Slovenia and Croatia

Settle in at our hotel, located in the heart of the city. This evening gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

This morning explore the Upper Town of Zagreb on a walking tour, stopping at the mosaic-roofed St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, Strossmayer Promenade and the 13th-century Lotrscak Tower, which has been firing its cannons at noon every day since 1877 to alert the city’s churches to ring their noontime bells. Enjoy dining independently this evening.

Depart Zagreb this morning for the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, known for its unique heritage, with roots stretching back to the medieval 12th century, and situated on the site of the ancient Roman city of Emona. Upon arrival, set out on a walking tour of the car-free old town, visiting its sprawling Central Market and Preseren Square, heart of the historic center, and walking across the famous Dragon Bridge with its four menacing copper dragons. Ride the funicular to the top of Castle Hill and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Today we venture to stunning, cobalt-blue Lake Bled in the Julian Alps, where we enjoy a private boat ride to a church-crowned islet. Then visit Bled Castle and, after a lakeside lunch, return to Ljubljana for dinner on our own.

Depart Ljubljana this morning for the UNESCO-designated Škocjan Caves, a vast, ancient network of tunnels and chambers often dubbed the “underground Grand Canyon.” Continue our drive to Portorož on the Adriatic coast and check in to our oceanfront hotel. Then head to neighboring Piran, known for its Venetian architecture, for a sunset dinner on the waterfront. 

Cross the border into Croatia and explore the charming hilltop town of Motovun on the Istrian Peninsula. From there we drive to Pula, where we see the well-preserved Roman ruins, including an impressive colosseum—the only Roman amphitheater in the world with a complete circular wall. Embark the Queen Eleganza and gather for a welcome reception and dinner as we gaze out at the spectacular illuminated Old Town of Pula.

Relax on the sun deck following a morning lecture while cruising to the island of Lošinj. Moor in Mali Lošinj, whose harbor is often deemed the most beautiful in the Adriatic. There we meet with conservationists at Blue World Institute, an NGO committed to conservation of the Adriatic’s marine environment, with a focus on bottlenose dolphin conservation. Later, explore Mali Lošinj’s seafront lined with imposing 19th century houses and villas and enjoy dinner at leisure ashore.

Spend this morning sailing Croatia’s scenic coastline, with time for a lecture as well as swim opportunities en route, weather permitting. Upon arrival in Zadar, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, where the streets are paved with shining white marble, and meet with local artisans who teach us to blow glass. Enjoy an evening at leisure for independent dining along Zadar’s inviting waterfront with its café-lined streets.

From Zadar we take a short drive to explore the splashing cascades at Krka National Park. From there we continue to the coastal town of Sibenik, home to UNESCO World Heritage site of Cathedral of St. James, built entirely from stone and adorned with a blend of Gothic and Renaissance art. Enjoy lunch and free time in Sibenik before traveling to Split to reboard the ship early this evening.

Spend the morning in historic Split, Dalmatia’s largest city, which began as a Greek settlement and has a rich past as a Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian seaport. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries CE. The sprawling, fortress-like complex along Split’s waterfront is considered one of the world’s best-preserved examples of Roman architecture. Return to the ship for lunch on board as we cruise to lovely, lavender-scented Hvar Island, where we visit the elegant main square and meet with the nuns who make lace from aloe threads at the Benedictine Monastery. Spend the evening at leisure strolling among its restaurant-lined avenues.

Spend this morning sailing Croatia’s scenic coastline and enjoying our educational program, arriving in the afternoon in Korčula, considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Take a walking tour of the fortified Old Town with its narrow, stepped streets, taking in the ancient walls and massive entrance gates. Then venture to the interior of the island for a wine tasting accompanied by local specialties. Enjoy free time for independent exploration and dinner on our own.

Our lecture program continues as we cruise to Dubrovnik, noted for its expansive walls and perhaps the most-visited—and most-loved—destination on the Adriatic coast. Take in the sights along the marble-clad Stradun, the historic city’s main street: Onofrio’s Fountains, St. Blaise Church, the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan church and monastery. The latter, a large complex belonging to the Order of Friars Minor, includes a monastery, church and library, and a pharmacy dating from 1317. Return to the ship to toast our journey at the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

Disembark from our ship this morning and transfer to the airport for flights home.