Discover the bounty of Croatia on this incredible 10-night journey, including a seven-night Adriatic cruise! Board your first-class ship and explore one of the world’s best-preserved medieval towns in legendary Dubrovnik. Then set sail along the Dalmatian Coast to enchanting islands and timeless ports. Walk along cobblestones brimming with maritime legends and see landscapes that stir your soul. Choose between touring the Cathedral of St. James or Krka National Park in Šibenik. Plus, revel in Plitvice Lakes National Park, an astonishing natural marvel, before capping off your adventure in cosmopolitan Zagreb!
Trip Itinerary:
April 12
Depart gateway city
AHI FlexAir passengers depart for Dubrovnik, Croatia. Please check your luggage from your gateway city to your arrival city. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: DBV.
April 13
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs, AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for the group arrival transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer should exit the baggage claim area and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where an AHI Travel representative will meet you.
Transfer to your ship. Take some time to unpack and get to know your ship.
Gather with your fellow travelers to enjoy an onboard Welcome Reception, followed by a Welcome Dinner.
April 14
Dubrovnik | Korčula
Dubrovnik. This beautiful city was relentlessly shelled during Croatia’s Homeland War in the early 1990s, but the medieval churches, graceful fountains and squares have been restored to their former glory. Visit the baroque cathedral and admire the loggia and ornamentation inside of the Rector’s Palace. Pass by the medieval Sponza Palace, which houses priceless ancient manuscripts, and visit the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery’s Romanesque cloister. Its small apothecary is the oldest-working pharmacy in Europe.
Free Time: You may wish to walk around the old walls of the city, an experience that offers splendid views of Dubrovnik’s distinctive orange rooftops, the harbor and the vast stretch of blue sea.
Begin cruising along the stunning Dalmatian coast, a landscape of dramatic limestone cliffs.
Korčula. The spectacular “Emerald Isle” juts into the Peljesac Channel and brims with beauty, harbor-side restaurants and thriving vineyards. Its medieval streets are designed like fish bones, branching off from a central square, and the medieval old town is decorated with red rooftops, similar to those found in Dubrovnik. In the center of town sits a pretty Gothic-Renaissance church. The island is also rumored to be the birthplace of famous Italian explorer Marco Polo! (Allegedly, the home of Marco Polo is located in the old town on Ulica Depolo street.)
April 15
Hvar | Split
Hvar Island. Visit sunny Hvar, a Croatian favorite lauded for its sunny shores, lavender plantations, olive groves and idyllic beaches. With a history dating back to 6,000 B.C., Hvar brims with cultural and historical heritage, plus a tranquil Mediterranean ambience. Upon landing on the island, get to know Hvar Town, one of Croatia's best-preserved historic towns, and home to a buzzing port. Witness its Renaissance cathedral, enchanting stone streets and an ancient community theater. Also enjoy a stop at a 17th-century Benedictine convent that is dedicated to the island’s storied tradition of agave lace. Hvar lace, an extremely intricate lace made by extracting threads from the agave plant, has been included in the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage list since 2009.
Begin afternoon sailing to Split. Lunch is served on board.
Exploring Split. Enjoy a walking tour of Split and delight in the city’s historical wonders. Visit the incredible living ruin of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been continuously inhabited since the Roman emperor abdicated his throne in A.D. 305. See the cellars, temple ruins, the elaborate Cathedral of St. Domnius and the Golden Gate, and witness the Peristyle, a rectangular open court that was the heart of the palace. Roaming this complex’s tangle of passageways, courtyards and underground chambers is one of Croatia’s most enchanting experiences.
April 16
Trogir | Šibenik
Trogir. Fall under the spell of Trogir, one of the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic towns in Central Europe. Trogir, a trading port called Tragurion during the third-century B.C., was once Dalmatia’s cultural center. Through centuries of conflict, the settlement was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. Today, immerse yourself in the city’s fascinating history as you discover its cobbled lanes, finely carved facades and shrouded courtyards. Witness the recently renovated Cathedral of St. Lawrence — Croatia’s finest triple-naved Venetian cathedral — and admire the intricate carvings of the Cipiko Palace. See the 15th-century Fortress Kamerlengo, Trogir’s Town Hall and the Benedictine Monastery, founded in the 11th century by St. Ivan of Trogir.
After lunch in Trogir, uncover the wonders of Šibenik. Due to the town's strategic position in the Adriatic, it was a desired location by larger Mediterranean powers. Thus, the city's rulers built large, sturdy fortresses, fortified city walls and commanding towers to protect themselves. Today, the city welcomes visitors with historical sites, lovely alleys and squares, and striking buildings.
Personalize Your Journey | Choose one of the following excursions.
•Cultural Šibenik. Uncover the architecture of Šibenik while visiting the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, one of Europe's most significant monumental cathedrals. This magnificent church was built only in stone during the 15th and16th centuries. It was also featured on the "Game of Thrones." Also enjoy a wine, prosciutto and cheese tasting! (Moderate)
•Krka National Park. Delight in the waterfalls, walking paths, boardwalks and more of this spectacular, top-rated park. Set by the Krka River, the park features seven waterfalls, including the wonderful Skradinski Buk.(Active)
Venture out to discover a special spot for dinner. The ship overnights in Šibenik.
April 17
Zadar
After breakfast, a day of sailing begins! Watch the scenery unfold before you: picturesque islands, hidden coves and azure seas! If luck is on your side, you may see dolphins!
Zadar. Set off to discover the incredibly pretty city of Zadar. This storied university town features a bevy of cosmopolitan cafes, museums and Roman ruins. Witness the impressive Roman Forum and the St Donat church. Enjoy the city’s modern attractions at its waterfront promenade, including the sea organ, a musical art installation. Listen to its unending melody, which is fueled by the ebb and flow of the sea's currents. Nearby is the 72-foot Monument to the Sun, which celebrates Zadar’s incredible sunsets. During your outing, pause to taste some unique Maraschino cherry liquor and other locally made sweets. The first recipes of the Maraschino liquor emerged from Zadar during the 16th century!
April 18
Zadar | Rab Island
Depart Zadar for another day of sailing! Soak up the sun, bring a book on deck or enjoy an opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters!
Rab Island. Visit Rab Island for a tour of the island’s many marvels, from medieval walls to ancient stone lanes and pretty squares. The village is also known for its four distinctive bell towers: the bell tower of the church of St. Justine, the bell tower of the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the bell tower of the church of St. John the Evangelist, and the belfry of the church of St. Andrew the Apostle. Spy local artists painting in outdoor settings and taste Rapska torta, or Rab cake. Legend claims that the cake was first served in 1177 to Pope Alexander III, but we can't tell you the recipe! Its main ingredients are almonds and Maraschino liquor, but the rest of the recipe is a secret!
The ship overnights in Rab this evening.
April 19
Rab Island | Krk Island | Opatija
Depart Rab Island on your way to Opatija. En route, stop in at Krk Island, Croatia’s largest island, which sits in the middle of Kvarner Bay. Enjoy lunch on the ship while sailing to Opatija.
Raise a toast to your sailing adventure at a Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship.
April 20
Opatija | Plitvice Lakes National Park | Zagreb
After breakfast, disembark the ship in Opatija. Head inland, stopping at Plitvice Lakes National Park for a tour.
Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy a refreshing escape to one of Croatia’s most spectacular natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site flaunts sixteen crystal lakes that are laced together in a series of awe-inspiring waterfalls and cascades. The vibrant landscape is a vision of unsurpassed beauty where the waters shimmer and constantly change color, a result of the karst terrain. Wander planked walkways and trails amid a fragrant forest of beech and pine. The park is also home to nearly 160 species of birds as well as many rare, endemic species, including the endangered European brown bear. Enjoy lunch during the outing.
Following this sojourn, enjoy a lunch of regional dishes. Continue your journey to the capital city of Zagreb and check in to the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.
April 21
Zagreb
Free Time: Take part in today’s Elective Activity to Croatia’s countryside or enjoy a full day at leisure in this vibrant capital city. Treat yourself to an idyllic morning browsing the Museum of Contemporary Art or enjoying the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships. Observe local life in Zagreb’s Jelačić Square or wander through the farmer’s market and sample organic fruits and honey.
Elective Activity: Croatia’s Countryside. Travel from Zagreb through Croatia’s scenic north country to Klanjec. Visit its Antun Augustincic Museum and Gallery and the Church of St. Mary before traveling to Kumrovec, a quaint village nestled near the Sulta River and Slovenian border. Recognized as the birthplace of Tito, the village features the Kumrovec Staro Selo Museum, an open-air museum with well-preserved houses from the end of the 19th century. During your visit to the museum, gain insight into the lifestyles of an authentic Zagorje village. Then enjoy regional specialties during lunch at a family-run eatery that offers stunning views of Croatia’s countryside.
April 22
Depart for gateway city
After breakfast, bid farewell to this beautiful region of Europe. AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for a group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer depart for Zagreb Airport for your return flights home. Your Travel Director will provide the details.
Map:
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