15 Day Pearls Of Croatia & Greek Island Cruising
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
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.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Dubronik, Split, Athens, Delphi,
Kalambaka, Meteora, Syros, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Santorini and more
✓ 6 Day independent exploration of Split & Dubrovnik
✓ 6 Day discovery tour of Greece mainland
✓ 5 Day cruise on the Agean Sea with Celestyal Cruises, inlcuding unlimited classic drinks, onboard entertainment, selected shore excursions, port charges & gratitudes
✓ Expert english speaking local guides on all included activities
✓ 5 nights in comforatable 4* hotels in Croatia
✓ 5 nights in centrally located & comfortable 3* hotels in Greece mainland
✓ 22 meals including daily breakfast 3 lunches and 5 dinners
✓ Private transport from Dubrovnik to Split (via Plitvice National Park)
Dubrovnik Airport arrival transfer
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 Dubrovnik! Upon arrival to the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for tonight. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Dubrovnik at leisure.
After an easy breakfast you will set off on a privately guided tour of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a unique jewel of the Adriatic coast and one of the most iconic cities in the world. The city-state of Dubrovnik was one of the most important merchant towns in the entire Adriatic region. You will walk along the medieval wall that surrounds the old city center and discover its ancient secret such as the Passing Pile gate, the Franciscan monastery and the Rectors’ palace. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city on your own.
Today is free for you to explore Dubrovnik. Perhaps visit the St John Fortress. Part of the city walls, St John Fortress is on the southeastern side of the defences protecting Dubrovnik’s port. For hundreds of years Dubrovnik was vulnerable to pirate raids, so they came up with a smart deterrent. When the warning was sent out they’d lift a heavy metal chain that ran from this fortress to the Kase Jetty in the port to damage ships.
If you pop inside the tower you can visit a small aquarium on the first floor and then head upstairs to the browse the maritime museum.
Alternatively, you may want to catch a ferry from the port to Lokrum Island - an island opposite Dubrovnik. The ferry ride takes only ten minutes. The island is covered almost entirely with deep green pine forest that you can amble through via walking trails. These walking routes also lead to the coast, where you'll come across rocky coves with waters ideal for swimming and even families of peacocks brought to the island by Maximilian, the 19th-century Austrian Archduke. The old monastery on the island is also a restaurant during the summer.
Enjoy an easy and hearty breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer drives you to Split. Settle in at your comfortable accommodation and set off to explore Split by foot.
After breakfast gear up for a full day exploring the vibrant Mediterranean town of Split on hop-on, hop-off bus tour. As the largest Dalmatian town, there are plenty of things to do in Split! Hop on and off on the 2 routes with more than 10 stops and enjoy sightseeing at your own pace. The hop-on, hop-off tour gives you the liberty to visit attractions of your own choice without worrying about the hassles of commuting from one place to another. Stroll along Split’s seafront promenade, visit museums and art galleries, hike Marjan hill or just relax on the beach. Some of the sights covered by the tour are the Diocletian’s Palace, The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the UNESCO protected site of Trogir, the Fortress of Klis (one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones) the promenade, the St. Francis church and monastery and Beach Bene.
After breakfast, and at the appropriate time, your private transfer will drive you to Split airport in time to board your ongoing flight to Athens. Upon your arrival at Athens international airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package has the cream of the crop, and we know you will thoroughly enjoy your one night stay in Athens. The rest of the day is at leisure. Visit on your own the famous flea market in Plaka (old town of Athens).
Enjoy a beautiful breakfast at the hotel and get ready to leave via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, before arriving in Delph, to visit the archaeological site. You will have a chance to visit the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and learn the story of this brave God’s triumph over the dragon that guarded the “Omphalos”. Visit the marble Treasury of the Athenians, built to store the rich offerings of grateful kings. Afterward, you will proceed to the small picturesque city of Kalambaka, passing through beautiful villages and cities of Central Greece, where you will enjoy a delicious included dinner.
After a tasty breakfast in the hotel, get ready to explore Meteora. These unique rock formations, rising high with Christian monasteries built at the top are truly fascinating experiences. Visit the interior part of them, but also enjoy the marvelous views from the top. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia. Thermopylae (shortstop to see across the road the Leonida's Monument). After the arrival back to Athens, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Today, after the luscious breakfast at the hotel, you have the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue on and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).
On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts the order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before being transfered to Athens port to board the next stage of your holiday. Your transfer will pick you up at approximately 10am to start embarking by 11am. Your ship takes off at 1pm.
The magical sun-kissed island of Mykonos invites you to admire its stunning coastline, soft sandy beaches, and rugged rock landscapes. Affectionately known as the “Island of the Winds”, Mykonos is home to the 16th Century windmills that have become iconic landmarks on postcards. The energetic Greek island is well known for its beauty, diverse range of bars, cafes, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
Tonight you will start heading towards Kusadasi.
Early in the morning, the dynamic beach resort of Kusadasi welcomes you with its warm and friendly ambience. From here you will be whisked away for a guided tour round ancient Ephesus, one of the highlights of the iconic Aegean cruise. Before rebounding the ship, take time to enjoy the scenic seafront promenade and the town’s impressive Grand Bazar. By 1pm you’ll set sail to your next destination: Patmos.
Arrive at Patmos early afternoon. The monumental grid of medieval walls provides a picturesque setting as we pull into the port of Skala on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. Locally known as the “island of the Apocalypse”, Ptmos boast a spiritual vibe thanks to the legends of the St. John. Take time to explore the lush, forest-like hills that encircle the capital, Chora or join our local guide for an exciting adventure.
The stunning landscape of Greece’s largest Dodecanese island, Rhodes, seamlessly incorporates dramatic ancient and historic sites with charming modern hillside villages. Here you will visit the majestic medieval fortification of the Acropolis at Lindos, perched on the clifftop above the crystalline Aegean and explore the cobbled alleyways and narrow arteries in the Old Towns where you will discover opulent architecture with Ottoman and Italian influence.
As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th Century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe's first civilisation in the Knossos museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You're about to find out!
Continue sailing to Santorini. The spectacular sweeping scenery of Santorini will simply take your breath away. The romantic Island is dotted with traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches that are clustered over the striking cliffs. It is instantly recognisable as one of the world's most photographed picture-postcard landscapes. The charming villages provide beguiling oasis of tranquility and beauty that will exceed all your expectations
As we pull into the port by 9am, your trip comes to an end. Make your own way to the airport to connect with your ongoing flight. Your cruise staff will be able to help you arrange transportation to the airport.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
Celestyal Cruises
This cruise is operated by our partners Celestyal Cruises on board their Celestyal Olympia ship. Life onboard the Olympia is more than a cruise – it’s an experience that invites you to indulge in our Hellenic heritage. Relax with a refreshing drink in the ambient lounges, indulge in sumptuous authentic cuisine or take advantage of our excellent onboard facilities, you will never be lost for something to do.
With ample facilities combined with distinctive Greek hospitality and personalized service, our friendly team aboard the Celestyal Olympia ensure your time with us is enjoyable, memorable and exciting. More information on the Olympia can be found HERE
Cabin inclusion & upgrades
Interior Stateroom (IA) - Included
Interior Staterooms at deck 2 and 3 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.
Interior Stateroom (IC) - From AUD $226 to $574 per person, twin share (Low vs high season variation. Single price on application)
Interior Staterooms at deck 5 and 6 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 2 persons with 2 lower beds, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.
Exterior Stateroom (XB) - From AUD $369 to AUD $769 per person, twin share (Low vs high season variation. Single price on application)
Exterior Staterooms at deck 3 and 4 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd /4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and a window.
Balcony Suite (SB) - From AUD $1128 to $1568 per person, twin share (Low vs high season variation. Single price on application)
Balcony Suites at deck 9 (~27 sqm) can accommodate up to 3 persons with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed, bathroom with bathtub, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerated mini bar and a balcony.
COVID -19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be affected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
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.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
A Single Supplement is available on this tour. Select 'book now' and choose 1 passenger to show the single supplement for this tour.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e -tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Group size varies from package to package. Depending on the services provided, the group size might range from private 2 person experiences up to coaches of 60 people depending on your selected holiday.
Tour Style
Partially Escorted - A section of this itinerary is Independent. We have arranged your transportation, accommodation and activities. During this time you will joined by other non Inspiring Vacations travelers. The cruise portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by expert ship's staff and by local leaders during off shore excursions.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
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