Croatia land & cruise Southern Explorer 2024

Day 1      ARRIVAL ZAGREB  (D)

Arrival in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia – transfer to hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight.

Day 2        ZAGREB WALKING TOUR  (B)

Morning city tour of Zagreb. Walk through the historic Upper Town, where, among other sites, visit the St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Lotrščak tower. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Zagreb

Day 3     ZAGREB – PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK – SPLIT (B)

Morning departure towards Croatia’s oldest and most beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, consisting of 16 lakes, connected with a series of waterfalls. An environment where Karl May movies were made. The guests will walk through the park, enjoy a boat ride on the emerald green Kozjak Lake and walk back to the entrance. Walking shoes are essential for our 3-hour walk in this wonderful environment! Drive to Split and overnight in the hotel.

Day 4       SPLIT – MAKARSKA  (B, L)

Morning guided tour of Split, a monumental city under UNESCO protection with an abundance of Roman architecture – of special interest is the Diocletian palace. The tour will end in the harbour in front of the ship for cruise check-in. A luggage transfer will be arranged from the hotel. Departure from the Split harbour towards Makarska at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast whilst enjoying your lunch. Afternoon swim at one of the wonderful beaches. Overnight in the port of Makarska where strolling along the streets, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sites.

Day 5     MAKARSKA – MLJET  (B, L)

Early morning departure towards the island of Mljet. On the way, swim stop on Pelješac. Part of the Mljet island is a national park and, in the afternoon a visit is planned. We recommend visiting the seawater lakes then cross to the peaceful, tiny St Mary’s island in the middle of the large lake to visit the church and the monastery. Walk or hire a bike to continue around these stunning lakes. Overnight in port Polača or Pomena.

Day 6    MLJET – DUBROVNIK  (B, L)

After breakfast, depart towards Dubrovnik, the most famous town in Croatia and, for many, the highlight of this cruise. The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth”. Unbelievable views of the surroundings along the way, enjoy and admire the beautiful stretch of the coast. Upon arrival, explore on your own or join a guided city tour (included on Premium and Premium Superior), followed by an optional cable car ride up to the Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Don’t miss Stradun – both a street and a square in the Old Town and walk at least part of the 1.940 m long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks! Overnight in the port of this magical town.

Day 7    DUBROVNIK – ŠIPAN / TRSTENIK  (B, L, CD)

Late morning departure towards the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. Gorgeous spots for an afternoon swim and time at leisure with the possibility to visit a local winery. In the evening enjoy the special Captain’s dinner on board. Overnight in the port.

Day 8    ŠIPAN / TRSTENIK – KORČULA  (B, L)

After breakfast, departure towards the island of Korčula, one of the famous islands in the Dubrovnik region. It’s the birthplace of famous explorer MARCO POLO. Lunch on board in a bay near Korčula town then the cruise continues, arriving in the afternoon. The encircling walls and bastions of Korčula town date back to the 13th century and there are some lovely churches and museums. Join the optional sightseeing of Korčula town (included on Prem.Sup.) or optional wine and local appetizer tasting at a local winery before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas on your own. Overnight in the port of Korčula town.

Day 9    KORČULA – HVAR   (B, L)

Early departure towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swimming stop. Later, there’s an optional afternoon sightseeing of Hvar Town (included on Premium Superior), which resembles a film set. The Renaissance cathedral has its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe is here, founded in 1612. Hvar is known as a jet-set island, offering abundant entertainment, excellent restaurants, bars and cafés serving drinks long into the night. Don`t forget to buy some island lavender from local stalls. Overnight in Hvar Town.

Day 10    HVAR – BRAČ (BOL) / SPLIT  (B, L)

The next stop is the island of Brač. Swim stop at the most famous and photographed beach in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden Horn – a shingle bar that moves and changes shape according to the wind). Bol is a typical charming fishermen’s village but also a popular touristic spot. After lunch, the cruise continues towards Split, with another stop at one of the many bays on Brač island for more swimming. There’s a possibility to join an optional river rafting excursion or zip line on the Cetina river. The approach to the Split Riviera from the sea offers wonderful views from onboard of the monumental city which together with the famous Roman Diocletian’s Palace is under UNESCO protection. Split is a very lively city, full of bistros and restaurants serving local specialities, cool bars and many interesting stores. Overnight in Split.

Day 11   SPLIT (B)

An early breakfast before final goodbyes to new friends and the crew, and check-out

* Legend: Legend: B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner, CD – Captain’s dinner