboard, stop for refreshing swims and have time to relax whilst admiring the beautiful scenery. The evening is free to explore the Makarska Riveria on your own. (B, L)

DAY 12 SUN CRUISE: MAKARSKA - HVAR

After breakfast, depart for Bol on the island of Brac for a swim at the famous Golden Horn and lunch onboard. Then cruise towards Dalmatia's sunniest island, Hvar. On arrival at the ancient port of Stari Grad, commence a tour of the island to the fishing villages of Vrboska and Jelsa with typical stone houses and labyrinth of narrow streets. Continue through Hvar's lavender fields to Vrisnik village for local wine-tasting and traditional peka dinner of meat and vegetables baked in an iron pot over coals. Return to your ship for overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 13 MON CRUISE: HVAR

Cruise along the coast of the island, stopping for a swim and lunch before arriving at popular Hvar Town. On a walking tour, explore the cobble-stone streets of its 15th century Old Town and visit the Franciscan and Benedictine Monasteries, with the rest of the day free to enjoy a seaside dinner beneath the town's fortress. (B, L)

DAY 14 TUE CRUISE: HVAR - KORCULA

This morning you cruise to the island of Korcula, considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. After lunch onboard, you arrive for a guided tour of Korcula's beautiful Old Town with its mighty fortress and impressive city walls. Evening at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 15 WED CRUISE: KORCULA - MLJET

Depart early to Mljet, one of the Adriatic's most densely wooded islands, where you may take an optional tour through Mljet National Park with its magnificent salt water lakes. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, then join your crew for this evening's special Captain's dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 16 THU CRUISE: MLJET - DUBROVNIK

Today, socialise with your new friends and be served lunch as you cruise to medieval Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic. You will have an afternoon tour of the walled Old Town, listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, including visits to Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery which houses Europe's third oldest pharmacy. Enjoy a free evening for your own exploration. (B, L)

DAY 17 FRI DUBROVNIK

This morning you will be taken on a guided walk along the famous city walls with splendid views of the Old Town and Adriatic Sea. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure for lunch and shopping. On your final evening, you will be treated to a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Croatian klapa singing. (B, D)

DAY 18 SAT DUBROVNIK

Your tour concludes after breakfast on the ship. Upon disembarkation, a departure transfer will be provided for your onward journey. (B)

NOTE: This tour is best suited for those seeking a simple yet fun and relaxing way to explore Dalmatia, allowing you to visit areas not accessible by larger ships. Your two-masted motorised sailing vessel has air-conditioned cabins with private en-suite and shower, an experienced crew, indoor dining room and sundeck. Half-board including local specialities will be served daily, as well as a special Captain's Dinner. For your safety, sails will be put up at the captain's discretion, and due to limited space in the ports, multiple mooring of ships is standard practice.

Inclusions

  • Land accommodation in central, 4-5 star hotels (3 star at Plitvice)
  • Cruise accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with private en-suite
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Meals: B = breakfast (17), L = lunch (10), D = dinner (9)
  • Arrival and departure transfers on any day
  • Land transport by first class, air-conditioned coach
  • Visitor's tax and port charges
  • Gratuities and porterage during the tour

Terms & Conditions

Click here for our Terms & Conditions

For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.

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