Croatia – Jewel of the Adriatic, May 16-30, 2026, with Spann Vineyards

Day 1: Saturday, May 16

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 or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Sunday, May 17

ZAGREB – PLEŠIVICA WINE REGION – ZAGREB

Breakfast at the hotel. Late morning departure towards Jastrebarsko and Plešivica wine road. Visit and enjoy a splendid gourmet lunch at Korak Winery, one of the most famous wineries in Croatia. Taste some of their delicious Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines followed by a tasting lunch. The perfect hilltop view gives the winery a unique panorama. In the afternoon return to Zagreb, for a guided walking tour. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, see St. Mark Church, with its multi color 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 Jelačić in the main square. (B,L)

Day 3: Monday, May 18

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: Keight Hotel Opatija (2 nights)

Day 4: Tuesday, May 19

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”. The first stop will be in Motovun, one of Istria’s inland hilltop towns, surrounded by charming vineyards. Wine tasting and light lunch will be served in one of the best wineries in the region. Taste local wines and food, while admiring the stunning view. After the tasting, departure towards Rovinj — perhaps the most beautiful town in 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. Overnight in Opatija. (B,L)

Day 5 Wednesday, May 20

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 Placich (1 night)

Day 6: Thursday, May 21

PLITVICE –  ZADAR

After breakfast departure towards Zadar. Along the way, we will make a stop for lunch. Afternoon arrival to Zadar, check into the hotel. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Zadar. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Kolovare (1 night)

Day 7: Friday, May 22

ZADAR – TROGIR – SPLIT

After breakfast, we head to Zadar, the oldest university town in Croatia, famous for its rich historical heritage. You can feel the historical allure at each step, from the Roman Forum built in the 1st Century to the St Donat church dating from the 9th century. Among many museums, the Museum of ancient glass stands out together with over 30 churches and majestic family palaces and villas. On the waterfront, the award-winning Sea Organ and “Greeting to the Sun” light installations show the contemporary side of Zadar. Visit the town of Trogir, a UNESCO site with a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. Trogir has a high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as fortresses on a small island. Sometimes it is referred to as the floating museum town. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant and you will have an opportunity to taste a traditional Dalmatian stew “pašticada”, a dish all Dalmatians are very proud of. In the afternoon head to Split. Overnight in Split. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Cornaro Split (1 night)

Day 8: Saturday, May 23

SPLIT – EMBARK AVANGARD – HVAR

Enjoy the morning sightseeing in Split, a historic town under UNESCO world heritage protection with an abundance of Roman architecture – of special interest is the magnificent Diocletian Palace, once the home to the Roman Emperor. Check-in from 14.00h onwards in the harbor for the cruise. The welcome meet & greet cocktail reception on board. Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, known for lush lavender fields and breathtaking beauty. Arrive in the afternoon for a guided tour of the town’s historical landmarks — the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. Hike up the zig-zag path to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Pakleni islands. In the evening Hvar offers a great choice of entertainment – numerous restaurants, bars and clubs with many open long into the night. Overnight in the port. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 7 nights aboard motor yacht AVANGARD

Day 9: Sunday, May 24

HVAR – BIŠEVO (BLUE CAVE) / VIS

Early morning cruise towards the small island Biševo to visit the Blue Cave —a stunning natural phenomenon. Visiting is subject to weather conditions. If the cave is accessible an entrance fee must be paid – approx. 10-15 euro. Later, 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. On the island’s northern side lie the ruins of ancient Issar — the first urban center in Croatia. 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, May 25

VIS – KORČULA

Early morning departure towards the island of Korčula, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route. Afternoon arrival in Korčula followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. The fishbone street pattern was used in Korčula Old Town’s design to provide a natural cooling effect providing citizens with sheltered and comfortable accommodation. Excursion to a small village near Korčula for a typical Dalmatian dinner and to learn more about the history and traditional way of living. Overnight in Korčula. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Tuesday, May 26

KORČULA – MLJET

Venture further 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 — an old 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!  Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island. There are great seafood restaurants ashore on Mljet. This evening is at leisure for independent dining. Overnight in port Polača or Pomena. (B,L)

Day 12: Wednesday, May 27

MLJET – SLANO (STON)

Departure for the small village of Slano, a peaceful fishermen’s village and 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, May 28

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 town. 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 or walk on the top of the massive city walls before returning to the ship. Transfer back to the vessel for the Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B,CD)

Day 14: Friday, May 29

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 at the family-owned agrotourism
• 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, May 30

SATURDAY

Gather this morning for your final breakfast on the MS Avangard to say your goodbyes to your fellow guests and crew. Complimentary group transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for onward flights. (B)