16 Day Premium Croatia, Slovenia, Venice & Coastal Cruise

Welcome to Italy! Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Mestre. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

This morning you'll meet your tour leader and fellow guests at the hotel reception from 9am, before exploring the unique beauty of Italy's floating city.Enjoy a guided walking tour before continuing towards Slovenia where we'll enjoy dinner and overnight in the picturesque Bled Lake area.

We'll begin the day with a tour of Lake Bled, a glacial lake at the edge of the Julian Alps and one of the most beloved destinations in Slovenia. After a boat ride, you'll have time to spend as you wish, before touring 1000-year-old Bled Castle. On a clear day, Slovenia's highest mountain, Mount Triglav, is visible from here. Lake Bohinj, the country's largest natural lake, is our final stop today. Dinner will be at your own leisure this evening.

Today we're off to Austria! Our first stop will be the historic county of Carinthia, known for its impressive peaks, lush valleys and clear bathing lakes. We'll enjoy a panoramic tour of the 16.5-km long Lake Wörth (Wörthersee). We'll continue to the charming Klagenfurt, a university town with the beautiful 16th-century Lindworm fountain dominating the city square, the Alt Platz. We'll return to the Bled Lake area and enjoy lunch in the Klagenfurt area.

After breakfast we'll continue our journey towards Croatia. Our first stop will be the wondrous, 24 km- long Postojna Caves, one of the largest underground cave systems in Europe and Predjama Castle. Situated on a 123-metre-high cliff near the caves, the castle is more than 800-years-old and holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest cave castle. We'll arrive at the coastal town of Rovinj in the late afternoon where we'll enjoy dinner after checking in.

Today we'll travel by bus to the Istrian Coast which offers idyllic views across Croatia and nearby Italy, but with fewer crowds. Starting with a walk through the labyrinth of cobbled streets, the Roman history of this stunning peninsula is revealed, before venturing inland to sample some renowned local products including truffle and extra virgin olive oil. We end the day with a visit to one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world, the jewel of Pula, a 3000-year-old city, administrative centre of Istria.

After breakfast and checking out, today's destination is the Plitvice area. Our first stop is Opatija, a picturesque little town full of magnificent villas and old hotels and at one time, a famous winter resort of the Austrian elite. Spend time here as you wish: take a stroll through Lungomare promenade, tour Villa Angiolina which was built in 1844, as well the Croatian Museum of Tourism. Don't forget to make time for a coffee break with million-dollar views at Caffé Wagner. After we pass Gorski Kotar, a mountainous region, we'll arrive at a small village called Fužine where we'll explore the Vrelo Cave. The cave, estimated to be 3.5-4 million years old, was discovered by chance in the 1950s during the construction of the Bajer Reservoir. Lunch today will be a mix of traditional Croatian menu items plus local specialty dishes and vegetarian options at restaurant Bitoraj. Through the lush green scenery, our trip continues to Plitvice Lakes where we'll check in for the evening.

After breakfast and check out, we'll travel by coach to the unforgettable labyrinth of evergreen woods, lakes and stunning waterfalls of UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia's oldest national park was founded in 1949 and is situated in the mountainous karst area, bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our journey continues towards Split for a short evening walk through the city's historical centre which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On our walking tour, we'll explore 4th-century Diocletian's Palace (also UNESCO-protected) built by the Roman emperor Diocletian, visit the Grgur Ninski Statue, and the Cathedral and Bell Tower of Saint Domnius.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Spilt and continue our travels by sea on board the Katarina Line. We will depart Split harbour at 1pm southwards towards Makarska. Lunch will be served while cruising along the Dalmatian Coast. Afternoon activities will include a swim at one of the secluded bays en route to Makarska, or for adrenaline lovers, there's an optional zipline ride over the Cetina River Canyon. Dinner at your own leisure tonight Makarska, known for its beaches, seafront promenade and nightlife. The main square, Kačić Square, is home to the Church of St. Mark and other monuments including a Baroque mansion, bronze statues and an impressive 18th-century Venetian drinking fountain. Dinner at your own leisure. Overnight in Makarska Port.

An early morning departure today as we head towards Mljet, the eighth largest Island in Croatia, with a swim stop on the Pelješac Peninsula. Visit the island's national park (entry fee payable locally), and in the afternoon, explore St Mary's Island at Mljet National Park, a pretty islet featuring a picturesque Benedictine monastery, or walk or hire a bike and explore the lakes. Tonight's dinner at your own leisure and overnight in the port of Polača or Pomena.

After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Dubrovnik, the most well-known town in Croatia. Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth,” an apt description by simply taking a look outside. Sit back and take in the incredible views of this magical stretch of the coast. Upon arrival, join a guided city tour, followed by an optional cable car ride up to the Srđ mountain, part of the Dinaric Alps. At 412 metres high, you can expect spectacular views of the old town. Don't miss Stradun – both a street and a square in the Old Town and walk at least part of the 1.940 metre long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight in the port.

Late morning departure towards the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. Today there will be gorgeous swimming spots for an afternoon dip and the possibility of visiting a local winery. In the evening enjoy the special Captain's dinner on board (included on Premium Superior and Premium). Overnight in the port.

After breakfast, depart towards the island of Korčula, one of the famous islands in the Dubrovnik region. It's best-known as the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Lunch on board in a bay near the Korčula town. The encircling town walls and bastions date back to the 13th century and there are some lovely churches and museums. Join the optional sightseeing of the Korčula town (included on Premium Superior), or optional wine and local appetiser tasting at a local winery before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas (family-run restaurant). Overnight in the port of Korčula.

Early departure towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swim stop. In the afternoon, join a sightseeing excursion of Hvar. Look out for The Renaissance cathedral, founded in 1612 with its original tower still intact, and the oldest community theatre in Europe. Hvar is known as a jet-set island, offering entertainment, excellent restaurants, bars and cafés. Don't forget to buy some lavender from local stalls, an island specialty. Overnight in Hvar.

After breakfast we're heading to the island of Brač. The most famous beach in Dalmatia is Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) near Bol, which is famous for its ever-changing shape, a shingle bar that moves with the wind. Bol is a typical fishermen village that has kept its charm, despite becoming a popular spot. After lunch we'll continue on to Split where you can enjoy an optional river rafting excursion on the Cetina river. The approach to the Split Riviera is breathtaking and offers the best views from onboard. Upon arrival, join the optional guided tour of Split, a monumental city which together with the famous Roman Diocletian's Palace, is under UNESCO protection. Dinner this evening is at your leisure, Split is full of bistros and restaurants serving local specialities.

Enjoy an early breakfast this morning before disembarking in Split. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience! Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.