Highlights of Croatia & Slovenia
GROUP TOUR & SAILING HOLIDAY: Join our enchanting journey through Croatia and Slovenia, discovering UNESCO heritage sites like Split's Historical Complex and the Old City of Dubrovnik. Traverse vibrant capitals - Zagreb in Croatia and Ljubljana in Slovenia, exploring natural wonders such as Lake Bled, Mljet National Park, and captivating islands like Hvar and Korčula. Cruise the Adriatic, and marvel at iconic landmarks like Plitvice Lakes. Experience the allure of Slovenia's picturesque Ljubljana before ending in Split.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome
Day 1 Welcome
Wednesday. Welcome to Croatia! On arrival to the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. There will be a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 18:30.
The remainder of the day is free to explore Zagreb at your own pace. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and stay overnight in Zagreb.
Day 2 Zagreb to Ljubljana
Day 2 Zagreb to Ljubljana
Zagreb - Ljubljana. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Zagreb. Traverse the fortified Upper Town, catch sight of the multicolored roof of St. Mark’s church, witness the grand Cathedral, and discover landmarks like the Croatian National Theatre and the University.
Following this tour, depart for Ljubljana, Slovenia's captivating capital. The afternoon unfolds with a guided tour through Ljubljana's old center, revealing its charming highlights—the vibrant Central open-air Market, the iconic Three Bridges, the Baroque Town Hall, and the enchanting Robba’s Fountain.
Day 3 Breathtaking Bled
Day 3 Breathtaking Bled
Ljubljana - Bled - Plitvice. Today, depart from Ljubljana to the town of Bled, nestled in the Julian Alps—a breathtaking alpine town that carries the essence of a classic fairy tale. Enjoy its natural beauty, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush forests, and explore the iconic Bled Castle, Slovenia's oldest.
Following this visit, continue your adventure towards the Plitvice Lakes area, where you'll spend the night.
Day 4 Plitvice Lakes to Split
Day 4 Plitvice Lakes to Split
Plitvice Lakes - Split. Embark on a morning stroll through the renowned Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its natural splendour—16 crystal-blue lakes cascading into 92 magnificent waterfalls.
Afterwards, set off towards Split. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you prepare to board the Adriatic Paradise cruise. The remainder of the afternoon is at your own leisure. Why not join an optional walking tour of Split? Dinner is served back onboard and we overnight onboard in Split before we take off on our cruise in the morning.
Day 5 Vis
Day 5 Vis
Split - Vis (Island of Vis). Departing early, you’ll set sail towards Vis Island. Along the way, we will stop for a swim near the Pakleni Islands, a breathtaking archipelago near the island of Hvar. With its hidden coves and pristine beaches, the Pakleni Islands are a paradise for boaters. Lunch will be served on board as we continue our journey towards Vis, arriving in the early afternoon.
Once a secluded military enclave, Vis has opened its doors to the public in the past 25 years, revealing a treasure trove of spectacular scenery, renowned wines, and exquisite Dalmatian cuisine. Delve into the island's rich history and natural splendor at your own pace with the remainder of the day at your own leisure or join an optional excursion to the island of Biševo - Home to the mesmerizing Blue Cave. As sunlight permeates through the submerged crevices, casting an ethereal glow upon the limestone walls, the azure hues of the Blue Cave beckon you to behold its natural wonder.
Spend the night in Vis, embracing its tranquil charm.
Day 6 Island of Korcula
Day 6 Island of Korcula
Vis - Korcula (Island of Korcula). Departing for the Island of Korčula with a pause for a picturesque swim and lunch in a secluded cove near Korčula before arriving in the afternoon.
The town is known for its rich history and culture, including the captivating Moreska sword dance. Legend has it that Korčula is the birthplace of the famed explorer Marco Polo, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its allure. The remainder of the day is at your leisure or opt to navigate the timeless charm of Korčula Town on an optional walking tour beginning at the historic Land Gate, then wander through narrow alleyways lined with Renaissance buildings and artisan shops.
Admire the majestic Cathedral of St. Mark and stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. There may also be an optional excursion to join a special experience that includes a Gin and Honey tasting in a private household near Korčula. Overnight in Korčula.
Day 7 Korcula to Dubrovnik
Day 7 Korcula to Dubrovnik
Korcula - Dubrovnik. Setting sail for Dubrovnik, you'll enjoy a revitalizing swim in the crystal-clear waters near Jakljan Island, followed by a delightful onboard lunch. Anticipate arriving in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon, ready to embrace the adventures that await.
Once in Dubrovnik the afternoon is at your own leisure to do as you please. Why not immerse yourself in the city's rich history and cultural heritage on an optional walking tour through the Old Town. Explore iconic sights such as the city walls, Stradun, Rector's Palace, and the city gates. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the impressive Lovrijenac Fortress, which offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
For those seeking a unique experience, consider joining an optional excursion to the Pelješac Peninsula for an exquisite wine tasting, and savor the flavors of Dalmatia. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 8 Amazing Mljet
Day 8 Amazing Mljet
Dubrovnik - Mljet (Island of Mljet). Setting off for Mljet Island, you will reach Pomena during the morning, where you can embark on an optional walking tour of Mljet National Park (please note the Entrance fee to Mljet National Park is not included and is paid locally).
Renowned as one of Croatia’s national treasures, Mljet National Park enchants visitors with its lush greenery and pristine natural beauty. The park is home to two stunning salt lakes, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or leisurely stroll along their shores. There are opportunities for walking and biking around the lakeshore.
Following your exploration of the park, you'll have free time to further immerse yourself in the island's enchanting atmosphere. In the evening, indulge in a Captain's dinner, a special culinary experience highlighting local flavors and specialties. Overnight in Mljet.
Day 9 The Picturesque Hvar
Day 9 The Picturesque Hvar
Mljet - Hvar (Island of Hvar). Embarking for Hvar Island, you'll enjoy a refreshing swim break in front of the scenic island of Šćedro. Lunch will be served onboard.
Upon arrival in the charming town of Hvar in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is at your own leisure. You can opt to head on a walking tour of the town. Hvar island is renowned as one of the sunniest places in Europe, and its town of Hvar stands as one of Croatia's oldest towns. Its rich history, stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant atmosphere enchant every visitor. Overnight in Hvar.
Day 10 From Hvar to Split
Day 10 From Hvar to Split
Hvar - Split. Departing for Split, you'll make a stop at one of the picturesque villages on the Island of Brač for a refreshing swim. Lunch will be served onboard as we continue our journey, with arrival in Split expected in the afternoon.
Split, once the residence of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, is a city steeped in history and vibrant energy. Within the walls of Diocletian's Palace, the city has flourished into a bustling hub filled with charming shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. The town exudes a lively atmosphere, with cafes spilling out onto sun-drenched squares, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy a leisurely coffee and soak in the vibrant ambiance.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. There's an optional walking tour if you have not already partaken in this excursion or an optional tour to the Cetina River, where you'll cruise along the Cetina River and experience its unique nature, as well as taste a snack from the Dalmatian hinterland. Overnight in Split.
Day 11 Goodbye
Day 11 Goodbye
Saturday. We hope you enjoyed your adventure through Croatia and Slovenia. Savour your final breakfast as you say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the crew, disembarking by 9:00 AM. Afterwards, you will be transferred to either your hotel or Split airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels & Ships
Part of Best Western's Premier range, the elegant Hotel Astoria offers a high level of comfort and style, fitting with the brand. Guests can choose from a variety of different sizes of room, each offering plush, attractive furniture and a range of modern amenities, including a minibar and satellite TV. The hotel's Ragusa restaurant has a great ambiance and serves a wonderful selection of local and international dishes. The accommodation is conveniently located just 300m from the train station and offers free parking for guests.
Hotel Lev is centrally located in Ljubljana, the 13 floor high glass exterior offers marvelous views of Slovenia's capital city. Guest rooms are decorated modernly featuring private ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning. Additional features of the hotel include complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and bicycles to rent for those wanting to explore the area.
Nestled in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Jezero Hotel is the perfect base for any overnight stay in this stunning locale. The property offers a selection of guest rooms and suites, and while the hotel interior is modern in design, the building has been constructed to sit perfectly amongst the natural surroundings. A short walk away is Kozjak – the park’s largest lake. Hotel amenities include an in-house restaurant and lobby bar, a night club and complimentary spa facilities including a gym, whirpool massage and two Finnish saunas. There’s also a small gift shop on site, plus room service and free WiFi.
MS Adriatic Princess was commissioned in 2017. The luxury class vessel measures luxury 45 m (144 ft) long, 8.5 m (28 ft) wide with a cruising speed of 9 knots. She has 18 ensuite cabins on the main and lower deck, and all are fully air-conditioned. Cabin furnishings include a cupboard, a cabinet and a window or a porthole. All cabins are equipped with power plugs. Bathrooms are fully equipped with a shower, toilet, hairdryer and a vanity with a sink. The Upper deck houses a fully air-conditioned salon-restaurant that sits all guests at the same time with a fully equipped bar and LCD TV. At the rear of the boat you can find a shaded lounge area with club tables and comfortable sofas. Top deck, also called the sun deck offers is equipped with sun tanning chairs, also WIFI is available free of charge in the salon and in the rear part of the boat.
Tour Reviews
Overall we enjoyed the trip but have a few comments as to why we didn't rate it higher. 1. The land based (bus) part of the trip was stated to have maximum of 25 people and there were 53! Every single seat on the bus was taken and it was way too big a group for the tour guides. Why was this allowed? 2. The travel time between the land based destinations was too long. I should have read how long the bus rides would be (one was 5 hours) and had I know would not have booked that 3-day land based part of the tour. 3. The Adriatic Princess ship that we stayed on for the 7 day Croatia cruise was very dated. We saw other ships of a similar size that had much newer accommodations (state rooms as well as shared areas on boat.) That being said the trip manager on the ship (Elite travel) was excellent as was the rest of the crew. They were all very helpful. We enjoyed seeing all the sites on the tour and liked having 5 nights to get dinner on our own while in port. 4. The ship did not allow us to charge our excursions or drink tab on a credit card which was very inconvenient as we had to go into town and find a bank. That was not mentioned in the itinerary. We knew that tips needed to be in cash but nothing else was mentioned.
Tour guide was great! Very informative with everything.
The tour was beyond our expectations. The itinerary provided a wonderful selection of sites of historical significance and /or natural beauty. The Adriatic Princess provided very comfortable accommodation and cruising. Our guide, Zlatko, was superb both in his organizational role and in communicating frequently and clearly so that we were kept well informed of each day's program. He was also extremely knowledgeable when acting as our tour guide at various sites including the marble sculpture school on Brac island. We would be privileged to have him as our guide on any future tours in the region.
We had 2 guides. Land package portion very good. Cruise portion great. Really went out of his way to keep us informed and share info.
We had 2 guides. Land package portion very good. Cruise portion great. Really went out of his way to keep us informed and share info.
Extras and add-ons
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Full Board Supplement (cruise only) Highlights of Croatia & Slovenia
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