CROATIA LAND & SEA with BUDAPEST in 13 days

DAY 1 – MONDAY: BUDAPEST

Let’s begin with a meeting in our hotel lobby at 3:00 PM for introductions and information. Then, enjoy a walking tour along the river in Pest town center. See the massive Parliament Building and the Great Indoor Market Hall. Then we will meet for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.  Sleep for 2 nights in Budapest. Walking: moderate. (D)

DAY 2- TUESDAY: BUDAPEST

We will visit the Buda side of the Danube today with a trek up Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the city and countryside. Your walking tour wanders by the Royal Palace into the grand Matthias Church. You’ll have the afternoon free to enjoy more of Budapest. Your guide will be available to assist those interested in taking a relaxing plunge in a traditional public bath (swimming suit required). Then, let’s cap off the evening with a panoramic cruise on the Danube River. Walking: strenuous. (B)

DAY 3- WEDNESDAY: BUDAPEST TO OSIJEK

After breakfast, we’ll head out of the big city into the Baranja, a region between the Drava and Danube rivers. This hidden gem is filled with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The area is renowned for its delicious white wines and traditional cuisine.  You’ll enjoy being off the beaten path as we visit a Goldberg hills winery to sample their products.  Later, we will feast at country dinner in a Baranja vineyard with traditional tambura musicians and local food and wine. Sleep 1 night in Osijek. Driving: 5 hours. (B,D)

DAY 4- THURSDAY: THE COUNTRYSIDE TO CAPITAL CITY

Ðakovo is in the heart of the Slavonia region of Croatia and is known for fine wine, a grand Cathedral, and the Lippizzaner stud farms and training facilities. Today, we will spend some time exploring all three. Pope John XXIII described the massive cathedral as “the most beautiful church between Venice and Constantinople.” We’ll learn the story of breeding Lippizzaners and perhaps see them in action at the nearby stud farm and pastures. Enjoy lunch and famous Slavonia wines in a traditional restaurant. Later, we will arrive in Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb. The historic core oozes with grand Hapsburg architecture and history, and you’ll experience it all on our local guided walking tour.  Sleep 1 night in Zagreb. Driving: 3 hours. (B,L)

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DAY 5- FRIDAY: PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest, oldest, and most visited national park. Its rich flora and fauna and sixteen cascading turquoise lakes are indescribable. The beauty of this national park is truly unique. You’ve got to see it to believe it! Later, enjoy dinner at Restaurant Lička kuća, which serves traditional fine dining from the region.  Sleep 1 night near Plitvice Lakes. Driving: 2.5 hours. (B,D)

DAY 6- SATURDAY: SINJ AND SPLIT

After breakfast, we will head to Sinj. Sinj is a charming town nestled in the heart of Croatia’s Dalmatian hinterland. Its inhabitants have been telling how Our Lady of Sinj saved the village from the Ottoman army in 1715 for generations.  The town is also famous for the Sinjska Alka, a knight’s tournament in honor of the 1715 event. After lunch, we will continue to Split, the largest city and port in central Dalmatia. Saying goodbye to our driver and guide, you’ll have some free time to walk the town and get lunch. Then, let’s board our ship for a seven-night cruise along coastal Croatia.

Later, around 7:00 PM, we’ll have a welcome meeting where the Cruise Manager will introduce you to the crew and your fellow passengers. A welcome dinner will be served at 7:30 PM.  Dinner. Overnight in Split, (B,D).

Your Exploring Europe group may join others on the ship, depending on the size of our EE group. The maximum is 18 cabins, approximately 36 passengers.

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DAY 7- SUNDAY: SPLIT –TROGIR

Following breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Split. The world-famous Palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian is nestled into the medieval city center. Over 1700 years old, Split abounds with cultural and historical sights. Many of these sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. We’ll sail for Trogir at noon, and lunch will be served on board. Later, enjoy the first of many swim stops en route, arriving at Trogir in the afternoon. This town is packed with palaces, churches, monasteries, and towers. We’ll meet a local guide for a city walking tour and orientation. Then, you’ll have the afternoon and evening to enjoy more of the town on your own.  Overnight in Trogir. (B, L)

DAY 8- MONDAY: TROGIR–BOL –VIS 

Today, we’ll sail for Bol, best known for its Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) beach, which ranks as one of the most beautiful European beaches. Stopping in Bol, enjoy this lovely little Dalmatian town. Continuing our journey, enjoy lunch en route to Vis. Vis has been protected from excess tourism and retained its pristine beaches, ecological agriculture, and traditional architecture. Enjoy the afternoon and evening, exploring the town’s picturesque stone streets, beaches, and taverns.  Overnight in Vis Town, (B, L)

DAY 9- TUESDAY: VIS –BIŠEVOBLUE CAVE –HVAR

We’ll cruise to the Island of Biševo and visit the Blue Cave, a famous natural attraction (weather and water level permitting). After a swim stop and lunch on board, we’ll continue cruising along many coves and bays towards Hvar, the sunniest Croatian island. In Hvar, you’ll meet a local guide for a walking tour, introducing you to its history, culture, and way of life. Afterward, you’ll have an evening on your own to explore and dine in one of the many restaurants and taverns.  Overnight in Hvar Historical Town, (B, L)

DAY 10- WEDNESDAY: HVAR –KORČULA

We’ll start our morning departure towards the Island of Korčula. Enjoy a mid-morning swim stop followed by lunch onboard. After arriving in Korčula town, a local guide will take you for a tour. You’ll have the rest of the evening free to enjoy dining at one of the local restaurants of your choice.  Overnight in Korčula Historical Town, (B, L)

DAY 11- THURSDAY: KORČULA–NATIONAL PARK MLJET–SLANO

Sailing from Korčula, we’ll visit Mljet National Park. You’ll have time to explore the park, walk around lakes, and see the Islet of St. Mary. You may even get in a swim in one of the lakes. Returning to the boat, we’ll have lunch and cruise to Slano, located on the mainland. Slano is one of the most picturesque places on the Dubrovnik Riviera, with a beautiful beach, dense pine forest, and olive groves. Enjoy the Captain’s Dinner on board this evening and live music entertainment.  Overnight in Slano (B, L, D)

DAY 12- FRIDAY: SLANO–DUBROVNIK CITY WALLS 

Departing to Dubrovnik, you’ll cruise past the Elafitski Islands and enjoy lunch on board. Later, cruise along Dubrovnik’s city walls and fortifications, where you can take unforgettable photos of breathtaking Dubrovnik. Then, after disembarking in the Old Town, a local guide will show you the most famous sights of Dubrovnik. Later, you’ll have time to explore the city, walk the City Walls, or take the cable car to Mount Srđand for a panoramic view of the city and the harbor. Later, you’ll return to your ship by coach. Overnight in Dubrovnik, (B, L)

DAY 13- SATURDAY: DUBROVNIK 

There are no scheduled activities today other than breakfast. Your Exploring Europe guide and the ship’s crew are available to help you on your way.

Itinerary specifics are subject to change.