Croatia – Jewel of the Adriatic, July 31 - August 14, 2027, with Susanne & Jacques Sapier of Vineyard Grant James

Day 1: Saturday, July 31

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, August 1

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: Monday, August 2

ZAGREB – RASTOKE – PLITVICE LAKES

Journey from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, stopping in the picturesque watermill village of Rastoke. Here cascading falls and traditional wooden houses create a fairytale setting. En route to Plitvice Lakes, stop for a lunch before continuing to the most beautiful and oldest national park in Croatia, with 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. Located in the Lika Mountains, walk through much of the park before a boat ride across emerald green Lake Kozjak. Spend some 4 hours here, with time to relax and take in the pristine beauty of this unique area. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night PLITVICE LAKES – Hotel Palcich (or similar)

Day 4: Tuesday, August 3

PLITVICE LAKES – OPATIJA

The charming Opatija Riviera is a smaller but very similar version of the more famous French Riviera. Since the mid-1800’s royal families, celebrities and musicians have summered in Opatija. There’s a real café-society here. We’ll hear the history of Opatija and see this seaside city’s many monuments. Walk the famous Franz Joseph promenade “Lungomare” to the fishermen’s village of Volosko. This is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia. At the Choco Bar sample exclusive chocolate cocktails, cakes and ice-cream. Dinner tonight will be in an Opatija local restaurant. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights OPATIJA – Keight Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Wednesday, August 4

OPATIJA – ISTRIA TOUR – OPATIJA

Today explore the Istrian Peninsula, often called “Croatia’s Tuscany”. The town of Rovinj sits alone on a small peninsula and has a strong Italian influence. Stroll along cobbled Mediterranean streets passing by numerous art galleries. From St. Euphemia Church take in amazing views of the surrounding Adriatic islands. This afternoon dine at a rural tavern, with a lunch featuring local wines, olive oil and truffles. Before returning to Opatija, stop in Motovun, one of Istria’s hilltop towns surrounded by lush vineyards. A tasting of the renowned Istrian wines of Roxanich will complete the day. (B,L)

Day 6: Thursday, August 5

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, August 6

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 2,300 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 Split(1 night)

Day 8: Saturday, August 7

SPLIT – EMBARK AURELIA – HVAR

Enjoy the morning sightseeing in Split — another historic Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea. It is under UNESCO World Heritage protection and offers 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, August 8

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,D)

Day 10: Monday, August 9

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, August 10

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, August 11

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,L,D)

Day 13: Thursday, August 12

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,L,D)

Day 14: Friday, August 13

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, August 14

DEPART DUBROVNIK

After breakfast, transfer to Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport (DBV) for onward flights. (B)

A complimentary group transfer to the airport is provided. Individual transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.