Croatia – Jewel of the Adriatic, May 2-16, 2026, with Bob Briner & Kari Vigeland of Two Amigos Winery

Day 1: Saturday, May 2

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 (2 nights)

Day 2: Sunday, May 3

ZAGREB – PLEŠIVICA WINE REGION – ZAGREB

Breakfast. 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: Tuesday, May 4

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: Wednesday, May 5

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. Return to Opatija. (B,L)

Day 5: Monday, May 6

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 7

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. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Kolovare (1 night)

Day 7: Friday, May 8

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. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Cornaro (1 night)

Day 8: Saturday, May 9

SPLIT – EMBARK AURELIA – 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 AURELIA 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 AURELIA

Day 9: Sunday, May 10

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, May 11

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. Late afternoon excursion to a small village near Korčula for a typical Dalmatian dinner and to find out more about the history and traditional way of living. Overnight in Korčula. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Tuesday, May 12

KORČULA – MLJET

The next morning, head further south to the Island of Mljet. The legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St. Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a Church dating back to the 12th Century. Alternatively, rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars to roam around the National Park or island on your own, but 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 13

MLJET – SLANO (STON)

Departure for the small village of Slano on the mainland, a peaceful fishermen’s village and the starting point for Ston, another, once fortified small village famous for its oysters. After exploring the town’s vast medieval ramparts, head for a small village nearby Mali Ston to learn more about oysters and a special tasting of this delicacy. Tonight a light dinner is served on board. (B,T,D)

Day 13: Thursday, May 14

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 Walls 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. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B,CD)

Day 14: Friday, May 15

DUBROVNIK

After breakfast, you are free to discover the Old Town on your own or we can organize different excursions from Dubrovnik. Optional excursions:

• Visit the old mill and have 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 16

SATURDAY

After breakfast, transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for onward flights.