Croatia, Slovakia and Adriatic Cruise – CSC

Itinerary

Day 1 – Wednesday: Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia! On arrival at Zagreb Airport, enjoy an included transfer to your tour hotel. A transfer from another Zagreb hotel is also available on the day of arrival. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in and unwind after your journey. Croatia’s capital offers an appealing introduction to the country, with leafy squares, grand buildings and a welcoming café culture. Depending on your arrival time, you might enjoy a gentle stroll or simply relax at the hotel before our sightseeing begins tomorrow.

Overnight: Zagreb or surrounding area.

Day 2 – Thursday: Zagreb to Ljubljana

This morning, discover Zagreb on a sightseeing tour featuring its historic Upper Town. Here, atmospheric streets and handsome buildings reveal the character of the old city. See St Mark’s Church, recognised by its colourful tiled roof, and Zagreb Cathedral, one of the city’s best-known landmarks. We then travel into neighbouring Slovenia to its delightful capital, Ljubljana. An afternoon guided walk introduces the Old Town, where riverside cafés, graceful bridges and attractive squares create a wonderfully welcoming setting. Discover the Central Market and distinctive Triple Bridge, associated with celebrated Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. Continue to the Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain, an elegant reminder of the city’s Baroque heritage.

Overnight: Ljubljana or surrounding area (or similar). Meals: B

Day 3 – Friday: Lake Bled to Plitvice Lakes

Today we visit Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most enchanting destinations. With its emerald waters, tiny church-topped island and mountain backdrop, this lovely alpine setting offers memorable views in every direction.

Our included visit to Bled Castle takes us high above the lake. Perched on a steep cliff, this historic landmark provides sweeping views across the water, island and surrounding countryside — a wonderful opportunity for photographs. Later, we continue into Croatia and travel to the Plitvice Lakes area. Settle into our accommodation and enjoy an included dinner before tomorrow’s national park visit.

Overnight: Plitvice Lakes area. Meals: B, D

Day 4 – Saturday: Plitvice Lakes to Omiš – Cruise Embarkation

This morning, explore the beautiful landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Follow pathways and wooden boardwalks beside clear lakes and cascading waterfalls, with changing views of forest, water and limestone scenery along the way.

The park’s paths include uneven surfaces and steps, so comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended. After our visit, travel to the Dalmatian coast and the seaside town of Omiš, where we board Lupus Mare for our seven-night cruise. Enjoy welcome drinks, meet the crew and attend a safety briefing before settling into your cabin.

There is free time to discover Omiš, beautifully positioned where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic beneath dramatic rocky hills. You might wander through its old streets or enjoy a quiet moment beside the harbour. Tonight, dinner is served onboard.

Overnight: Onboard in Omiš (or similar). Meals: B, D

Day 5 – Sunday: Split to Milna, Brač Island

An early departure takes us along the coast to Split, a lively waterfront city where ancient history forms part of everyday life. An optional guided walking tour introduces the historic centre and remarkable Diocletian’s Palace. Originally built as a retirement residence for a Roman emperor, the palace complex now forms the heart of the Old Town, with narrow lanes, courtyards, shops and cafés tucked within its ancient walls. Enjoy free time to explore or find a café along the waterfront promenade before we continue to Milna on the island of Brač. Lunch is served onboard as the coastal scenery slips past. Milna’s sheltered harbour, traditional stone buildings and gently bobbing boats provide a charming setting for the evening. Take a stroll beside the water and enjoy the atmosphere of this lovely island town.

Overnight: Onboard in Milna, Brač (or similar). Meals: B, L

Day 6 – Monday: Hvar Island

Cruise towards Hvar today, pausing in a secluded bay for a swim, conditions permitting. You are equally welcome to remain onboard and enjoy the scenery before lunch. On arrival, an optional walking tour of Hvar Town introduces St Stephen’s Square and Cathedral, together with the historic Arsenal, which houses Hvar’s celebrated theatre. Above the town stands the Spanish Fortress, also known as Fortica, overlooking the harbour and nearby islands. Reaching the fortress involves an uphill walk and steps. Those preferring a gentler afternoon can enjoy the waterfront, browse the shops or settle into a café and watch the harbour activity.

Overnight: Onboard in Hvar. Meals: B, L

Day 7 – Tuesday: Vis Island

Today we sail towards Vis, with a swimming stop along the way and lunch onboard. This appealing island offers a quieter atmosphere, with sheltered bays, traditional stone buildings and a fascinating history.

Choose from two optional excursions. A visit to nearby Biševo Island offers the opportunity to experience the Blue Cave, where sunlight entering beneath the water creates a remarkable blue glow. Access depends on suitable sea and weather conditions.

Alternatively, a military history tour explores another side of Vis, revealing its former strategic role and the installations associated with its military past. You may prefer to spend your time independently, wandering along the waterfront and enjoying the island’s unhurried rhythm.

Overnight: Onboard in Vis. Meals: B, L

Day 8 – Wednesday: Korčula Island

Our island journey continues to Korčula, with a swimming stop en route and lunch served onboard. An optional guided walk introduces Korčula’s beautifully preserved Old Town. Discover stone lanes, attractive squares and historic buildings enclosed by old fortifications. St Mark’s Cathedral is a particular highlight, combining Gothic and Renaissance architecture with intricate stonework.

The tour also explores the town’s connections with Marco Polo. Local tradition claims the famous traveller was born here, although his birthplace remains debated. Afterwards, enjoy time to browse small shops or relax beside the sea, taking in the lovely views and welcoming atmosphere.

Overnight: Onboard in Korčula. Meals: B, L

Day 9 – Thursday: Mljet Island

This morning we cruise to Mljet, an island celebrated for its peaceful scenery and wooded landscapes. An optional visit to Mljet National Park offers the opportunity to discover its two seawater lakes, known as the Great Lake and Small Lake. On the Great Lake, the tiny island of St Mary is home to a historic Benedictine monastery, creating one of the park’s most distinctive scenes.

Depending on your chosen arrangements, spend time walking beside the lakes, swimming or hiring a bicycle. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet day onboard.

This evening, gather for the Captain’s Dinner, a lovely occasion to share stories and celebrate our Adriatic journey with fellow travellers.

Overnight: Onboard in Mljet. Meals: B, D

Day 10 – Friday: Dubrovnik

Enjoy our final day of cruising as we travel towards Dubrovnik, with a swimming stop along the way and lunch onboard. On arrival, join an included walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Discover the Stradun, the city’s much-loved main thoroughfare, and learn about the Rector’s Palace, once central to the government of the independent Republic of Ragusa. The city’s imposing walls and Lovrijenac Fortress help tell the story of its long maritime history.

With pale stone streets, handsome buildings and glimpses of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik provides a memorable finale. Afterwards, enjoy free time to browse, take photographs or find a café tucked into an inviting square.

Overnight: Onboard in Dubrovnik (or similar). Meals: B, L

Day 11 – Saturday: Dubrovnik

After breakfast onboard, farewell the crew and your fellow travellers as you disembark. An included transfer takes you to Dubrovnik Airport or your Dubrovnik hotel, bringing our journey through Slovenia and Croatia to a close. Meals: B

N.B: Optional excursions are at additional cost. Sightseeing descriptions do not confirm admission to every landmark mentioned; entrance arrangements, including Dubrovnik’s City Walls and Lovrijenac Fortress, should be confirmed with the cruise operator. Swimming stops and the sailing programme are subject to weather and sea conditions.

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: On application
Pricing: Available on application. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.