16 Day Premium Croatia Uncovered with Coastal Cruise

Welcome to Croatia! Upon your arrival in Zagreb, you'll be transferred to the hotel, where a welcome drink awaits to mark the beginning of your adventure. Once you've settled in, enjoy a warm welcome dinner as you start to soak in the excitement of the journey ahead. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour of Zagreb led by an expert English-speaking guide. As we explore the charming, fortified Upper Town, we'll encounter some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark's Church with its striking multicolored tiled roof, the Parliament building, the government palace, and a number of beautifully preserved historic structures. Following the tour, the journey continues to the scenic shores of Kvarner Bay, arriving in Opatija—a town often regarded as the birthplace of Croatian tourism. Once a beloved retreat of the Habsburgs and European aristocracy, Opatija was frequented by cultural figures such as Mahler, Chekhov, and Isadora Duncan. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in this elegant coastal town. Inspiring Highlights Zagreb Walking Tour Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Today offers a chance to explore the enchanting Istrian peninsula, beginning with a visit to the ancient city of Pula, home to a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre that has stood for over 2,000 years. From there, we'll continue to Rovinj—a coastal gem often considered the most beautiful town in Istria and a long-time muse for artists and creatives. After some free time to wander Rovinj's charming streets and soak in its vibrant atmosphere, the journey takes us inland to the hilltop town of Motovun. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample one of Istria's most celebrated culinary delights: the truffle. The day concludes with a return to Opatija for an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Istria Peninsula Highlights: Pula, Rovinj and Motovun Pula Amphitheatre Truffle Tasting Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

An early morning departure sets the tone for an unforgettable day as we journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park—Croatia's oldest and most renowned national park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the mountainous region of Lika, this natural wonder features a breathtaking network of 16 interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forested trails. Most of the park is explored on foot, so comfortable walking shs are essential. A scenic boat ride across the emerald-green waters of Lake Kozjak adds to the experience, immersing you in the park's unique turquoise beauty. The visit lasts approximately three hours and offers countless moments of awe and reflection. Afterwards, we continue on to the historic coastal city of Zadar, where dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant, followed by an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Plitvice Lakes - UNESCO World Heritage Site Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, the day begins with a guided exploration of Zadar—a city steeped in history and cultural richness. Highlights include the impressive Roman Forum, dating back to the 1st century AD, and the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, a symbol of early medieval architecture. A true modern marvel awaits at the Zadar Sea Organ, an innovative installation that transforms the movement of the sea into hauntingly beautiful music—an experience unique to this coastal town. From Zadar's Old Town, we venture into the Dalmatian hinterland for a visit to a local winery. Here, you'll enjoy a tasting of authentic Dalmatian wines alongside refined international cuvées, paired with Croatian-style tapas—a delicious way to experience the region's culinary traditions. The day concludes with a scenic drive to Split, where we'll settle in for the night. Inspiring Highlights Guided tour of Zadar Wine and Croatian Tapas Tasting Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today offers a rich exploration of Split, a city shaped by seventeen centuries of continuous change. Here, history is ever-present—where 18th-century homes blend seamlessly with ancient Roman walls, and fourth-century chambers have evolved into modern-day apartments. At the heart of this layered urban tapestry stands Diocletian's Palace, built by the Roman emperor as his retirement residence in the early 4th century. This living monument remains the centerpiece of Split's old town and a remarkable symbol of the city's enduring legacy. Following our time in Split, we'll journey to the nearby town of Trogir for a special lunch featuring a traditional Dalmatian dish, served at the charming Tragos restaurant. Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 2,300 years of uninterrupted urban history, shaped by Greek, Roman, and Venetian influences. With its wealth of palaces, churches, towers, and a fortress all clustered on a small island, Trogir is often called a “floating museum”—a fitting description for a town that so beautifully preserves its storied past. Inspiring Highlights Diocletian Palace Trogir Visit - UNESCO World Heritage Site Traditional Dalmatian Lunch Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

As we make our way to Dubrovnik, our journey will make a stop near the historic town of Ston, where we'll visit a family-run winery renowned for producing “Plavac Mali,” a grape variety closely related to Zinfandel. This vineyard carries a rich heritage, with traditional winemaking techniques passed down through generations—each bottle telling a story of care, legacy, and deep connection to the land. During our visit, we'll enjoy a guided wine presentation that offers insight into the distinctive characteristics of the Plavac Mali grape and the winemaking process itself. The tasting will be accompanied by a selection of local snacks, allowing us to savour the full expression of the region's flavors. We then continue on to Dubrovnik, where we'll arrive in time for dinner and settle in for the night. Inspiring Highlights Winery visit with tasting and local snacks Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Step back in time as we explore the magnificent old city of Dubrovnik, a place where history and heritage have been remarkably preserved. Completed in the 13th century, the city's layout has remained largely unchanged, with its impressive medieval ramparts still fully enclosing the Old Town. Entry is through one of two historic gates, and as you cross the stone bridge beneath the gaze of Saint Blaise—Dubrovnik's revered patron—you'll be immersed in the city's enduring spirit. Our guided walk along the Stradun, the gleaming stone-paved promenade at the heart of the Old Town, will be complemented by a visit to the Franciscan Church and Monastery. This serene complex is home to one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, as well as an elegant cloister and rich collection of religious art—offering a quiet moment of reflection amid the city's lively streets. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace—whether that's visiting more historical landmarks, relaxing at a café, or taking in the views from the city walls. Inspiring Highlights Guided tour of Dubrovnik Franciscan Church and Monastery

After breakfast, make you way to to Dubrovnik Harbour Gruz for a 1pm departure sailing for your Katarina Line coastal cruise. Lunch is served while navigating along the Dalmatian coast either to one of the Elaphiti islands - Šipan, or to the small village Slano on the mainland. Both are peaceful fishermen's villages where there is often a fabulous sunset. Overnight in the port.

After breakfast, cruise towards the island and Mljet National Park (entrance fee tobe paid on the spot). Lunch on board. Free time to enjoy the salt lakes in the NationalPark and enjoy the sun and sea on this tranquil island. The large lake is inside theNational park, and in the middle one can visit an old abbey and church, or just usea can to roam around the lakes in the National park. Bicycles can also be hired tocycle around the paths surrounding the lakes. Continue to the island of Korčulawhere we arrive in the late afternoon. Join our guided tour of Korčula (included onPremium Superior). Surrounded by ancient walls and fortified bastions Korčula's oldtown is very well preserved. Overnight in one of the ports of Korčula, depending onavailability (the main port in the town centre/ port of Dominče / ferry port (3 km away).

Early in the morning, cruise towards the little island of Biševo and visit to the BlueCave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. The visit depends on prevailingconditions, entrance ticket to be paid on the spot. The cruise continues towards theisland of Vis, once a strategic harbour for the Yugoslav navy, closed to the publicuntil recently. Because of this very isolation, Vis retained a special charm of ‘theMediterranean as it once was' which makes it really interesting to see. Overnight inthe town of Vis, situated on the northern side of the island, developed near theremains of ancient Issa, the first urban centre in Croatia. If interested, visit theremains of the Roman thermal place, City museum or simply take a walk enjoyingthe views of the beautiful villae rusticae situated along the waterfront. For thosewandering to see more – rent a car or scooter and explore this wonderful island onyour own.

The next destination is the tiny island of Šćedro near the Hvar island. Upon arrival,time to relax and refresh in the clean, crystal blue sea. Departure towards Hvar afterlunch, followed by an optional guided tour (included on Premium Superior). Hvar isthe longest island in the Adriatic. Visit the magnificent Renaissance cathedral withits original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe which was foundedhere in 1612. Hvar offers plenty of restaurants, bars cafes and clubs, open long intothe night. Overnight in the Hvar harbour.

Leave Hvar behind and continue cruising towards the island of Bračcruise towardsBrač island and the famous town of Bol, a typical fishermen's village but also a popular tourist spot. From here, visit the most famous (and most photographed) beach in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat – renowned for its ever-changing shape, a shingle bar that moves according to the wind. Enjoy a walk through the pine forest from Bol to the Golden Horn beach or ride the tourist train (with an additional fee). Back on the ship,, cruise towards Makarska, a town with a Mediterranean feel. During a stroll, discovernumerous churches and other architectural and cultural sites. Overnight in port

Today's destination is Pučišća, a typical Mediterranean village, situated on thenorthern side of Brač island at the bottom of a deep bay. But before reaching it, stopfor swimming and relax in some secluded bay along the route. After lunch on board,explore Pučišća, home of the world-famous white stone of Brač. There is a possibilityof visiting one of the few stone masonry workshops left in Europe. Overnight in theport with the Captain's dinner onboard.

Departure for the last destination, the city of Split, with arrival in the early afternoon.The Old Town of Split is the maze of streets and cobblestoned lanes that surroundthe 1700-year-old Diocletian's Palace (the Emperor chose this spot for his retirementvilla). Both the old town and Diocletian's Palace are under UNESCO protection.People's Square (Narodni Trg) is the heart of the Old Town. Cafes and restaurantsspill out into the square and one of the highlights of a visit here is gazing up at theold town clock. On arrival join the guided tour of Split with an English-speaking guide. Overnight in Split.

Enjoy an early breakfast this morning before disembarking in Split. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience! Special Information Due to ongoing port infrastructure works in Split, small cruise vessels may be required to use alternative embarkation and/or disembarkation ports within the greater Split metropolitan area. These may include nearby ports such as Trogir or Marina Baotić. The final port location will be confirmed in your cruise documentation prior to departure. Guests are advised to ensure any onward travel arrangements remain flexible to accommodate this. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.