Croatia – Jewel of the Adriatic, May 24-June 7, 2025, with Josh & Carrie Bendick of Holly's Hill Vineyards

Day 1: Saturday, May 24

ARRIVAL TO ZAGREB

Upon arrival at Zagreb International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Expanding Horizons escort and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby.  We will walk a short distance to a local Zagreb restaurant for tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)

OVERNIGHT: Le Premier Hotel, Zagreb (2 nights)

Day 2: Sunday, May 25

ZAGREB – PLEŠIVICA WINE REGION – ZAGREB

This morning we have a guided walking tour to explore the heritage of Zagreb. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, see St. Mark’s Church, with its multicolor tiled roof, the lavishly baroque St. Catherine’s Church, Parliament, the government palace, and many fine old buildings. The lower city is presided over by a statue of a mounted Ban Jelacic in the main square. Zagreb’s Stone Gate is a mystical place and the most significant shrine in Zagreb. Light a candle and pray for health, happiness, good luck and love. Following our walking tour, depart by coach towards Jastrebarsko, along the Plešivica Wine Road. Visit and enjoy a splendid gourmet lunch at Korak Winery, one of the most famous wineries on Croatia’s most popular continental wine region. In the cellar taste some of their delicious Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The perfect hilltop view gives the winery a unique panorama. In the afternoon return to Zagreb. This evening is at leisure to dine independently. (B,L)

Day 3 Monday, May 26

ZAGREB – OPATIJA

Following breakfast, will be heading towards Opatija. On the way we will stop for a lunch break. The famous Opatija Riviera is often compared to the charming French Riviera. Royal families, celebrities and musicians have all stayed in Opatija. Our experienced guide will tell you the magnificent history of Opatija and show you its most precious monuments. Walk the famous Franz Joseph promenade – Lungomare to the fishermen’s village of Volosko, home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia and enjoy Choco bar to try exclusive chocolate cocktails, cakes or ice cream. There’s a real café-society here. Dinner in a restaurant on Opatija Riviera. Overnight in Opatija. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Bristol (2 nights)

Day 4: Tuesday, May 27

OPATIJA – ISTRIA TOUR – OPATIJA

Today you will have a full-day coach excursion and get to know the Istrian peninsula, usually called the “Croatian Tuscany”. Visit Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful town of Istria with its unique location on a small peninsula overlooked by the St Euphemia Church, centrally located and offering amazing views of the surrounding islands. Strolling the cobbled streets among colorful buildings and passing by numerous art galleries you will feel a true Mediterranean charm and the presence of Italian cultural influence. After Rovinj you will continue to a local rural tavern where Istrian lunch with local wine, delicious olive oil and truffles will be served. Before returning to Opatija you will stop in one of Istria’s inland hilltop towns, surrounded by charming vineyards. Overnight in Opatija. (B,L)

Day 5: Wednesday, May 28

OPATIJA – PLITVICE LAKES

After breakfast, departure towards the Plitvice Lakes with a stop for lunch and then continue to the most beautiful and oldest national park in Croatia under UNESCO protection consisting of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. The park is located in the Lika Mountain region and is visited mostly on foot – however, the visit includes a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake “Kozjak”. The visit to the park grounds takes approx. 4 hours. After the sightseeing relax surrounded by the pristine beauty of this unique area. Dinner in the hotel. Overnight in the Plitvice Lakes area.(B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Palcich (1 night)

Day 6: Thursday, May 29

PLITVICE – RASTOKE – ZADAR

Departure after breakfast. First stop is a small picturesque watermill village of Rastoke. Its cascading falls and traditional wooden houses evoke a fairytale feeling. The journey proceeds with a drive along the scenic coastal road, enjoying the beautiful views of Adriatic coastline. Along the way we will make a stop for lunch. Upon arrival in Zadar, check into the hotel and freshen up. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Kolovare (1 night)

Day 7: Friday, May 30

ZADAR – TROGIR – SPLIT

Zadar is the oldest university town in Croatia, with an immense historical heritage. See the 1^st Century Roman Forum and the 9^th Century St. Donat Church, the Museum of Ancient Glass, over 30 churches, majestic family palaces and villas. The Zadar waterfront has the fascinating Sea Organ and the “Greeting to the Sun” light installations. Later visit Trogir, a UNESCO site with its own fascinating 2,300-year history. Trogir was created under the influence of ancient Greeks, Romans, and then the Venetians. This small island has numerous palaces, churches, towers and prominent fortresses. Enjoy a guided walking tour, followed by lunch featuring the traditional and delicious Dalmatian stew “pašticada”. This afternoon travel to Split. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Cornaro (1 night)

Day 8: Saturday, May 31

SPLIT – EMBARK AVANGARD – HVAR

Split is another historic Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an abundance of Roman architecture.  Of special interest is the magnificent Diocletian Palace, once home to the Roman Emperor.  At 2pm board the vessel AVANGARD for check-in, followed by welcome cocktails and lunch on board. Leaving Split, depart for Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, known for lush lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Arrive in the afternoon for a guided tour of the town’s historical landmarks, including the Renaissance cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe, founded in 1612. Hike up to the fortress along the zig-zag path that overlooks the harbor with dramatic scenic views of Pakleni Islands. Hvar has ample nightlife and entertainment including plentiful restaurants, bars and clubs. Many are open long into the night. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 7 nights aboard motor yacht AVANGARD

Day 9: Sunday, June 1

HVAR – BIŠEVO (BLUE CAVE) / VIS

Early morning cruise towards the small island Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon (entrance to be paid on the spot – approx. 10-15 EUR). As sometimes weather conditions can be very unpredictable, the possibility of a cave visit will depend on those conditions however, you will be notified in time. Continue to the island of Vis, once a strategic naval Yugoslav base and closed to the public for years. Due to this isolation, Vis retains a special charm – “the Mediterranean as it once was” making it really interesting to visit. Situated on the northern side of the island, Vis has developed near the remains of ancient Issa, the first urban center in Croatia. Sample local wines. If interested, visit the remains of the Roman Thermal Place, and the city museum or simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront. There are marvelous small restaurants and cafes in Vis. This evening is at leisure for independent dining. Overnight in the port of Vis. (B,L,T)

Day 10: Monday, June 2

VIS – KORČULA

Sail to the island of Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, stopping for lunch in one of the secluded bays. Arrive in Korčula this afternoon. This enchanting town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Korcula’s streets were paved in a fishbone pattern, providing a natural cooling effect.  Later journey a short distance to a small hilltop village to experience a typical Dalmatian lifestyle with dinner, cooked over wood coals at Benin Restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Tuesday, June 3

KORČULA – MLJET

Venture south to the Island of Mljet. Legend has it that the epic Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. Mljet Island is the site of numerous ancient shipwrecks.   After our swim stop, stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park, followed by a boat ride to St. Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine Monastery, Abbey and 12^th century church.  Alternatively, kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars can be rented to roam the national park or explore the island on your own. Beware of the nymphs!  There are great seafood restaurants ashore on Mljet. This evening is at leisure for independent dining. (B,L)

Day 12: Wednesday, June 4

MLJET – SLANO (STON)

Leaving Mljet, sail to the small mainland village of Slano, a peaceful fishermen’s village.  This is also the starting point for Ston, another fortified small village renowned for its high-quality oysters. Explore the town’s medieval ramparts, followed by a special oyster tasting in the village of Mali Ston. Afterward there is a short walking tour of Ston town.  See the famous Salt Works here.  This was the source of much of Dubrovnik’s wealth during the Renaissance years. Enormous walls protected the town from invaders coveting salt, a precious commodity before refrigeration.  Tonight a light dinner is served on board. (B,T,D)

Day 13: Thursday, June 5

SLANO – DUBROVNIK

Early morning departure to Dubrovnik, one of the world’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Before tying up at the Gruž Harbor, enjoy a cruise alongside the old Dubrovnik city walls while lunch is served on deck. After docking, transfer to the old town for the guided walking tour of this magical city. Board the cable car from Dubrovnik Old Town to Srđ Mountain for scenic views of the city and Elaphiti Islands. Meander through narrow streets lined with buildings displaying Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.  Walk along the massive city walls before returning to the ship. Tonight is the Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment. (B,CD)

Day 14: Friday, June 6

DUBROVNIK

After breakfast today is free to discover the Old Town Dubrovnik on your own. The cruise manager can arrange optional different excursions such as:

• Visit of the old mill and lunch
• Wine tasting and lunch and visit of Trsteno Arboretum
• Full day excursion to Kotor, Montenegro

This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board.(B,D)

Day 15: Saturday, June 7

SATURDAY

After breakfast, transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for onward flights.