1. Home
  2. Europe
  3. Croatia
  4. Slovenia & Croatia by Land and Sea
Days
15
Price from
9940AUD
Map of Slovenia & Croatia by Land and Sea including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia

Lush countryside to sparkling seas along the Adriatic.

Explore the natural beauty and small-town charm of Slovenia and Croatia on a 15-day land and sea adventure. Beginning in the maze of canals in Venice, admire the waters of Lake Bled and the underground world of the Postojna Caves, ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for sweeping views over Lake Bohinj, and appreciate the pure and fertile Plitvice Lakes National Park. Indulge in epicurean delights like truffles and wine in Istra and the varied seafood along the Dalmatian coast. In Split, embark on an Adventure Cruise to Hvar, Korcula and Opuzen, then board wooden boats and sail up the River Neretva to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping in the stunning Mostar. The Adriatic coast is spotted with places to see, so let your mind wander as you discover the many gems along your way.

Start
Venice, Italy
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Destinations
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Adventure Cruising
Code
PEACC
Physical rating
Trip rating
1 review
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 31

This trip is no longer operating but a new adventure is waiting for you

Why you'll love this trip

  • Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for exceptional views over the shimmering Lake Bohinj and the foothills of the mighty Alps.

  • Soak up the vibrancy of Zadar and experience the deep Dalmatian heritage visible at every step – contrast the Roman ruins and medieval city walls with the modern sea organ and sun dial.

  • Indulge in a truffle tasting combined with local speciality dishes in the Istria region of Croatia. Your sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable local wines to try.

  • Board a traditional wooden vessel with your small group and sail up along the spectacular Neretva River to Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing you to explore the beautiful town of Mostar.

  • Enjoy the benefits of small-ship cruising by dropping anchor in the middle of port towns like Hvar or Korcula, getting you closer to the action, and allowing you to hop on or off the boat as you please.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement can be booked at an additional charge, subject to availability. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Note that many hotels in Europe don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

  • Part of your adventure is small ship Adventure Cruising, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with 30—50 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but the itinerary focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about and Wi-Fi is available for a small charge.

  • Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

  • Unlike other ships that cruise through the night, we’ll spend our evenings docked at port. This will give you more time to dine ashore and enjoy those balmy Croatian evenings. Cruising will mostly take place during the day.

  • Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may have to cross cobbled streets and uneven ground, sometimes in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your group leader before taking part.

  • Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. There will be seasickness tablets on board and your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

  • There are no lifts (elevators) on board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs (fitted with handrails) to access all the decks.

Croatia, Wine on deck
Croatia, Dubrovnik, Miljet island, Adriatic
Croatia, Cheese, Ham
Slovenia, Lake, Bled, Boat, church, landscape
Croatia, Plitvice, group lake forest
Croatia, Crew, Music
Bosnia, Mostar

Boats

Peregrine Dalmatia on Adventure Cruising

Peregrine Dalmatia

The Peregrine Dalmatia was purpose-built in 2012 to cruise the Dalmatian Coast, so you know you’re in for a safe and comfortable trip through...

Boat type
Motor Yacht
Passengers
31
Learn more

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Arrive in style! Your airport arrival transfer is by private water taxi. Glide into the centre of Venice by boat to gain an appropriate sense of perspective of this unique city from the water… don’t forget to keep your camera handy! This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of iconic sights. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have time to spare before then, you may wish to take a walking tour of the highlights, including St Mark's Square and the Basilica, Doges’ Palace, Accademia Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. After the group meeting tonight, do not be afraid to lose yourself on a short walk of discovery, through mysterious, quiet alleys and sleepy canals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kosher House Giardino dei Melograni or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Water Taxi Arrival Transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Farewell Venice in the morning and travel to the Postojna Caves (approximately 2 hours), where you will have some free time to have lunch before exploring. A network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers, Postojna is the largest classic karst cave in Europe. Begin with a two-kilometre open-top train ride through narrow tunnels into the jungle of stalactites and stalagmites. In the vast chambers the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. Continue to Ljubljana (approximately 1 hour), a city full of style and sophistication. On arrival take a guided tour around the Old Town. Visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Dragon Bridge. You'll also pay a visit to the open market under arcades before continuing to the lake side town of Bled (approximately 1 hour).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kompas or Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Postojna - Caves Visit
  • Ljubljana - Walking Tour
  • Ljubljana - Castle Visit & Funicular
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The constant temperature in the caves ranges from 8 to 10° C, so be sure to pack a jacket.

This morning you’ll drive through the misty Sava Bohinjka Valley to beautiful Lake Bohinj (approximately 30 minutes), the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia. Take a cable car to the top of Mt Vogel, where you will be greeted by simply astonishing views of evergreen woods sloping down the mountains to touch the brilliant blue waters. Enjoy free time to enjoy this amazing area before returning to Bled, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then embark on some sightseeing. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled and climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Enjoy a free evening. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, which isn’t hard; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kompas or Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
  • Lake Bohinj - Cable Car to Mt Vogel
  • Lake Bohinj - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Farewell Slovenia this morning and drive to Motovun, one of the most interesting towns in Croatia (approximately 2 hours). Motovun sits on the top of a cone-shaped hill, 277 metres above sea level, surrounded by the romantic and natural diversity of the bountiful Mirna River Valley, whose forests are famous for truffle hunting. Motovun is the one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Croatia's Istria region, with houses scattered all over the hill. The town grew around a core settlement surrounded by well-fortified walls, and its Celtic origin name comes from the word 'Montona', which means the 'town on the hill'. The medieval charm of the town is still found in its well-preserved architecture. Truffles are a glamourous-sounding local produce in this region. Enjoy a truffle tasting combined with fritaja (Croatian omelette), a local speciality. Your sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try, such as the famous Malvazija. Continue on to the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast (approximately 1 hour). Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact old town centre, with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Through the centuries, Rovinj’s character has enchanted many an artist or writer, including Jules Verne. Whilst in Rovinj you will also pay a visit to the venetian-style St. Euphemia Church, dedicated to the early Christian martyr whose marble coffin is said to have floated to the Rovinj shoreline. Continue on to Pula, only a short drive and tonight’s destination (approximately 40 minutes).
Accommodation
  • Hotel Galija or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Motovun - Truffle & Wine Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning, explore the famous Roman Amphitheatre of Pula with a local guide, and step back in time to the town’s heyday as a Roman regional administrative centre. Overlooking the harbour, the arena is the sixth-largest surviving amphitheatre in the world. Built in the 1st century, it was designed to hold up to 20,000 spectators, who revelled in the bloodthirsty gladiatorial contests shown there. The 30-metre-high wall, inset with two rows of arches, is made entirely of local limestone, with gutters on top for collecting water and slabs that were used to hold a shady fabric canopy in place. In the late morning you will make your way inland with a stop at the town of Opatija (approximately 1.5 hours), a former resort town for wealthy Austro-Hungarian families. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the famed centuries-old Franz Joseph I Promenade, better known as the Lungomare – a coastal footpath that stretches from Volosko to Lovran. There will be time for you to explore the stretch of the promenade closest to town, and to have lunch. In the afternoon, you will transfer to your hotel (approximately 2.5 hours), located in the Plitvice Lakes area.
Accommodation
  • Ethno House Plitvice Selo or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pula Roman Amphitheatre
  • Guided Tour of Pula
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today you will visit one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was given World Heritage status 20 years ago and comprises 19 hectares of wooded hills that surround 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls. The area is populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and some rare bird species, and the thick, primeval forest vegetation of beech trees, fir spruce and white pine adds another element to the park's beauty. You’ll have free time to explore here – all trails in the national park are well marked so it's difficult to get lost, but please follow the national park rules, which your leader will outline to you. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to the walled city of Zadar (approximately 1.5 hours). For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. Take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this splendid city – see the Roman Forum built in the first-Century and St Donatus' Church, which dates back to the ninth century and is the most famous medieval basilica and trademark of the city. You’ll also see numerous other fascinating constructions from between the 12th and 16th centuries, like the reconstructed Romanesque St Grisigono's Church, St Mary's bell tower, St Anastasia's Cathedral, and the People's Square. Lastly, you will visit the Three and Five Wells Squares. There is also an opportunity to visit the Gold and Silver Museum.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day in Zadar. There is so much to see and do in this harbour city, the hard thing is deciding what to choose. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the Museum of Church Art, the Archeological Museum and the National Museum. Don't forget to visit the famous ‘Greeting to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, two of the more modern sights of Zadar. The latter is a man-made organ on Zadar's Riva that works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to create a musical soundscape. You could also visit the vibrant fish markets of this port town, take a dip in the clear coastal waters, or explore the cafe culture and do some people watching. Your leader will also be able to offer you suggestions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, you will drive to Split, making a few interesting stops on the way. Your first stop is at the town of Sibenik (approximately 1 hour), where you have the option to visit the 15th-century St Jacob's Cathedral. After some free time for lunch, drive to Primosten (approximately 30 minutes), one of the most picturesque small towns on the Adriatic, then onwards to Split (approximately 1 hour). This is Croatia's second largest city, located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast and set on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea against a backdrop of coastal mountains. On arrival, transfer to your ship for the Adventure Cruising section of your journey, with boarding at 5 pm. Meet your crew and fellow travellers over a welcome drink, and have an introductory meeting and safety briefing. In the evening, sit down to an on-board dinner and watch the sun set over the sparkling Adriatic.
Accommodation
  • Peregrine Dalmatia (2 nights)
Included Activities
  • Krka National Park waterfalls & swim stop
  • Split Guided Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (1)
  • Dinner (1)
Special Information
Upon arrival in Split, you will be dropped off at the port for the Adventure Cruise section of your tour. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change today. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time.

Set sail for the island of Hvar, enjoying breakfast on board. Stop to swim in the waters of the Adriatic at a secluded beach close to Stari Grad – Hvar's Old Town. Arrive in Stari Grad around midday and look across one of Europe's oldest towns while lunching on board the Dalmatia. Next, take a bus to explore the island known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Visit a nearby farm and try local produce before enjoying a walk through the nearby lavender fields. Afterwards, drive to Hvar town for an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time to explore. Return to Stari Grad and dine at a local restaurant of your choosing. Overnight in Hvar (Stari Grad).
Accommodation
  • Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hvar Island - Hiking Options
  • Lavender farm visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Set sail early towards Opuzen, breakfasting on board and then stopping for a spot of swimming. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail up the Neretva river towards Opuzen. On arrival, jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). End up at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the water for Peka lamb and other local dishes then board the boats and return to Opuzen. This evening, you may like to venture out to the friendly bars around the town square to meet the locals.
Accommodation
  • Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Boat trip on the River Neretva with local snacks
  • Riverside Restaurant Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take a tour with a local guide, visiting a workshop specialising in traditional coffee sets and copper wall carvings. Afterwards enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your leisure. Return to the ship in the early afternoon and set sail for Trpanj. On arrival, visit the Matusko winery for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyards before a barbecue dinner on the deck of the Peregrine Dalmatia.
Accommodation
  • Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matusko winery visit and tasting
  • Mostar - Guided tour
Optional Activities
  • Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque - BAM8
  • Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
  • Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - BAM5
  • Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM6
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Mostar's position in a river gorge can make it extremely hot. The streets of the old quarter are paved with river rock which can be a bit slippery and tricky to walk on. On this day, please ensure you have good walking shoes, a hat and drink plenty of water.

After breakfast on board, enjoy a mid-morning swim stop in beautiful clear turquoise waters of Loviste in the Peljesac peninsula. Return to the ship and set sail for Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, with lunch on the way. This afternoon, join your leader for an orientation tour of the town. This evening you’ll be spoiled for choice with many restaurants overlooking the waterfront – ask your leader for their recommendations. Overnight in the port of Korcula.
Accommodation
  • Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Korcula orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Leave early this morning and cruise to Dubrovnik, stopping mid-morning for a swim near the island of Jakljan. Take your lunch on board before arriving in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon where you’ll join a local guide to explore this beautiful walled city. This evening enjoy a four-course dinner with the captain and your travelling companions on board the Dalmatia.
Accommodation
  • Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dubrovnik - Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Your small ship Adventure Cruise along the Dalmatian coast ends after breakfast.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Small Cruise Ship, Boat, Minibus

Accommodation

Small cruise ship (7 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Water Taxi Arrival Transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport
  • Postojna - Caves Visit
  • Ljubljana - Walking Tour
  • Ljubljana - Castle Visit & Funicular
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
  • Lake Bohinj - Cable Car to Mt Vogel
  • Lake Bohinj - Day Trip
  • Motovun - Truffle & Wine Tasting
  • Pula Roman Amphitheatre
  • Guided Tour of Pula
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
  • Krka National Park waterfalls & swim stop
  • Split Guided Tour
  • Hvar Island - Hiking Options
  • Lavender farm visit
  • Boat trip on the River Neretva with local snacks
  • Riverside Restaurant Dinner
  • Matusko winery visit and tasting
  • Mostar - Guided tour
  • Korcula orientation walk
  • Dubrovnik - Local Guide

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews