(EJ) WAITLIST Croatia Cruise with Croatia/Slovenia Land Adventure – 17 Aug to 30 August 2024

Breakfast at hotel

Check out of hotel

Transfer from Hotel to the MS Antaris,  your home for the next 8 days.

MS Antaris

11 Balcony cabins Upper Deck
8 Port Hole cabins Lower Deck

MS Antaris is an outstanding deluxe vessel that made its maiden voyage in the 2019 season. Built to luxurious and high-quality standards, it boasts the latest up to date facilities. All cabins have modern amenities and a select few include a private balcony.

The MS Antaris also features a spacious salon style restaurant and bar, a sundeck with sun beds and a jacuzzi to relax in, an outdoor lounge area and a swimming platform on the back of the vessel. Come aboard for a truly unique and memorable time along the Adriatic!

Cruise Overview (program subject to change)

Breakfast onboard

Charter DUBROVNIK – SLANO

Breakfast onboard

Breakfast onboard

Charter KORCULA – VIS

Breakfast onboard

Charter – VIS – BISEVO – HVAR

Breakfast on vessel

Charter HVAR – SPLIT

Depart Stari Grad in the morning and cruise north towards the mainland. Enjoy a swim stop at one of the beautiful coves and bays that dot the coast of Brac island before having lunch on board. Then, continue to the ancient city of Split for a guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. Get acquainted with the incredible Diocletian’s Palace and learn about the rich heritage of the area. As the economic and cultural capital of the Dalmatian coast, Split offers plenty to see and do for all travellers alike. Why not climb the Bell Tower of St Domnius cathedral breathtaking views of the city, or take a walk along the Riva Promenade and peruse the many shops, bars and restaurants? The afternoon will be at your leisure to discover this lively city.

Swim Stop

A short swim stop in the stunning Adriatic for all guests before lunch

3 Course lunch onboard

Split – The City

Split is the second largest city in Croatia. In the summer, it is a dynamic and vibrant holiday resort. Its pulsating heart is the compact Old Town, composed of orderly streets and monuments of the imposing Roman emperor’s abode.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Palace, Riva, the evocative seafront promenade, runs parallel to the city in a hub of activities that buzzes with life from the early hours — replete with shops, cafes and bars, the seafront boardwalk is where both locals and tourists congregate day and night, mingling and mixing.

If the city centre and the crowded beaches have become a major draw for tourists, Split peninsula is where serenity reign supreme and the backdrop of Mediterranean flora shapes the atmosphere.

Split – Do & See

The ancient walls of the Old City encircle squares, crescents and architectural beauties that create a cultural hub for the travellers to discover. Split has a rich history that is apparent to everyone who sets foot in the city. Here you will find historical sites as The Cathedral Of St. Domnius, the main part of which dates to the 4th century CE; Pjaca Clock Tower and Diocletian’s Palace to name a few.

Besides the treasure of the magnificent past, Split also offers the timeless beauty of nature: its crystalline waters, long stretches of white beaches and the green oasis embedded at the tip of the peninsula are a major draw for nature lovers, offering hundreds of options for outdoor activities or water-sports.

Thanks to its stunning surroundings the captivating city of Split has fully embraced tourism, creating a destination where its natural peculiarities have been enhanced by vibrant of bars, restaurants, shops and cultural institutions.

• Diocletian’s Palace
• The Cathedral of St. Domnius
• Narodni Trg — People’s Square
• Croatian Maritime Museum
• Archaeological Museum
• Ivan Meštrović Gallery
• Split City Museum
• Marjan Forest Park
• Boat Trips
• Bakvice Beach
• Bene Beach
• Pjaca Clock Tower
• Riva Waterfront
• Trg Republike — Republic Square
• Gregory of Nin Statue
• Podrum — Cellars of Diocletian’s Palace
• Marmont Street

 

Split Walking tour

A 45 minute to 1 hour walking tour with an experienced local guide using whisper technology

Accommodation on MS Antaris

Breakfast on vessel

Charter – SPLIT

Disembark your cruise and meet the coach for the rest of the tour. Drive towards the national park Krka. Lunch. Visit of the park, known for a series of 7 waterfalls. In the south, Skradinski Buk waterfall is flanked by traditional watermills. Enjoy lunch in one of the interesting ethno villages before transferring to Plitvice. Overnight in Plitvice.

Transfer from Split Port to KRKA national Park

Krka National Park excursion

Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most enchanting natural wonders, with over 88 square miles (142-square kilometers) of lush woodlands, cascading waterfalls, and travertine cliffs stretching along the banks of the Krka River. Just minutes from the Dalmatian coast and far less visited than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the north, Krka is an idyllic retreat for hikers, cyclists, nature lovers, and just about everyone looking to escape Croatia’s well-worn tourist trail.

Lunch in an authentic Ethno Village

Accommodation at Hotel Jezero

Breakfast at Hotel

Check out from Hotel Jezero

This morning, Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Proceed to Rastoke, a village created by a whim of nature where the green and blue Slunjčica river flows over the travertine barriers into the Korana river, thereby creating a multitude of waterfalls, rapids, small lakes and cascades. Lunch on the way. Transfer to Opatija. Overnight in Opatija.

Plitvice Lakes excursion

After checking out and having breakfast a deluxe coach will pick you up to take you to the stunning Plitvice Lakes A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s oldest and largest National Park. Plitvice Lakes is made up of a system of 16 named lakes which are split between the Upper and Lower Lakes together with over 90 waterfalls. The stunning turquoise lakes are surrounded by lush green forest and waterfalls rush into the clear waters. Visitors navigate the park via a network of wooden boardwalks which meander through the stunning ecosystem.

Local Lunch at Restaurant (3 course)

Visit to Rastoke Watermill Village

Opatija – Opatija Riviera

The Opatija Riviera is a place that according to Slavic mythology was chosen by the gods who inhabited the slopes of Mount Učka, and it was also a resort for kings and emperors in the late 19th century. Today, it still offers spectacular scenery and royal treatment to every visitor. The Riviera is named after Opatija, a town that was the cradle of modern European tourism and which has for more than 170 years been considered one of the most elite Mediterranean destinations.

It would be wrong to assume that the history of tourism on the Opatija Riviera can be found only in museums. It is within the reach of every visitor to the town, so why not take the opportunity to learn more about this tradition? We invite you to take a walk along the Lungomare coastal promenade just like the Emperor Franz Joseph did in the past. After all, this promenade today bears his name. You can also pay a visit to the local cafés to sample desserts that in the past were only served in Opatija and at the Viennese Court, or admire the sunrise while listening to the murmur of the sea and taking in the fragrant scent of laurel, just like so many couples in love before…

Seventeen decades of tourism in this area are a guarantee of quality of service, as the local tourism professionals are particularly proud of their tradition and have carefully handed down knowledge from generation to generation. The hotel business on the Opatija Riviera, which started in 1884 with the construction of the Hotel Kvarner (the first hotel on the Croatian Adriatic), today still continues the “old school” tradition in which the guest always comes first. It is therefore no wonder that many visitors return again and again, and that some of them even find their home away from home here.

Accommodation at Hotel Paris

Breakfast at Hotel

Check out at Hotel Paris

Day Program

Our first stop today will be in Pula, a place of interest also to the Romans so they left their heritage here. One of the most famous Roman monuments in Pula is the Pula Amphitheatre. This beautiful and astonishing piece of art is situated just a few meters from the shore in Pula’s city centre, outside the old city walls.

The amphitheatre, one of the 6 still existig in the world, was too big to fit in the city centre. Continue towards to the picturesque Motovun, most famous for the film festival and truffles. After some free time and truffle and wine tasting proceed towards Postojna. Dinner and overnight in

Walking tour in Pula (2 hours)

Includes entrance to Pula: Amphitheatre Postojna.

Pula – The City

The ancient town of Pula has been inhabited since 1000 BC. Roman expansion into the peninsula in the first century AD has left the city with many of its most glorious monuments, including the world-renown amphitheatre which hosts the city’s annual opera festival every summer. After the fall of Rome, Pula passed through the hands of various warring groups including the Ostrogoths and the Francs before becoming part of the Venetian republic in the 12th century, leaving the port city with an eclectic mix of cultural influences which can be seen in the architecture of the city today.

Pula has a certain literary fame as well, mentioned in Dante’s 14th century classic, “The Divine Comedy,” and as the home of Irish author, James Joyce, who taught at the Berlitz School in 1905. 21st-century Pula nestles snugly at the cusp of seven hills that open out into a wide natural harbour, which has been the bustling commercial hub of the city since the mid-19th century.

The centre of the city can easily be explored on foot and many of Pula’s most exciting museums, restaurants and parks are within 10 minutes’ walk of each other. If you have time, venture beyond the city and into the surrounding area where Roman ruins lie buried in the fertile farmland and numerous tiny picturesque villages cling to the glittering coastline. It is a great area to walk in and the exquisite beauty of the nearby national parks is not to be missed.

Pula – Do & See

Pula offers a mixture of attractions for those interested in culture and history. Here you can see beautiful attractions like the Roman Amphitheatre, Ancient Cathedral, Old Town and the Temple of Augustus. Pula also offers fun family entertainment like the Aquarium with open tank with all kind of sea life. A great tourist asset is Pula’s 190 kilometre of coastline with crystal clear sea and beaches that suit everyone´s needs. If you would like to go for a short trip then Brijuni National Park is a great choose, located in an island close to Pula.

• Triumphal Arch of the Sergii
• Aquarium Pula
• The Temple of Augustus
• The Franciscan Church and Monastery
• Brijuni National Park
• The Cathedral
• Archaeological Museum of Istria
• The Arena
• Lighting Giants

Motovun visit

Continue towards to the picturesque Motovun, most famous for the film festival and truffles

Truffle and Wine tasting experience

Accommodotion at Jama

Location

This hotel is located in the heart of Postojna.

Facilities

The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service and a safe ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) is provided to guests. Guests interested in excursions can get more information at the tour desk. An elevator and wheelchair-accessible facilities are available.

A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Parking spaces are available to guests traveling by car (for a fee). Further services include room service and a laundry service. The conference room is available for conferences, lectures and meetings.

3 course dinner (restaurant or hotel)

Breakfast at Hotel

Check out from Jama

Day Program

After breakfast visit one of the largest cave systems in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train and on foot. Then, proceed to Bled. After lunch enjoy the a sightseeing tour that shows you the highlights of this charming town on the shores of Lake Bled. You’ll also visit imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. Continue Ljubljana. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Ljubljana. (B, L)

Postojna Caves Tours

The jaw-dropping Postojna Cave system, a series of caverns, halls and passages some 24km long and two million years old, was hollowed out by the Pivka River, which enters a subterranean tunnel near the cave’s entrance.

Visitors get to see 5km of the cave on 1½-hour tours; 3.2km of this is covered by a cool electric train. Postojna Cave has a constant temperature of 8°C to 10°C, with 95% humidity, so a warm jacket and decent shoes are advised.

The train takes you to the Great Mountain cavern, on a trip that’s like entering the secret lair of a James Bond villain. From here a guide escorts you on foot through tunnels, halls, galleries and caverns in one of four to six languages (audioguides are available in many more tongues).

These are dry galleries, decorated with a vast array of stalactites shaped like needles, enormous icicles and even fragile spaghetti. The stalagmites take familiar shapes but there are also bizarre columns, pillars and translucent curtains that look like rashers of bacon.

From the Velika Gora cavern you continue across the Russian Bridge, built by prisoners of war in 1916, through the 500m-long Beautiful Caves that are filled with wonderful ribbon-shaped stalactites and stalagmites that are two million years old (it takes 30 years to produce 1mm of stalactite). The halls of the Beautiful Caves are the farthest point you’ll reach; from here a tunnel stretches to the Black Cave (Črna Jama) and Pivka Cave (these can also be visited on additional tours).

The tour continues south through the Winter Hall, past the 5m, snow-white Brilliant stalagmite (also sometimes called the Diamond) and the neighbouring baroque pillar, which have become symbols of the cave. You then enter the Concert Hall, which is the largest in the cave system and can accommodate 10,000 people for musical performances. In the week between Christmas and New Year, the Live Christmas Crib (Jaslice) – the Nativity performed by miming actors – also takes place in the cave. Visitors reboard the train by the Concert Hall and return to the entrance. The river continues its deep passage underground, carving out several series of caves, and emerges again as the Unica River.

Predjama castle Excursion

Mighty Predjama Castle is perched halfway up a 123-metre cliff, where it has stood for more than 800 years. It even appears in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cave castle in the world. The castle is also connected to the legend of the “robber baron” Erasmus of Predjama. Its uniqueness has not escaped the notice of the film industry and it has frequently served as a film set. As well as visiting the castle, we recommend visiting the Cave below Predjama Castle, the second-longest show cave in Slovenia.

3 course Lunch

Lake Bled Tour

Discover the magic of the lake that attracts travellers from near and far. The current unique shape of the year did not emerge coincidentally. A tectonic hole made by the Bohinj glacier through the years, was once at the location of the present lake.

Its path was obstructed by a huge rock which was so persistently scraped that the only thing that remained was the present island. The ice melted and the basin was filled with water, thus Lake Bled emerged, which is in some places up to 30 metres deep and quite popular amongst divers. 19 species of fish live in the lake, including carp, sheatfish and lake trout. Ducks and swans as well as diverse plants also swim and thrive on its surface.

Bled Castle

Ljubljana – Ljubljana

Ljubljana is located half way between Vienna and Venice. It is marked by the peculiar intersection of different historic and cultural influences, including the elements of both of the mentioned cities.

Ljubljana is a picturesque town full of romantic attractions. Its ancient city centre can easily be travelled around on foot. Its architecture was distinctively influenced by the famous Jože Plečnik, giving the city, which was the place of his birth, a permanent seal, similar to Gaudi in Barcelona. Ljubljana is also unmistakably marked by medieval, Baroque and Secession elements. The most recognisable symbol of Ljubljana are the dragons of the Dragon Bridge protecting the city.

The atmosphere in Ljubljana is relaxed and reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Proof of this is the abundance of outdoor cafés, especially near the banks of the Ljubljanica, which are the favourite destinations of everybody looking to relax while mingling and enjoying the scenery.
The ancient city centre is always bustling with activity. All the year-round, Ljubljana provides a rich cultural offer, including many events. During the warmer months, several no-admission concerts are held, along with street performances and other happenings.

Ljubljana also boasts an extraordinary culinary offer, combining traditional recipes, locally grown organic food, the influence of the Mediterranean and modern techniques of the resident chefs. Also excellent are Slovene wines, characterised by pronounced natural aromas.

Ljubljana is located in the very centre of Slovenia. The natural sights and globally renowned landmarks, such as Bled and the Postojna Cave, the Alps of Slovenia, Karst and the coast are virtually at your fingertips.

Ljubljana – Top 10

Discover the top 10 sights of Ljubljana.

• Ljubljana Castle
• Plečnik’s Ljubljana
• Dragon Bridge
• Ljubljana Central Market
• Ljubljana Cathedral
• The Ljubljanica and the Bridges
• Prešeren Square
• The City Museum of Ljubljana
• The National Museum of Slovenia
• Tivoli Park

Accommodation at Best Western Premier Hotel Slon

Location

Situated on a main road, this urban hotel is ideal for business travelers as well as families. It is located just a few steps from the tourist heart of Ljubljana. The region is known for its beautiful and diverse landscape. An alpine ski area is located about 20 miles away, and guests can be at the sea within about 75 miles. Ljubljana (LJU) Airport is located about 15 miles away.

Facilities

12 junior suites, 5 suites, 56 single rooms and 112 double rooms are located on 6 stories and can be reached by 3 elevators. Multilingual staff at the reception are happy to assist guests at the reception desk around the clock. Check-in and check-out are available 24 hours a day. Services such as a coat check, baggage storage service, safe and currency exchange service ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities.

There are a number of shops as well. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage (for a fee) or in the parking lot. Other services include a transfer service, room service (for a fee), a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a page service. Travelers with bicycles can make use of the on-site bicycle storage area. Complimentary newspapers are available. 5 conference rooms are available for lectures, presentations and meetings.

Breakfast at Hotel

Check out from Best Western Premier Hotel Slon

Day Program

Breakfast in hotel. In the morning enjoy walking the streets of Ljubljana on a guided walk through its baroque Old Town. Them we head towards one of the most famous sights of Slovenia; the Svečina wine country and the heart among vineyards. Enjoy a walk through the vineyards and visit the wine cellars in the region. Lunch. Overnight in Maribor.

Ljubljana Tour

Svečina wine tour with Lunch

Svečina wine country and the heart among vineyards. Enjoy a walk through the vineyards and visit the wine cellars in the region.

Maribor – The City

The chapel perched atop Piramida Hill stands as a reminder of the old days when the first fort built there in 1164. Since then Maribor has grown significantly to become Slovenia’s second largest city. Set aside the lovely Drava River and surrounded by immense natural beauty, the city offers a wealth of leisure and entertainment opportunities for the visitor.

Due to its close proximity to nature, foxes can often be seen in the city itself, thus becoming the symbol of Maribor and now seen on the label of the famous Mariborčan wine, just one of many exquisite wines produced in the surrounding hills.

The heart of the city lies in the old town with its university lending a youthful character, which blends nicely with the aging yet well-preserved and wonderfully ornate architecture lining its lively streets and squares running all the way down to Lent, the historic riverside port.

A few blocks to the north you’ll find the Mestni (city) park, the starting point for many leisure activities into the nearby Slovenske Gorice hills. A little to the south lie the foothills of the Pohorje Massif, a densely forested mountain range and also a popular sports, skiing and recreational centre frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Maribor – Top

Discover top attractions in Maribor.

• Stara Trta & The Old Vine House
• Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike
• Maribor Guided Tours
• Maribor Wine Trail
• Big guy`s wine highlights with the World`s Oldest Vine
• Wine tastings in Old Vine House
• Drava Centre
• Rafting Trip On The Drava
• Visit and wine tasting in the Vinag Wine Cellar
• Big Guy’s Wine Tours

Accommodation at Hotel City Maribor

Location

This hotel warmly welcomes guests in Maribor.

Facilities

78 rooms are located on 7 stories and can be reached by elevator. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service and a safe ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot (for a fee). Other services include a transfer service, 24-hour room service, a laundry service and a hotel shuttle bus. Daily newspapers are available for purchase.

Breakfast at Hotel

Check out from Hotel City Maribor

Day Program

After breakfast Stroll through the home town of the oldest vine in the world and taste some of the world famous Styrian wine. Enjoy some wine before proceeding to Zagreb. Enjoy many historic city highlights. Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government Palace. Overnight in Zagreb. (B, WT)

Wine tasting of Styrian wine

Zagreb – The City

The town of Zagreb has a lot to offer in its different areas. The thousand-year-old Gornji grad (Upper town) contains the Presidential Palace, the historic church of St. Mark’s, the Croatian parliament, along with museums and galleries. They are all set in romantic cobbled streets, which are lit by gas lamps in the evening.

The other extraordinary district is the 19th-century Donji grad (Lower town) with its shops, restaurants, cafés, theatres, parks and spectacular buildings.

Zagreb is also a city of green parks and walking paths, with many places to visit in beautiful surroundings. Despite the rapid development of the economy and transportation, it has retained its charm and a relaxed feeling that makes it a genuinely human city.

Zagreb – Do & See

The best way to explore the city of Zagreb is on foot, as many tourist attractions like monuments, cathedrals, museums, and parks are located in the city centre. The ones that are located outside the city are easily accessible by bus or tram. From culture vultures to nature lovers, in Zagreb, every type of tourist will find something for them.

• The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
• Gornji Grad
• Mimara Museum
• Mount Medvednica
• Zagreb Cathedral
• Maksimir Park
• Zagreb City Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Bundek
• Zagreb Zoo
• The Art Pavilion
• Museum of Broken Relationships
• Secret Zagreb
• Jarun Lake
• Mirogoj Cemetery
• The Croatian National Theatre
• Archaeological Museum
• Ban Jelačić Square
• Tkalčićeva Ulica (Tkalčićeva Street)
• Croatian School Museum

Zagreb walking tour 2 hours

Local farewell dinner At Restaurant or Hotel (TBA)

Accommodation at Zonar Zagreb

Location

This 4-star hotel is located right in the heart of Zagreb.

Facilities

The hotel has 279 rooms, which are located on 19 stories and are reachable by elevator. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and an ATM. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) allows guests to stay connected while on vacation. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. There are also a number of shops that make for great strolling and browsing. Additional facilities include a TV room.

Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot for a fee. Further services and facilities include 24-hour room service, a laundry service, a hairdresser and a coin-operated laundry. The conference room is available for conferences, lectures and meetings.

Check out from Zonar Zagreb

Breakfast at Hotel

Departure to Zagreb airport.