CROATIA LAND & SEA with BUDAPEST in 13 days
Stradling the Danube River, Budapest is loaded with Hapsburg charm, temping thermal bathes, and a cuisine unlike any other in Europe. Croatia’s Baranja region brims with cultural, tasty cuisine, grandeur churches, and Lippizzaner horses. Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is elegant and refined, a Habsburg mix of Vienna and Budapest. The Lakes of Plitvice National Park are an unusual mix of tropical greenery, azure lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Then join an eight-day cruise along Croatia’s Adriatic coast aboard a luxury yacht that will exceed expectations. Fast and versatile, our ship will take you where the bigger vessels can’t go, from historic towns to secluded beaches. This itinerary, combined with David McGuffin’s expertise, is the perfect Croatian mainland and island-hopping adventure.
Your Adventure Starts Here!
| PRICE FROM | DATES | |
|---|---|---|
| $8319 + air DELUXE UPPER DECK | Sep 22-Oct 4, 2025 |  |
| $7560 + air CABIN LOWER DECK | Sep 22-Oct 4, 2025 | |
| $7986 + air DELUXE UPPER DECK | Apr 20-May 2, 2026 |  |
| $7117 + air CABIN LOWER DECK | Apr 20-May 2, 2026 | |
| $7986 + air DELUXE UPPER DECK | Oct 6-18, 2026 | |
| $7117 + air CABIN LOWER DECK | Oct 6-18, 2026 | |
Budapest – 2 nights
Osijek – 1 night
Zagrab – 1 night
Plitvice Lakes – 1 night
7 Night CRUISE Overnight Ports of Call:
Split – Trogir – Vis – Hvar – Korčula – Slano – Dubrovnik
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Single Deluxe Upper Added Cost ~$2070
Single Standard Added Cost ~$1570
ITINERARY
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)
https://youtu.be/vbyNr92nR4o?si=mUyZTWXfP9xApgoM
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.
https://youtu.be/QCfz0Fk3cU4?si=3889Le5fcDtvVv1K
https://youtu.be/hp9wkEjeWSk?si=jM6J2O9Gk7KAnyAd
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.
INCLUSIONS
LAND TOUR – 5 NIGHTS
5 nights hotel accommodations
Buffet breakfast daily at hotels
5 lunches or dinner with three courses on the “land” tour
Wine tasting as noted in itinerary.
CRUISE – 7 NIGHTS
An English-speaking cruise manager on board
A full-time Exploring Europe guide on board
8 crew members
7 nights cruise in preferred category cabin (on deck or below deck)
Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
Welcome reception and welcome dinner with three courses meals.
Buffet breakfast daily
6 lunches with three courses
Captain’s dinner with live music
Water is included with all group meals. Sodas, wine, beer, and other drinks are your responsibility.
Tea/coffee machine at disposal all day
Water dispenser
Professional guides for the city tours of Split, Trogir, Hvar, Korčula, and Dubrovnik.
Entrance fees to Biševo Blue cave
Mljet National Park entrance fees
Wireless headset system for guided sightseeing
Time on your own, during the afternoon and evening in Torgir, Vis, Hvar, and Korčula
Towels changed every second day & linen changed in the middle of the week.
Beach towel
Daily cabin cleaning service
Free Wi-Fi on board
CCTV Security Cameras on board
Elegance Rooftop Jacuzzi (Sun deck)
Credit card payment facilities
DAVID MCGUFFFIN USUAL TOUR INCLUSIONS
All tips and gratuities to crew, guides, and drivers.
David’s destination guides and tour information electronically delivered daily.
Free luggage tags and David’s custom-designed drawstring backpacks.
Our unconditional tour price guarantee, once locked-in, it will never change.
$50 Tour Alumni discount for each David McGuffin tour you’ve taken prior to this travel year.
EXCLUSIONS
Comprehensive Trip insurance. We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance for tour.
Fee for passports.
Beer, wine, spirits, and soda during the tour.
Laundry, phone, internet, and personal items
Extras and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The following payment terms and conditions are added in addition to our standard terms and conditions referenced below.
Keeping in mind this is a chartered cruise, our typical Exploring Europe Terms and Conditions have been modified to match those of the cruise organizer, ship, and Captain.
A $400 deposit is required at sign-up. This deposit is non-refundable after seven (7) days.
Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise departure date (June 30, 2024)
Cancel 35-22 days prior to departure = 35% of total cost penalty
Cancel 21-15 days prior to departure = 50% of total cost penalty
Cancel 14-0 days prior to departure = 100% of the total cost penalty.
David McGuffin strongly recommends you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover all elements of this tour package (land tour, cruise, and airfare). Information here: https://davidmcguffin.com/travel-insurance/
CANCELLATION POLICY
The following payment terms and conditions are added in addition to our standard terms and conditions referenced below.
Keeping in mind this is a chartered cruise, our typical Exploring Europe Terms and Conditions have been modified to match those of the cruise organizer, ship, and Captain.
A $400 deposit is required at sign-up. This deposit is non-refundable after seven (7) days.
Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise departure date (June 30, 2024)
Cancel 35-22 days prior to departure = 35% of total cost penalty
Cancel 21-15 days prior to departure = 50% of total cost penalty
Cancel 14-0 days prior to departure = 100% of the total cost penalty.
David McGuffin strongly recommends you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover all elements of this tour package (land tour, cruise, and airfare). Information here: https://davidmcguffin.com/travel-insurance/
See our complete Terms and Conditions here.
Cancellations will be effective when the written notification is received at David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe by mail, e-mail, or fax.
SIGN UP BY EMAIL OR POST
If you do not want to sign up online:
You may download a tour application and send it to us with payment.
-OR-
You may return it by:
- FAX 1-800-570-1351
- Email – info@davidmcguffin.com
- email – take a photo of the form with your smartphone and attach it to an email
- TXT – take a photo with your smartphone and TXT to 904-612-8149
KEY TO WALKING & ACTIVITY
Walking and Physical Activity: We have planned this trip to provide maximum tour experiences. The basic nature of Europe does require some degree of physical activity to get out and see the sights, especially in the big cities. To help you plan, we’ve included a daily projection of physical activity. Here is the key for our walking activity ratings:
Light – Walking done on level surfaces with some hills and elevation gains. Two miles or less of required walking during the day.
Moderate – Walking done on paved and gravel paths and cobbled city sidewalks. To enjoy the full tour experience, some uphill and downhill walking is expected, as is standing while viewing sights or museums. Four to six miles of walking per day.
Strenuous – Walking done on rugged and rocky paths and city-cobbled sidewalks. There will be steps and stairs. Up to three hours standing in museums or experience sites. Up to eight miles of walking per day.
Your Choice – No matter what your walking ability, we will help you find alternative ways to enjoy and experience all Europe has to offer. To get the most out of our tours, you should be able to operate at the light level every day with spurts of moderate and strenuous.
PRE-TOUR RESOURCES
Now that you’ve decided to join this tour, we are sure you’ll have some questions. Don’t worry. We are here to help you through each aspect of your tour from start to finish.
DAVID’S 60 SECONDS DESTINATION VIDEOS
Join David as he shares impromptu moments from his travels in the United Kingdom. Watching these short 60-second segments are a great way to experience David’s travel style and adventures. Watch David Explores Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and David Explores Central Europe.
David’s TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY almost-weekly broadcast and Video Series Blog.
Every week, when David is not traveling in Europe, he presents a LIVE broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Check it out on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
Each Travel Talk Tuesday session is recorded. Watch them here.
DAVID’S BLOG ARTICLES
David and his team have answered many travel-related questions, and they are all tucked away on his blog. But, no need to go there. Just type in a keyword in the search box at the top or bottom of this page (it’s the gray rectangle with a small magnifying glass icon), and you will get results for your query.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
Testimonials & Reviews of our Tours
My wife and I had travelled with David in Italy twice before doing the Budapest and Croatia Land and Sea tour in September/October 2024. This tour was so much fun because it included a mix of famous destinations (like Budapest and Dubrovnik) with less well known places. For example, if we had tried to explore Croatia independently, we would never have found the historical grain boat ride on the Kupa River. The ride was relaxing, our hosts were entertaining and hospitable, and the meat and cheese boards (served with Croatian wine) were excellent.
Spending a week on land followed by a week traveling by boat offered a pleasant variety to the trip. Also, the people of Croatia are warm and welcoming. Dinner in the countryside with David's Croatian friends was unforgettable!
David, love you man, your the best. Can't wait for the next one.
We left Thanksgiving day for what has become our annual Christmas Markets Tour Vacation with David and Charlotte and a group of friends we have met through out our many trips with EE.
We flew into Munich a couple of days early to get adjusted to the time difference, we love this city and all it has to offer from the beer gardens to the fabulous markets set up throughout the city. Transportation is a breeze using the subway.
We traveled by train to Nurnberg to visit the oldest and most famous Christmas Market, enjoying a tradition german group dinner before heading to Prague. On our way to Prague in our van we stoped at a couple of local markets and had lunch. Once in Prague we were greeted with great weather for our walking tour of the old historic town. Dinner was delicious with authentic pub food in the Jakubsky Obvod area. The next day we walked along the Vltava river bridge after visiting the ST Vitus Cathedral, The Royal Palace an ST George Basilica while the sunshine was a perfect picture day. Now on to my favorite time of our tour VIENNA AUSTRIA! This was by far my favorite place to visit. The autobahn, the city full of beautiful people, Cathedrals, Hofburg Palace, Imperial Apartments, Royal Treasury, Christmas Markets (the food and champagne to die for) cafes, shopping (I bought beautiful fabric to have curtains made) & the restaurants etc....Vienna, I will see you again. Long Live SISI
Final stop was in Budapest and the majestic Danube River. Our night time cruise down the river with its glowing city lights illuminating the Parliament Building is a must see when you visit. Saffron risotto with squid was my favorite meal we had while there too. Thank you David! They have a huge Christmas Market too with different homemade crafts and ornaments to bring home.
My advice is bring a nylon duffle to put all your goodies in to bring back home or you can purchase an extra suitcase like I did, not kidding.
I alway say this but it's true, if you can't have fun with David and Charlotte you're not trying, they are a blast!
My best friend and I just returned from the Best of Greece + Santorini tour in October 2024. First, it was the perfect time to go--much less crowed and we had perfect weather! Charlotte, our guide, was so kind and fun to travel with. We loved all the historical sites (and the site licensed guides were all phenomenal! We learned so much and they told great stories), and all the beaches/towns we went to were gorgeous. Delphi was unbelievable, I never would have thought to go to Nafplio on my own but it was a gem, and Hydra was adorable. The catamaran trip at the end in Santorini had to be postponed one day due to winds but when we went the next day, it was an unforgettable experience. From the local places for dinners to cute hotels, we wouldn't have wanted to travel any other way!
Best of Italy 15 days for our 50th wedding anniversary ! Our first McGuffin tour. More to plan next trip. ! We were well taken care of and teamed up with 5 folks from the Denver area, Great small group.
Our guide Ilaria was excellent, well organized and detailed. Great personality and took extra good care of us by avoiding the tourist traps, selecting great restaurants off the beaten path.
Rome was overwhelming and breathtaking, hard to comprehend the history, we were glad to get out of the city and tour the smaller towns.
The hotels were first class and close enough to transportation but off the beaten path. Group dining was fun and educational as Ilaria explained the local cuisine and customs.
The wow moment was the Vatican and Basilica and seeing The David. So much to take in.
David's tour information prepared us well and by the time we departed we felt confident and well informed. We also had many daily PDF downloads to brief us on the days activities.
It was a lot of walking but we came home in great shape, exhausted but in a good way. Did not get to hear a lot of music which we wanted , there were opportunities on our free days but i did not plan ahead well for that,. We did find a couple of laundries which helped.
All in all we would go again in a heartbeat ! The preparation, the planning, guides, hotels, were well worth the cost and a trip of a lifetime. Booking and finding the flights was a bit challenging but we minimized our hops and traveled well with Delta. Security lines and checkpoints were numerous and lengthy at times.
One night we were booked into a penthouse suite in the LIDO ! overlooking Venice ! Many thanks for a wonderful trip and making new friends along the way. Thank you David,. ! Germany is next !
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