day by Day Itinerary
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 yacht crew, baggage, driver, guide gratuities.
- September 9 (Monday) Depart USA to fly to Zagreb
NOTE: If you'd like a thorough experience of the nearby Plitvice Lakes, fly in a day or two earlier and we'll arrange for a day tour to Plitvice Lakes.
September 10 & 11 (Tuesday and Wednesday) Zagreb and transfer to Kotor via Dubrovnik.
On Tuesday (Sept. 10) we meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Zagreb Sheraton 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 Wednesday we take you to the airport for a short flight to Dubrovnik where we board our deluxe coach for a beautiful bus ride to the amazing fjords of Kotor, Montenegro. The staggering beauty overwhelms. At the entrance of old town Kotor, a post World War 2 sign states, "What belongs to others we don't want. Ours we don't give." Kotor has history; lots of it. Our hotel is next to the old city and is quite nice. Great breakfasts included.
On Tuesday (Sept. 10) we meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Zagreb Sheraton 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 Wednesday we take you to the airport for a short flight to Dubrovnik where we board our deluxe coach for a beautiful bus ride to the amazing fjords of Kotor, Montenegro. The staggering beauty overwhelms. At the entrance of old town Kotor, a post World War 2 sign states, "What belongs to others we don't want. Ours we don't give." Kotor has history; lots of it. Our hotel is next to the old city and is quite nice. Great breakfasts included.
September 12 (Thursday) 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 and Church formed by fishermen who said they saw the Virgin Mary in a special lake location. They were instructed to build a lake there. They started dropping rocks into the lake at that spot. Others followed suit and eventually they had a rock island where they built a church.
Our speed boat takes us 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 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. 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 and Church formed by fishermen who said they saw the Virgin Mary in a special lake location. They were instructed to build a lake there. They started dropping rocks into the lake at that spot. Others followed suit and eventually they had a rock island where they built a church.
Our speed boat takes us 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 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. It's a day to remember.
September 13 (Friday) Free day in Kotor
There is so much to do for nearly every person's physical capability. Some love the vigorous hiking to majestic views or mysterious caves. Other explore the towns and islands by special island taxis. Still others enjoy the cafe's and shops of the wharfs. Or a mixture of all three. The towns and islands can accommodate you! Besides the 360 degree grandeur of Kotor area, “must see” sites include:
1. The best preserved medieval old town in the Adriatic with UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2. Venetian Works of Defense from the 16th and 17th centuries.
3. Cathedral of St. Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166).
4. Ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km (3 mi) directly above the city.
5. Welcome to Cat City – its official animal along with many cat stores, a cat museum, and Cats' Square.
6. Climb to the top of the medieval fortress. Take along some water. You'll need it, but the view is magnificent.
7. Join others in our group for a private bus tour of the old royal city in the mountain above Kotor.. Check out the blog post for more details.
There is so much to do for nearly every person's physical capability. Some love the vigorous hiking to majestic views or mysterious caves. Other explore the towns and islands by special island taxis. Still others enjoy the cafe's and shops of the wharfs. Or a mixture of all three. The towns and islands can accommodate you! Besides the 360 degree grandeur of Kotor area, “must see” sites include:
1. The best preserved medieval old town in the Adriatic with UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2. Venetian Works of Defense from the 16th and 17th centuries.
3. Cathedral of St. Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166).
4. Ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km (3 mi) directly above the city.
5. Welcome to Cat City – its official animal along with many cat stores, a cat museum, and Cats' Square.
6. Climb to the top of the medieval fortress. Take along some water. You'll need it, but the view is magnificent.
7. Join others in our group for a private bus tour of the old royal city in the mountain above Kotor.. Check out the blog post for more details.
September 14 (Saturday) Morning coach to Dubrovnik for tour and board the ship.
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.
We board our yacht (your luggage will already be in your cabin) and enjoy dinner as we cruise by Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast and arrive at Sipano Island before dark. (We never cruise at night lest we miss the beautiful vistas!)
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.
We board our yacht (your luggage will already be in your cabin) and enjoy dinner as we cruise by Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast and arrive at Sipano Island before dark. (We never cruise at night lest we miss the beautiful vistas!)
September 15 (Sunday) 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.
We will hold an optional morning Devotional after breakfast.
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.
We will hold an optional morning Devotional after breakfast.
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.
September 16 (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 rent a bike or an electric bike and explore the two "lakes" nearby. (They're actually inlets.) 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! 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.
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. (They're actually inlets.) 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! 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.
September 17 (Tuesday) Korčula Island: 1,864 & 1657 ft peaks
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.
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.
September 18 (Wednesday)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.
September 19 (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, stunning beaches, and ancient history.
Each day we'll find a "swim stop" because the water is SO INVITING. Even non-swimmers can't resist. 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, stunning beaches, and ancient history.
Each day we'll find a "swim stop" because the water is SO INVITING. Even non-swimmers can't resist. 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
September 20 (Friday) 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. Travel by vans to see the faces you select of this large island. Don't miss a lunch at the Olive Museum.
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. Travel by vans to see the faces you select of this large island. Don't miss a lunch at the Olive Museum.
September 21 (Saturday) Disembark the yacht and tour Split then head to our hotel in Sibenik on the Dalmatian coast.
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.
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'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.
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.
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. Our hotel, The Hotel Bellevue, is on the water's edge and steps away from "starigrad" or the old town. It is a family owned 4-star hotel. Our friend Magda, is the hotel manager. Four years ago her husband built the hotel that his partner designed.
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. There's time to take a boat ride out to the channel. Enjoy the free time.
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. There's time to take a boat ride out to the channel. Enjoy the free time.
September 22 (Sunday) Church in Zadar and Krka Park
Zadar is the oldest Croatian city. It has a small Latter-day Saint congregation that has welcomed us. It was 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. Recently, the branch celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Elder Cosic helping to set up the Church in Croatia.
Zadar is the oldest Croatian city. It has a small Latter-day Saint congregation that has welcomed us. It was 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. Recently, the branch celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Elder Cosic helping to set up the Church in Croatia.
To the east of Zadar is Krka National Park, a true ecological treasure of forests, lakes and amazingly different waterfalls. In the park we board the Krka bus to take us to the most famous Falls. Enjoy strolling the grounds and walkways. Our private coach takes us back to Sibenik where you can roam the old town and enjoy free time and dinner on the esplanade.
September 23 (Monday) Free Day in Sibenik
So much to explore:
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.
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.
So much to explore:
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.
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.
September 24 & 25 Head north to Zagreb! Then home to USA
After breakfast we head north through or near many national parks. It's a beautiful drive with stops in picturesque villages.
Zagreb, capital city, is in a large valley surrounded by towering mountains to the north and south. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the city before going to our 4 star Sheraton Hotel. Explore the old town. Our morning shuttle takes you to the airport for your flight home.
7-Day Southern Italy Extension: Rather than going north to Zagreb, the group that chooses the extension heads south to historic Ston then to Dubrovnik for extra "exploring" time and dinner. We take the 9 PM sleeper-cabin ferry to Bari, Italy arriving at 8 AM. Coach tour of southern Italy with overnights in charming Cisterino in the high hills, across the Italian mountains to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Rome Temple and Rome. Call for pricing.
After breakfast we head north through or near many national parks. It's a beautiful drive with stops in picturesque villages.
Zagreb, capital city, is in a large valley surrounded by towering mountains to the north and south. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the city before going to our 4 star Sheraton Hotel. Explore the old town. Our morning shuttle takes you to the airport for your flight home.
7-Day Southern Italy Extension: Rather than going north to Zagreb, the group that chooses the extension heads south to historic Ston then to Dubrovnik for extra "exploring" time and dinner. We take the 9 PM sleeper-cabin ferry to Bari, Italy arriving at 8 AM. Coach tour of southern Italy with overnights in charming Cisterino in the high hills, across the Italian mountains to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Rome Temple and Rome. Call for pricing.