Croatia Intensive Cruise: Zadar, Split & Dubrovnik

Day 1 - Venice, Italy

Arrive: Sun 10 October 2027 / Depart: Sun 10 October 2027 at 18:00

Day 2 - Koper

Arrive: Mon 11 October 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 11 October 2027 at 22:00

A key commercial center with a Venetian past, Koper is Slovenia's only deep-water port. Stroll the narrow streets of the "old city" to the Praetorian Palace, which could easily be the setting of a Renaissance drama, sip a coffee in the square, then visit the Cathedral of St. Nazarius, the largest in Slovenia.

Day 3 - Opatija

Arrive: Tue 12 October 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 12 October 2027 at 18:00

In 1844 Opatija began its life as a resort; with stunning coastal views and a mild climate it quickly drew an aristocratic clientele. The Grand Hotel Kvarner opened its doors, noblemen began to build spacious villas, and Opatija became the fashionable seaside resort of the Austro- Hungarian Empire. Here elegant ladies strolled the lush gardens and parks in the shade of parasols, and dancers swayed to the tempo of the waltz. On a terrace overlooking the blue bay, kings and emperors negotiated alliances and hatched plots. The grand residences of the wealthy are now hotels that still exude the air of elegance of a bygone age.

Day 4 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Wed 13 October 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 13 October 2027 at 20:00

Perched on Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Zadar is a truly captivating city, where history-drenched cobblestone streets meet contemporary life, then surrounded by deep blue sea, green olive groves, and white stone. Dubbed an “outdoor museum”, Zadar is rich in monuments and churches from ancient and medieval times—the circular 9th century Church St. Donat, the Church of St. Simeon and the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Anastasia—while nature lovers should explore Krka National Park and its seven waterfalls. Meander through the pedestrian-only Old Town, with its fortified city walls, towers and gates, then visit Zadar’s famous urban installations on the Riva, where art, architecture and science combine. Be sure to check out The Sea Organ, which extends into the sea and “whistles” with the waves and air pressure, and Greeting to the Sun, a circular construction of glass plates that produces an exceptional light show.

Day 5 - Split

Arrive: Thu 14 October 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 14 October 2027 at 22:00

Its Adriatic seaside lined with palm trees, Split is the largest and most important city in Dalmatia, and custodian of the riches of culture and history found within and around the walls of the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace. Begun in 295 AD as an imperial residence and fortified camp, its twisting cobblestone byways reveal churches and chapels both Romanesque and Gothic, and older places of worship such as the Temple of Jupiter. The old town is remarkably well preserved, and is full of museums, art galleries, and cozy cafes where you can pause along your way.

Day 6 - Sibenik

Arrive: Fri 15 October 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 15 October 2027 at 20:00

Just 55 miles north of Split is the city of Sibenik, situated where the River Krka meets the Adriatic. Since 1066, it has been under rule by Croatians, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians, Yugoslavians, and once again back to Croatians—which has resulted in a diversity of international influences. This is particularly evident in the old part of Sibenik, with its many churches, palaces, Dalmatian houses, as well in the city’s stone walls and four fortresses: St. John, St. Michael, St. Nicholas and Šubi?aevac. A must see is the Cathedral Sveti Jakov, and if you love the great outdoors, then visit Krka National Park or Kornati National Park.

Day 7 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sat 16 October 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 16 October 2027 at 22:00

To visit Dubrovnik is to step back in time to the Middle Ages. The town is one massive museum, its thick walls constructed from the 13th to the 17th century encircle the entire city, and contain within them a treasure trove of striking architecture – squares, fountains, palaces, churches, and monasteries, all built from the same stone, line streets free of motor vehicles. Once the only city-state on the Adriatic to rival Venice, Dubrovnik has long been a center for Croatian culture, and home to artists and scholars of all disciplines. It is possible to circumnavigate the city atop the medieval walls.

Day 8 - Kotor

Arrive: Sun 17 October 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 17 October 2027 at 13:30

Kotor’s beautiful bay has long attracted passing ships that stopped to trade, plunder, or conquer, and merchants, pirates, and soldiers of numerous empires have walked this maze of cobblestone streets before you. One of Europe’s best-preserved cities of medieval or Renaissance vintage, its walls were constructed right into the steep slopes of the mountain behind it, providing protection and making it an amazing sight on approach from the sea. Venetian ramparts enclose a rich history, with churches of varying styles, and a Romanesque cathedral built on the foundations of an earlier church, and a still earlier Roman temple.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Athens

Arrive: Tue 19 October 2027 at 05:30 / Depart: Tue 19 October 2027

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon. To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.