Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro Cruise Tour (Southbound)
Trip Length
12 Nights
Tour Type
Land & Cruise Tour
From: 4650 USD
Want To Make Changes To This Trip?
Build Your Own Custom Dream Tour and Let us Create Your Perfect Trip
Overview
Your journey starts in the enchanting city of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, where historic landmarks and rich history await. Venture into neighboring Slovenia to explore the captivating capital, Ljubljana, and the picturesque Lake Bled with its stunning castle. The adventure continues as you delve into the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park before setting sail on the Always Croatia Split to Dubrovnik Cruise.
Experience a luxurious voyage on our contemporary cruise ships, accompanied by a welcoming crew and delectable onboard dining. Traverse from Split to Dubrovnik, uncovering the allure of unique destinations such as Hvar, Korcula, Mljet, and Krka National Park. This journey weaves through islands, UNESCO sites, national parks, and charming towns, offering daily opportunities for refreshing swims in secluded coves. Delight in the rich cultural heritage of Split and Dubrovnik, while also engaging in the ancient tradition of oyster farming in Slano and relishing a home-hosted dinner in a quaint countryside village surrounded by olive trees.
Conclude this unforgettable experience with a visit to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, exploring its historical, natural and, of course, culinary wonders.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Included:
- All PRIVATE transfers/experiences in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional English-speaking guides and drivers
- 24-hour concierge assistance
- Private transfer from Zagreb airport to hotel
- 2 nights in Zagreb, 4* hotel
- Private Zagreb historical walking tour with light lunch
- Small group tour to Ljubljana and Lake Bled
- Private transfer to Plitvice
- Entrance fees to Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park
- 1 night in Plitvice Lakes, 4* hotel
- Transfer to the ship to embark your cruise
- 7-night cruise from Split to Dubrovnik, cabin with en-suite 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
- Free Wi-Fi
- Guided walking tours in Split, Korčula, and Dubrovnik
- Entrance fees to Krka National Park
- Home-hosted meal with drinks
- Half-day excursion of Ston with Oyster farm visit and tasting
- One-way bus transfer from Dubrovnik port to Old town Dubrovnik for sightseeing
- Spectacular cruise along the old town city walls of Dubrovnik
- Beach towels
- 2 nights in Kotor, Montenegro, 4* hotel
- Private transfer to Kotor with a stop at a local winery
- Private Highlights of Montenegro tour
- 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 per person
- Visitor Port Taxes/Fees €60 per person
- Coffee outside of breakfast time
- Optional wine tasting: €35 per person
Itinerary
Welcome to the beautiful City of Zagreb – the capital of Croatia and home to more than a few historic landmarks, a rich history, and Croatia’s political center. After arriving in Zagreb, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Today, you’ll visit and explore the beauties of neighboring Slovenia, its capital Ljubljana, and a gorgeous Lake Bled — its stunning castle, and storybook view will kindle your heart and imagination! An expert guide will lead the way, sharing intriguing stories and revealing hidden gems of this fairytale place. After this fun and nature-packed journey, we’ll return to Zagreb for an overnight at the hotel.
Small group tour to Ljubljana and Lake Bled
You’ll check out from the hotel and take the historical walking tour around Zagreb, a real treat for history aficionados and legends seekers! The walk ends with a light snack of Zagreb’s own specialty, the famous štrukli, after which you’ll be transferred to Plitvice Lakes and a quick check-in at the hotel nearby for yet another adventure — a self-guided walk around the Plitvice Lakes National Park with tickets included. This famous national park is filled with cascading lakes, waterfalls, and natural caves!
Tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park
A transfer is ready to take you from Plitvice directly to the harbor, where you’ll board the ship for your Split to Dubrovnik Cruise. After a welcome toast with drinks included, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Split — visit the monumental Diocletian Palace and learn about the city’s rich history! Return to the ship in the evening to meet the captain and the crew, followed by a welcome dinner onboard.
This amazing 8-day cruise will take you to enchanting vistas of Croatian southern isles and places like Trogir, Hvar, Vis, and Korčula — an awe-inspiring mix of Croatia’s rich history and breathtaking nature!
Overnight in Split
Guided walking tour of Split
Enjoy breakfast as we sail to UNESCO-protected Trogir. This museum-town is literally packed with palaces,churches, monasteries and towers, the main attraction being the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, probably the finest example of sacral architecture in Croatia. Along the way there will be time for a swim stop in a secluded cove. Late
morning arrival to Trogir and time on your own. Lunch will be served on board while in port.
After lunch, we will board a bus to take us to the National Park Krka. Krka is one of Croatia’s most famous and picturesque national parks. The waterfalls and crystal clear waters are most impressive making this stop a client favorite. After, we’ll head to a small village to the home of a local prosciutto maker. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner in his family home and get to know what the Croatian culture is all about.
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 will have an optional visit a unique winery with an fascinating story and location. Their wines are top quality and among 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
Optional Wine Tasting Experience
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)
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.
This morning, we continue to Korčula, stopping for a swim in the gorgeous turquoise water and lunch along the way.
Upon arrival in Korčula, enjoy a guided walking tour and explore the narrow cobblestone streets of this well preserved medieval town that is thought to be the birthplace of the world-famous explorer, Marco Polo.
Afterwards, continue discovering all the little nooks and crannies of Korčula, and enjoy dinner in one of the town’s charming local restaurants.
Overnight in Korčula
Guided walking tour of 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
Our final day together brings us to Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. You’ll know why as you join our walking tour through the UNESCO protected old town and get a chance to see the city’s famous medieval walls.
After the guided walking tour of the Old Town, you have the rest of the day to experience Dubrovnik for yourself. When you’ve soaked up all of Dubrovnik’s warm and welcoming atmosphere that you can handle, our ship will be docked at Gruž Harbour. There are plenty of taxis, buses, and Ubers to bring you back.
Overnight in Dubrovnik
Historical Walking Tour of Old Town Dubrovnik
You’ll say goodbye to your amazing ship crew, and venture southward for yet another adventure – to the bay of Kotor, Montenegro, making a delightful pit stop at the charming family-owned winery, situated atop the picturesque Savina monastery in the town of Herceg Novi.
Following our wine-tasting adventure, you’ll spend the night at the hotel in town.
Wine tasting and snacks at a local winery
You’ll leave the hotel for a wonderful day trip through Njeguši, Cetinje, Budva, Sveti Stefan, and Kotor! The area is famous for its historical importance and natural beauty, also being both the centerpiece of Montenegrin culture and a religious center.
After this mesmerizing tour, we head back to the hotel for a night’s rest!
Private Highlights of Montenegro tour
This amazing 10-day experience ends with an early check-out from the hotel and a private transfer to the 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.
MS Lastavica
MS Lastavica is a modern mini luxury cruiser. It’s a blend of elegance and comfort, able to hold 36 passengers in 18 twin or double cabins!