Pearls of the Adriatic North

Imposing stone walls encircle the Old Town of Croatia's most recognisable city. On arrival in Dubrovnik, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your local host will and provide suggestions on how to explore the city's limestone streets and elegant courtyards lined with remnants of Dubrovnik's Golden Age as the rest of the day is free for you to explore.

In the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice and remnants of its wealth and stature remain today confined within its centuries-old walls which staved off attacks from all manner of enemies, including the Ottoman Turks. What better way to end the day than finding the perfect café for a nightcap.

Stretch your legs as you prepare to set sail on the Adriatic after a leisurely start to your day. Settle into your new home before heading to the city gates for a guided tour of Dubrovnik. Meander through the narrow, car-free limestone streets – worn smooth under the soles of centuries of pedestrians, exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the mighty ramparts and of the Elaphiti Islands.

This evening enjoy cocktails and dinner on board, featuring locally sourced and prepared dishes - a taste of the fine Croatian cuisine to come.

Watch the skyline of Dubrovnik disappear into the distance as you make your way to the Elaphiti Islands where you'll be tempted to cool off before continuing your journey to the fishermen's village of Slano. Another firm favorite amongst local island hoppers, Slano has a colorful history and it's the launch pad for our trip to Ston, a fortified settlement today perhaps most renowned for its oyster trade, but certainly also of great interest for lovers of history who will be fascinated by its rich ecclesiastical history.

Here you'll Dive Into Culture and enjoy a taste of its famous fruits – the oysters grown at a shellfish farm. Ston may be small, but its strategic location has meant it has seen a lot of turmoil over the centuries as you'll discover during your visit, learning how its fortress was one of the largest construction projects of the time, aimed at defending the saltworks that delivered great wealth to Dubrovnik. The day ends on a high note, with dinner and live entertainment with the Captain, the perfect chance to exchange stories made so far across this beautiful country.

Cruising north to yet another exquisite Croatian island, arrive at Mljet. As legend has it, the Greek hero, Odysseus, spent several years here when he was captured by the nymph Calypso.

The highlight of today for some will be their visit to the island's famous salt lakes including a boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit the ancient, fortified Benedictine monastery, abbey and 12th-century church, amongst the oldest church complexes on the Adriatic. You could choose instead to hire a kayak, bicycle, scooter or convertible car to see the sights of Croatia's greenest island at your leisure.

Mljet is particularly well-known for its wine, olives and goat's cheese which you could choose to sample during your exploration, or perhaps pick the ultimate swimming spot to cool off. Both of the island's salt lakes are popular with locals who believe the water to have therapeutic properties.

Today's cruise takes you to a land of legends and allegedly the birthplace of Marco Polo. Korčula is one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in the Mediterranean. You'll be thoroughly enchanted by its incredible Greek heritage as you embark on a guided walking tour through its historic streets laid out in a fishbone street pattern which you'll learn delivers a natural cooling effect and shelters the surrounding buildings. Discover the 11th-century BC Greek legend that tells of the Trojan warrior who build his home in Korčula “after the burning of Troy” and perhaps spend some time in its Old Town tasting and buying some of the local white wines for which the island is renowned.

Largely undiscovered and after visiting you'll want it to stay that way, the island of Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland. Beyond its fascinating history as a former Yugoslavian army base which has left it fairly untouched, you'll discover its rich Greek heritage as one of the main Greek colonies in 4th century BC.

But the Greeks weren't the only nation to recognise its treasures and you'll also find the influence of the Romans and Venetians, culminating in a fascinating blend of culture that remains to this day. You may choose to take the optional trip and reflect on its history over a delicious local lunch and wine tasting in an old military cave.

The afternoon is a leisurely exploration on your terms from the remains of the Roman baths to the City Museum, housed in a 19th-century Austrian fortress and featuring the largest collection of Hellenistic artefacts in Croatia. Alternatively stretch your legs, smelling the scents of rosemary, capers and sage which grow wild around the island.

Enjoy a relaxing swim stop and lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands before arriving in the popular, sun-drench Island of Hvar where you'll get your bearings on a guided tour with a Local Specialist of this former trading center which has both Greek and Venetian roots. You'll visit the city's most impressive building, the Cathedral of St. Stephen still with its original tower and the Historical Hvar Theater, the first communal theater in Europe.

For utterly unforgettable views that stretch all the way to the Pakleni Islands, ascend the stairs through the old part of the city to the Fortica that looms above the town. Hvar is known for its nightlife, so you won't be short on inspiration on where to spend your evening with new friends.

Gain a first-hand perspective on island life in the Adriatic during this morning's visit to Brač, Croatia's third-largest island and the perfect launchpad for today's trip to Dalmatia's most famous beach – Zlatni Rat, often referred to as the Golden Horn. A sandy peninsula jutting out from a Mediterranean pine grove, this expanse of pristine beach is the spot for locals to sun themselves and enjoy a swim in the cool and clear surrounding waters.

It's a landscape you'll never forget and you'll wish you could spend the whole day soaking in these stunning surrounds, but Split awaits, and your guided tour with a Local Specialist of this historical town under UNESCO world heritage protection will have you mesmerised with the abundance of things to see and do and its unique lively atmosphere.

Your fascinating encounter with the history, culture and irresistible beauty of Croatia comes to an end this morning. You'll disembark your cruise and say a fond farewell to your Travel Director and new friends before taking your transfer to the airport for your departure.