Croatia's cities & coast with luxury Seabourn cruise

Today, you’ll enjoy a privately guided tour through Croatia’s capital. Your guide will bring the city’s history to life as you walk through Upper and Lower Zagreb. As you explore, you’ll see a variety of architectural styles, from medieval churches to Art Deco townhouses, as well as the country’s state buildings. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Mirogoj Cemetery, designed by Hermann Bollé. Set at the base of Medvednica Mountain, the peaceful grounds are the final resting place of some of Croatia’s most famous figures.

Leaving Zagreb in the morning, you’ll take a two-hour drive through the mountains to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll meet your guide, who’ll lead you along the scenic trails and on a short boat ride to see the park's terraced lakes, waterfalls, and diverse plant life. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the park and its significance as a transport route. After some time to explore, you’ll continue your drive south to Šibenik, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.

Today, you can explore Šibenik at your own pace. The city was a busy trading hub in the Middle Ages, but today is a quieter alternative to Dubrovnik or Split. Delve into the town's history with a walk through the winding medieval streets to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James. In the evening, you can dine on fresh seafood in a traditional taverna with views across the Adriatic Sea.

Just a 30-minute drive from Šibenik lies Krka National Park, a lush combination of dense forests, scenic trails, and tumbling waterfalls. Your private guide will take you along the trails to lookouts where you can get sweeping views of the falls. Then, you’ll join a boat ride to visit the island of Visovac, which is home to a working Franciscan monastery. The monastery dates back to 1445 and is home to several important religious relics. From Krka, you’ll visit Vizzulin Winery for a tour followed by a country-style lunch and wine tasting.

You’ll leave Šibenik this morning with a private driver, who’ll take you down the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik. After checking into your hotel, you have the afternoon to explore. You could venture to the nearest beach to relax or soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture on a leisurely stroll.

This morning, you’ll embark on a walking tour of Dubrovnik with your private guide. Starting in the UNESCO-listed old town, your guide will introduce you to the city’s history as you explore its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and historic landmarks. Outside the city walls, you'll walk to Fort Lovrijenac, which offers sweeping views of the town and coastline. In the afternoon, you’ll make your own way to the port to board your ship, Seabourn Quest. You can then settle into your suite, ready for a late-afternoon departure.

On the first full day of your cruise, you’ll sail into Montenegro and dock in the Bay of Kotor. Surrounded by mountains, Kotor’s isolated setting means that the town’s medieval streets and historic churches have been well preserved. You can explore independently or with a guide. Alternatively, you might prefer to set out across the blue waters of Boka Bay on a catamaran. Along the way, you’ll sail past the Baroque town of Perast to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks with its small 17th-century church, before stepping ashore at Marina Solila where you’ll have time to relax on the beach.

Today, you’ll make port in Corfu, officially one of Greece’s Ionian Islands but located just a few miles off the coast of Albania. The island is known as one of the greenest of the Greek islands due to its abundance of cypress trees and olive groves. At Ambelonas Estate, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional herbal tea before setting off on a tour of the vineyards and herb plantations with the owner. You’ll learn about the traditional production of olive oil and wine before enjoying a cooking demonstration with views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll conclude your visit by sampling some of the estate’s artisan produce.

After a few days at port, you can use your day at sea to unwind. Enjoy treatments at the spa, like a restorative salt-stone massage, take part in a meditation class in the Motion Studio, or simply enjoy the warm weather and catch up on some reading on the sun terrace. In the evening, you can relax with a cocktail in the Observation Bar as you look out onto the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Today, your ship will be docked in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. Split has a rich Roman heritage because it was home to the emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. Here, you can take a tour of the Historical Complex of Split with an expert guide. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the Palace of Diocletian. Once an imperial residence and fortified camp, the palace has been integrated into the modern city. Split’s layered architectural landscape is perfectly illustrated as you see a Roman temple next to Gothic churches and busy cafés.

From Split, your cruise will sail to the island of Vis, where you’ll be tendered to shore. Vis is a great place to relax for the day. The island’s white pebbles ensure the water is crystal clear for swimming, but there are also sandy beaches to unwind on too. If you prefer to see more of the surrounding area, you can embark on a speedboat ride to visit the small island of Biševo, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the Blue Cave, named after the effect of the sun’s rays on the cave’s interior.

The final stop on your cruise before you return to Dubrovnik is Zadar. Here, you can immerse yourself in Dalmatian culture with a cooking class. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes like cheese galette in a rustic tavern in Ravni Kotari, using age-old baking techniques, followed by a glass of local wine among the olive groves. Alternatively, you could visit Kraljevski Vinogradi winery in Petrolane for wine tasting. You’ll sample their pink, white, and red wines, which are shaped by the region’s unique microclimate, all the while enjoying views across the city and islands of the Zadar archipelago.

Your ship arrives in Dubrovnik this morning, marking the end of your cruise. You’ll disembark and be met by your private driver, who’ll escort you to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day. Your return flight will arrive the same day.