Adriatic and Balkans Cruise-tour
One departure only Oct 11 – 21, 2013
Countries visited Croatia and Bosnia with cruising on the Adriatic
A unique cruise on the Adriatic combined with a tiour of the Balkans. From the enchanting
UNESCO World Heritage site of Plitvice Lake to the historical and charming city of Sarajevo
we visit historical cities of Zadar, Trogir, Hvar, Korcula, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Medigorje and
Mostar. This 11 days Balkan experience includes 8 days aboard the M/S Princess Aloha a
125ft long and 26ft wide luxury vessel limited to an intimate group of 38 passengers only.
Includes all off shore excursions as per the itinerary.
OCT 11 FRIDAY: ARRIVE ZAGREB
Our exciting journey of the Adriatic and the Balkans cruise-tour begins today as we are met
a Zagreb and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Westin Hotel (1 night)
OCT 12 SATURDAY: PLITVICE LAKE
A scenic drive gets us to the enchanting and most romantic Plitvice Lake – a UNESCO World
Heritage site. The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years,
deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of
beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. These geological processes continue today. The forests
in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. This is a full days trip and
we then check into our Princess Aloha boat. (B, D)
OCT 13 SUNDAY: ZADAR – SALI
Morning walking tour of Zadar. Zadar’s historical center is a compact pedestrian zone,
perfect to explore on foot and admire the old walls built in 16 th century by Venetians as a
defense from Turks. You will see 16th century Port Gate where the Venetian lion (symbol of
Venice) still guards the entrance, also see the Square of the 5 Wells, church of St. Donat,
Roman Forum (1st century BC) and the biggest cathedral in Dalmatia - St. Anastasia
Cathedral. Lunch on board and then set sail to Sali for an overnight. (B, L)
OCT 14 MONDAY: SALI – SIBENIK
Morning sail through the entrance to National Park Kornati which has more than 140 islands
with numerous coves and crystal clear waters. Stop for swimming with “en route” onboard
lunch. We continue to National Park Krka with it’s magnificent karstic beauty and waterfalls,
continue by road to join the ship in Sibenik for overnight. (B, L)
OCT 15 TUESDAY: SIBENIK – TROGIR – SPLIT
Morning we start sailing to Trogir, stop on the way for a swim. Lunch onboard. Afternoon we
arrive at Tropgir - a UNESCO heritage city. Free time in Trogir before departing for Split – yet
another UNESCO World Heritage city. Walking tour of the historic inner city which was built
around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See
the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s
Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. (B, L)
OCT 16 WEDNESDAY: SPLIT – BOL – HVAR
Morning we set sail from Split to Bol said to have the best beach in Croatia. Time for a swim.
Golden Horn is a vast, golden pebble beach some 580 yards long - it is quite unique as it
changes shape and position depending on the winds. Continue sailing to the island of Hvar
with unique cultural and historical heritage. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Hvar, town with the
first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s Theatre in the UK), Franciscan
Monastery and many more historic sights. Evening in Hvar is free to explore and dine at one
of the many local family owned restaurants. (B, L)
OCT 17 THURSDAY: HVAR – KORCULA – MLJET
After breakfast amidst scenic views we depart for Korcula. Lunch on board. Korcula is the
acclaimed birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Walking tour will take you through
the narrow, cobbled streets and will include visit to the majestic Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of
St. Mark. Continue sailing to island Mljet for overnight. (B, L)
OCT 18 FRIDAY: MLJET – DUBROVNIK
Morning tour inside Mljet National Park, where we enjoy a beautiful walk around the Great
and the Small Lake. Lunch on board. Head to Grgich Vinery, center of the famous American
wine producer in Trstenik, for wine tasting. Afternoon arrival at Dubrovnik - the pearl of
Adriatic, famous city and recognised as a UNESCO’s World Heritage city. This will be followed
by a walking tour of old Dubrovnik including entrances to Rector’s Palace and Franciscan
Monastery with its Pharmacy. Evening free time to enjoy the local wine and dine at one of
numerous local and boutique restaurants of your choice. (B, L)
OCT 19 SATURDAY: DUBROVNIK – MEDJUGORJE - MOSTAR – SARAJEVO
A scenic land route gets us to the village of Medjugorje, a major Catholic pilgrimage site. The
site is well known from an incident in 1981 when several local children claimed to have
received messages from the Virgin Mary. From here we continue to yet another enchanting
and historical site – this time is none other than the Mostar Bridge – a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The historic town of Mostar, spanning a deep valley of the Neretva River, developed in
the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town and during the Austro-Hungarian
period in the 19th and 20th centuries. Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses
and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. After the Mostar visit we drive to one of
the world’s most beautifully cities, Sarajevo the capital of Bosnia.
Overnight: Hotel Astra Garni, Sarajevo (2 nights) (B, L)
OCT 20 SUNDAY: SARAJEVO
Morning we take a walking tour of Sarajevo, visiting Carsija - the old Turkish Quarter, with its
oriental sweets shops, cafés and beautiful Ottoman mosques. We also will see the Latin
Bridge, site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, which lead to the First World War.
Sarajevo is also a town where mosques, synagogues, orthodox and roman-catholic churches
and have been standing together for over 400 years. Afternoon is free. Evening is our farewell
dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
OCT 21 MONDAY SARAJEVO: departure
After an exciting journey into the Adriatic and the Balkans we are transferred to the airport
for our departure flight. Optional extensions available. Kindly ask for details. (B)
Services Include:
all transfers and sightseeing with English speaking guides
3 nights hotel accommodation and 7 nights cruise accommodation
19 meals
professional cruise manager aboard the Princess Aloha
private shower/washroom facilities throughout
luggage handling (one per person)
Service charges and taxes
Not included:
Airfares, visas (non required for US and Canadians), travel insurance, Port tax $ 90.
2013 Tour Cost
US$ 2950 per person sharing
US$ 1475 single supplement
Tour size Maximum limited to 38 passengers
Upgrade to Main deck $ 185 per person