Days
22
Price from
Be mesmerised by mountains, medieval cities, marinas and more
Spend 22 glorious days exploring the myriad delights of Slovenia and Croatia, with a small jaunt into Bosnia and Herzegovina, by land touring and cruising. Combine well-known highlights such as Split’s Old Town with the quiet charm of a winery in small Sibenik village and simple pleasures like swimming in the waters of the Adriatic – this trip is the perfect way to see guidebook favourites and little-known treasures alike. Contrast well-preserved medieval cities like Venice, Dubrovnik and Korcula with the rugged, evergreen wilderness of national parks like Plitvice Lakes, Kornati and Krka.
- Start
- Venice, Italy
- Finish
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Destinations
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
- Style
- Peregrine
- Theme
- Adventure Cruising
- Code
- PESSC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Enter the fantastical underground world of the Postojna Caves – one of the longest karst caverns in the world – home to strange rock formations and creatures like the eye-less salamander.
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Cruise into the Kornati National Park archipelago to explore the bays and untouched islands. Use the on-board kayaks, take a dip or simply relax on deck with a drink in hand.
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Take a small boat into the waterways of Krka National Park and cruise past waterfalls that spill from verdant forest, traditional windmills and medieval structures.
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Indulge in epicurean experiences like truffle tasting in medieval Motovun, sampling local honey on a farm in Hvar and lunching on Peka lamb in the Opuzen wetlands.
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This itinerary includes a special detour to Mostar in Boznia and Herzegovina, where you can see the town’s iconic bridge and chat with local craftsmen and metalworkers.
Is this trip right for you?
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This is small ship Adventure Cruising, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with 30—50 other people. While the boat is spacious and comfortable, the tour 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. Wi-fi is available for a small charge.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. 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. Couples should note that many hotels in Europe don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
Gallery
Boats
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
Itinerary
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
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Meet your leader and group, and have your essential details such as passport number and insurance details ready for collection. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. As this trip leaves Venice tomorrow, it's recommended to arrive early to make the most of your time here.
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
- Ljubljana Sightseeing with Local Guide
- Ljubljana Castle and 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
- Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
- Cable Car to Mt Vogel
- Day Trip to Bohinj
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
- Truffle and Wine Tasting in Motovun
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
- Zadar Sightseeing Tour
- 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 (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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.
Sail to Sibenik, take a short orientation walk with your leader, then a transfer to a nearby village. Here you are treated to a traditional Dalmatian lunch in an agriturismo. This particular spot is famous for its smoked ham, known in the to the locals as pršut. You visit the farm, and enjoy the local countryside, before returning to Sibenik in early evening.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sibenik Orientation Walk
- Traditional Dalmatian Lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Travel to Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, you'll take a walking tour with a local guide. This includes admittance to St Donatus Church, an imposing 9th-century domed building still used for music performance. Later in the afternoon you'll head to the unique Sea Organ, which generates music via sea waves, using tubes placed beneath a set of broad marble stairs. It's not only a profound piece of art, highlighting the long history of the town, but also a feat of engineering. As darkness falls you'll enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at nearby Greeting to the Sun, an in-ground monument consisting of 300 multi-layered glass plates in a 22-metre (72 foot) diameter circle that produces a stunning show of light after dark. It works in tandem with the Sea Organ -- one communicates with light, the other with sound.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
- Zadar City Walking Tour
- Zadar Sunset Drink
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Transfer by coach to Plitvice National Park, where a leisurely hike with your leader is a lovely way to take in all the natural beauty. While you can't swim in these lakes, the experience of nature is a profound one, with waterfalls and butterflies piercing the ambience of the lush green forest, providing many a photo opportunity. Return to Zadar in the afternoon.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Sail to Kornati National Park, a nautical wonderland made up of 89 islands. Explore the bays, stopping for a swim. Those keen for some kayaking are welcome to take that option; alternatively, sit back and take in the endless blue-green vistas and snap some photos. Stay overnight in Telascica.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kornati National Park Visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Set sail early for Trogir and enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival, a leader-led orientation walk acquaints you with this beautiful town. You visit the Cathedral of St Lawrence, which is one of Croatia's finest architectural pieces, and the 15th-century Kamerlengo fortress. Sit down to some lunch on board the ship, before sailing to Primosten where your evening is at leisure.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trogir Old Town Walking tour - includes Cathedral of St Lovro and Kamerlengo Fortress
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Make the return sail to Split, stopping en route for a refreshing swim. Take a walking tour of the town and take in marvellous sights like fourth-century Diocletian's Palace. This evening enjoy a captain’s dinner on board.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
- Captain's Dinner
- Split Guided Walk
- Ciovo Island Visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today is a free day to enjoy Split at your own pace. You may like to find a harbourside café along the marina or simply find a beach to pull up a towel and spend the day swimming and sunbaking – it’s up to you! Later in the afternoon, board the ship and join your crew on welcoming any new travellers who may be accompanying you on the next stage of your adventure. You will have another briefing on board, usually around 5 pm to detail what’s to come. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner as the sun sets on another day.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
s this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. On this day, all cabins on board your ship will be refreshed and the crew will prepare the vessel for new arrivals. Please note that you will not be able to access the ship until around 4 pm to allow for this; however, you will be able to leave your larger luggage on board. Feel free to ask your leader for recommendations on what to do in port for the day. There will be another meeting later in the day to discuss the next stage of your itinerary, so please attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.
After a leisurely breakfast on board, you may wish to join the new travellers on another guided tour of Split. Or perhaps strike out on your own and lunch at your leisure in one of the old town's lovely al fresco eateries. In the afternoon, take a private bus transfer to Krka National Park. Board a small boat to explore this stunning environment. Witness the park's many waterfalls, many of which feature multi-tiered falls gushing from verdant forest. You may wish to stop for a dip or two in the clear, crisp waters. Return by bus to Split and enjoy dinner on board the ship.
Accommodation
- Peregrine Dalmatia (1 night)
Included Activities
- Krka National Park waterfalls & swim stop
- Split Guided Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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 aboard the board the Dalmatia. Board a bus to explore the island known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Visit a local farm and try local produce and a walk through the nearby lavendar fields, then drive to Hvar town. Take 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. Lunch on the board as we sail up the Neretva river towards Opuzen. On arrival, we will jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). We enPeregrine Dalmatiad up at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the water for Peka lamb and other local dishes. Board the boats to return to Opuzen. You may want 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
An early start this morning to make our 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 on the way and enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your leisure. We return to the ship in the early afternoon and set sail for Trpanj. On arrival, we visit the Matusko winery for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyards before a barbecue dinner on the deck of the Peregrine Dalmatia. Overnight in Trpani.
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
- Dinner
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
Depart for Korcula, enjoying breakfast on board and a mid-morning swim stop in beautiful clear turquoise waters of Loviste - Peljesac. Return to the ship and set sail for Korcula, with lunch on the way. Arrive Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo, in the afternoon for an orientation tour of the town by your tour leaders. Your leader can assist with dinner recommendations but you are spoiled for choice with many restaurants overlooking the waterfront. 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 the early afternoon. Dubrovnik features the terracotta rooves, ancient cliff-built walls and crystal coasts that most people associate with the Dalmatian Coast. Your leaders escort you by local bus to the Old City, where you can spend the afternoon exploring independently. Return to the ship in the evening and enjoy a four-course farewell dinner with the captain and your travelling companions.
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 this morning. Should you require a transfer to Dubrovnik Airport, please enquire with your travel consultant prior to departure or your leader during your trip.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
20 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinnersTransport
Small Cruise Ship, Boat, MinibusAccommodation
Small cruise ship (7 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary Water Taxi Arrival Transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport
- Postojna Caves
- Ljubljana Sightseeing with Local Guide
- Ljubljana Castle and Funicular
- Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
- Cable Car to Mt Vogel
- Day Trip to Bohinj
- Truffle and Wine Tasting in Motovun
- Pula Roman Amphitheatre
- Guided Tour of Pula
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Zadar Sightseeing Tour
- Zadar Sunset Drink
- Sibenik Orientation Walk
- Traditional Dalmatian Lunch
- Zadar City Walking Tour
- Kornati National Park Visit
- Trogir Old Town Walking tour - includes Cathedral of St Lovro and Kamerlengo Fortress
- Captain's Dinner
- Split Guided Walk
- Ciovo Island Visit
- 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
Dates & availability
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Important notes
ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport (only) to the start point hotel by water taxi is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flight times at the time of booking.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS
Single travellers will share a twin a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge. A single passenger cannot be booked or confirmed in a double cabin unless a single supplement is paid.
If you have booked into the premium twin for sole use cabin, this refers to the cruise section of the tour only. If you also want a single supplement for the land section of this tour, please contact us or your travel agent for availability and pricing.
Essential trip information
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