Discover Croatia

Day 1-2

MINNEAPOLIS TO ZAGRAB

Depart on your overnight flight to Zagrab, an old Central European city. Zagreb is also the hub of the business, academic, cultural, artistic and sporting worlds in Croatia. Zagreb offers its visitors the Baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, picturesque open‐air markets, diverse shopping facilities, an abundant selection of crafts and cuisine. Unveil the secrets behind the old facades, discover the hidden courtyards and revive the stories from the past.

Upon arrival you’ll transfer to your hotel with the afternoon free to explore on your own.  Later this evening you’ll meet your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3

ZAGRAB-PLITVICE LAKES-SPLIT

After breakfast in your hotel meet your local guide for a tour of the capital of Croatia.  Walk through Upper and Lower town and learn the history of this more than 900‐year old town.  Visit sites the Stone Gate, St. Catherine`s Church (one of the most beautiful sacral baroque edifices in Zagreb), the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Lotrscak Tower signalizing high noon to Zagreb citizens with the cannon shot every day and St. Mark’s Square with Houses of Parliament and Government and St. Mark’s Church with it’s picturesque roof.  After lunch you’ll travel to Split and your overnight hotel for an evening free.  (B)

Day 4

SPLIT (EMBARKATION)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel meet your local guide for a walking tour of Split.  Walk among Diocletian’s Palace, once the summer residence of the Roman emperor Diocletian.  You’ll see bars, restaurants and shops thriving amidst the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on since the 4th century. Split has risen on the foundation of the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian built in 305 AD. Various cultural monuments are located inside and outside the Diocletian’s Palace walls, as Renaissance Prokurative Square, noble family’s palaces, churches, galleries and museums.

Transfer to your private deluxe yacht located on the Riva Harbor. Stroll the palm tree lined walkway along the coast of the Adriatic Sea with the afternoon to relax, shop or visit a local café and watch the boats coming in and out of the harbor.  (B)

Day 5

SPLIT – OMIŠ

Spend the morning cruising along the Adriatic Coast to the picturesque town of Omiš, surrounded by steep rocky mountain cliffs, where the river Cetina flows into the Adriatic Sea.  Upon arrival to Omiš, spend the day at leisure or take an optional walking tour of Omiš, hike to the fortress Fortica, take a river raft down the Cetina river or  Zipline through the Cetina canyon.   Later this afternoon you’ll enjoy a panoramic boat ride to Kaštil Slanica down the Cetina river stream admiring the views of Dinara Mountain. Upon arrival performance of the local cultural group of the Omiš dance and soparnik served with welcome drinks, with a three‐course meal in Kaštil Slanica.  (B, L, D)

Day 6

OMIŠ – ISLAND OF BRAČ

Cruise to the beautiful island of Brač, and the town of Bol, a typical Dalmatian fishermen’s village converted into a tourist destination. Bol is best known for its famous Zlatni Rat beach (Golden horn), a natural phenomenon with unusual geology that stands out from other beaches of Croatia.  Lunch will be served on the board with the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own. (B, L)

Day 7

ISLAND OF BRAČ – PAKLENI ISLANDS – HVAR

Cruise the Pakleni islands archipelago, a labyrinth of several smaller islands that offer perfect bays for swimming and snorkeling. Exploring the Paklinski Islands one cove at a time will make you believe that surprises are waiting around every corner, both above and beneath the surface! Every cove is a microcosm, a wonder of nature, a story in itself.  Enjoy a lunch stop on the small Island of Šćedro followed by a swim stop at the Pakleni Islands.

Arrive this afternoon in Hvar, the longest and sunniest Adriatic island, a favorite destination for jet‐setters from all around the world.    Explore the many cultural and historical sites of this city with your local guide on a walking tour with visits to the Cathedral and Franciscan monastery followed by a walk up to Španjola Fortress where you’ll enjoy a private get together with music, wine sampling, and snacks.  Dinner on your own in one of many restaurants and bars and nightclubs open late all night long.  (B,L)

Day 8

HVAR – KORČULA

Early morning cruise from Hvar to Korčula. Surrounded by medieval walls, Korčula resembles a miniature Dubrovnik when approaching from the sea. The town has more legends, tales, and monuments than you can find anywhere else. Today, Korčula is the only place in the world where the Spanish medieval Knight’s game – Moreška –is still performed.   Upon arrival in Korčula enjoy exploring the Old Town Korčula on your own.  Most of Korčula was built in the 15th century when locals were renowned throughout the Adriatic for their stone‐carving skills. The center of the town is dominated by the splendid St Mark’s Cathedral.  Walk along the ancient walls that surround the city and pay a visit to the birthplace of the famed traveler Marco Polo.  In the evening gathering at the indoor stage where you shall enjoy traditional Moreška Sword Dance performance followed by dinner at a local Restaurant in Korcula.   End your evening with a drink at a local Cocktail Bar – Set under the turrets of the 15th‐century Zakerjan Tower in the northern fortifications.  Overnight in Korčula port.  (B, L, D)

Day 9

KORČULA – TRSTENIK

Today, we continue our cruise towards the little seaside village of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula, well known for its excellent wine. Trstenik is a village situated on the southern coast of the Pelješac peninsula.  It is connected to the Croatian mainland by the coastal road via Ston. The village is located in a deep, south‐facing bay under the tall Pelješac Hills, with a large pebble beach at the base of the bay. Trstenik is about 90 km away from Dubrovnik and due to its unique gorgeous and unspoiled location, is considered as one of the most beautiful villages of Croatian coast. The sea here is crystal clear and is rich in underwater life. Numerous small bays and beaches that can only be reached by boat are in the near vicinity of Trstenik.  Enjoy a private tour of Pelješac peninsula in off‐road Renault 4 vehicles with visits to famous Ston Walls, family Miloš vineyard and winery with wine and olive oil tasting and oyster harvesting with a local fisherman. After the tour, transfer back to Trstenik with dinner on board.   (B, L, D)

Day 10

TRSTENIK – DUBROVNIK

Continue your cruise to Dubrovnik where you will meet your local guide for a walking tour.   Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town. Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic.  Walk along the UNESCO landamark ‐ ancient city walls  system of white stone walls constructed by forts, bastions, casemates, towers and detached forts 1940 meters long.  Enjoy the afternoon on your own before joining your crew for a farewell Captain’s dinner onboard.    (B, L, D)

Day 11

DUBROVNIK

Depart this morning for your return flight home. (B)

(B)= Breakfast

(L)= Lunch

(D)= Dinner