Croatia Highlights and Small Ship Cruise Vacation

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (D)

This morning, join your sightseeing tour through the historic Upper Town of Zagreb. You'll see highlights such as St. Mark's Church, St. Catherine's Church, the Cathedral and the Government Palace. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town. (B)

Head south for a visit to the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO Heritage site. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder with its 16 terraced lakes, surrounded by forested mountains and lush vegetation. A walking tour will take you around several of the lower lakes before continuing your journey to Zadar. Upon arrival, you'll board your small ship cruise and gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome reception followed by dinner. (B,D)

Zadar's pedestrian-only historical center is perfect to explore on foot. Set out on a walking tour to admire the 16th century walls, built by Venetians as a defense against the Turks. You'll witness highlights such as the 16th century Port Gate, the Square of the Five Wells, the Church of St. Donat and the Roman Forum. Return to your cruise ship for lunch as you sail to Sali. Upon arrival, you'll have some free time to explore the town and enjoy an optional dinner at one of the many restaurants. (B,L)

Take in the scenic natural beauty of two National Parks today. Start with the Kornati National Park, home to more than 140 islands with numerous caves and crystal clear waters. Your cruise will stop for a chance to swim and lunch on board. Next, visit Krka National Park, known for its breathtaking waterfalls. After your visit here, you'll return to Sibenik where your ship is anchored. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B,L)

Take a break for a swim during your morning cruising. Your ship will continue its course through lunch, arriving in the UNESCO-listed city of Trogir this afternoon. Enjoy some time on your own before heading to Split for a walking tour of the historic inner city. Here you will witness the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (B,L)

This morning, stop in Bol, home to one of the best beaches in Croatia, the Golden Horn. This long, golden-pebbled beach is unique in that it changes shape and position depending on the winds. Go for a swim in the clear blue waters before sailing to Hvar. Here you will take a sightseeing tour that includes views of the first public theater in Europe, older than Shakespeare's theater in the UK, the Franciscan Monastery, and many more historic sites. This evening is free to explore Hvar and to dine at your leisure at one of the excellent restaurants. (B,L)

After breakfast, set sail for Korcula, thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour through its narrow, cobbled streets and visit the majestic Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark. Continue sailing to the island of Mljet where you will enjoy a tour of the National Park with its Great and Small Lakes. This lovely island was supposedly a favorite holiday spot for the Greek hero Ulysses! Tonight, enjoy the captain's dinner with live entertainment on board your ship. (B,L,D)

In the morning, sail to Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. While here, take a walking tour of the old town and visit the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore this lovely city on your own. (B,L)

After a final Croatian breakfast, disembark your cruise for your transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)