Croatia 2021
August 25 — September 4
11 Days
Itinerary
Tuesday, August 24th — Broomfield, Colorado
Many of us will depart Colorado and fly overnight to Venice, Italy with an arrival the next morning.
Day 1 — Wednesday, August 25th — Venice, IT & Opatija, HR
We will start our journey in Venice, Italy, although we will head straight to Opatija, Croatia from the Venice Airport without touring the city. We will spend the night in Opatija. | Included Meals: Dinner
((NOTE) Those who spend a few days in Venice before the trip will be picked up at the Best Western Plus Quid Hotel Venice Mestre. Those arriving today will be picked up at the Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Day 2 — Thursday, August 26th — Opatija, Croatia
We will take a morning guided tour of Opatija, once the summer and winter resort of 19th-century elite Wilhelm II, Franz Josef, Gustav Mahler, and Isadora Duncan. Explore the town and then spend another night here in Opatija. | Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 — Friday, August 27th — Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
We will depart for the spectacular Plitvice National Park, which contains 16 lakes that are connected by a series of waterfalls. Once we arrive, we will take in the beautiful scenery on a 3-hour walk and then enjoy a boat ride on the emerald green Kozjak Lake. Lastly, we will head back to the entrance of the National Park and drive to Split, Croatia where we will spend the night. | Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 — Saturday, August 28th — Split & Makarska — Set Sail
We will have a guided tour of Split and Diocletian's Palace. Then, we will board the MV Dream and set sail for Makarska at 1:00 p.m. Lunch is served as we cruise along the Dalmatian coast. Feeling adventurous? There’s an afternoon swim stop in one of the bays. Then, join our optional river rafting excursion or zip line on the Cetina river. Meet back on the ship in Makarska in the evening. Stroll the waterfront with its wide promenade, a pathway out to a lighthouse and some interesting bars. The main square is home to an impressive church and other monuments. We will spend the night in Makarska. | Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 — Sunday, August 29th — Mljet & Polača/Pomena
Early morning departure from Makarska towards the island of Mljet. On the way, we will stop to swim on Pelješac Peninsula. Part of Mljet island is a National Park, and in the afternoon, we will visit the seawater lakes and 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 rent a bike to continue around these stunning lakes. We will spend the night at the port of Polača/Pomena depending on weather and space.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 — Monday, August 30th — Dubrovnik
After breakfast, we will depart for Dubrovnik, the most famous place in Croatia, and for many, the highlight of this cruise. The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth,” and we pass a beautiful stretch of coast on our way there. After arrival, you can explore on your own or join our guided city tour followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Don’t miss Stradun (both a street and a square in the old town) and try to find time to walk at least part of the 1.2-mile-long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks! We will spend the night at the port of this magical town. | Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7 — Tuesday, August 31st — Šipan or Trstenik
Late morning departure from Dubrovnik towards the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula. There are gorgeous spots for an afternoon swim and usually the opportunity to visit a local winery. Later, we will enjoy the special Captain’s dinner on board. We'll spend the night here.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8 — Wednesday, September 1st — Korčula
After breakfast, we will depart for the island of Korčula, an island in the Dubrovnik region. It is the birthplace of famous explorer Marco Polo. We'll have lunch on board in a bay just outside of Korčula, then we will continue sailing and reach the town 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 wine and local appetizer tasting tour (for a small extra charge) at a local winery before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas on your own. We'll spend the night at Korčula's port.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9 — Thursday, September 2nd — Paklinski Islands & Hvar
Early departure towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swimming stop. Later, there’s an afternoon sightseeing of Hvar Town, 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 Town offers an entertainment extravaganza: clubs and bars that are open well into the night along with some excellent restaurants. Don`t forget to buy some island lavender from local stalls. We'll spend the night docked in the port.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10 — Friday, September 3rd — Brač, Bol, and Split
Our next stop is the island of Brač. We’ll go for a swim at the most famous beach in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat (a.k.a. the Golden Horn – a shingle-shaped sandbar that moves and changes shape according to the wind) near Bol. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village that has preserved that atmosphere despite being a popular spot for visitors. After lunch, we start our journey to Split for our final night. We will stop at one of the many bays on Brač island for more swimming. The approach to the Split Riviera is wonderful and we have the best views from on board. On arrival, you can explore the city of Split, a monumental city which, together with the famous Roman Diocletian’s Palace, is under UNESCO protection. Split is full of bistros, restaurants serving local specialties, and some interesting bars. | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11 — Saturday, September 4th — Split
We'll have an early breakfast before saying our goodbyes.
Included Meals: Breakfast
*Please note that this itinerary and its inclusions are subject to change.
For bookings made before January 01, 2020:
March 01, 2020 - Final Payment Due
Cancellation Refund Schedule:
- On and before 09/30/2019: 100% refund of final payment amount
- From 10/01/2019 through 12/31/2019: 75% refund of final payment amount
- From 01/01/2020 through 02/29/2020: 50% refund of final payment amount
- From 03/01/2020 through 05/31/2020: 25% refund of final payment amount
- On and after 06/01/2020: No refund
Deposits and travel insurance are non refundable.
Land and Cruise
Start in Venice, Italy and end in Split, Croatia. See the charming port town of Opatija and visit the world-reknowned UNESCO site, Plitvice Lakes. Visit Makarska, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Šipan, Korčula, and Hvar.
