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Overview

An exploration along the Adriatic

When we designed this program, selecting the right sailing vessel was as important as choosing our destinations. Aboard the 18-cabin Queen Eleganza, we’ll escape the formalities of larger vessels, ducking into private coves for swims off the ship and mooring each night in picturesque harbors. With easy walk-off access and several free evenings, there’s ample time for independent exploration and to sample the local cuisine.

Wander through historic town centers and among terracotta-roofed buildings, taking in the region’s vast history, which spans Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian empires. We’ll also venture to Slovenia’s magical Lake Bled, hike in two of Croatia’s national parks, and spend time in each country’s capital city.

Dates

May 23–June 3, 2025

Duration

12 days

Price

From $9,425 per person

Trip size

26 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Steven Pifer

Center for International Security and Cooperation


An expert on nuclear arms control and European security, Steven served in the Foreign Service for 27 years and is currently an affiliate at Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation and a nonresident senior fellow with the Brookings Institution.

Steve Pifer was a super addition to the group—informative storyteller and presenter; no areas were out of bounds; plus, he and his wife were great dinner and travel mates!

—Fred Sheng

Itinerary

Capital cities and the Dalmatian Coast

Explore remnants of the Austro-Hungarian empire In Slovenia’s Ljubljana and see magical Lake Bled before venturing to Croatia and its historic capital city, Zagreb. Drive to the coast, stopping to see the cascading waterfalls of Plitviče Lakes. As we cruise south along the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik, spend evenings docked in stunning locales, free to wander cobblestoned, café-lined streets.

  • Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Settle in at our hotel, then gather this evening with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel Union

    Included meal: Dinner
  • Lake Bled, Slovenia

    Today we venture to stunning, cobalt-blue Lake Bled in the Julian Alps, where we enjoy a private boat ride to a church-crowned islet. Then visit Bled Castle and, after a lakeside lunch, visit a family-owned apiary. UNESCO has recognized beekeeping in Slovenia as an intangible cultural heritage.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel Union

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Ljubljana, Slovenia

    This morning, set out on a walking tour of the car-free old town, visiting its sprawling Central Market and Preseren Square, heart of the historic center, and walking across the famous Dragon Bridge with its four menacing copper dragons. Ride the funicular to the top of Castle Hill and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel Union

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Ljubljana, Slovenia / Zagreb, Croatia

    Bid farewell to Slovenia as we cross into Croatia. Upon arrival in Zagreb, take a walking tour of the Upper Town, stopping at the mosaic-roofed St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, Strossmayer Promenade and the 13th-century Lotrscak Tower, which has been firing its cannons at noon every day since 1877 to alert the city’s churches to ring their noontime bells. Enjoy dining independently this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Le Premier

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Plitviče Lakes National Park / Zadar, Croatia

    Set out this morning for stunning Plitviče Lakes National Park filled with beautiful lakes, caves, and waterfalls. Hike to see the splashing cascades that have formed over thousands of years from water flowing over the limestone landscape creating natural tufa dams. After lunch, continue to Zadar to embark the Queen Eleganza, our home for the next seven nights.

    Accommodations:

    Queen Eleganza

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Zadar / Trogir

    During a walking tour of Zadar's Old Town, we see the Forum and the Church of St. Donat. Reboard the Queen Eleganza and cruise to UNESCO-designated Trogir with its maze-like, narrow pedestrian streets and beautiful seafront promenade. Enjoy a traditional peka dinner of meat and potatoes slowly roasted over coals a local tavern this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Queen Eleganza

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Trogir / Split

    On a walking tour of Trogir's Old Town, delve into the history of this medieval town with its Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Romanesque buildings from the Venetian period. Then reboard the Queen Eleganza for lunch as we cruise to Split, a Greek settlement that later served as an important seaport in the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian empires. Visit the sprawling, fortress-like Diocletian’s Palace, considered one of the world’s best-preserved examples of Roman architecture. Enjoy an evening at leisure for independent dining along Split’s waterfront.

    Accommodations:

    Queen Eleganza

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Hvar

    During lunch onboard, cruise to lovely, lavender-scented Hvar Island, where we visit the elegant main square. Stop in the local museum to marvel at lace that is made from delicate aloe threads by nuns at the Benedictine Monastery.

    Accommodations:

    Queen Eleganza

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • At Sea / Korčula

    Spend the morning sailing Croatia’s scenic coastline as our lecture program continues, arriving this afternoon in Korčula, considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Take a walking tour of the fortified Old Town with its narrow, stepped streets, taking in the ancient walls and massive entrance gates. Then venture to the interior of the island for a wine tasting accompanied by local specialties. Enjoy free time for independent exploration and dinner on our own.

    Accommodations:

    Queen Eleganza

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Mljet National Park

    Enjoy a full day in stunning Mljet National Park. Walk, e-bike, or kayak among the Aleppo pine forests and saltwater lakes.

    Accommodations:

    Queen Eleganza

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • At Sea / Dubrovnik

    Spend this morning cruising to Dubrovnik. Then, visit the iconic sites of Dubrovnik, considered the crown jewel of the Adriatic with its magnificent walls, marble streets and stunning baroque architecture that speaks to a rich artistic history. Reboard the ship to toast our journey at the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Queen Eleganza

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Dubrovnik / Home

    After breakfast, depart for the airport to catch flights home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Make the most of your trip

Want more time to explore? Get the most out of your stay in this region when you sign up for an optional trip extension.

Post-trip Extension: Dubrovnik and Mostar

Spend two nights in Dubrovnik before returning home. Embark on a guided tour of this spectacular city, enjoy free time for independent exploration, and venture to neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina for a visit to Mostar.

Dates

June 3–5, 2025

Duration

3 days
  • Dubrovnik / Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

    Disembark Queen Eleganza and drive to Mostar, established by the Ottoman Turks in the late 15th century. Visit the historic city center and see Mostar’s historic bridge. Destroyed in 1993 during the dissolution of Yugoslavia and restored in 2004, the bridge spans the Neretva River, dividing the town into Muslim and Croat sections. Return to Dubrovnik for the evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Begin our exploration of Dubrovnik with a walk along the wall that surrounds the Old Town. Tour the Maritime Museum and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is free for independent exploration. Take a kayak to Lokrum island, ride the cable car up Mount Srd, visit the Dubrovnik Synagogue, or spend the afternoon relaxing at our hotel.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Dubrovnik / Home

    Transfer to the airport for return flights home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Category A

Lower Deck cabins with portholes and a queen bed

Size: 161 square feet

  • Double occupancy: $9,425 per person

  • Single occupancy: $12,825 per person

Category B

Lower Deck cabins with portholes and two twin beds (except for cabin 16, which has one queen bed)

Size: 156–177 square feet

  • Double occupancy: $10,425 per person

  • Single occupancy: $13,925 per person

Category C

Main Deck cabins with multiple small windows and two twin beds

Size: 156–172 square feet

  • Double occupancy: $12,425 per person

Category D

Main Deck cabins with picture windows and two twin beds (cabins 8 & 9) or one queen bed (cabins 6 & 7)

Size: 151 square feet

  • Double occupancy: $13,425 per person

Category E

Deluxe cabin on the Main Deck with king bed and multiple small windows

Size: 242 square feet

  • Double occupancy: $14,425 per person

Join us in Slovenia and Croatia

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