Empires & the Adriatic itinerary May 2021 Vienna Dubrovnik

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

Empires & the Adriatic itinerary

Date 2021
 19 MAY Fly from Australia to Vienna
 20 MAY Vienna – On arrival in Vienna, Austria’s historic capital, you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your fellow travellers at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.

Overnight: PentaHotel Vienna (or similar) – D

 21 MAY Vienna – Today enjoy a panoramic city tour. See the city highlights including the many museums, wide boulevards and a visit to the incredible St Stephen’s Cathedral. Continue to baroque and imperial Schönbrunn Palace and Naschmarkt before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: PentaHotel Vienna (or similar) – B,D

 22 MAY

Vienna – Graz – Bled – Join your private coach and travel to the wonderful city of Graz for a short tour. Continue to neighbouring Slovenia, known for its majestic natural landscapes and quaint towns. Arrive to the magical town of Bled, situated on the shores of Lake Bled. A picture perfect little town where you will stay for three nights.

Overnight: Hotel Park Bled (or similar) – B,D

 23 MAY

Bled / Ljubljana – Explore breathtaking Bled with a visit to lakeside castle perched high above the town and a traditional “pletna” boat ride on Lake Bled. Afternoon tour of Slovenia’s boutique capital Ljubljana including it’s baroque Old Town and funicular to Ljubljana Castle.

Overnight: Hotel Park Bled (or similar) – B,L

 24 MAY

Bled / BohinjTour the magnificent Julian Alps surrounding Lake Bled. See typical alpine villages, valleys and take a cable car ride to Mount Vogel with majestic views of Lake Bohinj. Visit a dairy farm to see the traditional production of butter and cheese making before returning to your hotel with a free evening to enjoy a walk or bike ride around the lake. 

Overnight: Hotel Park Bled (or similar) – B,D

 25 MAY

Bled – Istria – Travel south into Croatia. Visit the subterranean world at Postojna Caves and continue to the Istrian Peninsula with its rich Venetian history, medieval hilltop villages and great culinary traditions. Afternoon truffle tasting experience.

Overnight: Hotel Kastel Motovun (or similar) – B,D

 26 MAY

Istrian Peninsula – See Istria’s stunning coast as we explore the picturesque fishing villages of Rovinj and continue to Pula and its ancient amphitheatre. Afternoon visit to a small, family owned olive oil factory.

Overnight: Hotel Kastel Motovun (or similar) – B,L

 27 MAY

Istria – Plitviče – Journey to one of Croatia’s highlights, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here, 16 terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls, offering spectacular scenery.

Overnight: Hotel Fenomen (or similar) – B,D

 28 MAY

Plitviče – Zadar – Split – Travel south to the port city of Split built around the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace. En route, stop in the town of Zadar to see it’s beautiful Old Town, the unique Sea Organ and wonderful Roman ruins scattered throughout. Continue to Split for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Hotel Cornaro (or similar) – B,L

 29 MAY

Split – Brac – Your cruising adventure along the Adriatic Coast begins today embarking in Split. Board your deluxe vessel, mv Ban, check into your cabins and meet your captain and crew. Cruising through the enchanting Dalmatian Islands is a wonderful and relaxing experience after our busy coach tour. Unwind, enjoy stunning island scenery, anchor for swim stops at beautiful hidden coves that are not accessible to larger ships and enjoy afternoon walking tours in each island port. Your first port of call will be the Island of Brac with a stop at the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn).

Aboard mv ‘Ban’ – B,L

 30 MAY

Hvar – Today, cruise to one of the most beautiful and sunniest islands on the Adriatic, Hvar Island. Join a local guide to acqaint yourself with the island’s history, unique architecture and terrific ambience. Your guide will explain some of the advantages and challenges of island life and show you some hidden spots around town.

Aboard mv ‘Ban’ – B,L

 31 MAY

Biševo Blue Caves – Vis – The day will present a wonderful highlight, the unique Bisevo Blue Caves. Weather permitting, take a cruise tour to marvel at the blue waters reflected through the caves. Enjoy a swim stop and lunch, then continue to Vis Island. Vis was in the military zone of the former Yugoslav army and only recently opened to the public.

Aboard mv ‘Ban’ – B,L

 1 JUN

Vis – Korčula – Depart Vis and cruise most of the day arriving to spectacular Korcula Island, considered as the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo and sometimes referred to as little Dubrovnik due to it’s incredible city walls. Meet your local guide for an insightful afternoon walking tour through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

Aboard mv ‘Ban’ – B,L

 02 JUN

Korčula – Mljet – Continue your cruising journey to Croatia’s greenest island – Mljet. Here you will encounter unspoilt Mediterranean vegetation, unique salt water lakes and ample swimming spots. You can also take a small boat to St Mary’s Island to see the Benedictine Monastery.

Aboard mv ‘Ban’ – B,L

 03 JUN

Mljet – Elafiti Islands – Depart Mljet and cruise along the Peljesac Peninsula to a small cluster of islands, known as the Elafiti Islands. Their name comes from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. In ancient times, it is said that large populations of deer resided on these islands. Today, they are pristine, laid back and a great way to enjoy quiet and relaxing time.

Aboard mv ‘Ban’ – B,L

 04 JUN

Dubrovnik – Arrive to Dubrovnik, the Gem of the Adriatic and one of the highlights of this tour. Explore Dubrovnik’s incredibly rich history, magnificent architecture and many treasures within its Old Town walls. During your tour, see Onofrio’s Fountain, Franciscan and Dominican churches, Rector’s Palace and Orland’s Column.

Aboard mv ‘Ban’ – B,L

 05 JUN

Dubrovnik / Kotor – Farewell your captain and crew as you disembark and travel to the nearby country of Montenegro. Travel south along the breathtaking Bay of Kotor for a delightful tour to the historic port town. See the Cathedral, cobblestone streets and many beautiful buildings. Then, continue to a lovely farewell lunch to mark the conclusion of your tour. Return to Dubrovnik this evening for your final night.

Overnight: Hotel Valamar (or similar) – B,L

 06 JUN

Dubrovnik – Transfer to the airport for your flight home to Australia – B

 07 JUN Arrive Australia

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