Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro Cruise Tour (Southbound)
Trip Length
10 Nights
Tour Type
Land & Cruise Package
From: 3795 USD
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Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Croatia. Begin in Split, home to the impressive Diocletian Palace, where you’ll explore historic sites and enjoy an overnight stay. Venture inland to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, for a day of exploring Ottoman and Christian architecture.
Return to Split for a private transfer to embark on an 8-day cruise through the Croatian southern isles aboard one of our luxury vessels, immersing yourself in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Trogir, Hvar, Vis, and Korčula. This luxurious cruise encompasses refreshing swims in the crystal-clear sea, immersing yourself in the secrets of traditional oyster farming, culminating in an unforgettable feast featuring fresh oysters paired with local wine. Additionally, savor the essence of Croatian cuisine with traditional dinners set amidst scenic olive groves and fragrant lavender fields.
The adventure continues as you bid farewell to the cruise crew and set off on a day trip to Montenegro, experiencing its awe-inspiring landscapes and historic treasures. Traverse the fjords of Kotor Bay, stroll through Old Town Kotor, and embark on a boat ride to the enchanting Our Lady of the Rocks island. Conclude the journey with a visit to a family-owned winery overlooking the Bay of Kotor for a wine-tasting bonanza!
Inclusions/Exclusions
Included:
- All PRIVATE transfers/experiences in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional English-speaking guides and drivers
- 24-hour concierge assistance
- Transfer from Split airport
- 2 nights in Split, 4* hotel
- Private day trip to Mostar with historical walking tour and home-hosted lunch with drinks included
- Transfer to Split Port to board your ship
- 7-night cruise from Split to Dubrovnik, cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Welcome reception & cocktail
- Daily buffet breakfast and 3-course lunch (half board)
- Complimentary water
- Captain’s Dinner with welcome drink
- Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day
- Fresh fruit available daily
- Professional English speaking cruise manager
- Cabin linen change midweek
- Luggage handling
- Daily cabin service
- Beach towels
- Free Wi-Fi
- Guided walking tours in Split, Hvar, Korčula, and Dubrovnik
- Entrance fees to Krka National Park
- Home-hosted meal with drinks
- Wine tasting
- Half-day excursion of Ston with Oyster farm visit and tasting
- One-way bus transfer from Dubrovnik port to Old town Dubrovnik for sightseeing
- 1 night in Dubrovnik, 4* hotel
- Private Day trip to Montenegro with a private walking tour of Kotor with wine-tasting
- Private transfer to Dubrovnik airport
Not included:
- Additional drinks not mentioned here
- Gratuities (recommended: roughly $350 for the week *per cabin*)
- International airfare
- Tickets to Blue Cave: €18-€24 per person
- Visitor Port Taxes/Fees €60 per person
- Coffee outside of breakfast time
Itinerary
Welcome to Split – this city is home to the monumental Diocletian Palace and rich history. You’ll arrive at the Split airport, followed by a private transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
You’ll briefly bid farewell to Split for a day trip inland to Mostar in neighboring Bosnia & Herzegovina. Explore this picturesque town, where Ottoman and Christian architecture harmonize along cobblestone streets, with the iconic Old Bridge spanning the Neretva River.
Despite the scars of the 1993 war, Mostar is now safe and flourishing, offering a guided walking tour of the Old Town and a delightful oriental-flavored lunch featuring kebabs, čevapi, baklavas, and exceptional Turkish coffee.
Conclude this remarkable journey with a return to Split and an overnight stay.
Private day trip to Mostar with historical walking tour
After a hotel check-out, your private transfer is ready to take you to the harbor for embarkation on your Šibenik to Dubrovnik Cruise and to settle in. After a free day on the town, you’ll return to the ship for a welcome dinner and to meet the ship’s crew and its captain. Throughout this captivating 8-day journey, you’ll be treated to mesmerizing views of the Croatian southern isles, including Trogir, Hvar, Vis, and Korčula. Immerse yourself in the splendid blend of Croatia’s rich history and natural beauty on this unforgettable cruise.
Overnight in Šibenik
This morning will begin with a delicious buffet breakfast to set you up for your first full day exploring the Croatian coastline. The first stop on today’s itinerary is one of Croatia’s most magnificent landscapes, Krka National Park. Defined by a series of seven waterfalls cascading from lush Mediterranean forests into glowing turquoise pools, scenes of Krka will stick in your memory forever.
After an informative walk through the national park, you’ll be warmly received for a home-hosted lunch in the home of a local prosciutto maker in the Dalmatian hinterlands. As you dig into delicious traditional dishes, you’ll have the pleasure of listening to live music from a famous local duo that’s known and loved throughout Croatia. Full and happy, you will hop on a transfer and arrive in Trogir at 4 PM., giving you free time to stroll around this sensational city before dinner onboard at 7:30 PM
Overnight in Trogir
Entrance fees to Krka National Park
Home-hosted meal with drinks
In the morning we set sail towards the island of Vis. With lunch on board and a swim stop along the way, we arrive in Vis in the early afternoon.
Vis was once an important Yugoslav naval base and was closed to the public for years. Due to this isolation, Vis has a unique charm that feels like you’re stepping into a faraway time, making it one of our favorite stops. Here, you are in for a real treat with an optional visit a unique winery with a fascinating story and location. Their wines are top quality and some of the best in Croatia.
In town, feel free to explore Vis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum located in the old Austrian fort Gospina Batarija (Batteria della Madonna). Dinner on your own in one of Vis Town’s charming restaurants.
Overnight in Vis or Komiža
Wine tasting
Our sail begins early in the morning toward the Blue Cave*. This natural phenomenon is one of the highlights of the entire week and you’ll find out for yourself why! (entrances to be paid on the spot – approx. €18-€24)
After the Blue Cave, breakfast will be served on board. We’ll have a swim stop and continue to Croatia’s sunniest island. Hvar is known as a “yachter’s paradise”. Arrive in the afternoon and explore the town’s historical center which includes the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in the 17th century. Hike up to the Spanish Fortress which overlooks the harbor for lovely scenic views of the yacht-filled marina and the Pakleni islands. In the evening, Hvar offers many great restaurants, cafes, and bars with many open late into the night.
Overnight in Hvar
Optional visit to Blue Cave
*Please note that the Blue Cave is only accessible with small boats through an entrance just 1.5m high so it is unfortunately easily made inaccessible by bad weather and high waves.
Guided walking tour in Hvar
avour another delicious breakfast buffet while your luxury Croatia cruise sails from Hvar to the island of Korčula. It will stop along the way so you can have a scenic mid-morning swim surrounded by the lush green islands. After lunch on board, a local guide born and raised in Korčula will share their invaluable knowledge of the island’s 1000-year history, including its role as the birthplace of Marco Polo, and their personal stories about growing up in such a unique place.
With an overnight in Korčula, you will have the rest of the day to explore the island at your leisure. Opt for a slice of culture at the island’s museums, galleries, and wineries, or take advantage of its many beautiful empty beaches and spend the rest of the day sunbathing in nature before returning to the Old Town for dinner.
Overnight in Korčula
Guided walking tour in Korčula
In the morning, we set sail early for Slano. Along the way, enjoy a swim stop and lunch onboard.
In Slano, be prepared to sample the local delicacy: oysters! We’ll visit Ston, known for its Medieval walls and oyster
farming tradition that spans over two thousand years. From there, we’ll take a short boat ride to the oyster farm in
the middle of the bay to taste these delicacies straight from the sea. Accompanied by a glass of Croatian wine, of course.
Return to Slano for our Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment onboard.
Overnight in Slano
Half-day excursion of Ston with Oyster farm visit and tasting
Captain’s Dinner
Enjoy a slow breakfast as the ship sails to Dubrovnik this morning, the ultimate destination on your luxury island-hopping cruise. Arriving mid-morning, an esteemed local guide will introduce you to Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town highlights. Starting on the Stradun, the ancient market street, you’ll wander its narrow limestone lanes discovering everything from Dubrovnik’s famous medieval walls which feature in Game of Thrones to the 16th-century Sponza Palace.
Find a spot for lunch in the square before spending the rest of the day enjoying everything it has to offer at your own leisure. From walking the Old Town walls to kayaking around Lokrum Island, there are so many fun ways to experience Dubrovnik. Alternatively, return to the ship and make the most of the luxurious life onboard a luxury ship before tomorrow’s departure. Tonight, everyone will meet back on board for a fun farewell dinner with fellow guests.
Overnight in Dubrovnik
Guided walking tour in Dubrovnik
You’ll bid farewell to your ship crew and start a day trip to Montenegro — this small country with awe-inspiring landscapes featuring snow-capped mountains, mountain lakes, and monasteries hewn into solid rock, complemented by sunny beaches will surely leave you breathless.
A scenic drive along the fjords of Kotor Bay leads to a walking tour through the ancient streets of Old Town Kotor. The fairy tale unfolds with a boat ride to the enchanting Our Lady of the Rocks island, bringing seafaring legends to life.
On the journey back to Dubrovnik, we’ll savor a stop at a family-owned winery perched above the Bay of Kotor, offering a breathtaking view, and conclude the day with a wine-tasting bonanza.
Private Day trip to Montenegro with a private walking tour of Kotor with wine-tasting
After the amazing eleven days in Croatia, you’ll check out from the hotel followed by a private transfer to Dubrovnik airport.
Your Cruise Ships
MS Premier
Premier has joined our fleet as the newest deluxe balcony ship for 2021. The ship has top-quality amenities, luxurious design and well-appointed cabins.
MS Desire
Built in 2017, the MS Desire continues to be one of our favorite ships in Croatia because of the opulent design and top notch service on board.