Best of Croatia and Slovenia With Pearls of the Adriatic

You'll never forget the warm touch of Croatia and Slovenia – the glow of its endless sunsets, the shimmering waters that surround walled cities and islands and its rich history touched by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. Your incredible journey on this Croatia and Slovenia tour starts with revealing the best of Croatia, kicking off in its political and cultural heart, the capital city of Zagreb.

Discover the treasures of its past and the extraordinary story that led to two rival settlements, Kaptol and Gradec, coming together to form this cathedral city, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive which will give you a taste of what's to come tomorrow – from its extraordinary Catholic heritage to heroes of a tumultuous past immortalised in the city's imposing statues. (WR) Stay: Hilton Garden Inn

We start our day exploring Zagreb's medieval heart – a charming cobblestone centre that will transport you back to medieval times and you'll imagine what it would have been like to live in this vibrant city as your Local Specialist reveals its often turbulent history and some of the landmarks that have lined its cobblestone streets for hundreds of years. A highlight is your walk through its charming upper town which spills on to St. Mark's Square with its original Romanesque buildings and colourful St. Mark's Church, renowned for its ornate frescoes.

The beauty of Bled calls and next on our Croatia and Slovenia tour, you'll head through the lush green landscapes of Slovenia bound for this popular lakeside resort town. Legend has it that Lake Bled was created by fairies to protect their moonlit dancefloor – Bled Island. At its heart, the 17th-century Church of Assumption is a sight to behold and the surrounding Alpine landscape simply irresistible as you'll come to discover over the next few days. (B) Stay: Park

You'll want to dive right into the warm, clear turquoise water of Lake Bled and, with an entire day to discover this enchanting landscape, there's plenty of time for a scenic boat ride to view the Church of Assumption up close. You'll learn all about the tragic legend that led to the installation of the wishing bell that still stands in the belfry today. All that fresh air will fuel your appetite and your upcoming exclusive Be My Guest experience with Monika, Gregor and their five children is one you'll be talking about for years to come as you visit the Slibar farm, which has been in their family for six generations.

You'll Connect With Locals, learning how their focus has been to live off the farm and forest sustainably and how the family has recently ventured into producing organic beer, bread and pasta. Lashings of Slovenian favourites served on sharing plates, including seasonal vegetables straight from the farm, are on the menu, along with a warming welcome drink enjoyed while you learn about the history of the farm and family. (B/BMG)

We leave the beauty of Bled behind for one of Europe's smallest capitals – the ‘Hero City', Ljubljana. Your Travel Director will reveal its mythical dragon heritage and all the highlights which are within walking distance in this car-free, charismatic university town and you'll see the Old Town with its two medieval town squares linked by narrow lanes, the Prešeren Square (named after Slovenian's greatest poet), the Opera House, the National Museum and Castle which has watched over the city for over nine centuries.

Connecting Ljubljana's historical medieval town with the modern capital is the extraordinary Triple Bridge and it will be one of those unusual sights you'll be talking about for years to come. Tonight, Croatia's riviera sets the tone for the rest of your trip and you'll settle into a slower way of life in the resort town of Opatija. (B) Stay: Paris

Seaside splendour is on the agenda, and you'll start your day in the coastal city of Pula, a gem along Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. On your visit to the 1st-century Pula Arena with a Local Specialist, you'll learn all about the city's role as a strategic location for the Romans, Ostrogoths, Venetians and Allied Forces in World War II. A true travel highlight, this ancient amphitheatre, the sixth-largest in the world, was built at the same time the Colosseum was being built in Rome and you'll leave knowing you've had an opportunity to see one of the best-preserved Roman ruins left in the world.

It's the fishing port of Rovinj that beckons now and we'll wander through the Old Town, exploring its Mediterranean influences and hearing how this walled island was an important part of the Venetian empire for centuries. Returning to Opatija later, you'll have time for a soul-stirring end to the day; perhaps paying tribute to the statuesque nymph on the town's Lungomare; her hand outstretched to cradle a seagull as a symbol of this region. (B)

Lace up your shoes for an unforgettable guided walking tour of Plitviče, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia and a UNESCO-listed beauty. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you'll choose one of two walks revealing the cascading lake waters shifting from azure to green, grey to blue depending on how the sun hits the water.

The short walk will deliver sweeping views of the canyon, while those feeling a little more energetic may tackle the long walk where you'll join your Local Specialist and head into the canyon to Kozjek Lake, taking the electric boat across the lake back to your hotel. Admiring the exquisite natural beauty of the area, you'll discover how these beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls have been shaped over thousands of years and remain pristine thanks to visits like yours to the area, preserving it for generations to come. (B/D) Stay: Jezero

Go beyond the fortress walls of Trogir and explore its charming medieval heart with a Local Specialist. This stone town is connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges and you'll adore its rich history spanning from the Hellenistic period to a time when Venice was the ruler of the Adriatic; its touch still visible today on the island's ornate Renaissance and Baroque buildings which you'll get to see first-hand.

This afternoon's highlight is a visit to Diocletian's Palace around which the city of Split was built as you'll Dive Into Culture and come to hear from your Local Specialist. Here the legacy of the Roman Empire remains and you'll discover how Emperor Diocletian settled on this stunning landscape for his retirement, building a palace fit for an emperor; the remnants of luxurious squares and temples you'll get to see for yourself many centuries later. Dalmatian flavours await and seafood simply has to be on your menu as you join friends for an evening discovering the city by night. (B) Stay: Atrium

Make the most of today's trip to Split to discover why it is so deserving of its reputation as 'the most beautiful city in the world'. The city is yours for the taking and you'll want to begin your exploration in its heart, walking along the palm-lined promenade in search of a quiet coffee with views of the fishing port to set the tone for the rest of the day. Lovers of history will adore a visit to Pjaca Square; historically where citizens would meet. Little has changed as you'll see for yourself watching as locals gather in the same way they would have all those centuries ago.

Ascend the bell tower for magnificent views of the sprawling terracotta roofs and white marble façades that edge on to the Adriatic or savour the city's delicious local favourites at cafés tucked away in hidden lanes – there's so much to see and do. You could choose instead a full-day Optional Experience to one of the Dalmatian Islands which will leave you with a deep appreciation for what it's like to live in an area that is as beautiful as its history was tumultuous, which you'll get to learn all about. (B)

A Dive Into Culture kickstarts our encounter with Croatia's rich salt heritage today as we head to the extraordinary walled city of Ston, with its dramatic views and laid-back fishing village atmosphere. You'll learn how salt has been harvested here since ancient times and how Ston remains home to Europe's oldest salt pans before continuing to Dubrovnik where you'll discover why this famous walled city became a centre for famous poets, playwrights and painters – no doubt, inspired by its backstreet charm as you'll see for yourself, strolling beneath stone arches and up and down cobbled staircases to go behind the scenes of a city nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.

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 with new friends? (B) Stay: Lapad

Tread in the footsteps of Lord Byron and George Bernard Shaw, who were intoxicated by the allure of Dubrovnik and you'll discover why both believed the city to be nothing short of paradise when you join your Local Specialist for a group sightseeing tour past the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.

There's some time to get your final fix of Dubrovnik before the first half of your Croatia and Slovenia tour comes to an end; perhaps a few hours spent walking the city walls for epic views of the sprawling city that seems to tumble down into the vivid-blue Adriatic? This is the last evening together for some of our travel companions and you'll spend it sharing highlights from your journey during tonight's Farewell Dinner as you prepare for your cruise along this magical coastline over the coming days. (B/RD)

Stretch your sea legs as you prepare to set sail on the Adriatic after a leisurely start to your day. You'll have a full to enjoy the expanse of deep blue that will be your constant backdrop along this cruise journey visiting several stunning islands of Croatia. You'll feel thoroughly relaxed as you kick back and soak up the sea views. Settling in to your new home, you'll get to meet your crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner on board, featuring locally sourced and prepared dishes – a taste of the fine Croatian cuisine to come. (B/D)

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 favourite amongst local island hoppers, Slano has a colourful 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. (B/L/D)

Cruising north to yet another exquisite Croatian island, we've handpicked for you on this Croatia and Slovenia tour you'll arrive at Mljet where legend has it the Greek hero, Odysseus, spent several years 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 in the Adriatic.

You could choose instead to stretch your legs and discover the island on your own steam, hiring a kayak, bicycle, scooter or convertible car to see the sights of Croatia's greenest island however you wish. Mljet is particularly well known for its wine, olives and goat's cheese which you could choose to sample yourself along your journey, or perhaps pick the ultimate swimming spot to cool off after a long day of self-exploration. Both of the island's salt lake are popular with locals who believe the water to have therapeutic properties. (B/L)

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. (B/L)

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.

This trip is a leisurely exploration on your terms of many of the island's highlights, 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. You could choose instead to stretch your legs, smelling the scents of rosemary, capers and sage which grow wild around the island and appreciating the fact that you're visiting an island that has retained its authenticity and historic charm. (B/L)

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 centre 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 Theatre, the first communal theatre 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. (B/L)

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 of the city will be a fitting end to your mesmerising Adriatic cruise returning you to this UNESCO-listed treasure. (B/L)

Your fascinating encounter with the history, culture and irresistible beauty of Slovenia and 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. (B)