Slovenia & Croatia  
by Coach & Luxury Cruise 

Experience the best of Croatian and Slovenian. Travel from Venice through the majestic Julian Alps to the historic Istrian Peninsular and UNESCO listed Plitvice Lakes to join our privately chartered deluxe Dalmatian Island cruise. Immerse yourself in Slovenia’s alpine region with two nights in picturesque Lake Bled, explore the charming capital cities of Ljubljana and Zagreb and indulge in the regional flavours of Istria and the Dalmatian Coast.

HIGHLIGHTS

Lake Bled and Slovenia’s breathtaking Julian Alps

Zagreb’s historic Upper Town and St. Mark’s Church

Istrian Peninsula - beautiful seaside towns of Rovinj & Pula

Istrian hilltop villages and olive oil tasting in Bale

Spectacular UNESCO listed Plitvice Lakes

Regional specialties and wine appreciation at a family-owned Bibich vineyard in Skradin

Hvar island tour including fishing villages and a traditional peka lunch with wine Tasting

SEPTEMBER 2022

Thu 15 Auckland – Doha

Fly Auckland to Doha on Qatar Airlines. Overnight Doha.

Fri 16 Doha – Venice

Continue with Qatar Airlines to Venice. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day is free. This evening, we will meet our guide who will remain with us for the entire tour. Accommodation at either the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal or the BW Continental – both 4 star (D)

Sat 17 Venice – Postojna – Lake Bled

This morning we travel to Slovenia and discover its highlights including Postojna, one of Europe’s largest cave systems. We will then continue to picturesque Lake Bled for a pletna boat ride to explore the historic church on the island and Bled’s imposing Castle. Accommodation at Hotel Astoria – 4 star (B, L)

Sun 18 Lake Bled – Julian Alps

We discover Slovenia’s breathtaking alpine region as we travel to stunning Lake Bohinj for a cable car ride to the top of Mt Vogel with its incredible vistas. Continue our regional exploration and visit a local tourist farm for an opportunity to participate in a butter making workshop. This evening travel to a nearby village for a traditional and lively dinner in a local restaurant. Return to Lake Bled for overnight accommodation. (B, D)

Mon 19 Lake Bled – Ljubljana – Zagreb

Today we uncover Slovenia’s lively capital Ljubljana on a guided walk through its baroque Old Town. We then cross the border and travel to the Croatian capital, Zagreb to check in to your hotel. After settling in to our rooms we will join our guide for a walking tour featuring the historic Upper Town, Zagreb Cathedral and Government Palace. Accommodation at Hotel Dubrovnik – 4 star (B, D)

Tue 20 Zagreb – Bale

We continue our journey to enchanting Istria, which still retains its Venetian heritage, to explore its lesser known inland region of delightful medieval hilltop villages. Our guide will take us for a true taste of the region to visit a small family-owned olive oil factory, sample locally produced oil and enjoy lunch at a quaint local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel La Grisa. (B, L)

Wed 21 Bale – Istrian Peninsular

Experience Istria's stunning coast as we explore the picturesque fishing village of Rovinj and then continue to Pula to see its ancient amphitheatre towering over the town's centre. Return to Bale for overnight accommodation. (B, L)

Thu 22 Bale – Plitvice

This morning we take a scenic drive to one of Croatia's highlights, Plitvice Lakes. After checking in at the charming family run Hotel Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo we will take a walking tour through the park where 16 terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls offering spectacular scenery. (B, D)

Fri 23 Plitvice – Skradin – Split

This morning presents another opportunity to capture the beauty of the lakes as we walk in the Plitvice Park before travelling through Croatia's heartland to Bibich Winery. At this culinary stop we sample locally produced wines and enjoy a lunch of regional foods before proceeding to Split for an early evening arrival at your hotel. We overnight at Hotel Cornaro – 4 star. (B, L)

Sat 24 CRUISE: Split – Brac – Hvar

With our guide we will explore Split’s historic centre built around the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace. We will then meet our captain and crew as we embark on a private charter aboard the deluxe MS San Antonio through the stunning Dalmatian Islands. We set sail for beautiful Bol on the Island of Brac, for a swim at the famous Golden Horn beach. We arrive this evening in Hvar’s ancient port of Stari Grad. (B, L)

Sun 25 CRUISE: Hvar

Our Hvar experience continues with an in-depth introduction to island life on one of the world’s most stunning islands. We explore small fishing villages, see vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender (seasonal), followed by a traditional peka lunch including wine tasting at a local konoba (traditional tavern). In the afternoon we arrive in Hvar Town, the historical centre of Hvar Island, for a guided walk through this popular Adriatic hot spot. (B, L)

Mon 26 CRUISE: Hvar - Bisevo – Vis

We cruise to Bisevo Island’s incredible Blue Cave, one of the most unique natural phenomena. Only recently opened to the public, its silvery blue waters are a must –see. We continue our cruise with stops for a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic to beautiful Vis Island. Until the late 80’s Vis was closed to tourists and served as a military zone for the Yugoslav army. (B, L)

Tue 27 CRUISE: VIis - Korcula

This morning we journey to Korcula sailing along the length of the island to enchanting Korcula Town where, on a walking tour, we will see the mighty fortress and city walls. (B, L)

Wed 28 CRUISE: Korcula – Mljet

We continue our Dalmatian exploration to Mljet, one of the Adriatic’s prettiest islands. Here we will embrace the relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt beauty of the National Park, its two unique salt water lakes and medieval monastery. (B, L)

Thu 29 CRUISE: Mljet – Sipan

Enjoy refreshing swims and stops in beautiful coves as we cruise to Sipan, forming part of the picturesque Elaphiti Islands. Here we will explore the settlement of Sipanska Luka and appreciate its delightful laid back ambiance. (B, L)

Fri 30 CRUISE: Sipan – Dubrovnik

We cruise the final stretch to Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic, and take in spectacular views of the city walls and Old Harbour. We will join a walking tour of the walled city and tonight, celebrate the conclusion of our tour at a farewell dinner accompanied by klapa entertainment. (B, D)

OCTOBER 2022

Sat 01 Dubrovnik – Zagreb - Doha

Your cruise-tour concludes with a departure transfer to the airport for our flight to Zagreb where we will connect with Qatar Airlines onward flight to Doha. (B)

Sun 02 Doha – Auckland

We connect with our Qatar Airlines flight to Auckland.

Mon 03 Arrive Auckland