Opatija to Dubrovnik

Departure at 13h towards Rab, known as the “island of love” with an old town of the same name.  Join us on guided city tours and see the medieval walls and the famous four towers (and maybe climb one of them later!) together with palaces, churches and squares.

After breakfast we head for Zadar, the oldest university town in Croatia with an amazing heritage and where history looks you in the eyes: The Roman Forum from the 1st century, St Donat church from the 9th century - the most famous medieval Basilica and the city’s symbol, the mighty city walls, over 30 churches. Museums and former noble families’ palaces and villas in the old town.

Wine and waterfalls! Cruise towards Skradin then board our coach. First stop is the famous Bibich winery for wine tasting and light tapas lunch. Back in Skradin we walk through the Krka Waterfalls National Park and visit “Skradinski Buk”. Jaw droppingly beautiful, this is the most popular part of the waterfall area. There are 17 waterfalls, with cascades up to 100 m wide, and the Krka river tumbles 45.7 meters. A never-to-forget experience is swimming under the falls so bring your swimming things and enjoy the crystal clear fresh water.

We continue south to Split, Croatia’s second largest city where Roman Emperor Diocletian built himself a retirement palace now under UNESCO protection. Split waterfront is a happening place and there’s a buzz along the beautiful wide promenade.

Today we discover one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. We cruise to Metković, on the banks of the river Neretva after which the delta is named. Here, mandarins grow by the water channels and we take a barge ride to explore the groves, the flora and fauna, wild birds and the traditional way of life of the Neretva people. There’s a delightful, “time warp” feeling like nowhere else on the coast. Narona archeological museum in Vid, which we visit, was formally inaugurated in 2007 as the first „in situ“ museum in Croatia exhibiting the remains of a Roman temple.

Departure towards Korčula, an island best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. Covering much of the island are the distinct, almost black pine forests so Korčula is also known as „the Black Island“.  Korčula Town is like a mini Dubrovnik, as it also encased by medieval stone ramparts and towers.  The famous Moreska sword dance-fight is thought to have come to the island when the Moors raged through this region and there are regular performances.

There is no better way to catch first sight of famous Dubrovnik than from the sea and this is our final destination – Dubrovnik. It is one of the few walled cities on the sea in the world. Writer George Bernard Shaw described it as “heaven on earth”.  We cruise alongside the old city walls for a true perspective of the majesty of this place. Lunch is served on deck as we head for Gruz harbour to dock. Once moored, we transfer to the old town for a guided walking tour of this unforgettable place.