Compare Dubrovnik to Venice by Intrepid Travel vs Treasures of the Croatian Coast by Saga Travel

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. The jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, your journey begins in Dubrovnik, a beautiful white stone town surrounded entirely by city walls. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the Old Town remains as charming as ever with its tiled roofs and stone buildings. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque and full of character, and its Old Town can easily be covered on foot. After tonight's group meeting at 6 pm, maybe head out for a walk around Dubrovnik. Later, maybe enjoy a meal with the group and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2 Dubrovnik

This morning after breakfast, take a day trip to Elaphiti Islands – a small archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik. Travel to Lopud, where you’ll hike from the main village to Sunj Beach with your leader. Explore the old churches, old fortress and incredible views along the way. When you arrive at the beach, enjoy some free time to relax, swim, or find a good spot to settle for a couple of hours for a long lunch. After, return to Dubrovnik where you’ll have the late afternoon and night free. Walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame, enjoying breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city or check out the Franciscan monastery, home to one of the world's oldest continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. Tonight, kick back on Banje Beach or find a good spot with a sunset view for dinner.

Day 3 Split

This morning you’ll take a public bus up the coast to Split. If Dubrovnik is considered the heart of Dalmatia, Split is certainly the soul. On a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's the second-largest city in Croatia. Enjoy a free afternoon in this stunning seaside town, exploring the historic streets and making sure you see the World Heritage-listed Diocletian's Palace. For a more in-depth introduction to the city, why not join an optional guided tour with a local guide? Dinner by the sea is recommended, whether you’re a fiend for fresh seafood or just want to catch the deep colours of the sunset.

Day 4 Split

Enjoy a free day in Split today. At the heart of its atmospheric Old Town is a fascinating city-within-a-city – the remains of a third-century palace built for Roman Emperor Diocletian. Some places might have protected such an impressive complex in a museum, but not enigmatic Split. These ancient walls now house a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, restaurants and houses. Step back in time as you stroll the sprawling maze of passageways and courtyards – you’ll also find a 16th-century synagogue and a courtyard often filled with music. If your feet tire, why not sample Croatia’s fine coffee culture with a frothy kava from a cafe on the Riva waterfront promenade – a prime spot for people-watching. In the evening, Split boasts an increasingly bustling nightlife scene, so grab a few of your fellow travellers and hit the bars.

Day 5 Plitvice Lakes National Park / Zagreb

Today you will visit one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was given UNESCO World Heritage status 20 years ago and is 19 hectares of wooded hills surrounding 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls. The area is populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and some rare bird species, and the thick, primeval forest vegetation of beech trees, fir spruce and white pine adds another element to the park's beauty. You’ll have free time to explore or simply follow your leader to see the best spots – all trails in the national park are well marked, so it's difficult to get lost (but make sure you follow the national park rules, which your leader will outline). Look to the canopy for over 120 species of birds, including hawks and owls. After your memorable visit to the lakes, you’ll drive to Croatia's capital Zagreb.

Day 6 Zagreb

This morning after breakfast, take an orientation walk with your leader as they point out the local amenities and attractions in Zagreb. For lunch, you’ll head to Dolac Market – the main market in the city and a great spot to pick up local favourites. The upper level offers seasonal fruits, vegetables, preserves and olive oil and the bottom level sells cheese and meats. Stop by a bakery for a taste of cevapcici (grilled minced meat) – a traditional market snack. The rest of the day is free, so you might want to check out the gothic Zagreb Cathedral, with its twin spires that dominate the city's skyline. Maybe start at Ban Jelacic Square, the city's central point, and visit one of the excellent museums like the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.

Day 7 Ljubljana

Travel by train this morning across the Slovenian border and arrive in the cosmopolitan capital of Ljubljana (pronounced 'Lyub-Li-Yana'). Check in to your accommodation and then head out on a short orientation walk with your leader. The rest of the day is free for you to delve deeper into this beautiful city. Located in the centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a city full of style and sophistication, history, monuments, churches, museums and great restaurants. Maybe wander around the old city centre, renowned for its unique architectural appearance. The Old Town consists of three main squares and Baroque houses, and you can visit the Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, the Cathedral of St Nicholas, and the Dragon Bridge. Stop at the central Preseren Square, dedicated to the Slovenian romantic poet France Preseren.

Day 8 Ljubljana

Today is a free day to explore Ljubljana further. You have the option of heading on a day trip to Bled – gifted with immense natural beauty, Bled ranks among the most beautiful of alpine resorts. Its fairy tale-like scenery includes a castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church, which is a dream to explore. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) across sparkling Lake Bled to its island, then climb the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, too – nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims their cream cake is the best! There's also plenty of action for adrenaline junkies on offer today, like rafting, caving, cycling, canoeing, boating or swimming.

Day 9 Venice

This morning, travel by bus to one of the world's most unique and romantic destinations – Venice. Renowned for its canals, Venice comprises hundreds of small islands connected by nearly 400 bridges. Its famous sights – such as the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace (the ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco and the evocative Bridge of Sighs – are easily explored by foot. Don't miss the chance to take a gondola ride through the romantic canals! It’s also heavily recommended that you sample a slice of tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake), the region’s specialty. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and try two other local specialities – fresh lobster and squid ink pasta. 

Day 10 Venice

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to depart the accommodation any time after check-out. Venice is a charming city with lots to do, so it’s highly recommended that you stay an extra day or two. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: Southampton

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1800.

Southampton, England

Day 2: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 3: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 4: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 5: Málaga, Spain

Málaga, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

A reflection of the many cultures which have intermingled in this port city over the centuries, Malaga boasts a wealth of historical sights. Chief among these are the imposing Moorish citadels of Alcazaba and its gardens, and the ruins of Gilfarbaro castle, as well as the Roman amphitheatre and Renaissance cathedral. Picasso, one of the city’s most famous sons, is celebrated at the Museu de Picasso in the artists’ quarter, which is also home to the Centre of Contemporary Arts as well as a host of smaller galleries and displays of street art.

Included sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing excursion will show you Malaga’s highlights.

Optional excursions

Follow the Camino del Rey – ‘Kings Way’ – on a walk through a gorge and discover the natural beauty of the Malaga province.

Malaga, Spain

Day 6: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 7: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 8: Valletta, Malta

Valletta, Malta

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, which is overlooked by forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. Valletta’s UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn. Embark on an included scenic island tour to see more of the surrounding area.

Included sightseeing excursion

An included scenic island tour will give you an overview of Malta.

Optional excursions

Visit the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina or even head underground to the Byzantine-era Catacombs of St Paul.

Valletta, Malta

Day 9: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Known as ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th- century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with pretty stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views.

Included sightseeing excursion

Join an included tour to see the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast.

Optional excursions

Enjoy a stroll around Dubrovnik’s Old Town or visit a country home in Konavle and taste some of its finest local specialities.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 11: Venice, Italy

Arrive 1200 on November 3. Depart 1700 November 4.

This captivating city set on water is one of Italy’s best-loved destinations. Once the centre of the powerful Venetian Republic, medieval Venice spans 118 tiny islands joined by labyrinthine canals crossed by elaborate bridges. The city has remained largely unchanged and contains architectural masterpieces like the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Campanile Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs, which will be revealed on an included sightseeing excursion. St Mark’s Square provides a focal point for exploration – it is fringed by old cafes and dominated by the Basilica of the same name.

Included sightseeing excursion

Discover the highlights of Venice on an included sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursions

Art lovers can feast on some of Venice’s greatest masterpieces during a visit to The Accademia Galleries which contain masterpieces of Venetian art from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century, before cruising along part of the Grand Canal by water taxi.

Venice, Italy

Day 12: Split, Croatia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Set on the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast, Split’s UNESCO-listed historical centre is formed around the vast Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who built it towards the end of the third century. Set against a backdrop of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, highlights include the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which became St John's Church, and the Archaeological Museum.

Included sightseeing excursion

Join an included sightseeing tour to take in the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast.

Optional excursions

Tour the picturesque Krka National Park or enjoy a walking tour of Split which includes the Diocletian Palace.

Split, Croatia

Day 13: Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Kotor sits at head of the Bay of Kotor, a 17-mile long inlet which is surrounded by mountains and resembles a fjord. This petite medieval walled town is hemmed in by fortifications and contains four Romanesque churches and grand Venetian mansions that are listed by UNESCO. Seek out St Tryphon’s cathedral in the central square, Gothic Drago Palace and the Maritime Museum of Montenegro which documents the town’s seafaring past.

Optional excursions

Take in the old town of Perast and Lady of the Rocks island church or travel to coastal Budva, known for its medieval walled city.

Kotor, Montenegro

Day 14: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 15: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 16: Mahón, Minorca

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Mahon, capital of Minorca, lies in a sheltered natural harbour. The rocky shoreline is dotted with elegant Georgian-style architecture, a throwback to its period of 18th-century British occupation. The museum in Fort Marlborough offers a look back at this era. Other attractions close by include 19th-century Mola Fortress, built to prevent the return of the British, and Far de Favaritx lighthouse. Join an included sightseeing excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions before exploring at your own pace.

Included sightseeing excursion

Join an included sightseeing excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions.

Mahón, Minorca

Day 17: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 18: Gibraltar

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies compact Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.

Optional excursions

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.

Gibraltar

Day 19: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 20: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 21: At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 22: Southampton

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.