daily Itinerary: Aug. 25-Sept. 11, 2025
5 Cabins are now available at $4,895! going fast!!!
Events listed below are based upon availability and upon local variations of closing times and is subject to change.
upgrade cabins are also now available.
- Post-tour: For the Slovenian Alps and Lake Bled plus Venice tour see the details AFTER THIS "SCHEDULED FULL TOUR AND CRUISE" ITINERARY.
Scheduled Full Tour and Cruise
Day 1 Aug. 25 (Monday) Depart USA to Dubrovnik. Relax and enjoy the ride with melatonin to keep your internal clock on schedule. Get as much sleep on the plane as you can so you stay awake when you arrive in Dubrovnik.
Day 2 Aug. 26 (Tuesday) Arrive Dubrovnik
You will be met at the Dubrovnik airport and taken to our hotel. Depending upon when you arrive, you may have free time to explore Dubrovnik and stay awake until early evening. Then get a good night's sleep. We provide the meet and greet and transport to the hotel, and the hotel.
You will be met at the Dubrovnik airport and taken to our hotel. Depending upon when you arrive, you may have free time to explore Dubrovnik and stay awake until early evening. Then get a good night's sleep. We provide the meet and greet and transport to the hotel, and the hotel.
- Day 3 Aug. 27 (Wednesday) 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. Lunch in Dubrovnik.
- At 2 PM, we will all head south along the spectacular coastline to the fjords of Kotor, Montenegro. Our hotel is the Cattaro Hotel within the walls of Kotor. In fact, our hotel is part of the old city wall, a block from the city gate. So convenient for exploring this ancient walled city. Restaurants/cafes are next door and all around. Lots of gelato booths as well. Our guide's stories make this intricate and intriguing old fortress city come to life.
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Day 4 Aug. 28 (Thursday) Speed boats to the Rock Island Church, Submarine caves, Blue Grotto and the old town of Perast!
After a great buffet breakfast we walk across the street, to the dock where we board speed boats 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. After a quick stop at the Yugoslavia "secret submarine caves," we are off to the famed Kotor Blue Grotto. If you have your swimsuit 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. Enjoy dinner at one of dozens of outdoor cafes. We usually order a salad of some sort (Croatia has lots of fresh veggies) and a main dish and split it. More than enough for most of our guests. Price: about $12 per person per meal. Credit cards are usually accepted. If not, an ATM is nearby. Most ATMs require a Debit Card for use. |
Day 5 Aug. 29 (Friday) Morning Drive to ancient capital of Cetinje and drive the Serpentine to the top of the mountain!
We head to the tops of Kotor's mountains via the Serpentine with an overlook down into Kotor and its fjords -- amazing. We stop for lunch in Cetinje, the old Royal City high in the mountains. An amazing old monastery and royal grounds plus a charming old town with cafes for lunch near the museum before heading back to Kotor. |
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Day 6 Aug. 30 (Saturday) Depart Kotor for Dubrovnik.
After the border crossing we stop at Konavle, a famous silk worm museum where Croatian raised silk worms. Very interesting.
We head for a late lunch and time to further explore Dubrovnik. We board our coach for a short ride to the dock where our yacht, the Lupus Mare awaits us. We begin cruising Islands of Dalmatia! And yes, the Dalmatian dog breed is from here!
After the border crossing we stop at Konavle, a famous silk worm museum where Croatian raised silk worms. Very interesting.
We head for a late lunch and time to further explore Dubrovnik. We board our coach for a short ride to the dock where our yacht, the Lupus Mare awaits us. We begin cruising Islands of Dalmatia! And yes, the Dalmatian dog breed is from here!
About the Lupus Mare and cruise: In the late afternoon in north Dubrovnik, we board our unique sailing yacht, and meet the wonderful captain and crew. Your luggage will be taken 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 near Sipano Island in an hour or so, where we anchor in a private cove for the night.
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.
We never cruise at night lest we miss the beautiful vistas! We'll actually be near Sipano Island in an hour or so, where we anchor in a private cove for the night.
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 Aug. 31 (Sunday) Sipano Island
Sipano 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 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 8 Sept. 1 (Monday) 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 reserve an E-bike. Either explore the two "lakes" nearby in their national park (25 euro fee) or cycle the two-lane paved road that runs throughout the island.
With no airport, only occasional ferries, and charming villages all around, it’s a tranquil delight. 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!
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 reserve an E-bike. Either explore the two "lakes" nearby in their national park (25 euro fee) or cycle the two-lane paved road that runs throughout the island.
With no airport, only occasional ferries, and charming villages all around, it’s a tranquil delight. 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 9 Sept. 2 (Tuesday) Korčula Island
Marco Polo's 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 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.
Marco Polo's 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 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 10 Sept. 3 (Wednesday)
Vis Island (pronounced Wees)
You'll awake and find we're anchored near the entrance of 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. After a small boat tour of the grotto, the boat take us to our yacht. Such service!
35-square-mile Vis island welcomes you next with 17th-century Venetian architecture, azure beaches, & 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.
Vis Island (pronounced Wees)
You'll awake and find we're anchored near the entrance of 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. After a small boat tour of the grotto, the boat take us to our yacht. Such service!
35-square-mile Vis island welcomes you next with 17th-century Venetian architecture, azure beaches, & 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.
Day 11 Sept. 4 (Thursday) 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.
Fortica - Looming high above the town and lit with a golden glow at night, this medieval castle occupies the site of an ancient Illyrian settlement dating from before 500 BC. The views looking down over Hvar and the Pakleni Islands are magnificent, and well worth the trudge up through the old-town streets. Once you clear the town walls it’s a gently sloping meander up the tree-shaded hillside to the fortress – or you can drive to the very top. Inside there’s a collection of ancient amphorae recovered from the seabed, and a terrace cafe.
The Arsenal - Mentioned in Venetian documents as ‘the most beautiful and the most useful building in the whole of Dalmatia’, once served as a repair and refitting station for war galleons. Its present incarnation was built in 1611 to replace a building destroyed by Ottomans. Upstairs is an atmospheric theatre decorated with frescos and baroque loggias. Opened in 1612, it’s said to be the first theatre in Europe to have admitted plebeians and aristocrats alike. In 2016, the remains of a 1st-century Roman building were discovered beneath the floor.
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
We have a special entertainment program tonight aboard the yacht.
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.
Fortica - Looming high above the town and lit with a golden glow at night, this medieval castle occupies the site of an ancient Illyrian settlement dating from before 500 BC. The views looking down over Hvar and the Pakleni Islands are magnificent, and well worth the trudge up through the old-town streets. Once you clear the town walls it’s a gently sloping meander up the tree-shaded hillside to the fortress – or you can drive to the very top. Inside there’s a collection of ancient amphorae recovered from the seabed, and a terrace cafe.
The Arsenal - Mentioned in Venetian documents as ‘the most beautiful and the most useful building in the whole of Dalmatia’, once served as a repair and refitting station for war galleons. Its present incarnation was built in 1611 to replace a building destroyed by Ottomans. Upstairs is an atmospheric theatre decorated with frescos and baroque loggias. Opened in 1612, it’s said to be the first theatre in Europe to have admitted plebeians and aristocrats alike. In 2016, the remains of a 1st-century Roman building were discovered beneath the floor.
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
We have a special entertainment program tonight aboard the yacht.
Day 12 Sept. 5 (Friday) Brac Island
Enjoy reading why e-bikers and 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 all the wonders: olive groves, olive press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people.
We provide a bus/van to take you to the olive oil museum for a most unusual and delicious lunch. Included.
Take the option of ordering an E-bike. Or have the steward order you a van for yourself or a group to roam the island and see the places you select of this large island.
Enjoy reading why e-bikers and 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 all the wonders: olive groves, olive press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people.
We provide a bus/van to take you to the olive oil museum for a most unusual and delicious lunch. Included.
Take the option of ordering an E-bike. Or have the steward order you a van for yourself or a group to roam the island and see the places you select of this large island.
Day 13 Sept. 6 (Saturday) Disembark the yacht
Tour Split's Diocletian Palace and Old City. Then drive up the coast, stopping at coastal beauties Trogir and Primosten before arriving in wonderful Sibenik.
In Split 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.
We next visit the historic port town Trogir. This historic center has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites for its Venetian architecture and provides another interesting side trip on our morning journey.
Our driver takes us up the coast to Primosten, knows as Croatia's prettiest seaside village where we take a 30 minute walk around the historic old town and enjoy the views of their beautiful beaches.
Tour Split's Diocletian Palace and Old City. Then drive up the coast, stopping at coastal beauties Trogir and Primosten before arriving in wonderful Sibenik.
In Split 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.
We next visit the historic port town Trogir. This historic center has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites for its Venetian architecture and provides another interesting side trip on our morning journey.
Our driver takes us up the coast to Primosten, knows as Croatia's prettiest seaside village where we take a 30 minute walk around the historic old town and enjoy the views of their beautiful beaches.
Sibenik is one of our favorite locations. Right on the water's edge is the Hotel Bellevue and our friend, Magda and her husband who are the owners. Within 100 steps from the front door is the docks for pleasure cruises, shops and cafe's along the beautiful esplanade. As well, it is the beginning of the charming "Stari Grad" or old town.
Sibenik has many distinctions, one being it was the first city in the world to have Tesla's street and city lighting. It worked! You can also take a cab to the top of the hill for a great church and a fortress. 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.
Sibenik has many distinctions, one being it was the first city in the world to have Tesla's street and city lighting. It worked! You can also take a cab to the top of the hill for a great church and a fortress. 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 14 & 15 Sept. 7-8 (Sunday & Monday) Church in Zadar and Visit Krka Falls!
Zadar, home of BYU great basketball player and the first Elder, Kresimir Cosic, 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 and we'll have a "linger longer" after the meeting to share goodies and visit.
Return to Sibenik for a walking tour of the old town with our guide. Some time to explore on your own.
Monday, tour Krka National Park. Krka is filled with stepped falls that cascade from one lake with falls to the next. Great viewing areas and beautiful nature hikes up close to the falls.
Afternoon free to further explore Sibenik.
Zadar, home of BYU great basketball player and the first Elder, Kresimir Cosic, 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 and we'll have a "linger longer" after the meeting to share goodies and visit.
Return to Sibenik for a walking tour of the old town with our guide. Some time to explore on your own.
Monday, tour Krka National Park. Krka is filled with stepped falls that cascade from one lake with falls to the next. Great viewing areas and beautiful nature hikes up close to the falls.
Afternoon free to further explore Sibenik.
Day 16 Sept. 9 (Tuesday) Smiljen, Plitvice Lakes and Zagreb
We head north about 2 hours to Smiljen, birthplace of Nikola Tesla and the Tesla museum. We have an hour to learn of his life, see his home and laboratory, a Tesla experiment and the family small estate. Then on 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 we head another two hours north to Zagreb where we'll get a guided walking tour of the old town and beautiful central parks not far from our hotel. |
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Day 17 Sept. 10 (Wednesday) Trakoscan Castle and Zagreb Tour. Today we head north to the border of Slovenia and Serbia in the mountainous north of Croatia -- and they actually ski here in winter. Near the border is the historic Trakoscan Castle. Perched on a strategic mountain top the views, 360 degrees of vineyards and lush woodlands, It is, by far, Croatia's best preserved and most visited medieval castle.
Built in the 13th century with its white-trimmed crenelations, a dramatic drawbridge, and red-roofed towers, it surely has a fairy tale charm. Trakoscan's sprawling grounds feature a romantic landscape of English-style gardens and a lake with hiking trails. No need for a guide here as the pathways are well marked, but we'll have a guide anyway.
Day 18 Sept. 11 (Thursday) Flight to USA
Built in the 13th century with its white-trimmed crenelations, a dramatic drawbridge, and red-roofed towers, it surely has a fairy tale charm. Trakoscan's sprawling grounds feature a romantic landscape of English-style gardens and a lake with hiking trails. No need for a guide here as the pathways are well marked, but we'll have a guide anyway.
Day 18 Sept. 11 (Thursday) Flight to USA
Post-tour MARVELS:
Alpine Lake Bled & VENICE Tour
You'll love the Alpine Marvels of Slovenia's Alpine Lake Bled and VENICE, $1,495 per person.
Alpine Lake Bled & VENICE Tour
You'll love the Alpine Marvels of Slovenia's Alpine Lake Bled and VENICE, $1,495 per person.
Sept. 11-12 Thur/Fri -- Lake Bled sits in the Slovenian Alps just a few hours from Zagreb, Croatia. The Alpine vistas are wonderful, but the two night stay a Grand Hotel Toplice feels straight out of an Agatha Cristie novel -- and any moment you expect to meet Hercule Poirot. The classic hotel sits on the shore of of Lake Bled. We tour Bled Castle with spectacular vistas. Then you have free time hire a boat or row yourself on a punt to "Monastery Island." Or walk a block or so into the old town. Or:
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Sep. 13 Saturday -- Our luxury coach takes us through the high passes to the rolling hills of Slovenia, all the way to -- Venice. Our hotel, the Park Hotel Jr. is in an idyllic pastoral setting, a short distance by train to Venice. You'll have the afternoon and evening in Venice to explore the canals and byways with our guide who is an expert in "Hidden Venice." Enjoy St. Mark's Square, Basilica of San Marco, the DOGE's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, wonderful gondola rides, or a city boat to fascinating Murano and Burano Islands. We've seen weddings, funerals and other regular life events of Venetians.
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Sep. 14 Sunday -- Between our hotel and Venice is the LDS Zelarinao Chapel for Sacrament service in Italian. Our bus can take you there in less than 20 minutes, and then drop you off in Venice for more time to explore. Or take the train into the heart of Venice. Sep. 15 Monday -- We take you to the Venice airport to fly to the USA. |
Call Liz to book a space on this cruise and tour.
801.669.1777
801.669.1777