This morning, your private guide collects you for the drive across the border into Slovenia, arriving first at Lake Bled. Set at the foot of the Julian Alps, the lake is best seen from the water, and an electric boat carries you across to soak up the mountain scenery from every angle. Once back on shore, take some free time to explore before continuing on to lunch in one of the small, well-preserved towns that dot the Slovenian countryside.
By early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s compact and easygoing capital. On arrival, a guided walking tour will introduce you to Slovenia’s vibrant capital, known for its green spaces and lively student atmosphere. Stroll along the river, lined with pastel-coloured buildings, pausing for coffee as your guide fills you in on the city’s story, from its riverside charm to its layered past.
In the late afternoon, the drive carries you back across the border to Zagreb, where the rest of the evening is yours to spend freely.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 10 hours
This morning, meet a local guide for a tour through Zagreb’s historic core, tracing the city’s roots back to the two medieval settlements of Kaptol and Gradec that still shape the Upper Town today. Wander past the Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, St. Mark’s Church and the nearby Stone Gate, before finishing in Ban Jelačić Square, the bustling heart of the modern Lower Town. Along the way, pause to sample strukli, one of Croatia’s best-loved comfort foods.
As the afternoon rolls around, a private transfer will carry you to the coast to Opatija, an elegant seaside resort town with a history as one of the Adriatic’s earliest holiday destinations.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Set off this morning into the Istrian countryside, a region known for its rolling hills, hilltop towns and some of the country’s finest food and wine. Your first stop is Hum, often described as the world’s smallest town, where a single street loops around centuries-old walls. Despite its size, the town has plenty of character, and it’s the perfect place to sample local brandies and delicacies.
Continue to Motovun, arguably Istria’s most striking hill town and the centre of the region’s prized truffle industry. Sit down to lunch here, pairing rare truffle dishes with local wines, a fitting introduction to why this region draws so many food lovers.
Later, return to Opatija to enjoy the night at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 7.5 hours
This morning after breakfast, transfer from the coast back inland to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, arriving at Hotel Degenija, where rental bicycles are available if you’d like to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
In the afternoon, a guided walking tour takes you through the park’s upper and lower lakes, part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site made up of 16 interconnected lakes and countless waterfalls. Look out for Veliki Prstavac, Mali Prstavac and the aptly named ‘Great Waterfall’ with the lakes shifting in colour from aquamarine to emerald as you go. Round out the visit with a scenic train ride back to the park’s northern entrance before returning to the hotel to spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3 hours
Leave the lakes behind this morning for the drive down to the coast. With no touring planned along the way, giving you a chance to sit back and watch the landscape shift from inland forest to the sun-soaked Dalmatian coastline.
Arrive in Split, where the rest of the day is yours to settle in and explore this ancient port city ahead of tomorrow’s cruise embarkation.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3.5 hours
This morning, join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Split, beginning at the towering south wall of Diocletian’s Palace to take in its full scale. From here, step inside to explore hidden basements, the central Peristyle Square and the historic cathedral, originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum. Continue out through the Golden Gate into Split’s medieval Old Town, tracing architectural layers from Romanesque to Gothic and Renaissance, before finishing on the Riva, the seafront promenade lined with cafes and restaurants.
Early afternoon, a private transfer takes you to Omis Harbour, where you’ll board the MS Adris, an intimate vessel carrying up to 38 guests. Check-in and settle into your cabin, then join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink and safety briefing. With some free time before dinner, wander the seaside town of Omis, where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic between limestone cliffs.
Return to the ship for a three-course welcome dinner with the crew, then relax in your cabin overlooking the water as your cruise gets underway.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Island-hopping Croatia cruise
Start your day with breakfast on board, followed by a refreshing morning swim in a secluded coastal spot. Then cruise to the medieval town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, where you’ll disembark and choose between two experiences.
Join a local guide for a walking tour of Trogir and uncover its rich architectural legacy, from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. Wander narrow cobbled streets, explore ancient city walls and visit the Saint Lawrence Cathedral, all set on a tiny island linked by bridges.
This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure in Trogir (at own cost) before returning to the ship.
Island-hopping Croatia cruise
Today, set sail for the secluded island of Vis, a speck amid the cobalt and turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. Cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the surrounding archipelago, pausing for a refreshing swim in a hidden bay along the way.
Arrive in Vis mid-afternoon. Once a restricted Yugoslav naval base, its isolation preserved an authentic glimpse of the Mediterranean’s past. Explore the town’s waterfront cafes, quaint streets and countless beaches. For the best view of the island, you may like to walk up to Fort George – a perfect spot to enjoy a drink, Mediterranean dining and watch the sunset.
Island-hopping Croatia cruise
Awaken early this morning to set sail for the island of Bisevo, home to the magical Blue Cave. If the weather permits, you can join a guided tour inside this beautiful natural phenomenon, where sunlight and sea cast dazzling blue patterns (surcharges apply).
On the way to Hvar, sail past the beautiful Pakleni Islands, known for their secluded bays and crystal-clear waters, and stop for a swim before continuing on.
Later, transfer to the cosmopolitan town centre, where stone buildings, narrow alleys and the hilltop fortress offer sweeping views of turquoise waters and the surrounding archipelago. Explore at your own pace, discovering traces of Greek, Roman and Venetian influence in ancient ruins, Gothic palaces and the Renaissance-era Cathedral of Saint Stephen.
Island-hopping Croatia cruise
Today, set sail for the island of Korcula, known as the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo. Along the way, pass secluded bays and stop for a swim in the clear Adriatic waters, with rolling hills and the turquoise sea as your backdrop.
Upon arrival in the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of the fortified Old Town. Once ruled by the Venetians, its unique fishbone layout tells a story of the island’s fascinating history.
Rise early today for a visit to the Mljet National Park, known for its peaceful salt lakes and lush landscapes. Your cruise director will lead a walk through the park’s famous lakes, with views of a former Benedictine monastery.
From here, continue to the charming village of Slano on the mainland – a traditional fishing village and the gateway to Mali Ston that’s renowned for its medieval ramparts and oysters. Take a small boat into the estuary to sample fresh oysters straight from the sea, paired with a splash of local wine and dash of lemon.
In the evening, return to the ship for the Captain’s dinner.
Island-hopping Croatia cruise
Visit Mljet National Park
Ston oyster farm visit
On the final full day of your cruise, arrive early in Dubrovnik, famously known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Sail past the city’s towering old walls perched above the sea before disembarking to join a walking tour. Your local guide will share the stories behind landmarks like the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and the city walls themselves.
After the tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll the cobblestone streets, browse local markets, relax at a cafe or simply soak up the city’s atmosphere.
This evening, savour a Captain’s Dinner onboard to farewell your time sailing along the Dalmatian Coast.
Island-hopping Croatia cruise
After a final breakfast onboard, bid your fellow travellers farewell as you disembark the ship by 9am.
With the rest of the day free, take your time exploring Dubrovnik’s Old City, encircled by imposing medieval stone walls and considered one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in the world. Wander the marbled streets, taking in Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture that’s survived remarkably intact, even through the shelling of the 1991 civil war. Climb up onto the city walls for ocean views and a look out over the cape, or for an even wider vantage, take the cable car up Mount Srđ. From the summit, the whole Old Town unfolds below, with the Elaphiti Islands scattered along the coastline in the distance.
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik. Meet your driver for the transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), where your journey through Croatia, Slovenia and Istria comes to a close.