Passage Through the Balkans with Pearls of the Adriatic Coast

Description

This amazing small ship cruise and overland tour combo will allow you to experience the delights of what the Balkans have to offer. Be immersed in the unique culture and flavors of this beautiful region and explore the unseen that would remain so on big cruise ships.

Trip Name

Passage Through the Balkans with Pearls of the Adriatic Coast

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Yacht Length: 49 metres Passenger Capacity: 34 Built: 2021 Savour the all-inclusive lifestyle aboard the MV Lady Eleganza, which has been custom-made for exploring the coastlines of Croatia and Montenegro. Designed especially for the Adriatic Coast and newly built for the 2021 cruising season - An intimate cruising experience with just 34 guests on board - Dock overnight in every port and step ashore to explore coastal towns - Enjoy complimentary drinks and excellent dining on board - Take in the stunning coastal scenery from up on the sun deck - Be well looked after by a close-knit, experienced crew An Informal & Intimate Experience Savour the informal onboard atmosphere and skip the queues while embarking and disembarking. As night falls, choose to dine ashore and experience Croatia's glamorous harbours and towns without the crowds, once the bigger cruise ships have departed. The MV Lady Eleganza is one of the few vessels her size able to sail to Montenegro and its magnificent Bay of Kotor. Food & Beverage Aboard From locally inspired meals and al fresco lunches to sumptuous breakfasts and more, experience a range of dining experiences. All meals are included, and a wide range of included beverages are served at your discretion. Facilities on Board Whether enjoying the air-conditioned lounge and bar or reclining on a sunbed up on the sun deck, you can relax and unwind anywhere on board. Leap straight into the Adriatic Sea from the spacious swimming deck at the stern of MV Lady Eleganza. The ship also features a state-of-the-art infotainment system, stand-up paddle boards, an outdoor dining area and barbecue. Your Captain & Crew The experienced captain and crew are a small, close-knit team with expert knowledge of the Adriatic Coast. Your comfort and security are their first priority at all times.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive Belgrade

In the Serbian capital of Belgrade today, we’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. There’s time to relax before a welcome dinner with fellow guests this evening.Stay: Two Nights, Belgrade, Hilton Hotel or similar

Day 2 - Day 2 Belgrade

Today, experience Belgrade on a walking discovery, including the Old Town’s Bohemian quarter, where cobbled streets are lined with trees and cafes. At its heart, take a stroll down the curved street of Skardalija dotted with taverns, art galleries and antique shops. Later, you’ll also visit the burial place of Josip Broz Tito, Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world.

Day 3 - Day 3 Belgrade, Zlatibor

After breakfast this morning, head for Zlatibor, a region of mountains, rolling hills and rural villages, considered one of the most beautiful in Serbia. Along the way, linger in a local winery, which has been family-owned for generations, where warm hospitality and wine tasting are the order of the day. Later, continue to your hotel for the next two nights.Stay: Two Nights, Hotel Zlatibor Mona or similar

Day 4 - Day 4 Zlatibor

It’s all aboard the Šargan Eight Railroad this morning, as this heritage narrow-gauge railway loops through lovely scenery. You’ll also learn about this historical feat of engineering, which was built by Austro-Hungarian forces during World War I. Afterwards, continue to the timber village of Drvengard for lunch. Filmmaker Emir Kusturica created this village as the setting for his film Life is a Miracle and it is now an open-air museum depicting traditional life. This afternoon is dedicated to exploring Tara National Park. Nothing short of breathtaking, you’ll see pristine forested slopes, ravines and the dramatic Drina River Canyon, which is the third largest of its kind in the world.

Day 5 - Day 5 Zlatibor, Sarajevo

Sit back and watch the views slide by as you journey from Zlatibor to Sarajevo this morning. Once you’ve arrived in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there’s time to settle into your hotel and enjoy this afternoon as you like. With a full day set aside to discovering Sarajevo tomorrow, you might like to relax a while before dinner at a local restaurant this evening.Stay: Two Nights, Sarajevo, Hotel Europe or similar

Day 6 - Day 6 Sarajevo

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™Perhaps visit Sarajevo’s Old Town, including the Baščaršija, which is the city’s ancient bazaar as well as its cultural and historical centre. Baščaršija dates back to the 15th century when it was founded by Isa-Beg Isaković. Afterwards, enjoy a wander along Coppersmith’s Street and see the Yellow and White Bastions, which are part of the old wall that originally protected the city. Alternatively, journey to Bijambare Nature Park, not far from Sarajevo, and explore the ancient Bijambare caves. This limestone cave complex, filled with stalagmites and stalactites, enjoys a stunning natural setting of pine forests and pasture.Fascinating Sarajevo was at the centre of monumental events in the 10th century – the assassination which launched World War I, and the four-year siege of the city during the Balkans conflict in the 1990s. While scars remain, it has regained its status as a beautiful and cosmopolitan city.

Day 7 - Day 7 Sarajevo, Mostar

Leaving Sarajevo, set out for the historical city of Mostar today, arriving in time for lunch. Spanning a valley carved out by the Neretva River, this is a city packed with charming streets and architecture, clustered along steep river banks. First, sample traditional street food, burek (a delicious meat or cheese pastry), before continuing to see Stari Most (Old Bridge). This is the city’s centrepiece, a magnificent stone arch between medieval towers, which straddles the Neretva River. This 16th-century Ottoman treasure was rebuilt in 2004 and is now a World Heritage-listed structure known for its tradition of bridge diving. Later, take your time discovering the colourful stalls and handicrafts on display at the local bazaar of Kujundžiluk.Stay: Mostar, Hotel Mepas or similar

Day 8 - Day 8 Mostar, Dubrovnik

This morning, travel to the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, on the shores of the Adriatic. Set against a rugged mountain backdrop, this idyllic coastal city is a regular on the silver screen. Take your time settling into your cabin aboard the MV Lady Eleganza before joining a guided discovery of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and its maze of alleyways.Stay: 11 Nights, MV Lady Eleganza

Day 9 - Day 9 Dubrovnik, Kotor

Explore Dubrovnik’s World Heritage-listed Old Town in the morning. Later, you weigh anchor and enjoy views of the memorable setting as you sail towards Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor. This evening, enjoy a private tour of the town.

Day 10 - Day 10 Lopud SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

This evening, you’ll take a walking tour around the picturesque town of Lopud, then take in the views from the old fort at a champagne reception.After free time in Kotor sail for the Elaphiti Islands off the Croatian coast. Of the 14 islands here just three are inhabited, including your destination, Lopud. This small island is car-free, with only golf buggies for transport, and is a major draw for the rich and famous.

Day 11 - Day 11 Sunj, Korčula

Visit Sunj, the most beautiful beach on the verdant island of Lopud. Take a two-hour walk across the island, or remain on board to enjoy lovely island views before being ferried to the beach by Zodiac. The ship then leaves for Korčula, where Marco Polo is said to have been born. You will arrive in time for a walking tour.

Day 12 - Day 12 Vis

On the way to the island of Vis pause for a refreshing swim straight from the spacious platform at the stern of the Lady Eleganza. Vis is new to tourism, having been off-limits as a Yugoslav military base until 1989. This evening, you’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner.

Day 13 - Day 13 Split

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCETravel by Zodiac to a warm welcome from a local family on their private island property. There is time for a swim, and to throw a fishing line into the Adriatic. Your hosts have prepared a sumptuous lunch which you savour while enjoying lovely sea views.Departing Vis, the MV Lady Eleganza is bound for vibrant Split, where you will take an evening walk around a city filled with Roman-era landmarks.

Day 14 - Day 14 Krka National Park, Šibenik

You leave Split and set sail for Šibenik, the gateway to the waterfalls of Krka National Park. Spend the afternoon strolling along wooden boardwalks and crossing bridges to view the natural spectacle.

Day 15 - Day 15 Zadar

Today Lady Eleganza sails to lively Zadar, once a powerful maritime city – historically, it rivalled Venice in importance. It retains an impressive core of Roman ruins as well as some surprising modern flourishes.

Day 16 - Day 16 Mali Lošinj

Sail towards Lošinj island, which has a long history as a medieval maritime power and then as a health resort in the 19th century. The lush island is fragrant with lavender, sage and rosemary. The main town, Mali Lošinj, is characterised by pastel-coloured ship captains’ villas.

Day 17 - Day 17 Pula

The ship heads to Pula, a treasure trove of majestic Roman ruins. This afternoon you’ll experience the city’s undoubted highlight, Pula’s remarkably preserved Arena. Built in the first century AD, it once housed up to 23,000 spectators watching gladiatorial battles.

Day 18 - Day 18 Rovinj

After breakfast you make for the lovely port of Rovinj. A walking tour will include St Euphemia church, built in the 18th century, and dedicated to the martyred saint whose sarcophagus is said to have been miraculously washed ashore here around 800AD.

Day 19 - Day 19 Disembark Ship Rovinj, Depart Zagreb

After breakfast you will be transferred to Zagreb Airport for your onward flight.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Evening champagne reception at the old fort on Lopud island
Visit a private island property and meet the owners, enjoy a home-cooked meal and swim or fish