Passage Through the Balkans with Croatian Island Discovery

Deal Details

Travel Dates

Departures year round

Sale Ends

Oct 31, 2024

Priced From

$15,045
From Belgrade, visit bohemian Old Towns, Mostar’s Old Bridge and busy bazaars. Inland, enjoy your fill of mountain views and wineries surrounded by sunny meadows, before boarding your yacht for an eight-night cruise on the stunning Adriatic Coast.

Itinerary


Day 1: Arrive Belgrade

We'll meet you on arrival in the Serbian capital of Belgrade today and transfer you to your hotel. There's time to relax before a welcome dinner with fellow guests this evening.

Day 2: Belgrade

Today, experience Belgrade on a walking discovery, including the Old Town's Bohemian quarter, where cobbled streets are lined with trees and cafes. At its heart, take a stroll down the curved street of Skardalija dotted with taverns, art galleries and antique shops. Later, you'll also visit the burial place of former Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito, the imposing Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world.

Day 3: Belgrade, Zlatibor

After breakfast this morning, head for Zlatibor, a region of mountains, rolling hills and rural villages, considered one of the most beautiful in Serbia. Along the way, linger in a local winery, which has been family-owned for generations, where warm hospitality and wine tasting are the order of the day. Later, continue to your hotel for the next two nights.

Day 4: Zlatibor

It’s all aboard the Sargan Eight Railroad this morning, as this heritage narrow-gauge railway loops through lovely scenery. You’ll also learn about this historical feat of engineering, which was built by Austro-Hungarian forces during World War I. Afterwards, continue to the timber village of Drvengard for lunch. Filmmaker Emir Kusturica created this village as the setting for his film Life is a Miracle and it is now an open-air museum depicting traditional life. This afternoon is dedicated to exploring Tara National Park. You’ll see a region nothing short of breathtaking, admiring pristine forested slopes, ravines and the dramatic Drina River Canyon, which is the third largest of its kind in the world.

Day 5: Zlatibor, Sarajevo

Sit back and watch the views slide by as you journey from Zlatibor to Sarajevo this morning. Once you’ve arrived in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there’s time to settle into your hotel and enjoy this afternoon as you like. With a full day set aside to discovering Sarajevo tomorrow, you might like to relax a while before dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 6: Sarajevo

Fascinating Sarajevo was at the centre of monumental events in the 20th century - the assassination which launched World War I, and the four-year siege of the city during the Balkans conflict in the 1990s. While scars remain, it has regained its status as a beautiful and cosmopolitan city.

Day 7: Sarajevo, Mostar

Leaving Sarajevo, set out for the historic city of Mostar today, arriving in time for lunch. Spreading over a valley carved out by the Neretva River, this is a city packed with charming streets and architecture, clustered along steep river banks. First, sample traditional street food, the delicious meat or cheese pastry known as burek, before continuing to see Stari Most (Old Bridge). This is the city's centrepiece, a magnificent stone arch between medieval towers which straddles the Neretva River. This 16th-century Ottoman treasure was rebuilt in 2004 after being damaged in the 1190s Balkan conflicts, and is now a World Heritage-listed structure known for its tradition of bridge diving. Later, take your time discovering the colourful stalls and handicrafts on display at the local bazaar of Kujundziluk.

Day 8: Mostar, Dubrovnik, Embark Yacht

Travel to Dubrovnik and board your ship, the newly launched cruising yacht MV Lady Eleganza. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner before overnighting in this magnificent town.

Day 9: Dubrovnik, Korcula

This morning in Dubrovnik set out for a guided tour of the medieval walled city. Historically famous and known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik has gained even more attention since being featured as King's Landing in the television series Game of Thrones. Then set sail and perhaps stop for a swim on the island of Jakljan. Later arrive in Korcula, reputed to be Marco Polo's birthplace, where you will stroll along medieval streets flanked with palaces. Your yacht will dock here overnight.

Day 10: Korcula, Hvar

Set out on a walking tour of Korcula this morning. Later sail to Hvar, where you will take a short coach ride across the island to the stunning Old Town of Hvar for a guided walk. Start in the iconic main square, the largest piazza in Dalmatia, then see the cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery. You have the option to experience life like the locals and visit a lively cafe or tavern onshore as your yacht moors overnight.

Day 11: Hvar, Vis

Today you’ll head from the coast to one of Croatia's main islands, fascinating Vis. The island was used as a military base for the Yugoslav army and only opened up to tourism in 1989. This long isolation and lack of development is the island's main attraction, ensuring its untouched beauty. Your ship will dock in Vis overnight.

Day 12: Sibenik, Radosic

Set sail for Sibenik this morning. On arrival, travel to the traditional village of Radosic for a Signature Experience.

Day 13: Sibenik, Krka National Park, Zadar

Today head to beautiful Krka National Park. Here, explore the dramatic waterfalls, where the highlight is Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and countless cascades at the other as the rushing river forces its way through a barrier of tiny islets. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, and the unique flora and fauna. Later, sail to Zadar.

Day 14: Zadar, Pag, Rab

This morning enjoy a guided walk of Zadar's well-preserved Old Town, Roman-era remains, Romanesque churches and Renaissance palaces. Continue to Pag, where you will have another chance to swim in the stunning Adriatic Sea straight off the spacious rear deck of your yacht. Continue to Rab and dock overnight, giving you a chance to explore the pleasures of the city after the busy daytime crowds have dispersed.

Day 15: Rab, Krk

In Rab, meander through the narrow old alleys of the picturesque Old Town. Then sail to the beautiful island of Krk, where weather permitting, your yacht will drop its anchor so you can enjoy a swim straight from the rear deck of the yacht. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 16: Disembark Yacht, Opatija, Depart Zagreb

After a final breakfast, say a fond goodbye to the MV Lady Eleganza and its crew before a transfer from Opatija to Zagreb Airport for your onward flight.