This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage. To ensure this trip is right for you, any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aid, then this tour is not suitable.
Good quality properties chosen for their modern facilities and amenities, typically ideally located, offering easy access to the city centre.
Hotel stars are based on local ratings provided and the expected standard may differ depending on the destination. Hotels listed within the itinerary are indicative of the typical hotel we intend to use for that package but is subject to change.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ 3 nights in 4-star accommodation
✓ 7 nights cruising the stunning Croatian coast in a Deluxe Superior vessel
✓ Daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Professional, English-speaking guide
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including Dalmatian Islands like Hvar and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Split’s historical complex, Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Old City of Dubrovnik
✓ Dedicated coach transportation
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Croatia! You’ll be transferred to your hotel.
The evening is free for you to relax or explore this elegant capital. It’s a great city to just wander. There are a wide range of cuisines in Zagreb and loads of dining options, including its renowned cafe culture – make like a local and sit in one to watch the world go by.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
We’ll enjoy a morning walking tour of Zagreb. We’ll walk through the historic, thousand-year-old Gornji Grad (Upper Town), a maze of narrow cobbled streets lit by gas lamps. We’ll see St. Mark’s Church, with its distinctive, brightly-coloured tile roof and the Zagreb Cathedral, recognisable by its two ornately decorated spires that are visible from most parts of the city. You’ll see the Government Palace and the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower. A cannon is shot from the tower everyday to mark noon.
This morning we’ll head towards the spectacular Plitvice National Park, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 16 beautifully-coloured lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades.
We’ll enjoy a three-hour walk in this pristine sanctuary and a boat ride on the emerald green Kozjak Lake.
We’ll then drive to Split, a buzzing city on the Dalmatian coast. Around here the locals say pomalo for a greeting – it means take it easy.
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of this coastal city. After a stroll around you’ll understand why some Game of Thrones scenes were filmed here. The old city is a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a city within a city: the wonderfully-preserved 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor. This renowned site is a sprawling treasure trove of history – original Roman streets, marble-tiled Pjaca Square and a host of Renaissance architectural delights.
We’ll transfer to the harbour for check in, from 2pm onwards. Welcome aboard to your home for the next seven nights as your cruise the vivid blue Adriatic waters of the dazzling Dalmatian Coast.
You’ll have some free time to see more of Split before returning to the ship for a welcome meet and greet cocktail reception onboard.
IMPORTANT: Due to specific mooring conditions and requirements in some Croatian ports, ships are moored side by side, making it necessary for travellers to cross from one ship to another with gaps in between ships in order to get to shore. In such cases guest need to take special care when crossing and do this at their own risk. Crew assistance will be given to those needing and requesting it. This cruise is not recommended for passengers in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
In the morning we’ll dock at Brač Island, the largest of the Dalmatian Islands, where you can swim at the most famous beach in Dalmatia. Jutting out on a very small peninsula, the white-pebbled beach of Zlatni Rat is a must-visit. Its shape and position shifts as the wind and waves constantly change. The beach is near the harbour town of Bol, a charming fishing village and now a popular tourist destination.
We’ll continue towards the island of Hvar – a favourite among celebrities and the jet set crowd – with lunch onboard at the Pakleni Islands.
Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, known for lavish lavender fields and breathtaking beauty. It’s a stylish, glamorous, upmarket destination; just look at the yachts docked at the harbour. We’ll arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a short presentation of lavender products and a tour of the town’s historic landmarks. We’ll see the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe, founded in 1612. Hike up to the town fort overlooking the harbour for lovely scenic views of your ship and the Pakleni islands.
In the evening Hvar lives up to its reputation as a party island, offering an abundance of entertainment open long into the night. Cocktail bars, seafood restaurants, beach clubs, cafes along the waterfront ripe for people watching. It’s all here.
We’ll spend overnight here.
Enjoy an early morning cruise towards the small island Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. The iridescent blue colour of the water is a marvel. (Entrance isn’t included; approximately seven Euro.)
Weather conditions can sometimes be very unpredictable so the possibility of our visit will depend on these conditions – you’ll be notified of this.
We’ll continue to the island of Vis, once a strategic naval base and closed to the public for decades. Due to this isolation, Vis has a special untouched charm, like “the Mediterranean as it once was”. This makes it an interesting city to explore. It’s not only incredibly picturesque – think red rooftops, lush green scenery and the brilliant blue little bay – it also has a rich history given its strong military roots. It’s a fascinating oasis. You’ll have the chance to try some exquisite wine varieties in one of the traditional wineries. Discover the island’s Roman past by visiting the remains of the Roman thermae (public baths) or the Issa Archaeological Museum. Or simply stroll along, enjoying the views along the lovely waterfront.
Early morning we’ll head towards Korčula island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. We’ll stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route.
We’ll arrive in Korčula in the afternoon and take a guided walking tour of the enchanting Old Town, tucked away behind massive walls on a tiny peninsula. One of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, it really is a living piece of history. A fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korčula Old Town to reduce the effects of wind and sun and provide sheltered and comfortable accommodation. It’s small and compact so easy to walk around, and is often referred to as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. As you wander the narrow, winding streets connected by stone steps you’ll notice the
Venetian influence reflected in the architecture.
Korčula is a great foodie destination, and you’ll find there is an abundance of great dining options – visit a konoba (traditional tavern) to get a real feel for the local cuisine. The island, home to many wineries, is well known for its crisp white wine made from the Posip grape.
You might take an optional excursion to a small village near Korčula for a typical Dalmatian dinner and to discover more about their history and traditional way of living.
We’ll cruise further south to the island paradise of Mljet. Legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. It’s time to take it slow in this tranquil haven. Get back to nature in this quiet, protected area – one of the greenest islands of the Adriatic, over two thirds of the island is covered by forest. Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to the little Isle of St. Mary to visit an ancient Benedectine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating back to the 12th century. You can swim in the lake, rent a bike to cycle along the lake’s shoreline or even rent a kayak.
You’ll have dinner onboard and spend overnight in Polača or Pomena.
We’ll dock at a small village called Slano on the mainland, a peaceful fishing village within easy reach of Ston. The once fortified, small village of Ston has the world’s second-longest fortified walls. After exploring the town’s medieval ramparts, a short coastal walk leads us to an oyster farm to learn more about – and, of course, have a taste of! – these renowned oysters.
We’ll transfer back to the ship for the Captain’s dinner with entertainment and music.
It’s an early morning departure to Dubrovnik, a medieval delight set between cobalt seas and the rugged Dinaric Alps. The special charm of this ancient harbour town is the buildings that have remained since its time of the old Dubrovnik Republic, enclosed by massive 16th-century defensive stone walls.
Before we tie the ropes at Gruž harbour, cruise alongside the old Dubrovnik city walls while lunch is served on deck. After docking, transfer to the Old Town for a guided walking tour. Discover lively promenades and narrow lanes lined with churches, monasteries, shops and cafes.
Take the three-minute cable car from the Old Town to the summit of Mount Srđ for the best views. For those keen, we recommend a walk on top of the city walls – it’s a great way to see the sights and it takes about two hours. Walk across the Pile Gate’s drawbridge and get lost in the buzz of the limestone-paved Stradun, the beautiful main street.
You’ll have free time for dinner and then stay overnight in Dubrovnik.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Croatian adventure comes to an end. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
We hope you’ve been inspired.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Deluxe Superior Vessel
Deluxe superior vessels are newer, larger and the best vessels that exist on the Adriatic Sea. They are built with high-quality materials of solid wood, glass, marble, stainless steel and similar materials. They are a minimum of 47 meters in length, newly built or refurbished after 2016, featuring hot tubs and spacious, superbly designed, air-conditioned en-suite cabins with double or twin beds. Cabins are between 11 to 20 square meters in size and are equipped with wardrobes, deposit box, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe, slippers etc.
See below for the intended ship to operate each departure date. This is indicative only and ships' schedule may change without prior notice:
29th April 2020 - due to sail on Riva
13th May 2020- due to sail on Aurelia
10th June 2020 - due to sail on Ave Maria
15th July 2020 - due to sail on Aurelia
12th Aug 2020 - due to sail on Aurelia
23th Sep 2020 - due to sail on Black Swan
30th Sep2020 - due to sail on Ave Maria
Cabin Types & Upgrades
Deluxe Superior Cruise on Lower Deck - INCLUDED
Lower Deck cabin amenities vary from vessel to vessel. Generally, you can expect them to be fully equipped with air conditioning, safe deposit box, fire alarm, emergency lights and audio system for announcements by the captain or Tour Director. In addition each cabin has life jackets, desk, wardrobe, and a porthole window. The approximate cabin size is 11 to 14 square meters.
Upper/Main Deck - Upgrade from an additional $467 per person twin share ($934 single)
Upper/Maid Deck cabins have similar amenities to Lower Deck ones. Some may or may not have a window instead of a porthole. Location within the ship is the main point of difference between cabins.
Upper/Main Deck upgrade not available on 12th August 2020 departure.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1,300 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the vessel and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Due to specific mooring conditions and requirements in some Croatian ports, ships are moored side by side, making it necessary for travellers to cross from one ship to another with gaps in between ships in order to get to shore. In such cases guest need to take special care when crossing and do this at their own risk. Crew assistance will be given to those needing and requesting it. This cruise is not recommended for passengers in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3,019 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Croatia for travel less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2 to 40 people depending on vessel size. Some vessels have a maximum capacity of 36 passengers.
Trip Style - Expedition Cruise
These trips are for the true explorer. Expedition small ship cruising is the best way to get off-the-beaten-track and see some of the world's most unspoilt and remote destinations. The experience on an expedition cruise is very different from that of a conventional, larger cruise ship. The focus is not about the ship’s creature comforts but very much about about the destination, it’s nature and wildlife.
Daily shore excursions by zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step on to shore in the world's most remote locations where few have ever been before. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package, on board your small ship you'll have an expert expedition team giving you informative lectures and educational lectures in many different scientific fields.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 120 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 120 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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