day by Day Itinerary - Sept 11-27, 2023
Events listed are based upon availability and upon local variations of closing times and is subject to change.
GREAT BREAKFAST BUFFETS ARE INCLUDED AT THE HOTELS IN CROATIA. LUNCHES AND DINNERS ARE ON YOUR OWN WHERE YOU'D BE MORE PLEASED GETTING OUT AND ENJOYING AN OLD TOWN. OUR 4-STAR HOTELS ARE NEXT TO CHARMING OLD TOWNS. All meals are included aboard the yacht. we pay for your tips for porterage, drivers, and guides. but each Passenger should plan on Yacht gratuities of about $180 per person.
- Day 1 - Sept 11 (Monday) Depart USA to fly to Zagreb
Day 2 - Sept 12 (Tuesday) Arrive in Zagreb
On Tuesday (Sept. 12) we meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in downtown Zagreb. We advise sipping some caffeine to stay awake at least until 8:00 - 10:00 PM in order to sleep through the first night. The first few nights your body will try to revert back to home base, so melatonin and over-the-counter sleep aids for a while help avoid waking at 3:00 AM. Zagreb has a charming downtown with a distinctly European flavor and layout out with parks, tree-lined boulevard and majestic buildings you'd expect in such a capital.
On Tuesday (Sept. 12) we meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in downtown Zagreb. We advise sipping some caffeine to stay awake at least until 8:00 - 10:00 PM in order to sleep through the first night. The first few nights your body will try to revert back to home base, so melatonin and over-the-counter sleep aids for a while help avoid waking at 3:00 AM. Zagreb has a charming downtown with a distinctly European flavor and layout out with parks, tree-lined boulevard and majestic buildings you'd expect in such a capital.
Day 3 - Sept 13 (Wednesday) Plitvice Lakes, Tesla's home, and Sibenik. We head to the Plitvice Lakes in the mountainous national parks. We'll tour the lakes and enjoy the pristine beauty of what many consider one of Europe's most beautiful national parks. Then a short drive southwest to Smiljan, birthplace of Nicola Tesla and the Tesla museum.
Then on to Sibenik on the Adriatic. Its old town is the oldest city town in Croatia with a scenic medieval town surrounded by four fortresses. Behind the walls discover very old churches and charming narrow stone streets. We arrive in time to enjoy one of the wonderful sidewalk bay-side restaurants.
Then on to Sibenik on the Adriatic. Its old town is the oldest city town in Croatia with a scenic medieval town surrounded by four fortresses. Behind the walls discover very old churches and charming narrow stone streets. We arrive in time to enjoy one of the wonderful sidewalk bay-side restaurants.
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Day 4 - Sept 14 (Thursday) Krka National Park and old town Sibenik
A short bus ride away is the second most famous and scenic Croatian national park of Krka, a true ecological treasure of forests, lakes and amazingly different waterfalls. Enjoy strolling the grounds and walkways. Our private coach takes us back to Sibenik where you'll receive an in-depth tour of Sibenik.
Sibenik has many distinctions, one being it was the first city in the world to have Tesla's street and city lighting. It worked!
Only five cities in the world have two UNESCO monuments. Sibenik is one of them. 16th century Cathedral St. Jacob is a true architectural masterpiece that took 100+ years to build. Very few fortresses are as picturesque and elegant as the Renaissance Fortress of St. Nicholas, located at the entrance to the wonderful St. Anthony channel, which serves as the door of Sibenik to the open sea. Built in the 16th century as a defense from Turkish attacks from the sea, it is one of the most attractive fortifications on the Adriatic Coast.
Tonight, relax and roam the old town and enjoy free time and dinner on the esplanade at a cafe of your choice.
A short bus ride away is the second most famous and scenic Croatian national park of Krka, a true ecological treasure of forests, lakes and amazingly different waterfalls. Enjoy strolling the grounds and walkways. Our private coach takes us back to Sibenik where you'll receive an in-depth tour of Sibenik.
Sibenik has many distinctions, one being it was the first city in the world to have Tesla's street and city lighting. It worked!
Only five cities in the world have two UNESCO monuments. Sibenik is one of them. 16th century Cathedral St. Jacob is a true architectural masterpiece that took 100+ years to build. Very few fortresses are as picturesque and elegant as the Renaissance Fortress of St. Nicholas, located at the entrance to the wonderful St. Anthony channel, which serves as the door of Sibenik to the open sea. Built in the 16th century as a defense from Turkish attacks from the sea, it is one of the most attractive fortifications on the Adriatic Coast.
Tonight, relax and roam the old town and enjoy free time and dinner on the esplanade at a cafe of your choice.
Day 5 - Sept 15 (Friday) A Great FREE DAY
With so much to see, it's good to take a day off and roam at your will.
1, Book a cruise exploring the nearby fortress island and other gems.
2. Climb to either or both monasteries/fortresses high above Sibenik.
3. Explore old Sibenik -- charming winding streets with shops galore. Opt for a detailed architecture and art treasures that make up the many churches and museums of old town.
4. Return to Krka Park for more explorations. And local Roman ruins near it.
5. Rent a car yourself or with another couple (very reasonable) and drive to some other coastal villages such as Zadar, home of Kresimir Cosic.
With so much to see, it's good to take a day off and roam at your will.
1, Book a cruise exploring the nearby fortress island and other gems.
2. Climb to either or both monasteries/fortresses high above Sibenik.
3. Explore old Sibenik -- charming winding streets with shops galore. Opt for a detailed architecture and art treasures that make up the many churches and museums of old town.
4. Return to Krka Park for more explorations. And local Roman ruins near it.
5. Rent a car yourself or with another couple (very reasonable) and drive to some other coastal villages such as Zadar, home of Kresimir Cosic.
Day 6 - Sept 16 (Saturday) Morning coach to Split, Diocletian's Palace and our yacht, the Lupus Mare.
Our driver takes us down the coast to Solon, the first seat of government of the Romans. We see the smaller amphitheater and other ancient foundations of a unique civilization. Then on to Split where we enjoy what Emperor Diocletian enjoyed when he built his grand estates between Split and Sibenik. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and is a bustling port for tourists anxious to visit the many Dalmatian Islands.
Our guide shows you the famous Diocletian Palace, and Pjaca Square, home to the city’s town hall. Admire stunning architecture from the Roman and Venetian eras. The Old Town also has unique restaurants and cafes where you can unwind and enjoy a cool drink. If you want to mingle with the locals, head for the Fish Market – it occupies a Secession-style building, which makes for impressive photos.
Our driver takes us down the coast to Solon, the first seat of government of the Romans. We see the smaller amphitheater and other ancient foundations of a unique civilization. Then on to Split where we enjoy what Emperor Diocletian enjoyed when he built his grand estates between Split and Sibenik. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and is a bustling port for tourists anxious to visit the many Dalmatian Islands.
Our guide shows you the famous Diocletian Palace, and Pjaca Square, home to the city’s town hall. Admire stunning architecture from the Roman and Venetian eras. The Old Town also has unique restaurants and cafes where you can unwind and enjoy a cool drink. If you want to mingle with the locals, head for the Fish Market – it occupies a Secession-style building, which makes for impressive photos.
In the afternoon we board our yacht, the Lupus Mare (Sea Wolf) and meet the wonderful captain and crew. Your luggage will already be on board, so come enjoy dinner as we cruise the Dalmatian coast. We never cruise at night lest we miss the beautiful vistas! We'll actually be at Brac Island in an hour or so, where we anchor for the night -- and maybe a quick swim before dinner! We've often been told by some guests that "we're not really swimmers" but after seeing the beautiful water, they succumb and soon jump in or use the kayaks, wave runner and other water sport toys.
Day 7 - Sept 17 (Sunday) Brac Island
Enjoy reading why famous trekkers love Brac Island with the highest peak of any Dalmatian island. https://www.earthtrekkers.com/love-brac-island-croatia-zlatni-rat-beach/ We love Brac as well. We've driven all around the island and still barely caught the wonders. Olive groves, olive oil museum with lunch, olive press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people. Take the option of ordering a bike, car, or van (the steward can make the arrangements) either for yourself or a group to roam the island and see the places you select of this large island. Don't miss a lunch at the Olive Museum.
We'll have a special Fireside tonight aboard the yacht.
Enjoy reading why famous trekkers love Brac Island with the highest peak of any Dalmatian island. https://www.earthtrekkers.com/love-brac-island-croatia-zlatni-rat-beach/ We love Brac as well. We've driven all around the island and still barely caught the wonders. Olive groves, olive oil museum with lunch, olive press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people. Take the option of ordering a bike, car, or van (the steward can make the arrangements) either for yourself or a group to roam the island and see the places you select of this large island. Don't miss a lunch at the Olive Museum.
We'll have a special Fireside tonight aboard the yacht.
Day 8 - Sept 18 (Monday) Hvar Island
Named the 4th most beautiful island in the world by a leading travel guide, we trust you'll declare the same conclusion. Hvar town is a Mediterranean dream, full of rustic cobblestoned streets, charming shops full of lavender the island is famous for, stunning beaches, and ancient history.
And this is the just the beginning of what there is to explore in Hvar, the island and Hvar, the town. Read more at: www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/dalmatia/hvar-island
Named the 4th most beautiful island in the world by a leading travel guide, we trust you'll declare the same conclusion. Hvar town is a Mediterranean dream, full of rustic cobblestoned streets, charming shops full of lavender the island is famous for, stunning beaches, and ancient history.
And this is the just the beginning of what there is to explore in Hvar, the island and Hvar, the town. Read more at: www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/dalmatia/hvar-island
Day 9 - Sept 19 (Tuesday) Vis Island (pronounced Wees)
The 35-square-mile island welcomes visitors with 17th-century Venetian architecture, azure rocky beaches, and laid-back vibes.
In Vis town, our guide shows you parts of the ancient city walls along with a thermae (public baths). On a small peninsula, St. Jerome’s Church and Monastery is built over an ancient Roman theater. The World Wildlife Fund declared Vis is one of the ten best-preserved islands in the Mediterranean.
You may be interested to know that Momma Mia: Here We Go Again was filmed on the Vis town of Komiza and the beaches of Stiniva. The pebbled beach was named the most beautiful in Europe in 2016 but a variety of beaches welcome some beautiful possibilities. Just remember the local saying, "pomalo, pomalo" (slowly, slowly) and you'll be fine. Looking forward to a laid back day of exploring this unique island. Be sure to grab a water taxi and explore the famous Blue Grotto on the island of Biševo, just off Vis. It glows an incredible blue each day around noon. Keep an eye out for seals that often play near the entrance.
The 35-square-mile island welcomes visitors with 17th-century Venetian architecture, azure rocky beaches, and laid-back vibes.
In Vis town, our guide shows you parts of the ancient city walls along with a thermae (public baths). On a small peninsula, St. Jerome’s Church and Monastery is built over an ancient Roman theater. The World Wildlife Fund declared Vis is one of the ten best-preserved islands in the Mediterranean.
You may be interested to know that Momma Mia: Here We Go Again was filmed on the Vis town of Komiza and the beaches of Stiniva. The pebbled beach was named the most beautiful in Europe in 2016 but a variety of beaches welcome some beautiful possibilities. Just remember the local saying, "pomalo, pomalo" (slowly, slowly) and you'll be fine. Looking forward to a laid back day of exploring this unique island. Be sure to grab a water taxi and explore the famous Blue Grotto on the island of Biševo, just off Vis. It glows an incredible blue each day around noon. Keep an eye out for seals that often play near the entrance.
Day 10 - Sept 20 (Wednesday) Korčula Island
The old town or Stari Grad is one of the most unusual in all the islands. We love it. No one wants to leave! It's designed in a fish-bone pattern that blocks out cold winds and entices cooling breezes. It has the best shopping in the Adriatic.
According to legend, Trojan hero Aeneas arrived in the 12th century BC. Check out the numerous old stone buildings and fortresses left behind. Its ideal climate is perfect for agriculture and the sea teems with fish. They called it "Black Corfu" after their homeland and the dense pinewoods.
The island is covered with Mediterranean flora including extensive pine forests. The Moreška sword dance, stonemasonry, painting and sculpture arts are strong traditions. This is purported to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, so that’s another site to keep your eyes out for when you walk to the top of the tower in town.
The old town or Stari Grad is one of the most unusual in all the islands. We love it. No one wants to leave! It's designed in a fish-bone pattern that blocks out cold winds and entices cooling breezes. It has the best shopping in the Adriatic.
According to legend, Trojan hero Aeneas arrived in the 12th century BC. Check out the numerous old stone buildings and fortresses left behind. Its ideal climate is perfect for agriculture and the sea teems with fish. They called it "Black Corfu" after their homeland and the dense pinewoods.
The island is covered with Mediterranean flora including extensive pine forests. The Moreška sword dance, stonemasonry, painting and sculpture arts are strong traditions. This is purported to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, so that’s another site to keep your eyes out for when you walk to the top of the tower in town.
Day 11 - Sept 21 (Thursday) Mljet Island (pronounced Me-yet) When the apostle Paul shipwrecked on an island, Mljet became "The Place." A scenic wonderland, with a quiet small town where villagers anxiously meet the yachts. You are welcome here, just as Paul was.
It's a great place to rent a bike or an electric bike and explore the two "lakes" nearby. With no airport, only occasional ferries, and charming villages all around, it’s a tranquil delight. A two-lane paved road runs throughout the island. In the afternoon, our captain and crew take us to a tranquil bay where the crystal clear waters cast a turquoise luminescence so delightful for swimming. You can see the sea bottom 30 feet below!
It's a great place to rent a bike or an electric bike and explore the two "lakes" nearby. With no airport, only occasional ferries, and charming villages all around, it’s a tranquil delight. A two-lane paved road runs throughout the island. In the afternoon, our captain and crew take us to a tranquil bay where the crystal clear waters cast a turquoise luminescence so delightful for swimming. You can see the sea bottom 30 feet below!
Day 12 - Sept 22 (Friday) Cruise to Sipano Island
Sipano is the nearby island and is the largest of the islands near Dubrovnik. Tradition has it that the naval Battle of Tauris during Caesar's Civil War happened here.
The island's population is 419 with two ports on the island, Sudurad (San Giorgio) in the east, and Šipanska Luka (Porto Gippana) in the west. The island is also famed for its numerous palm tree species that grow on the island.
This is a gentle island that is wonderful for casual walks as you explore the village, meet the people and explore its wonders that include two limestone crests, the higher (Velji Vrh, 243 m) in the northeast and the lower in the southeast surround a dolomite depression, in which olives, figs, vine, carob-trees, almond-trees, oranges and citrus fruit are cultivated.
Sipano is the nearby island and is the largest of the islands near Dubrovnik. Tradition has it that the naval Battle of Tauris during Caesar's Civil War happened here.
The island's population is 419 with two ports on the island, Sudurad (San Giorgio) in the east, and Šipanska Luka (Porto Gippana) in the west. The island is also famed for its numerous palm tree species that grow on the island.
This is a gentle island that is wonderful for casual walks as you explore the village, meet the people and explore its wonders that include two limestone crests, the higher (Velji Vrh, 243 m) in the northeast and the lower in the southeast surround a dolomite depression, in which olives, figs, vine, carob-trees, almond-trees, oranges and citrus fruit are cultivated.
Day 13 - Sept 23 (Saturday) Disembark the yacht in Dubrovnik. You step immediately into the old "Game of Thrones" 15th century city under Venetian rule. Long regarded as the crown jewel of the Adriatic Sea, UNESCO listed Dubrovnik in its World Heritage Sites in recognition of its outstanding medieval architecture and fortified old town. No wonder HBO set Game of Thrones here. Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Robin Hood and even the Bollywood movie, Fan, were filmed here.
After lunch on your own in Dubrovnik, we board our coach and head south to Kotor, Montenegro. A beautiful drive along the jagged coastline until we reach the "fjords" of Kotor. Our hotel is inside the walled city. A walking tour of Kotor gives you a great overview of this fascinating ancient walled city. Evening free to dine and explore.
After lunch on your own in Dubrovnik, we board our coach and head south to Kotor, Montenegro. A beautiful drive along the jagged coastline until we reach the "fjords" of Kotor. Our hotel is inside the walled city. A walking tour of Kotor gives you a great overview of this fascinating ancient walled city. Evening free to dine and explore.
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Day 14 - Sept 24 (Sunday) Church in Podgorica, Centinja old Royal City
Podgorica, Montenegro has a small Latter-day Saint congregation that we meet with for church services. You have a chance to meet the members in their meetinghouse.
We then go by their largest lake on our way to the tops of their mountains. We stop for lunch in Centinja, the old Royal City high in the mountains. An amazing old monastery and royal grounds plus a charming old town. The overlook down into Kotor and its fjords is amazing. We arrive back to the old town, Kotor, in time for you to further explore Kotor.
Podgorica, Montenegro has a small Latter-day Saint congregation that we meet with for church services. You have a chance to meet the members in their meetinghouse.
We then go by their largest lake on our way to the tops of their mountains. We stop for lunch in Centinja, the old Royal City high in the mountains. An amazing old monastery and royal grounds plus a charming old town. The overlook down into Kotor and its fjords is amazing. We arrive back to the old town, Kotor, in time for you to further explore Kotor.
Day 15 - Sept 25 (Monday) Morning tour of Kotor fjords on speed boat
After breakfast, our guide's stories make this intricate and intriguing old fortress city come to life. Then, just across the street, board a speed boat for a guided tour of the lakes including the Rock Island Church formed by fishermen who said they saw the Virgin Mary in a special lake location. They were instructed to build an island and then a church there. They started dropping rocks into the lake at that spot. Others followed suit and eventually they had a rock island where they built the church.
Our speed boat takes us to an amazing submarine base hollowed out by the Yugoslavian navy to hide their submarine's from the prying satellites of the USA and NATO. Sometimes a choir is there to adorn the acoustics. Then off to the famed Kotor Blue Grotto. If you have your swim suit on (we highly recommend wearing it) or else don't care if your clothes get wet, a dip in the Blue Grotto with its dazzling turquoise water is unforgettable. We then continue up the Adriatic Sea where we circle a famed fortress. At noon we stop in another classic old town of Perast where you can have lunch at one of the lakeside cafes.
The rest of the afternoon is perfect for free time to swim in the clear water, or take a leisurely boat ride around the inlet, hike the 2,000+ steps up Kotor's battlements, relax on the Kotor beach or whatever you like. It's a day to remember.
After breakfast, our guide's stories make this intricate and intriguing old fortress city come to life. Then, just across the street, board a speed boat for a guided tour of the lakes including the Rock Island Church formed by fishermen who said they saw the Virgin Mary in a special lake location. They were instructed to build an island and then a church there. They started dropping rocks into the lake at that spot. Others followed suit and eventually they had a rock island where they built the church.
Our speed boat takes us to an amazing submarine base hollowed out by the Yugoslavian navy to hide their submarine's from the prying satellites of the USA and NATO. Sometimes a choir is there to adorn the acoustics. Then off to the famed Kotor Blue Grotto. If you have your swim suit on (we highly recommend wearing it) or else don't care if your clothes get wet, a dip in the Blue Grotto with its dazzling turquoise water is unforgettable. We then continue up the Adriatic Sea where we circle a famed fortress. At noon we stop in another classic old town of Perast where you can have lunch at one of the lakeside cafes.
The rest of the afternoon is perfect for free time to swim in the clear water, or take a leisurely boat ride around the inlet, hike the 2,000+ steps up Kotor's battlements, relax on the Kotor beach or whatever you like. It's a day to remember.
Day 16 Sept 26 (Tuesday) Head north to Zagreb!
Or Skip to the Southern Italy Extension (click here)
After breakfast we head to the Dubrovnik airport to fly to Zagreb and our 4 star hotel in Zagreb. Explore the old town.
Day 17 Sept 27 (Wednesday) Home to the USA
Our morning shuttle takes you to the airport for your flight home.
Or Skip to the Southern Italy Extension (click here)
After breakfast we head to the Dubrovnik airport to fly to Zagreb and our 4 star hotel in Zagreb. Explore the old town.
Day 17 Sept 27 (Wednesday) Home to the USA
Our morning shuttle takes you to the airport for your flight home.
Call Liz to book a space for May 2024.
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801.669.1777