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2025 Dalmatian Rhapsody

Have the trip of a lifetime & take in some of the most popular and spectacular sights in south-eastern Europe, in the ultimate tour & cruise holiday.

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Tour Overview

Our 2025 “Dalmatian Rhapsody” is BACK and takes in some of the most popular and spectacular sights in south-eastern Europe! Visiting stunning Slovenia, Croatia and its beautiful islands, Bosnia and Hercegovina and even Montenegro, we see iconic sites such as majestic Lake Bled, the beautiful Plitvice Lakes and the old Roman city of Split. We also take a relaxing mini-cruise on the serene turquoise waters of the Adriatic through the Croatian Islands on our beautifully appointed mini-cruise boat for seven days. NEW for 2025 we’ve added an overnight stay in the beautiful coastal Croatian town of Opatija!

Visiting famed Croatian islands such as Hvar, Vis, Korcula and Mljet we take in the cuisine, culture and even the famed Croatian wine of these beautiful islands while enjoying the relaxed pace of a cruising holiday. Many swimming opportunities along the way in the crystal clear waters or sunbathing on the top deck of our well-appointed mini-cruise boat complete with dining and bar facilities. We have two nights in beautiful and historic Dubrovnik and two nights in the latest jewel of the Adriatic, Montenegro with its majestic fjord at Kotor and beachside resort of Budva as well as fascinating stops in Mostar and two nights in Sarajevo in Bosina and Hercegovina. our Dalmatian Rhapsody is the ultimate “tour and cruise” holiday in this spectacular part of Europe!

Hear what our Past Guests have to say about this and our other 4-5 star, smaller-group boutique trips!:

https://quovadisholidays.com/about/testimonials/

2025 CROATIA TOUR Highlights (21 days Ljubljana to Zagreb)

  • Welcome Dinner in Ljubljana Castle including return funicular ride
  • Ljubljana site-seeing tour w/local guide
  • Day trip to Lake Bled and Bohinj incl. traditional “pletna” boat to Bled island and Cable Car to Mt Vogel
  • Visit to Bled Castle with local guide
  • UNESCO listed Postojna Caves visit and guided tour
  • UNESCO Plitvice Lakes visit with local guide
  • Overnight stay and walking tour of Opatija with local guide
  • Split walking tour of Old Town and “Diocletian’s Palace”
  • Highlight “konoba” dinner in Split
  • 7-day mini-cruise on a Deluxe Superior ship Upper Deck Vip Cabins  (until sold out) including 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches on board
  • “Blue Cave” entry on island of Bisevo (weather permitting)
  • Oyster tasting in Ston
  • Walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town with specialist local guide
  • Visits to Perast, it’s island and Kotor town on Bay of Kotor and highlight lunch
  • Budva walking tour of Old Town with local guide
  • Visit to Sveti Stefan
  • Highlight Dinner in Budva
  • Cable Car and Homeland War Museum in Dubrovnik
  • Highlight Dubrovnik Dinner
  • Walking tour of Mostar with local guide including the Old Bridge
  • Tito’s “D Bunker” visit outside Sarajevo
  • City tours of Sarajevo (including Tunnel Museum) and Zagreb with local guides
  • Highlight Bosnian Dinner with local entertainment
  • Visit to Kumrovec visit and Highlight lunch in Gresna Gorica

Other Inclusions

  • Drives through Slovenian, Croatian and Bosnia and Herzegovinian country-sides
  • Spectacular Bay of Kotor drive in Montenegro
  • Visit to Trogir
  • Group photo (one per couple/single)
  • Hotel porterage
  • Mini-Cruise port taxes
  • All tips to Tour Director, Tour Driver, hotels and Mini- Cruise Crew

Highlights (4 day Budapest Extension)

  • Danube River Highlight Dinner Cruise
  • Budapest City Tour with local guide incl. Heroes’ Square, Pest, Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion visits
  • Parliament House guided visit
  • Highlight Final Dinner

Other Inclusions

  • Visit to Tihany on Lake Balaton
  • Drive through Hungarian countryside
  • Hotel porterage
  • All tips to Tour Director, Tour Driver, hotels

Tour Pace

Plenty of relaxing two night stopovers and a stunning 7-night cruise through the Croatian islands ensure that this is definitely more like a relaxing “holiday” than a fast-paced “tour”! For those joining the relaxing, three-night extension in Budapest, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the major highlights of the city as well as free-time to shop, explore or head to the famed thermal baths of this beautiful city.

We have many city and village walking tours as well as visits to sites such as Plitvice lakes and Bled Island. These require a certain amount of fitness and ability to walk up stairs and pathways (i.e. Bled Island 99 steps, Plitvice lakes ~2hour walk on paths etc).

2025 CROATIA TOUR QUICK FACTS

2025 CROATIA TOUR DURATION

21 or 24 Days

COUNTRIES

Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Hercegovina and Optional Hungary Extension

DEPARTURES

Sunday 24th August, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ends in Zagreb  Saturday 13th Sept (21-day trip) or Budapest Tuesday 16th Sept (24-day trip)

2025 CROATIA TOUR PRICING

21 Day Ljubljana to Zagreb trip:               *AU$15,490 pp twin share

Single Supplement Options:

i) Hotels Only (Twin Share only cruise):     AU$tba

(NB at this stage there are no Single Cabins on the cruise section)

Budapest 4-day extension:                       *AU$2,590 pp twin share

Single Supplement Budapest Extension:  AU$tba

*Pricing to be confirmed ~July 2024

AVAILABILITY

As at January 2024:  Taking registrations of interest Limited places, contact us TODAY!

2025 CROATIA TOUR and CRUISE MAPS

Croatia Tour Map 2021

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 / Sun 24 Aug / ARRIVE LJUBLJANA

Welcome to Ljubljana!
After making your own way to and checking into our central 4 star tour hotel, you’ve time to relax and settle in. Later this afternoon we enjoy a Welcome Drink and tour briefing at our hotel. We then head out for an orientation tour of Slovenia’s beautiful capital city. Afterwards we enjoy an included local highlight meal up in the Ljubljana Castle to settle into our 21 or 24 day adventure! (HD)

Day 2 / Mon 25th Aug / LAKE BLED EXCURSION and BOHINJ DAY TRIP

This morning we travel by coach to the most visited and photographed site in Slovenia, stunning Lake Bled. We use the traditional “pletna” boats to visit the pretty little island in the lake, the most picturesque place in Slovenia! Afterwards a visit to the stunning Bled castle for spectacular views over the lake and Julian Alps before perhaps trying “kremna rezina”, the best vanilla slice in the world! We then travel to nearby Bohinj to take the spectacular cable-car ride up Mt Siklav for breathtaking views of the Slovenian Alps. Upon returning to Ljubljana, free time to explore this beautiful charming capitol. (B)

Day 3 / Tues 26th Aug / LJUBLJANA to OPATIJA

Departing our hotel we visit the spectacular World Heritage listed Postojna Caves taking both the train and walking through this amazing UNESCO site. We then head further south and cross the border into Croatia and reach the Adriatic and the lovely seaside Croatian resort of Opatija. Upon arrival we take a relaxing walking stroll with local guide along the spectacular Riviera. free time to explore before dinner.  (B,D)

Day 4 / Wed 27th Aug / OPATIJA to PLITVICE LAKES

Departing our hotel we head inland and stop at the fascinating War of Independence Museum at Karlovac with it’s open-air exhibits and new museum detailing the trashes time of the 1990s. A short drive south and we reach quaint Slunj with it’s old mills on the Korana River. Time for lunch before we enter into the region of UNESCO World Heritage listed Plitvice Lakes.  We arrive into the quiet local village of Jezerce and have a relaxing evening in this peaceful village by the National Park. (B,D)

Day 5 / Thurs 28th Aug / PLITVICE LAKES to SPLIT

This morning, with a local guide, we visit the Upper Lakes, a scenic wonderland consisting of many turquoise colored lakes, powerful waterfalls and surrounded by an enchanting ancient forest in this World Heritage site. Later, we head further south through the spectacular Dinaric Alps. We continue down to the Dalmatian coast where we visit the ancient port city of Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400BC. Classical architecture mixed with the jet set and their motor yachts combine in this beautiful walled city. Afterwards, a short drive brings us to famed Split for our two-night stopover in our 4 star Radisson Blu Resort hotel. (B)

Day 6 / Fri 29th Aug / SPLIT AT LEISURE

We start our day with a tour of this famed coastal city with a local expert guide. Sites include Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace and the Golden Gate. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city and hunt for souvenirs, just relax and watch the world go past from a fancy café or enjoy the facilities of our resort style hotel. This evening a highlight “konoba” dinner at a lovely coastal village with local seafood specialties and local entertainment await! (B,HD)

Day 7 / Sat 30th Aug / BOARD SHIP: SPLIT OVERNIGHT

A sleep-in today before transferring onto our floating Deluxe Superior ship for the next seven nights. After settling in, enjoy (if you like!) another guided tour of Split, a historic town under UNESCO world heritage protection with an abundance of Roman architecture – of special interest is the magnificent Diocletian Palace, once the home to the Roman Emperor. After the tour, return to the ship for a welcome meet & greet cocktail reception on board with the other guests on the ship. Overnight in Split.                                                           (B,D)

(NB the ship has maximum 38 guests and our tour joins travellers independently booked on our luxury ship)

Day 8 / Sun 31st Aug / SPLIT to BOL to HVAR

Morning departure to the island of Brač, where swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat near Bol. Its shingle promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly cause the beach shape to change. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination yet retaining its charm. Continue towards the jet-set island of Hvar with lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands.  Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, known for lush lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Arrive in the afternoon for a guided tour of the town’s historical landmarks – the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. Hike up the zig-zag path to the town fort overlooking the harbour for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Pakleni islands. In the evening Hvar offers a great choice of entertainment – numerous restaurants, bars and clubs with many open long into the night. Overnight in the port.       (B,L)

Day 9 / Mon 1st Sept / HVAR to BIŠEVO (Blue Cave) to VIS

Early morning cruise towards the small island Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. (As sometimes weather conditions can be very unpredictable, the possibility of a cave visit will depend on those conditions.) Continue to the island of Vis, once a strategic naval Yugoslav base and closed to the public for years. Due to this isolation, Vis retains a special charm – “the Mediterranean as it once was” making it really interesting to visit. Situated on the northern side of the island, Vis has developed near the remains of ancient Issa, the first urban centre in Croatia. Sample local wines. If interested, visit the remains of the Roman Thermal Place, the City Museum or simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront. Overnight in the port of Vis.   (B,L)

Day 10 / Tues 2nd Sept / VIS to KORČULA

Early morning departure towards the island of Korčula, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route. Afternoon arrival in Korčula followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. The fishbone street pattern was used in Korčula Old Town’s design to provide a natural cooling effect providing citizens with sheltered and comfortable accommodation. This evening, an included excursion to a small village near Korčula for a typical Dalmatian dinner and to find out more about the history and traditional way of living. Overnight in Korčula. (B,L,HD)

Day 11 / Wed 3rd Sept / KORČULA to MLJET

This morning we head further south to the Island of Mljet. The legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St. Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a Church dating back to the 12th Century. Alternatively, rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars to roam around the National Park or island on your own, but beware of the nymphs! Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island. Overnight in port Polača or Pomena.  (B,L)

Day 12 / Thurs 4th Sept / MLJET to SLANO (STON)

Departure for the small village of Slano on the mainland, a peaceful fishermen’s village and the starting point for Ston, another, once fortified small village famous for its oysters. After exploring the town’s vast medieval ramparts, heading for a small village nearby  Mali Ston to learn more about oysters and a special tasting of this delicacy. Transfer back to the vessel for the Captain’s dinner with live entertainment.   (B,L,HD)

Day 13 / Fri 5th Sept / SLANO to DUBROVNIK

Early morning departure to Dubrovnik, one of the world’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Before tied up at the Gruž harbour, enjoy a cruise alongside the old Dubrovnik city walls while lunch is served on deck. After docking, transfer to the old town for the guided walking tour of this magical town. Meander through the narrow streets, exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture or walk on top of the 1940 m long city walls. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B,L)

Day 14 / Sat 6th Sept / DUBROVNIK to BUDVA

Bidding farewell to our ship and Dubrovnik, we travel by coach southeast to the nearby border of beautiful Montenegro, one of the world’s newest countries! Driving around the spectacular Bay of Kotor, we stop at charming Perast to visit the “Church of Our Lady of the Rocks” on one of it’s tiny islands. We include a lunch in this charming village with it’s spectacular backdrop. Afterwards, we stop in the nearby ancient city of Kotor. Time for a relaxed lunch and a stroll in the old town as the mega-yachts of the Russian billionaires watch over the town from the port. We then make our way down the coast to the pretty Montenegrin seaside resort of Budva with it’s castle set on the island in it’s bay. After checking into our hotel we have an included buffet dinner in this 5 star resort. (B,L,D)

Day 15 / Sun 7th Sept / BUDVA AT LEISURE

A full day at leisure to explore or relax in this splendid and popular Montenegrin seaside resort. Lie on the beach and swim in the Adriatic, the town is yours to explore. Perhaps visit pretty Sveti Stefan just outside of town. Tonight, we take a relaxed walk through Budva’s charming little fortified Old Town before enjoying a highlight dinner along the city’s busy and exciting sea promenade. (B,HD)

Day 16 / Mon 8th Sept / BUDVA to DUBROVNIK

Departing Budva, we cross back into Croatia and arrive back to Dubrovnik where we ride the cable-car to Mt Srđ to visit the Homeland War Museum in the fortress and enjoy spectacular views over the city and coastline before time to further explore the city. This evening we have a lovely dinner overlooking the medieval walls of the Old Town of this famed UNESCO city. (B, HD)

Day 17 / Tues 9th Sept / DUBROVNIK to SARAJEVO

Leaving the coast, we cross into Bosnia and Hercegovina with a fascinating lunch-stop in Mostar, famed for its unique UNESCO bridge that was rebuilt after the Homeland War. A local guide shows us this famous town before continuing northwards to arrive into the lovely capitol of Sarajevo for our 2-night stay. We take a relaxing walking tour of this city known as the “Jerusalem of Europe” with a local guide. Synagoues, mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches, all in the one city. An evening then at leisure to explore the many dining options right by our central 4-star hotel. (B)

Day 18 / Wed 10th Sept / SARAJEVO

With a rich religious and cultural history, we explore Sarajevo, “The Thi morning we journey to the infamous “D Bunker” of Tito. Built in the 50s and 60s as nuclear bunker for Tito, it’s existence was unknown to the people of Yugoslavia and Bosnia right up until the early 200s.  Returning to Sarajevo, we then visit the tunnels built by the Bosnian Army during the siege of the 90’s wars and used to transport people, food, aid and supplies between neighbourhoods. Time to explore at your own leisure before joining a traditional Bosnian Dinner with local music and dancing in a fascinating local restaurant. (B, HD)

Day 19 / Thurs 11th Sept / SARAJEVO to ZAGREB

Heading north-westwards, we cross back into Croatia and upon reaching Zagreb take a walking tour of the Old City with a local expert guide. We see the Zagreb Cathedral, marketplace and lovely old center of the Croatian Capitol before arriving to our hotel. (B,D)

Day 20 / Fri 12th Sept / ZAGREB

This morning we drive to the village of Kumrovec, the birthplace of former Yugoslav President, Josip Tito. We take a local tour of his birthplace before heading to nearby picturesque Veliki Tabor Castle for a photo stop and a delightful lunch in this pretty part of North-western Croatia. This evening is at leisure to enjoy the many dining options around our central hotel located right on Zagreb’s main square.  (B)

Day 21 / Sat 13th Sept / TOUR ENDS or ZAGREB to BUDAPEST EXTENSION

Those on the 21-day trip, your holiday sadly comes to an end after breakfast. For those joining the 4-day Budapest extension, we cross over into Hungary and stop for lunch at pretty Tihany, located on continental Europe’s largest lake, the Balaton or “Hungarian Sea”. Continuing on, we finally reach the glorious capitol, Budapest where we stay in our central 4-star hotel for three nights. Time to settle in before our introduction to Budapest, a highlight dinner-cruise to see just why this magnificent city is often called “The Paris of the East”. (B,HD)

Day 22 / Sun 14th Sept / BUDAPEST

With a local guide, we take a driving and walking tour around the two separate parts of the city divided by the Danube, Buda and Pest. Heroes’ Square, Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion and the Great market Hall all included! This afternoon is free to explore the city at leisure from our central 4-star hotel. Perhaps try the famous thermal waters of one of Budapest’s famed baths, enjoy the gypsy music along the famous Duna Corso promenade or shop on Vaci St. (B)

Day 23 / Mon 15th Sept / BUDAPEST

This morning, we take a drive out to the lovely little village of Szentendre with all it’s local handicrafts and traditional foods and architecture. Upon returning to the city we visit the spectacular Parliament House for a guided tour of this stunning building. Free time to explore this afternoon before a final highlight Hungarian dinner in a 100yo cellar complete with gypsy music to recount the last 22 days of our holiday! (B,HD)

Day 24 / Tues 16th Sept / END BUDAPEST

Our wonderful 2025 “Dalmatian Rhapsody” Croatia tour adventure finishes after breakfast. Enjoy further time exploring Budapest or continue your holiday onto your next destination. “A viszonlátásra!” (B)

2024 CROATIA TOUR DEPARTURE

24th Aug to 13th or 16th Sept, 2025

PRICING

From AU$15,490* per person twin share (21-day tour)

 (*pricing to be confirmed August 2024)