day by Day Itinerary
NOTE: this itinerary for the August 16 departure. Events listed are based upon availability and upon local variations of closing times.
For the August 25 departure, the cruise is in reverse and pula is substituted for zagreb.
- DAY 1 (Tuesday, August 16) Depart USA to fly to Zagreb
Breakfast and dinners are included throughout the trip, and many lunches unless it is a stop where you'd be more pleased getting out and enjoying an old town. All three meals are included aboard the yacht. Our hotels are well situated and at least 4 stars.
DAY 2 (Wednesday August 17) Arrival in Zagreb, city tour and a good night's sleep!
After we greet you and take you to our deluxe coach, we'll have a driving city tour and dinner. Our hotel is near the old city of Zagreb and you are welcome to explore this area in the evening to see what treasures are available. We advise you to sip some caffeine and plan 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 will help avoid waking at 3:00 AM ready to hit the road.
After we greet you and take you to our deluxe coach, we'll have a driving city tour and dinner. Our hotel is near the old city of Zagreb and you are welcome to explore this area in the evening to see what treasures are available. We advise you to sip some caffeine and plan 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 will help avoid waking at 3:00 AM ready to hit the road.
DAY 3 (Thursday, August 18) Rijeka tour. Tour the spectacular coast to Zadar
After breakfast away we go through the beautiful countryside to the Dalmatian Coast port city of Rijeka. Croatia is a small country -- one can drive from east to west in a few hours, and north to south a bit more than a half day.
Rijeka means river. The Korzo, the main drag, running parallel to the Riva embankment is a pleasant, pedestrian stretch lined with café terraces and shops and always busy. It is best known for the classic façades of the Radio Rijeka building and City Clock Tower.
Trsat Castle sits strategically on a hill 138 meters above sea level and dominates Rijeka. As a parochial centre it was mentioned for the first time in 1288. Trsat Castle is one of the oldest fortifications on the Croatian Coast, where the characteristics of the early medieval town construction have been preserved. Today Trsat Castle, beside the souvenir shop and the coffee shop, is enriched with new facilities – gallery space where art exhibitions are held as well as open-air summer concerts and theatre performances, fashion shows and literary evenings.
After touring Rijeka and lunch, we head a short distance to the ancient city of Zadar for a couple of nights.
After breakfast away we go through the beautiful countryside to the Dalmatian Coast port city of Rijeka. Croatia is a small country -- one can drive from east to west in a few hours, and north to south a bit more than a half day.
Rijeka means river. The Korzo, the main drag, running parallel to the Riva embankment is a pleasant, pedestrian stretch lined with café terraces and shops and always busy. It is best known for the classic façades of the Radio Rijeka building and City Clock Tower.
Trsat Castle sits strategically on a hill 138 meters above sea level and dominates Rijeka. As a parochial centre it was mentioned for the first time in 1288. Trsat Castle is one of the oldest fortifications on the Croatian Coast, where the characteristics of the early medieval town construction have been preserved. Today Trsat Castle, beside the souvenir shop and the coffee shop, is enriched with new facilities – gallery space where art exhibitions are held as well as open-air summer concerts and theatre performances, fashion shows and literary evenings.
After touring Rijeka and lunch, we head a short distance to the ancient city of Zadar for a couple of nights.
DAY 4 (Friday, August 19) Zadar tour and church social
Not only is Zadar the home town of Kresimir Cosic, the first Elder in Yugoslavia of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and BYU basketball star, but it is the oldest Croatian city. It has a Latter-day Saint congregation that we’ll meet for an ice cream social.
Zadar is Stone Age OLD! In 59 BC the Roman’s set up their spas and vacation spots for their rich and famous; towering coastal mountains, great beaches and idyllic temperatures. Byzantines, Venetians, Hungarians and others conquered it and made it their vacation spot. The apostle Paul sent Titus here to establish Christianity.
Today, Zadar’s intact old town is delightful to explore. Its stellar view of the Adriatic and majestic mountains rising above its national parks, makes Zadar one of the most popular Croatian tourist destinations.
Not only is Zadar the home town of Kresimir Cosic, the first Elder in Yugoslavia of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and BYU basketball star, but it is the oldest Croatian city. It has a Latter-day Saint congregation that we’ll meet for an ice cream social.
Zadar is Stone Age OLD! In 59 BC the Roman’s set up their spas and vacation spots for their rich and famous; towering coastal mountains, great beaches and idyllic temperatures. Byzantines, Venetians, Hungarians and others conquered it and made it their vacation spot. The apostle Paul sent Titus here to establish Christianity.
Today, Zadar’s intact old town is delightful to explore. Its stellar view of the Adriatic and majestic mountains rising above its national parks, makes Zadar one of the most popular Croatian tourist destinations.
. Day 5 (Saturday, August 20) Krka National Park, Sebinik, Split and board yacht
To the east of Zadar is Krka National Park, a true ecological treasure of forests, lakes and amazingly different waterfalls.
Then on to Sibenik on the Adriatic. Its old town is the oldest city town in Croatia with a scenic medieval town surrounded by 4 fortresses. Behind the wall you'll discover many very old churches and charming narrow stone streets.
Only 5 cities in the world have two UNESCO monuments. Sibenik is one of them. Emperor Diocletian built his summer palace nearby. 16th century Cathedral St. Jacob is a true architectural masterpiece that took 100+ years to build. Its Gothic-Renaissance beauty is under UNESCO protection, with a dome 900 feet high. It's the largest church in the world to be made entirely of stone - without any binders and wood. 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.
To the east of Zadar is Krka National Park, a true ecological treasure of forests, lakes and amazingly different waterfalls.
Then on to Sibenik on the Adriatic. Its old town is the oldest city town in Croatia with a scenic medieval town surrounded by 4 fortresses. Behind the wall you'll discover many very old churches and charming narrow stone streets.
Only 5 cities in the world have two UNESCO monuments. Sibenik is one of them. Emperor Diocletian built his summer palace nearby. 16th century Cathedral St. Jacob is a true architectural masterpiece that took 100+ years to build. Its Gothic-Renaissance beauty is under UNESCO protection, with a dome 900 feet high. It's the largest church in the world to be made entirely of stone - without any binders and wood. 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.
Before boarding our Lupus Mare (Sea Wolf) yacht, we'll 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.
While in Split, roam its old town with famous Pjaca Square, home to the city’s town hall. Admire the stunning architecture from the Venetian era. The Old Town also has many 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.
While in Split, roam its old town with famous Pjaca Square, home to the city’s town hall. Admire the stunning architecture from the Venetian era. The Old Town also has many 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.
Day 6 (Sunday, August 21) 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 press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people. The only regret is not spending a week there.
To help you see the island properly, we’ve created a Brac Scavenger Hunt so couples or small groups can capture pictures of the best beach, olive groves, highest peak, an interview with a local on their history, and more. A special prize on the yacht as we share with each other what we found on Brac.
We love Brac as well. We've driven all around the island and still barely caught the wonders. Olive groves, olive press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people. The only regret is not spending a week there.
To help you see the island properly, we’ve created a Brac Scavenger Hunt so couples or small groups can capture pictures of the best beach, olive groves, highest peak, an interview with a local on their history, and more. A special prize on the yacht as we share with each other what we found on Brac.
Day 7 (Monday, August 22) Hvar Island Named the 4th most beautiful island in the world by a leading travel guide, we're preparing an agenda to help you declare the same conclusion. Hvar town is a Mediterranean dream, full of rustic cobblestoned streets, 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 (100KN in a taxi). 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 the 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
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 (100KN in a taxi). 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 the 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
Day 8 (Tuesday, August 23) Vis Island The 35-square-mile island welcomes visitors with 17th-century Venetian architecture, azure rocky beaches, and laid-back vibes.
In Vis town, parts of the ancient city walls remain, along with a thermae (public bath). Levaman Fortress houses the Archaeological Museum, with exhibits including a 4th-century-B.C. bronze head of the goddess Artemis and amphorae recovered offshore. 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. Apparently it is one of the few Croatian isles where you can still spot a hedgehog or two! (Maybe we'll include one on our Vis scavenger hunt.)
Also, you may be interested to know that Momma Mia: Here We Go Again was filmed on Vis island, mostly in Komiza. The featured beach scenes took place in Stiniva. The pebbled beach was named the most beautiful in Europe in 2016.There are a variety of beaches with 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.
Perhaps our captain will be able to take us to visit the famous Blue Grotto on the island of Biševo, just off Vis. Only reachable by boat, it glows an incredible blue each day around noon. Keep an eye out for seals that often play near the entrance.
In Vis town, parts of the ancient city walls remain, along with a thermae (public bath). Levaman Fortress houses the Archaeological Museum, with exhibits including a 4th-century-B.C. bronze head of the goddess Artemis and amphorae recovered offshore. 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. Apparently it is one of the few Croatian isles where you can still spot a hedgehog or two! (Maybe we'll include one on our Vis scavenger hunt.)
Also, you may be interested to know that Momma Mia: Here We Go Again was filmed on Vis island, mostly in Komiza. The featured beach scenes took place in Stiniva. The pebbled beach was named the most beautiful in Europe in 2016.There are a variety of beaches with 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.
Perhaps our captain will be able to take us to visit the famous Blue Grotto on the island of Biševo, just off Vis. Only reachable by boat, it glows an incredible blue each day around noon. Keep an eye out for seals that often play near the entrance.
Day 9 (Wednesday, August 24) Korkula with peaks at 1,864 and 1657 ft.
According to legend, Trojan hero Aeneas arrived in the 12th century BC. Explore the many caves around the island to find evidences of Meso and Neolithic peoples. Others came in 1000 BC. Check out the numerous old stone buildings and fortresses they left behind. Greeks followed. Its ideal climate was perfect for agriculture and the sea teemed with fish. They called it "Black Corfu" after their homeland and the dense pinewoods. Greek artifacts, including carved marble tombstones are in the town museum. When it became part of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Roman migration followed. Roman villas appear through the territory of Korčula and its ideal setting brought new conquerors: the usual suspects of the Byzantines, Slavs, and Venetians. For years Korčula supplied timber Venetian fleets. Even Great Britain ruled for a bit, building a West stone quay, a semi-circular paved terrace with stone benches on their newly built road towards Lumbarda, plus a circular Martello tower "forteca." Korcula became part of Yugoslavia in 1945. After 1991, the island became a part of the independent Republic of Croatia.
The island is largely covered with Mediterranean flora including extensive pine forests. The Moreška sword dance, stonemasonry, painting and sculpture arts are strong traditions.
According to legend, Trojan hero Aeneas arrived in the 12th century BC. Explore the many caves around the island to find evidences of Meso and Neolithic peoples. Others came in 1000 BC. Check out the numerous old stone buildings and fortresses they left behind. Greeks followed. Its ideal climate was perfect for agriculture and the sea teemed with fish. They called it "Black Corfu" after their homeland and the dense pinewoods. Greek artifacts, including carved marble tombstones are in the town museum. When it became part of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Roman migration followed. Roman villas appear through the territory of Korčula and its ideal setting brought new conquerors: the usual suspects of the Byzantines, Slavs, and Venetians. For years Korčula supplied timber Venetian fleets. Even Great Britain ruled for a bit, building a West stone quay, a semi-circular paved terrace with stone benches on their newly built road towards Lumbarda, plus a circular Martello tower "forteca." Korcula became part of Yugoslavia in 1945. After 1991, the island became a part of the independent Republic of Croatia.
The island is largely covered with Mediterranean flora including extensive pine forests. The Moreška sword dance, stonemasonry, painting and sculpture arts are strong traditions.
Day 10 (Thursday, August 25) Mljet When the apostle Paul shipwrecked on an island, this became the place. Scenic, quiet with a small town where villagers anxiously meet the yachts. You are welcome here, just like Paul was. Mljet's population of 1,088 id spread between 13 villages with the smallest being 13 and the largest 120 people. Discovered by ancient Greco-Roman geographers in the 6th century BC it was noted as an ideal spot by Pliny the Elder who called it Melita.
Thanks to someone taking on the task that St. Patrick did in Ireland, the snake population was all be eliminated by the introduction of the small Indian mongoose. The mongooses did completed their task, but they did damage to hedgerow birds, such as sparrows.
The climate is Mediterranean with an average temperature in August of 75 °F. Rain falls mainly between October and April, between 35 and 45 inches. 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.
Thanks to someone taking on the task that St. Patrick did in Ireland, the snake population was all be eliminated by the introduction of the small Indian mongoose. The mongooses did completed their task, but they did damage to hedgerow birds, such as sparrows.
The climate is Mediterranean with an average temperature in August of 75 °F. Rain falls mainly between October and April, between 35 and 45 inches. 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.
Day 11 (Friday, August 26) Dubrovnik Dubrovnik: 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 a Bollywood movie, Fan, were filmed here.
After disembarking our yacht in Dubrovnik’s quaint and personal harbor, you step immediately into the old city and are whisked back in time to the 15th century under the Venetian rule. Yes, its prime location made it a trade center worth fighting over by the Byzantines, Italians, French, and Austrians. After WW2, it became part of Yugoslavia.
Founded in the 7th century, it survived these hostilities, but it was nearly destroyed by earthquakes in 1667. Dubrovnikites loved the prosperity of its maritime trade as well as becoming renown for its wealth, skilled diplomacy and the cradle of Croatian literature. Today they gladly show guest around their beautiful old city.
In 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, the Yugoslav People's Army besieged Dubrovnik for seven months and suffered significant damage from shelling. After undergoing repair and restoration works in the 1990s, it re-emerged as one of the Mediterranean's top tourist destinations, as well as a popular filming location.
After disembarking our yacht in Dubrovnik’s quaint and personal harbor, you step immediately into the old city and are whisked back in time to the 15th century under the Venetian rule. Yes, its prime location made it a trade center worth fighting over by the Byzantines, Italians, French, and Austrians. After WW2, it became part of Yugoslavia.
Founded in the 7th century, it survived these hostilities, but it was nearly destroyed by earthquakes in 1667. Dubrovnikites loved the prosperity of its maritime trade as well as becoming renown for its wealth, skilled diplomacy and the cradle of Croatian literature. Today they gladly show guest around their beautiful old city.
In 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, the Yugoslav People's Army besieged Dubrovnik for seven months and suffered significant damage from shelling. After undergoing repair and restoration works in the 1990s, it re-emerged as one of the Mediterranean's top tourist destinations, as well as a popular filming location.
Day 12 & 13 (Saturday, Sunday, August 27 & 28) Kotor, Monte Negro
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the crew of the Lupus Mare and board our coach for the hour or so drive down the coastal highway to the amazing fjord of Kotor, Monte Negro. The staggering beauty overwhelms. At the entrance of old town Kotor, a post-World War II sign "What belongs to others we don't want, ours we don't give." Kotor has history, lots of it.
In 168 BC, Kotor area became part of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Over the next 1,600 years it was so strongly coveted by outsiders that it was plundered by the Saracens, then by Bulgarians, Serbians, Hungarians and Bosnians.
Venetian domination for four hundred years gave the city the Venetian architecture that contributed to making Kotor a UNESCO world heritage site.
It endured the plague in 1572, and was nearly destroyed by earthquakes.
Again, outsiders tried to rule them including the French, Russians, Italians, Germans and the British.
Besides the 360 degree grandeur of the dark mountains (hence Monte Negro), Kotor “must see” sites include:
1. The best preserved medieval old town in the Adriatic
2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
3. Venetian Works of Defense from the 16th and 17th centuries.
4. Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166).
5. Ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km (3 mi) directly above the city.
6. Welcome to Cat City – its official animal along with many cat stores, a cat museum, and Cats' Square.
7. Our Lady of the Rocks, sitting on a small island easily reached by water taxi.
Our bus takes around. You can also sail the fjord so experience 360 degrees of wonder. You have free time in Kotor to explore so many choices that we'll lay out for you. Special evening dinner with local entertainment.
On Sunday we'll hold a special devotional.
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the crew of the Lupus Mare and board our coach for the hour or so drive down the coastal highway to the amazing fjord of Kotor, Monte Negro. The staggering beauty overwhelms. At the entrance of old town Kotor, a post-World War II sign "What belongs to others we don't want, ours we don't give." Kotor has history, lots of it.
In 168 BC, Kotor area became part of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Over the next 1,600 years it was so strongly coveted by outsiders that it was plundered by the Saracens, then by Bulgarians, Serbians, Hungarians and Bosnians.
Venetian domination for four hundred years gave the city the Venetian architecture that contributed to making Kotor a UNESCO world heritage site.
It endured the plague in 1572, and was nearly destroyed by earthquakes.
Again, outsiders tried to rule them including the French, Russians, Italians, Germans and the British.
Besides the 360 degree grandeur of the dark mountains (hence Monte Negro), Kotor “must see” sites include:
1. The best preserved medieval old town in the Adriatic
2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
3. Venetian Works of Defense from the 16th and 17th centuries.
4. Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166).
5. Ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km (3 mi) directly above the city.
6. Welcome to Cat City – its official animal along with many cat stores, a cat museum, and Cats' Square.
7. Our Lady of the Rocks, sitting on a small island easily reached by water taxi.
Our bus takes around. You can also sail the fjord so experience 360 degrees of wonder. You have free time in Kotor to explore so many choices that we'll lay out for you. Special evening dinner with local entertainment.
On Sunday we'll hold a special devotional.
Day 14 (Monday, August 29) Flight to USA or optional extension in Athens or Venice
As we say goodbye to Kotor, observe the many natural wonders as we wind our way up the mountain and then into the valley for Podgorica airport.
If you wish to extend in Athens or Venice, it's only a short flight directly to Athens and a couple hours to Venice. You can select tours of two of the most famous cities in the world. In Athens, see the Acropolis, Temple of Athene Nike, Mars Hill and more. In Venice your hotel is in a blissful nearby village with easy access to the gondolas of Venice, St. Marks and so much more. Plenty of time to get acquainted with either city.
As we say goodbye to Kotor, observe the many natural wonders as we wind our way up the mountain and then into the valley for Podgorica airport.
If you wish to extend in Athens or Venice, it's only a short flight directly to Athens and a couple hours to Venice. You can select tours of two of the most famous cities in the world. In Athens, see the Acropolis, Temple of Athene Nike, Mars Hill and more. In Venice your hotel is in a blissful nearby village with easy access to the gondolas of Venice, St. Marks and so much more. Plenty of time to get acquainted with either city.
Day 15 (Tuesday, August 30) Optional tours of Athens or Venice
With so many things to see, the tours are varied and optional, but reasonably priced (not typical ship prices!). A hop-on, hop-off bus is one of the best. Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner are at your discretion and adventure. Our guide will make recommendations. Call for options and pricing.
With so many things to see, the tours are varied and optional, but reasonably priced (not typical ship prices!). A hop-on, hop-off bus is one of the best. Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner are at your discretion and adventure. Our guide will make recommendations. Call for options and pricing.
Day 16 (Wednesday, August 31) Fly home or continue with an extension on your own.
Expedia Travel will help you arrange this, or you can book it on your own.
Expedia Travel will help you arrange this, or you can book it on your own.