You’ll never forget the glow of endless sunsets, the shimmering waters that surround walled cities and islands and the rich history of Croatia. On arrival, you have one group transfer to your hotel. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers later this evening for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive sharing some of the highlights you can expect tomorrow – from the city’s extraordinary Catholic heritage to heroes of a tumultuous past immortalized in the city’s imposing statues.

Meal(s):Welcome Dinner

The paved squares and steep alleyways of Zagreb are ours to explore this morning as we join a Local Specialist to delve into the city's rich medieval and religious history. See the majestic cathedral on Kaptol and St. Mark's Church, with its vividly colored tiled roof. Admire the Opera House, then take a stroll around the 17th-century Ban Jelačić Square. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own – enjoy panoramic city views from Strossmayer promenade, pay tribute to Zagreb's patron saint at the Stone Gate or wander through the Old Town, twirling your Šestine umbrella as you ramble through its labyrinthine lanes. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Kumrovec, birthplace of the iconic leader Tito and enjoy a delicious meal of regional specialties with magnificent views of the Croatian countryside.

Meal(s):Breakfast

The tranquil turquoise, emerald and grey waters of Plitvice's multitude of lakes and waterfalls are explored today on an unforgettable walking tour with a Local Specialist. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll connect with the exquisite beauty of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder, admiring the cascade of spectacular waterfalls and crystalclear waters reflecting green, grey and blue against the lush landscape. You’ll walk along the wooden pathways suspended over these mesmerizing natural landscapes, absorbing the irresistible beauty of as many as 16 upper and lower lakes and caves that are all magically connected by waterfalls.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Hotel Dinner

Join your Local Specialist and go beyond the fortress walls of Trogir to explore its charming medieval heart connected to the mainland and island of Čiovo by bridges. Learn about its rich history which spans the Hellenistic period to a time when Venice was the ruler of the Adriatic as you admire the island’s ornate Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Continue to Split where your Local Specialist will share the remnants of luxurious squares and temples that still stand many centuries later. Spend the evening on your own, or join an Optional experience to savor traditional Dalmatian flavors.

Meal(s):Breakfast

After a free morning, transfer to Split harbor where your deluxe cruiser awaits, and say goodbye to your Travel Director. After settling in, enjoy a guided tour of Split, a historic town under UNESCO world heritage protection with an abundance of Roman architecture – of special interest is the magnificent Diocletian Palace, once the home to the Roman Emperor. After the tour, return to the ship for a welcome meet & greet cocktail reception on board.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Cocktail Reception

Gain a first-hand perspective on island life in the Adriatic during this morning’s visit to Brač, Croatia’s third-largest island and the perfect launchpad for today’s trip to Dalmatia’s most famous beach – Zlatni Rat, often referred to as the Golden Horn. A sandy peninsula jutting out from a Mediterranean pine grove, this expanse of pristine beach is the spot for locals to sun themselves and enjoy a swim in the cool and clear surrounding waters. It’s a landscape you’ll never forget and you’ll wish you could spend the whole day soaking in these stunning surrounds. Enjoy a relaxing swim stop and lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands before arriving in the popular, sun-drench Island of Hvar where you’ll get your bearings on a guided tour with a Local Specialist of this former trading center which has both Greek and Venetian roots. You’ll visit the city’s most impressive building, the Cathedral of St. Stephen still with its original tower and the Historical Hvar Theater, the first communal Theater in Europe. For utterly unforgettable views that stretch all the way to the Pakleni Islands, ascend the stairs through the old part of the city to the Fortica that looms above the town. Hvar is known for its nightlife, so you won’t be short on inspiration on where to spend your evening with new friends.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Lunch

Largely undiscovered and after visiting you’ll want it to stay that way, the island of Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland. Beyond its fascinating history as a former Yugoslavian army base which has left it fairly untouched, you’ll discover its rich Greek heritage as one of the main Greek colonies in 4th century BC. But the Greeks weren’t the only nation to recognize its treasures and you’ll also find the influence of the Romans and Venetians, culminating in a fascinating blend of culture that remains to this day. You may choose to take the optional trip and reflect on its history over a delicious local lunch and wine tasting in an old military cave. The afternoon is a leisurely exploration on your terms from the remains of the Roman baths to the City Museum, housed in a 19th-century Austrian fortress and featuring the largest collection of Hellenistic artefacts in Croatia. Alternatively stretch your legs, smelling the scents of rosemary, capers and sage which grow wild around the island.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s cruise takes you to a land of legends and allegedly the birthplace of Marco Polo. Korčula is one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in the Mediterranean. You’ll be thoroughly enchanted by its incredible Greek heritage as you embark on a guided walking tour through its historic streets laid out in a fishbone street pattern which you’ll learn delivers a natural cooling effect and shelters the surrounding buildings. Discover the 11th-century BC Greek legend that tells of the Trojan warrior who build his home in Korčula “after the burning of Troy” and perhaps spend some time in its Old Town tasting and buying some of the local white wines for which the island is renowned.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Lunch

Cruising south to yet another exquisite Croatian island, arrive at Mljet. As legend has it, the Greek hero, Odysseus, spent several years here when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. The highlight of today for some will be their visit to the island’s famous salt lakes including a boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit the ancient, fortified Benedictine monastery, abbey and 12th-century church, amongst the oldest church complexes on the Adriatic. You could choose instead to hire a kayak, bicycle, scooter or convertible car to see the sights of Croatia’s greenest island at your leisure. Mljet is particularly well-known for its wine, olives and goat’s cheese which you could choose to sample during your exploration, or perhaps pick the ultimate swimming spot to cool off. Both of the island’s salt lakes are popular with locals who believe the water to have therapeutic properties.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Lunch

Today, make your way to the Elaphiti Islands where you’ll be tempted to cool off before continuing your journey to the fishermen’s village of Slano. Another firm favorite amongst local island hoppers, Slano has a colorful history and it’s the launch pad for our trip to Ston, a fortified settlement today perhaps most renowned for its oyster trade, but certainly also of great interest for lovers of history who will be fascinated by its rich ecclesiastical history. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and enjoy a taste of its famous fruits – the oysters grown at a shellfish farm. Ston may be small, but its strategic location has meant it has seen a lot of turmoil over the centuries as you’ll discover during your visit, learning how its fortress was one of the largest construction projects of the time, aimed at defending the saltworks that delivered great wealth to Dubrovnik.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Lunch, Captain's Dinner

Arrive in Dubrovnik, one of the world's most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Before tied up at the Gruž harbor, enjoy a cruise alongside the old Dubrovnik city walls while lunch is served on deck. After docking, head to the city gates for a guided tour of Dubrovnik. Meander through the narrow, car-free limestone streets – worn smooth under the soles of centuries of pedestrians, exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the mighty ramparts and of the Elaphiti Islands.

Disembark from your cruise and transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is free. Your local host will and provide suggestions on how to explore the city’s limestone streets and elegant courtyards lined with remnants of Dubrovnik’s Golden Age. In the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice and remnants of its wealth and stature remain today confined within its centuries-old walls which staved off attacks from all manner of enemies, including the Ottoman Turks. What better way to end the day than finding the perfect café for a nightcap.

Meal(s):Breakfast, Lunch

Your travels draw to a close after breakfast with a group transfer to the airport.

Meal(s):Breakfast