Splendid Cruise from Dubrovnik to Zadar

Board the MS Splendid docked in Gruž harbor in Dubrovnik. Your welcome meeting and dinner starts at 7:00 p.m., where you are introduced by your Cruise director to the Captain, crew and your future fellow passengers with whom you spend a week on board.

Embarkation is possible throughout the day; passengers arriving in the morning cannot enter their cabins before 1:00 p.m. but they can leave luggage on board. Passengers arriving later at night are provided with a cold dinner.

After breakfast cruise to Mljet National Park, passing by the magnificent shores of the Elaphiti Islands archipelago. Enjoy lunch on board along the way. Upon arrival to Mljet National Park, have a free afternoon (entrance fees are not included), walk around the Great and Small Lake, and explore the Islet of St. Mary with its Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century.

In the afternoon depart towards the Island of Korčula. Korčula is a city known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. Your English speaking guide provides a short city tour while walking you through narrow and cobbled streets. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy dining at one of the local restaurants of your choice.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Korčula with swim stops along the island. After lunch continue cruising towards Croatia's sunniest island, the Island of Hvar, with a second swim stop in one of the many coves and bays along the way. Hvar is one of the most popular and very attractive tourist destinations and a meeting point for the international jet set. Upon your evening arrival, a local English speaking guide walks you throughout the town, introducing you to the history, culture, and way of life on this island. Learn how lavender was traditionally farmed on the Island of Hvar for centuries. Have a free evening on your own to explore and dine in one of numerous family-owned restaurants.

Start your day with a morning departure towards Bol, said to have the best beach for swimming in Croatia - Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape). Stop in Bol and enjoy this nice Dalmatian town on a walk, or have a cup of coffee and take a swim until lunch is served on board. After a relaxed cruise from Bol to Split arrival is expected during the afternoon hours.

Split is the second largest urban center in Croatia and the seat of Split and Dalmatia County. It is traditionally considered to be over 1,700 years old. Since 1979 the historic center has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. The historical and cultural buildings are located inside the walls of the Diocletian’s Palace. In addition, its numerous museums, the National Theater, old churches, and other archaeological sites in the region make this city an important cultural attraction. Your English speaking guide leads a 35-40 minute Split City tour and walks you through the historical Diocletian’s Palace.

After breakfast continue sailing to Trogir. Have free time to explore this unique city with 2300 years of tradition. It is a town-museum in the very meaning of the word. Its rich culture developed under the influence of Greeks, Romans and Venetians. Trogir is also listed among UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Sites with its St. Lawrence Cathedral.

After lunch on board and a swim stop, arrive in Šibenik in the evening. This compact old town with medieval alleys, ring of fortresses, and a spectacular Renaissance cathedral is also listed among UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Sites. After arriving enjoy your walk and dinner at one of many restaurants in Šibenik.

Depart this morning by coach to Krka National Park. Visit the waterfalls, village, and old mills in this park before returning to the boat for lunch. In the afternoon visit Kornati National Park, on the Kornati archipelago, which is 35 kilometers in length with 140 islands. This archipelago was declared a National Park in 1980.

Depart in the morning for Zadar, the regional center of middle Dalmatia. Stop for swimming and “en route” lunch onboard. In the late afternoon arrive in Zadar, followed by a city tour. Zadar’s historical center is a compact pedestrian zone, perfect for exploring on foot and admiring defensive walls built in the 16th century by Venetians as a defense from Turks. See the 16th century Port Gate where a Venetian lion (symbol of Venice) still guards the entrance, as well as the Square of the 5 Wells, Church of St. Donat, Roman Forum (1st century BC) and the biggest Cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia Cathedral.

Transfer by minivans from Zadar to Split or Dubrovnik for your flight home or post cruise stay.