Authentic Croatia from Poreč to Dubrovnik

POREC, PULA, ZADAR, SPLIT, MLJET, DUBROVNIK

Day 1 POREČ ARRIVAL, Sunday

Upon arrival at Venice, Pula or Ljubljana airport, transfer to Poreč port, where embarkation begins at 2 pm. Settle in your cabin, before attending a Welcome reception followed by dinner this evening. 

Day 2 POREČ – ROVINJ – NATIONAL PARK BRIJUNI – PULA, Monday

We sail along the Istrian Peninsula and dock in the romantic town of Rovinj. We feel the town’s history as we walk around the Old town’s winding streets to the foot of the Church of St. Euphemia, a favorite gathering place of artists from around the world. We continue our cruise to the Brijuni National Park, once the personal State Summer Residence of President Marshal Josip Broz Tito. On the island, flora, fauna, and heritage are uniquely and harmoniously blended. Following our visit, lunch is served on board, before we reach Pula, arguably one of the most beautiful Istrian cities. We walk in the footsteps of the Romans and visit the Amphitheatre in Pula. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover this ancient town on your own.

Day 3 PULA – MALI LOŠINJ – ZADAR, Tuesday

In the morning we visit of Mali Lošinj. Thanks to its mild climate, pinewoods, and fresh air, the island of Mali Lošinj is an ideal place to rejuvenate. Afterward, lunch is served aboard, while we continue our journey towards Zadar. There is time for a swim near one of the small islands along the way. We set our compass south to Zadar, a city of exceptional history and rich cultural heritage. Dinner is served on board tonight.

Day 4 ZADAR – KRKA NATIONAL PARK – PRIMOŠTEN, Wednesday

After breakfast, there is a walking tour of Zadar’s historical center. We admire the 16th century Port Gate where the Venetian lion still guards the entrance. We then see the Square of the Five Wells, the Church of St. Donat, the Roman Forum and the largest cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. After our tour, we stop for a tasting of traditional Maraschino liqueur. While we are sailing to Vodice, lunch is served. Next up is Krka National Park, known for its magnificent waterfalls. Afterward, we continue by motorcoach to Primošten where we rejoin our ship. The evening is at leisure in town.

Day 5 SPLIT – HVAR, Thursday

We start the day in Split with a walking tour, featuring the historic inner city built around the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Cultural site. We see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple and its Cathedral. Then we board our ship for lunch, and cruise towards Hvar, Croatia’s sunniest island with 8 centuries of architecture waiting to be explored. On our walking tour, through the picturesque little streets we discover the first public theatre in Europe. The rest of the day is free to pop into craft shops, cafes and restaurants, tucked into old Venetian palaces.
Note: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbor (during peak season in July and August) the port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad/ Jelsa. In that case, transfers by bus will be organized to and from Hvar.

Day 6 KORČULA – MLJET, Friday

This morning, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic bring us to the magical island of Korčula and its fairy-tale like walled town. The island is believed to be the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. Our walking tour takes us through its narrow, cobble stone streets, and includes a visit to the majestic Gothic- Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark. Lunch is served on board as we set sail for Mljet Island. Mljet National Park features five types of forest, many species of birds, and two deep lakes called Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Tonight, on board our ship, we enjoy the Captain’s dinner with live entertainment and a glass of wine.

Day 7 DUBROVNIK, Saturday

This morning, we sail into beautiful Dubrovnik. After breakfast, we take a walking tour of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of Adriatic” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We visit the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy. Lunch is served on board, and in the afternoon, you are free to explore more of Dubrovnik’s history at your own pace. Tonight, there is a dinner in a local restaurant. Afterward, we return to our ship for the last night onboard.

Day 8 DUBROVNIK DEPARTURE, Sunday

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark. You will be transferred to the airport or to your Dubrovnik hotel. End of our services.