Croatia: Yachting the Adriatic

DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO DUBROVNIK
Following our included overnight flight, arrive in Dubrovnik to meet your local Tour Director before our welcome dinner at the hotel. D

DAY 3: MONTENEGRO/LADY OF THE ROCKS
Following a delicious breakfast at our hotel, transfer to Montenegro where we will take a guided tour of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Town situated in the most secluded part of Boks Kotorska (The Bay of Kotor). We will venture inside the Old Town gates and visit the historic Square of Arms. After, our group will continue to Perast for lunch followed by a short boat ride to Lady of the Rocks Island. This evening travel back to our hotel in Dubrovnik for dinner. B, L, D

DAY 4: CAVTAT/CRVIK WINERY
We depart this morning to Cavtat, Croatia, for a guided tour of this charming village and its port on the Adriatic. Surrounded by pine and cypress woods, Cavtat is famous for its well-tended green areas and flower arrangements. Later, our group will encounter Croatia’s Konavle wine region as we immerse ourselves in a wine-tasting experience at Crvik Winery. This historic family vineyard dates back to 1897 and has won multiple awards at both domestic and foreign competition. After lunch at a local eatery, our journey continues as we board the Mama Marija II, a remarkable superyacht docked in Dubrovnik. This privately chartered ship is an intimate experience just for our guests with 4-star service throughout. Our group will gather tonight for a welcome dinner and finish the day with live music as we anticipate the next phase of our adventure. B, L, D

DAY 5: DUBROVNIK
Start today with a guided walking tour in Dubrovnik, “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” where we’ll visit the historical center of this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. During free time, perhaps walk a section of the city walls, take a scenic cable car to the top of Mount Srđwith, or relax in a café while indulging in an espresso. This afternoon we will return to our superyacht and sail to the Island of Slano before dinner on board. B, D

DAY 6: MLJET NATIONAL PARK/ISLAND OF KORČULA
Immerse yourself today in Mljet National Park on the island of Mljet, one of the largest islands in south Dalmatia. Together we’ll relish its natural wonders and structures dating back to the 12th century. After lunch onboard, set sail for the island of Korčula, arriving in the afternoon for a guided walking tour. The town of Korčula is known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, one of the world’s most famous explorers of all time. Our guide will walk us through the narrow cobbled streets and rich history of this interesting town. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the local eateries. B, L

DAY 7: ISLAND OF VIS
This morning, we’ll cruise to the island of Vis with lunch on board and a swim stop enroute (weather permitting). Upon arrival, enjoy free time in this unique town known for being a strategic military stronghold for centuries. This small island has been largely untouched, and is a true local experience with picturesque stone streets, pristine beaches, and fine cafes. After our time on the island of Vis, enjoy dinner on board our ship together. B, L, D

DAY 8: ISLAND OF BIŠEVO/BLUE CAVE
Prepare for an enchanting experience together as we cruise to the island of Biševo and its Blue Cave, one of the most famous natural attractions in the Adriatic. If weather permits, a small boat will transport us into the Blue Cave for a breathtaking sight of light reflections that illuminate the cave walls and turn the water a silvery-blue. After lunch on board our ship, cruise along many coves and bays towards Hvar, one of the country’s most spectacular towns and a meeting point of international jetsetters. We will enjoy a walking tour of this unique city with millennia-long history and culture. This evening, enjoy free time to explore and have dinner on your own at one of the many family-owned restaurants and taverns. B, L

DAY 9: ISLAND OF BOL/TROGIR
Today we will arrive in Bol, a destination best known for its beach of ZlatniRat (Golden Cape), which regularly tops the lists of the most beautiful European beaches. During our time here, you can enjoy a walk around this Dalmatian town, enjoy a cup of coffee, or take a refreshing swim until lunch is served on board. After lunch, we will continue cruising towards Trogir, another city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, for a city tour. This town is a living museum packed with historic palaces, churches, monasteries, and towers. Afterwards, you are in for a real treat as we enjoy the Captain’s Dinner on board with live music entertainment. B, L, D

DAY 10: SPLIT/DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE
This morning, we will sail to Split, a charming city dating to the time of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. After lunch, a guide will walk us through this UNESCO site which abounds with cultural and historical sights. Our group will even have the opportunity to walk through Diocletian’s Palace, built at the end of the third century. Later this evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. B, L, D

DAY 11: SIBENIK /PROSCIUTTO/ZADAR
After departing our super yacht in Split, transfer to Sibenik for a tour of the charming streets and learn about its historical significance in the region. We will then enjoy lunch in Roca and tour a prosciutto production facility for a tasting of Croatian pršut (ham-style prosciutto). This afternoon, depart to the colorful city of Zadar for views of the ocean during our walking tour. B, L, D

DAY 12: ZAGREB/DOLAC MARKET
After a delicious breakfast, we will travel to Rastoke for a walking excursion. This afternoon brings an enjoyable three-course lunch together in a local restaurant where chefs cook our meal under traditional hot bells. After lunch, transfer to Zagreb for a walking tour of the city to see the Upper and Lower Town, including St. Mark's Church with its colorful tiled roof, the majestic Zagreb Cathedral, and the lively Ban Jelačić Square where locals and visitors gather. We will also explore some of the hidden corners of Zagreb such as the charming Dolac Market and the beautiful Tkalčićeva Street. B, L, D

DAY 13: ZAGREB FREE TIME/SLOVENIA DAY-TRIP
After a short, guided introduction tour of the capital city, Zagreb, enjoy free time to explore Croatia’s largest city. Or, join an optional day trip to Ljubljana to see the economic, political, and cultural center of Slovenia. We will explore this beautiful city and enjoy a local lunch. This evening, our group will gather together back in Zagreb to enjoy a delicious farewell dinner and recount the many wonderful memories of our time in Croatia. B, D

Option—LJUBLJANA
Join us for a day trip to Ljubljana to see the economic, political, and cultural center of Slovenia. We will explore this beautiful city and enjoy a local lunch. Price: $100 per person

DAY 14: SAY FAREWELL
Say farewell to the friends you made along the way, and travel home with new amazing memories of the Dalmatian Coast. B

Accommodations
Nights 2-3: Hotel Lero (or similar), Dubrovnik
Nights 4-10: Mamma Marija II
Night 11: Hotel Pinija, Petrčane
Nights 12-13: Hotel Academia, Zagreb

Dates:
Oct 16-29, 2024

Price Per Person:
Stateroom Lower Deck
Double: $7,497
Single: $12,995

Stateroom Main Deck
Double: $7,697
Single: $13,395

Stateroom Main Deck Premium
Double: $7,997
Single: $13,995

Port Taxes: $165 per person

Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$268/night

Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL (call for other cities)

Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, crew, and drivers
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time
Available approximately 10 months prior to departure.

Departure Time
Available approximately 10 months prior to departure.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night, please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.

Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for 3-5 miles at a time and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. Our private yacht does not have an elevator, so walking steep stairs will be required to get around the ship. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.

Average Temps
Dubrovnik – High of 71°, low of 60°
Split- High of 68°, low of 58°
Zagreb – High of 61°, low of 48°

Currency
Euro

Time Zone
GMT+1 (6 hours ahead of New York)

Hotel Amenities
All staterooms aboard the MS Mama Marija II offer air conditioning and spacious bathrooms with hair dryers and toiletries, LCD TV, safe deposit box, and ample storage.

Wi-Fi is available aboard the ship and the price is fully covered by CTD. We will travel in rural river landscapes, meaning the Wi-Fi connection at times can be limited.

The ship features a restaurant on the upper deck, with a separate bar and lounge area. There is also a fully covered outdoor deck area with plenty of seating, and a jacuzzi and swimming platform for easy access to the sea. Laundry service available for a fee.

A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship will be a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in a business casual manner. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. Toward the end of the cruise, a Captain’s Dinner will be held. For this dinner, we suggest (for the women) dress pants or skirt along with a blouse or sweater, or possibly a dress, and (for the men) dress pants along with a collared long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and possibly a blazer of some sort (blazer not required).

An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.

A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.

Land Tours begin one day later. Airport transfers are not included with Land Only Tours.

Our ports are subject to change due to weather and docking availability.

Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.