The Best of Croatia: A Coastal Voyage

Transfer from Dubrovnik, Croatia to your hotel in Igalo, Montenegro. Enjoy some free time to explore Igalo, a town in Montenegro separated from historic Herceg Novi by the coastal borderline. Take in the natural Mediterranean beauty of palm trees, eucalyptus, oleander trees, cypress and mimosa trees, and take some time to rest and relax before orientation. We will rendezvous in the late afternoon for orientation, where the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Please note that this is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Because of this, all routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions could alter the progress of the ship, making it run late or possibly miss ports due to an inability to dock. The cruise itinerary of this program should therefore be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. If you are unsure of what to do during these times, your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At the hotel dining room, we’ll enjoy a plated welcome dinner with choices of hot and cold international dishes, fresh salads, and beverages including coffee, tea, water., one drink included; other beverages available for purchase.

At leisure.

At the hotel dining room, our breakfast buffet offers a daily selection of breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Begin the morning with a panoramic drive through Herceg Novi, where we will see some of the small coastal towns and islands off the Bay of Kotor. These sites are internationally recognized as some of Montenegro’s most iconic cultural treasures. Led by a local expert, explore the small town of Perast. Despite its current small population of 400 people, palaces from the Renaissance and Baroque eras attest to this town’s history as a favored vacation spot for Venetian and Russian nobles. Home to one of the best maritime schools in the 18th century, this town was also has a strong seafaring heritage. After exploring Perast, we will take a short motor boat ride into the bay to an artificial island known as Our Lady of the Rocks. According to legend, two sailors passing by this part of the bay in 1452 encountered the image of Madonna and the Child upon a rock. Since then, generations of seamen have pledged their faith to the saint by laying a rock on the bay after each successful voyage. Over time, an islet emerged from the sea, upon which a small chapel was erected. Such was its fame that the chapel was gifted masterful paintings and thousands of silver plates. After some time to explore the island, we will return to shore once again via motor boat. We will board the motorcoach once again and head to explore Kotor’s old town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its exceptional architecture and stunning natural setting. Founded by the Romans, Kotor developed into an important center of commerce and the arts. Traded back and forth between empires, its history is tempestuous. It was a prized city in the Venetian empire, and Venetian influence is apparent everywhere, most notoriously in the impressive city wall. One of the key sites we will visit is the Maritime Museum, housed in a former palace, which documents the importance of seafaring in Kotor’s history and culture as well as its former status as a naval power.

At a local restaurant.

Free time. Enjoy some time to explore the city of Kotor on your own before returning to our hotel via motorcoach.

On your own. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out, transfer, and embarkation in the morning.

At the hotel dining room.

We will check-out of our hotel and transfer by motorcoach back to Dubrovnik, Croatia. As we ride into the city, the view of stone walls, marble streets, and ancient architecture tips us off onto the rich and fascinating history of Dubrovnik. Our coach will drop us off at the Old Town and then continue their way onto the port to deliver our luggage to the ship. We will then set on a walking excursion of the city led by a local expert. We’ll cross a stone bridge, then walk down the stone-paved main street known as the Stradun. Despite many conflicts over the centuries, Dubrovnik retains its special character through the mix of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture across the city. Little evidence remains of the devastation from a six month siege and shelling campaign in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence. Among some of the sites we will visit on this excursion is the Franciscan Monastery and the impressive Rector’s Palace.

On your own.

Free Time. Enjoy some time to explore Dubrovnik on your own. In the later afternoon we will meet again and transfer by motorcoach to the port, where we will board our ship. Here we will be greeted with a kind welcome drink and speech before participating in a mandatory safety drill. Spend some time mingling among your fellow Road Scholars before dinner.

Aboard the ship our chef will prepare delicious plated dinner. Dietary needs will be accommodated to the extent possible given local resources. Coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase

At leisure.

On board the ship, we will enjoy an extensive European buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

We will transfer by motorcoach back to the Old City of Dubrovnik, where you will have some time to explore the city independently. We recommend trying to walk along the city walls, originally constructed in the 10th century and fortified in 1453, which served to protect the ancient Republic of Ragusa. These walls are 3 meters (10 feet) thick along the sea wall and 6 meters (20 feet) thick inland, with fortresses on all four corners. You may also wish to ride the new Dubrovnik cable car to the top of Mount Srd, from which you can appreciate a spectacular view of the Old Town and the shoreline of the Adriatic Sea. After our time exploring, we will return to the ship via motorcoach. Once onboard, we will gather to listen to a lecture from a professor of the University of Dubrovnik on a local topic.

On board the ship.

After lunch we will set sail for the island of Sipan. Once part of the Republic of Ragusa, Sipan is the biggest island of Elaphiti group of islands with two small settlements; Sipanska Luka and Sudurad. The Elaphiti group islands were mentioned first time in first century A.D. as green island with rich natural life. During Republic's time Sipan was the location where wealthy Ragusa families built their summer palaces and villas. That was unique moment on all Mediterranean back in Renaissance times that summer luxury houses were constructed. It’s simple, laidback atmosphere makes it a beautiful place to go for a hike or a walk along the bay. Enjoy some free time on your own for personal independent exploration before dinner.

On board the ship.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

This morning the ship will set sail for the island of Korcula. During cruise, your Group Leader will give you a lecture on a local topic. You are most welcome to ask questions. Enjoy some free time and beautiful sceneries on your Adriatic cruise.

On board the ship.

Upon arrival to Korcula, we will disembark for a walking excursion of the town. According to legend, Korcula’s Old Town was founded by Trojan prince Antenor, who also founded the city of Padua in Italy. This historic town sits on a fortified point jutting out into the sea, and its stone buildings with red tile roofs create one of the most picturesque images along the Adriatic coast. Among some of the sites we will visit during this field trip are St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Town Museum, the latter of which showcases cultural and commercial milestones of the island from prehistory to the present. After our field trip lead by a local expert, we will have some free time to explore the island.

On your own. Group Leader will be happy to suggest restaurants.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

This morning the ship will set sail for the island of Hvar. As we cruise the Adriatic, we will meet at the ship lounge for a presentation about a local topic, presented by your Group Leader. This presentation will discuss the legacy of the Yugoslav Wars and the 20 years of independence that have followed.

On board the ship.

Getting off the ship at port in Hvar Town, we’ll set out to explore this iconic harbor town. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Hvar Town – a center of Adriatic civilization and trade for thousands of years – was besieged by pirates. Hvar’s people sought protection from the Venetians, resulting in a new era of prosperity that further enriched it cultural heritage. Led by a local expert, we will get to see some of that rich heritage as we walk across stone paved streets, gothic palaces and tall city walls. Pass by the Hvar Arsenal, once described by Venetians as the “most beautiful and most useful building in the whole of Dalmatia”, which originated as a shipyard but has served as a municipal galley, training center, storage facility, naval supply center, and community historic center. Among its most famous legacy is the municipal theater built in 1612 on the first floor, which is the first theater in Europe that was open to all social classes. Our field trip will take us across the old town square, the largest in Dalmatia, to St. Stephen's Cathedral, completed in the 18th century on a 6th century church site, followed by the Franciscan monastery.

On your own.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

This morning we will explore the hinterland of the Southwest part of the Island of Hvar for a nice sceneries and learn more about agricultural part of the life on the island. After that we will move towards settlement Stari Grad. Upon arrival, we take a walking excursion of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Originally called Faros, this town was first settled by travelers from the Greek island of Paros in 384 BC. It served as the military and administrative center of the island until the 13th century, when the Venetian Empire decided to move it towards Lesina (modern day Hvar Town). This old center was then renamed Cittavecchia, or “old town” in Italian, and then became known as Stari Grad, or “old town” in Croatian. Led by a local expert, we will visit the birthplace of poet Petar Hektorovic as well the Dominican Monastery and Museum, which currently houses “The Mourning of Christ” by famous Venetian painter Jacobo Tintoretto.

On board the ship.

Free Time. Enjoy some time to explore Stari Grad on your own. In the late afternoon we will gather on the ship for a musical performance. Within the rich cultural heritage of Dalmatia, music holds a special place and one of the most popular forms of expression is singing. A local group of musicians will perform a combination of traditional Dalmatian polyphonic songs blended with Gregorian chant, or as they put it, “from the tavern to the altar".

On board the ship.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

Early this morning the ship will set sail once again for the mainland, towards the city of Split. After breakfast, we will head out on a walking exploration of the city with a local expert. This contemporary metropolis has as busy international airport, university town, and is home to notable scientific institutions, but its history began with Diocletian’s Palace. Built as an imperial villa for the Roman Emperor’s retirement, this huge complex spanning almost 10 acres once housed as many as 9,000 people. Split developed in the Middle Ages as a town within the palace. Today it is one of the only cultural monuments in the world where people still live.

On your own.

We will welcome guest lecturer for a presentation on Ivan Mestrovic, one of the greatest Croatian artist. Free Time. Enjoy some time to explore Split on your own. Your group leader will be happy to suggest what to do and see in Split.

On board the ship, we will enjoy a festive Captain’s Dinner buffet.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

This morning the ship will set sail for the town of Trogir. As we make our way, we will meet at the ship lounge for a lecture presented by our guest lecturer, a University professor. We will arrive to Trogir in the late morning, and led by a local expert, we will undertake a walking excursion of this small island just off the mainland. This beautiful little town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that developed from the ancient town of Tragurion, or the “island of goats”, founded by Greek colonists in the 3rd century BCE. Today, Trogir abounds with monuments that testify to its millennia of rich cultural heritage. As we walk along the waterfront to the South Town Gate, we’ll step back in time 4,000 years. We will then head towards St. Lawrence Cathedral and St. Mark Fort to view the city's defenses built by the Venetians.

On board the ship.

After lunch, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to Šibenik. Recognized by its beautiful landscape, dramatic history, and cultural monuments, Šibenik has the distinction of being the oldest native Croatian city on the Adriatic. The old town is full of noteworthy churches, noble palaces, and stone houses typical of Dalmatia. The Cathedral of Saint Jakov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by a local expert, we will take a walking excursion of town along the sea front to the Cathedral. Finishing our field trip, we will board the motorcoach again and make our way to the small Dalmatian village of Jurlinovi Dvori. Explore a hamlet of small stone houses clustered around a central courtyard in the village, and get a glimpse into the culture and traditions of this part of the Mediterranean.

At a local restaurant in the Dalmatian village, we’ll enjoy plated meals featuring home-made local foods such as soup, roasted meat and potatoes, sweets, with wine and water included. After dinner, we will coach back to the ship for our final night onboard.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and disembarkation in the morning.

On board the ship.

After checking out and disembarking the ship, we’ll board our motorcoach and begin our drive toward Smiljan, the birthplace of inventor, engineer, and scientist Nikola Tesla. While here on site, we will explore the recently established Nikola Tesla Museum and Memorial Center and learn from museum staff about the rivalry between Tesla and Edison as they vied over which electrical system would provide the best power: AC or DC. We’ll also discover many more inventions by this engineer, scientist, futurist, and physicist as we explore on site.

At a local restaurant en route to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Upon our arrival at Plitvice, we will head to the Research Center where we will be given a presentation by a member of park staff. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s first national park, was established in 1949 and includes over 300 square kilometers (115 square miles) of breathtaking natural splendor. It is the largest of eight national parks in the country. During this presentation you will learn about the natural flora and fauna of this park, as well as its unique geography which includes 16 lakes and over 90 waterfalls. Afterwards, we will transfer to check-in to our hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel dining room.

This morning we will head out to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park features a grand collection of waterfalls, lakes, forests, and diverse wildlife. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, which constantly change depending on the minerals and organisms present in the water and the angle of sunlight. Due to its beautiful series of tufa lakes, caves and waterfalls, this park was inscribed into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. The field trip in the park is a guided tour, led by a local expert. We will enter and exit the park together as an RS group.

On your own inside the park.

We will enjoy, see, and learn about the grand collection of waterfalls, lakes, forests, and diverse flora and fauna in the park. We will take a short boat ride and have some time to relax by a lake and picnic area. Later in the afternoon, we will transfer by motorcoach to the city of Zagreb. Upon arrival, we will check-in to our new hotel. Take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At restaurant in the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel dining room.

This morning we will set out to explore the historic city of Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. The city has its origins in the medieval era, when the area was home to the two neighboring settlements of Kaptol and Gradec. Each settlement was located on separate hills and were surrounded by high city walls, but as population rose and the lowlands between the two hill communities became settled, the two communities merged into the city of Zagreb in 1850. As part of our excursion on foot, we will take the local funicular and ride it up to where we can get a good view of the city.

On your own.

Free Time. Enjoy some time to explore the city of Zagreb independently.

At a local restaurant, enjoy a plated and served Farewell Dinner indulging in local flavors. Choice of one beverage included, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At leisure.

At the hotel dining room.