Dalmatian Pearls Land and Cruise Tour
Discover both the coast and the best of the Croatian hinterland
Begin your exploration in Zagreb, delving into its historic and cultural treasures
Visit Plitvice National Park, cascading waterfalls and stunning interconnected lakes, one of Europe’s most remarkable natural wonders
Step aboard on a coastal voyage, visiting charming towns and islands
Indulge in local flavours at restaurants and wineries along the way
Itinerary
Upon reaching Zagreb, you’ll receive a transfer to your hotel. Take pleasure in a leisurely evening at your own pace.
Begin your day with a morning city tour of Zagreb, which includes a delightful stroll through the historic Upper Town. On this excursion, you’ll have the chance to explore iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the Lotrščak Tower.
We’ll set off in the morning for Croatia’s oldest and most breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to 16 interconnected lakes and a mesmerizing array of waterfalls. This pristine environment has served as a backdrop for Karl May movies, and you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
Prepare for a captivating 3-hour walk through the park, where you’ll also experience a boat ride on the emerald-green waters of Kozjak Lake before making your way back to the park’s entrance. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy this wondrous environment!
Begin your day with a guided morning tour of Split, a UNESCO-protected city steeped in Roman architecture, notably the Diocletian Palace. Your tour ends at the harbor for cruise check-in, with luggage transfer arranged.
At 13:00h, we set sail from Split to Makarska along the Dalmatian coast, enjoying lunch onboard. In the afternoon, take a refreshing swim at a beautiful beach. The evening brings us to Makarska, where you can explore its charming streets, filled with churches and cultural gems, for an overnight stay.
We’ll set off early in the morning, heading towards the captivating island of Mljet. Along the way, we’ll pause for a refreshing swim stop at Pelješac. A significant part of Mljet is designated as a national park, and we have an afternoon visit planned.
We highly recommend exploring the seawater lakes within the park, and you can even make your way to the tranquil St. Mary’s Island nestled in the heart of the larger lake. Here, you can visit the charming church and monastery. For those looking to continue their exploration, you can opt for a leisurely walk or rent a bike to further explore these stunning lakes.
Following breakfast, we’ll set sail for Dubrovnik, a town renowned as Croatia’s most famous and often considered the highlight of this cruise. The great Irish writer, George Bernard Shaw, once described Dubrovnik as “heaven on earth.” As we journey towards this enchanting destination, relish the unbelievable views of the coastal stretches and admire the breathtaking beauty of the coastline.
Upon our arrival in Dubrovnik, you have the choice to explore this remarkable city at your own pace or to join a guided city tour. Consider taking an optional cable car ride to the Srđ mountain for unparalleled views of the Old Town. Don’t forget to stroll along Stradun, a street and square within the Old Town, and explore at least a portion of the 1,940-meter-long city walls, which have safeguarded Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks over the centuries.
In the late morning, we’ll embark on our journey towards the island of Šipan or the charming town of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. These picturesque locales provide ideal spots for a refreshing afternoon swim, and you’ll also have leisure time to explore at your own pace, with the option to visit a local winery.
As evening descends, relish a delightful Captain’s dinner onboard, a special culinary experience to remember. You’ll spend the night in the port, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay.
Following breakfast, our voyage takes us to the captivating island of Korčula, renowned as one of the iconic islands in the Dubrovnik region. This is the very birthplace of the famed explorer, Marco Polo.
We’ll enjoy a delightful lunch on board while anchored in a bay near Korčula town. In the afternoon, our cruise continues, eventually bringing us to Korčula town itself. The town’s encircling walls and bastions have stood tall since the 13th century, offering a glimpse into its rich history. Explore the charming churches and museums scattered throughout the town.
We’ll set sail early towards the Paklinski Islands, located near Hvar, the Adriatic’s longest island. Here, we’ll indulge in a delightful lunch and take a refreshing swim break.
In the afternoon, you have the option to partake in an optional sightseeing tour of Hvar Town, a town that often feels like a movie set. Hvar boasts a Renaissance cathedral with its original tower and is home to the oldest community theater in Europe, founded back in 1612.
Hvar is renowned as a jet-set island, offering a plethora of entertainment, exceptional restaurants, vibrant bars, and charming cafes that serve drinks well into the night. Don’t forget to explore local stalls and purchase some island lavender as a keepsake for your visit.
Our next stop is the island of Brač, where we’ll enjoy a swim break at the famous Zlatni Rat beach in Bol. After lunch, we’ll continue towards Split, stopping at another inviting bay on Brač for more swimming. You can also go on an optional river rafting or zip line adventure on the Cetina River. As we approach Split, you’ll admire the city’s monumental beauty, including the UNESCO-protected Roman Diocletian’s Palace. Split offers a lively atmosphere with numerous bistros, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Gather one final time for breakfast, exchanging heartfelt farewells with both your fellow travelers and the dedicated crew who have made your journey exceptional. As you disembark in the Opatija port, the crew will extend their warm farewells.
Pricing
Included in price
3 overnights with breakfast (2x Zagreb and Split)
Accommodation on board with breakfast & three-course lunch on board
Captain’s dinner
English speaking tour manager on board
Guided tours of Zagreb, Plitvice, Split and Dubrovnik
Daily cabin service
A mid-week fresh set of towels and bed linen
Luggage handling
Olive oil and wine tasting on board
Afternoon tea and coffee with biscuits
Complimentary water (during cruise)
Free WIFI
Obligatory visitors tax & port fees (60€) to be payed on spot
Description
Embark on an immersive land and cruise tour that unveils the rich tapestry of Croatia’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Your journey begins in Zagreb, a vibrant capital with historic treasures. Venture to the pristine Plitvice National Park, where cascading waterfalls and emerald lakes enchant the senses.
As you cruise along the captivating Dalmatian coast, discover the coastal gems of Split and Makarska. Explore the idyllic island of Mljet, delve into the UNESCO-protected wonders of Dubrovnik, and relax on the tranquil island of Šipan. The journey continues to the historic town of Korčula, the jet-set island of Hvar, and the famed Zlatni Rat beach on Brač. Conclude your adventure with a return to the vibrant city of Split, offering a perfect blend of ancient beauty and modern vitality.
But this expedition isn’t solely about the destinations; it’s about our guides making every moment seamless for you. From the moment you set foot in Croatia, they ensure hassle-free holidays and curate exceptional experiences.
So, are you ready to embark on an adventure that promises not just sights, but feelings? Where every sunset paints a picture and every dawn brings new possibilities? Join us, and let’s create memories that last a lifetime.
Boats
Steel-hulled ships, combining classic aesthetics with contemporary design, provide comfortable lodging in generously appointed, air-conditioned ensuite rooms featuring either double or twin beds, along with amenities such as a hairdryer and a secure safe. These top-tier vessels typically span 29 to 35 meters in length, with cabins ranging from 8 to 14 square meters in size.