daily Itinerary
Booking 2027
NOTE: although this itinerary is no longer active, it will give you a good idea of the itinerary we will have in 2027. That itineray will be posted by mid-December as the ship has been reserved and the details of the itinerary are being finalized with the captain.
Scheduled Full Tour and Cruise
Day 1 July 11, Sunday Depart USA to Ljubljana, Slovenia. 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 Ljubljana, Slovenia and Lake Bled.
Day 1 July 11, Sunday Depart USA to Ljubljana, Slovenia. 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 Ljubljana, Slovenia and Lake Bled.
Day 2 July 12 Monday Arrive in Slovenian Alps and Lake Bled
Slovenians love saying their country is the ONLY country with LOVE in it. To them it is not just a corny joke but an attitude they pass on to visitors. Melania Trump is from a small town an hour southwest from where you'll land in the capital, Ljubljana. We take you a half-hour north to Lake Bled in the Slovenian Alps.
Slovenians love saying their country is the ONLY country with LOVE in it. To them it is not just a corny joke but an attitude they pass on to visitors. Melania Trump is from a small town an hour southwest from where you'll land in the capital, Ljubljana. We take you a half-hour north to Lake Bled in the Slovenian Alps.
- Day 3 July 13 Tuesday Lake Bled
- Things to do in Lake Bled besides gawking at all the beautiful views!!:
- Visit Bled Island: Take a boat to the church. Ring the "wishing bell".
- Explore Bled Castle: the oldest castle in Slovenia with panoramic lake views.
- Walk or Bike the Lakeside: A scenic, 6 km paved path circles the entire lake, taking about 1.5–2 hours to walk.
- Hike to Viewpoints: Hike to Mala Osojnica viewpoints for the best lake views.
- Swim and Relax: Many beaches.
- Try the Cream Cake: Sample the famous kremšnita (Bled cream cake), a local pastry delight, especially at our hotel, the famous Grand Hotel Toplice.
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Day 4 July 14 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. A bit to the south is the capital city of Zagreb where we take a tour of old town (Stari Grad) Zagreb before checking into our hotel near the city center -- either the Sheraton or Astoria. |
Day 5 July 15 Thursday Plitvice Lakes Endearing Water Fall, Nicola Tesla's birth place and museum, & Sibenik on the bay!
We head south from Zagreb to the Plitvice Lakes in the mountainous national parks. We'll tour the first lake with its pristine beauty of what many consider one of Europe's most beautiful waterfall. Then we head 1.5 hours south to Smiljen, birthplace of Nikola Tesla and the Tesla museum. We learn of his life, see his home and laboratory, a Tesla experiment and the family small estate. Then on to Sibenik, 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. |
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Day 6 July 16 Friday Tour of old town Sibenik. Krka waterfalls. 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 7 July 17 Saturday Premostin, Trogir and Makarska to board our sailing ship, The Mendula. Sail to Brac Island.
Our driver takes us down the coast to Primosten, known 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.
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.
We then head to Makarska, a charming water front town south of Split where we board our full-sail and motor ship, The Mendula. We will drop anchor in a private cove for the night but there will be pristine clear waters for a great swim.
Our driver takes us down the coast to Primosten, known 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.
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.
We then head to Makarska, a charming water front town south of Split where we board our full-sail and motor ship, The Mendula. We will drop anchor in a private cove for the night but there will be pristine clear waters for a great swim.
Day 8 July 18 Sunday Split and Church, Tour of Diocletian's Palace remains, and Old Town Split.
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.
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.
Day 9 July 19 Monday Brac Island's Olive Oil Museum and special meal.
Enjoy reading why e-bikers and famous trekkers love Brac Island with the highest peak of any island in Dalmatia. 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 to take you to the olive oil museum for a most unusual and delicious lunch.
Enjoy reading why e-bikers and famous trekkers love Brac Island with the highest peak of any island in Dalmatia. 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 to take you to the olive oil museum for a most unusual and delicious lunch.
Day 10 July 20 Tuesday 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 11 July 21 Wednesday Vis Island (pronounced Weiss)
Weather permitting, we take small boats into the famous Blue Caves. Then we tour the village and just enjoy the beauties of this island featured in Mamma Mia 2.
We have either lunch or dinner aboard our yacht so you can have the variety of enjoying the local cafes.
Weather permitting, we take small boats into the famous Blue Caves. Then we tour the village and just enjoy the beauties of this island featured in Mamma Mia 2.
We have either lunch or dinner aboard our yacht so you can have the variety of enjoying the local cafes.
This is the view from the castle overlooking the harbor of Hvar City.
Day 12 July 22 Thursday Korcula Island
Maybe our favorite island is Korcula. Korčula Old Town, often called "Little Dubrovnik," was primarily built during the Middle Ages, with major development occurring from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The town’s signature Venetian-influenced, herringbone-street layout, fortified walls, and key towers were constructed during this period, with substantial expansion in the 14th century and further Renaissance enhancements in the 15th/16th centuries. Depending upon weather, we usually spend the late afternoon near a famous monastery on its own island where you might see deer. You can also enter the cathedral and a museum of art work by the monks. A short distance away the ship anchors and breaks out the water toys: SeaBob, Wave Runner, kayaks, paddle boards and more. Crystal clear water.
Maybe our favorite island is Korcula. Korčula Old Town, often called "Little Dubrovnik," was primarily built during the Middle Ages, with major development occurring from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The town’s signature Venetian-influenced, herringbone-street layout, fortified walls, and key towers were constructed during this period, with substantial expansion in the 14th century and further Renaissance enhancements in the 15th/16th centuries. Depending upon weather, we usually spend the late afternoon near a famous monastery on its own island where you might see deer. You can also enter the cathedral and a museum of art work by the monks. A short distance away the ship anchors and breaks out the water toys: SeaBob, Wave Runner, kayaks, paddle boards and more. Crystal clear water.
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Day 13 July 23 Friday Mljet Island
Mljet has been regarded as the "Melita" on which Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked. We love to rent e-bikes and head for the National Park (extra fees). It is a beautiful but rugged park surrounding inland lakes. Catch a free ride over to the monastery for a great lunch. The bike paths are paved and the forests beautiful.
Mljet has been regarded as the "Melita" on which Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked. We love to rent e-bikes and head for the National Park (extra fees). It is a beautiful but rugged park surrounding inland lakes. Catch a free ride over to the monastery for a great lunch. The bike paths are paved and the forests beautiful.
Tonight, relax and roam the old town and enjoy free time and dinner on the esplanade at a cafe of your choice.
Day 14 July 24 Saturday Disembark in Slano and drive the coast to Kotor, Montenegro
When Elizabeth and Mark first came to Croatia almost 10 years ago, they couldn't believe the coastal drive from Slano to Montenegro and knew this had to be part of the tour they were planning. As we drive the highway, the road drops off to the rugged shorelines of the Adriatic or Dalmatian coast. To our left are the mountains, quickly soaring 2,000 to 3,000 feet above. We arrive in a few hours at the fjords of Montenegro. We drive around the fjords to the ancient walled city of Kotor.
When Elizabeth and Mark first came to Croatia almost 10 years ago, they couldn't believe the coastal drive from Slano to Montenegro and knew this had to be part of the tour they were planning. As we drive the highway, the road drops off to the rugged shorelines of the Adriatic or Dalmatian coast. To our left are the mountains, quickly soaring 2,000 to 3,000 feet above. We arrive in a few hours at the fjords of Montenegro. We drive around the fjords to the ancient walled city of Kotor.
Day 15 July 25 Sunday Church in Podgorica and then lunch and tour in ancient capital city of Centinje. Tour Kotor.
We love attending the Podgorica LDS branch in the current capital of Montenegro. Some guests would love to stay there. After church we head up the mountain to the ancient capital of Montenegro, Centinje. After touring the historical museum and the monastery, next door are a half dozen cafes for lunch. Then we take the Serpentine road down to Kotor, where our local guide shows you the old walled city -- no cars allowed. You can walk the wall that heads up the mountains, enjoy gelato and the cafes, or discover why it is called "cat city." See if you can find the sign "Private Sign, do not read." Day 16 July 26 Monday -- Speed boats to Rock Church, Submarine Caves, Blue Caves. Such a busy day of beauty and history. We begin by taking 12 pax speed boats from Kotor, across the lakes to a strange island. Centuries ago two fishermen said they saw the Virgin Mary in the water, telling them to bring rocks from the shore and build an island right there. And when the island was completed, to build a church there. So they did with the help of believing fellow fishermen and town folks. We'll go inside the church. Then we speed across the next bay or lake to the secret cold war submarine bases built just large enough to hide a submarine. Some clever camouflaged entrances. Onward to the Adriatic Sea to the Blue Cave of Montenegro. Wear your swimming suit because we often are able to dive in and swim in the Blue Cave. An eerie blue light from sun rays hitting the white sands at the cave's entrance, bouncing up through the very blue water and lighting up the caves with blue lights. We are whisked by to the fjords and the town of Perast for lunch. Really good seaside cafes and a charming old town to explore. Our bus meets us there and takes us back to Kotor. Day 17 July 27 Tuesday Free day in Kotor and fjord lakes Since there's never enough time in Kotor to do everything, we've added an extra free day in Kotor. You can hike the mountains, take Ubers to the top of the mountain, take an excursion to the Black Mountains (Monte= mountain + Negro=black), rent a boat and enjoy the lake. Or time to just wander the town. Day 18 July 28 Wednesday Silkworm museum south of Dubrovnik. Tour of old town Dubrovnik We like to get an early start heading back to Dubrovnik which we passed on our way down here. After crossing the Montenegro/Croatia border, it's a short distance to a beautiful square with the Konavle County Museum where a once thriving silkworm industry was housed. Our tour guide loves our American tourists and shows us how they operated and the garments and other goods they made. Then we pass the Dubrovnik airport and drive about an hour to our hotel on the north side of Dubrovnik -- The Grand Hotel Park, just a block away from the beach, some parks, and an easy public bus ride into Dubrovnik old town. Day 19 July 29 Thursday Free time for beach near hotel, tour more of old town Dubrovnik, take cable car up the mountain. Day 20 July 30 FridayFly to USA |
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In 2027 we're adding Lake Bled to the Itinerary, so this exquisite fairy-tale setting will be included in the tour!
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Call Liz to book a space on this cruise and tour.
801.669.1777
801.669.1777