Croatia Family Adventure

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Gather later to meet fellow families at a welcome reception and dinner.  

Set out on foot to explore the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace including the Cathedral of St. Duje, the ancient cellars, the famous Golden Gate, and the impressive statue of Grgur Ninski. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Klis Fortress, where we are met by members of a historical unit of uniformed Uskoks bearing medieval weapons. These guerilla soldiers fought against the Ottomans in Habsburg Croatia. Our guides show us the many highlights of the fortress, including the armory, and regale us with medieval swordplay and archery demonstrations. Afterwards, continue to Trogir to embark our ship.

This morning, embark on a walking tour of historic Trogir with its stunning Venetian palaces and charming narrow streets. After lunch on board the Rhapsody, arrive at the island of Brač. Enjoy free time this afternoon to wander the charming coastal town of Bol or venture to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), one of Croatia’s iconic beaches.

As we cruise to Hvar Island this morning, we look for opportunities to stop and swim in the picturesque bays along the way. Upon arrival in Hvar this afternoon, tour the town’s historical landmarks, including the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe, founded in 1612. Afterwards, step back in time with a visit to Terra Arhaica, the ancestral home of the Damjanić family, who introduce us to life on the Dalmatian Coast as it was 200 years ago. Dressed in period attire, our hosts demonstrate traditional culinary techniques, such as salting and drying fish. Watch them hand milling grains, then sample the homemade bread along with local olive oil and honey. We also enjoy traditional sweets and desserts, such as figs in honey, arancini (candied orange peels), and spiced biscuits called Starogrojski paprenjok. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant as our ship remains docked in Hvar overnight.

Take in the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast this morning as we cruise to Vis Island, the most distant inhabited island from the mainland known for its unspoiled beauty. Spend the afternoon swimming or going ashore to explore the charming towns. Dine at a local restaurant this evening.

Take a boat excursion to Biševo Island to visit the famous Blue Grotto, where sunlight creates a glowing blue reflection inside the cave (weather permitting). Reboard the Rhapsody for lunch while we cruise to Korčula Island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. Commonly referred to as a “miniature Dubrovnik,” Korčula is encased by medieval stone ramparts and towers. Enjoy an evening sightseeing with a local guide through the old town and tiny streets, built in a fishbone pattern for a reason you will learn about! Enjoy dinner off the ship at a local restaurant.

Sail further south to the island of Mljet, where, according to legend, Odysseus was enchanted by the nymph Calypso for many years. We venture to Mljet National Park for a walk to the famous salt lakes and a boat ride to St. Mary’s Isle, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, abbey, and church. Afterwards, take some time for some more independent adventure. Consider renting kayaks, bicycles, scooters, or convertible cars to explore the island (additional cost). Celebrate the end of our cruise at the captain’s dinner on board this evening while the ship is docked in the small village of Pomena.

Cruise to the port village of Slano, our access point to Ston, located on the Pelješac Peninsula. The Walls of Ston, the longest fortress system in Europe, were built in the 14th century to protect the town of Ston and its valuable salt pans. Spend time along the walls, studded with defensive towers, then continue to the Ston saltpans, the harvest fields of the “white gold,” which was long considered among the most valuable commodities of the region. Stop for a traditional lunch in Mali Ston before returning to the ship and continuing to Dubrovnik, where we dock for the evening.

After breakfast, disembark our ship and head into Dubrovnik’s Old Town for a walking tour, where we see the Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace with its halls and rooms styled in period furniture, the Sponza Palace, the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Franciscan Monastery, whose cloister is one of the most magnificent sites in the city. After some free time for lunch on our own, we transfer to our hotel to check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Discover the magic of the Dubrovnik region or a nearby island during a specially curated, family-friendly activity this morning. Afterwards, savor a local lunch together before an afternoon at leisure to explore the area on our own. In the evening, celebrate the conclusion of our journey with a festive farewell reception and dinner at our hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights returning home.