COST INCLUDES:   

• Private motorcoach transfers to/from Toronto Pearson International Airport (there will be 2 to 3 pick up points which will be determined closer to travel date) 
• Overseas return flights between Toronto and Croatia 
• Private local coach transportation as noted 
• 6-nights hotel accommodation – 2 nights in Dubrovnik, 1 night in Zadar, 2 nights in Opatija, 1 night in Zagreb 
• 7-night cruise in a deluxe air-conditioned cabin with en-suite bathroom       
• Breakfast daily, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners 
• Visitor’s tax & Port fees 
• Guided walking tours in Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korčula, Split, Plitvice, Istra, Ljubljana and Lake Bled, including whispers 
• Entrance fees: Dubrovnik Cable Car, Mljet National Park, Blue Cave on Bisevo, National Park Plitvice, Amphitheatre Pula, Bled Castle, boat ride plenta and church in Bled 
• Olive oil tasting and snacks in Istra 
• Wine tasting on Vis (or on another island) 
• Half-day excursion to Ston (Oyster tasting in Ston with a bus transfer from Slano, entrance fees for the Salt Museum and City Walls in Stone and a guided tour of Ston) 
• Ellison Tour Manager 
• Private local Tour Manager for pre/post and cruise 
• Gratuities  
• Includes all applicable taxes and service charges as of this contract date  
• 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours emergency contact number while on tour 

NOT INCLUDED

• Insurance has not been included as part of your tour package.  Ellison Travel strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact us for rates and complete details. 
• Passport, visas, government processing fees, or vaccinations 
• Luggage handling 
• Meals not mentioned 
• Items of personal nature 
• Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers 
• charges by airlines for oversize/overweight luggage 
• NEW – As of mid-2025 (exact date still to be announced), the European Union will require an ETIAS Travel Authorization for all travellers who do not require a Schengen visa (including Canadian citizens).  Without this ETIAS, entry to the European Union will not be permitted.  Travellers will be required to complete the application/purchase the ETIAS individually (cost: €7 Euro).  Further details will be provided as they become available. 

Ellison Travel strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact your agent for rates and complete details. 

Day 1 | Wednesday, May 7   M 
TORONTO – DUBROVNIK 
Your journey starts today! After we have our designated pickups, we will arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport to check in for our overnight flight to beautiful Croatia. 

Day 2 | Thursday, May 8   D 
DUBROVNIK 
Welcome to Dubrovnik, the most popular place in Croatia.  This beautifully preserved medieval town built on a rocky peninsula, is surrounded by sea and centuries-old town walls.  With our mid-afternoon arrival we will transfer to our hotel with free time to relax prior to gathering this evening for our Welcome Dinner. 

Overnight at the Grand Hotel Park (or similar) – 2 nights   

Day 3 | Friday May 9   B
DUBROVNIK 
Today, we’ll head to the Old Town for a guided tour, including a scenic cable car ride from the Old Town to Srđ Mountain, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the majestic city ramparts and the Elaphiti Islands. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish!  Stroll along the iconic city walls, especially around sunset for breathtaking views, wander through the charming streets, and explore the many shops along Stradun, the main street. Discover the beauty of Luza Square, home to the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and St. Blaise Church, all nestled within the historic Old Town. You can also visit the Jesuit Staircase, reminiscent of the Spanish Steps in Rome, or take a walk to the Franciscan Monastery. Just outside the city walls, Fort Lovrijenac, often called the ‘Dubrovnik Gibraltar,’ awaits your exploration. Alternatively, unwind at a local café and soak in the picturesque surroundings. Travellers can return to the hotel at their leisure  

Day 4 | Saturday May 10   B/D
DUBROVNIK – PORT OF GRUZ
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the Old Town for further free time before we transfer to Gruž Harbour to check-in for boarding the Ave Maria.  This evening you will meet the crew, enjoy cocktails and have dinner on board to toast to the upcoming cruise week ahead. 

Overnight on the Ave Maria – 7 nights 

Day 5 | Sunday May 11   B/L/D
DUBROVNIK – SLANO (STON)
Enjoy the scenery as we cruise around Dubrovnik city walls before continuing to one of the Elaphiti Islands for a swimming stop. In the afternoon we arrive in Slano, a peaceful fishermen’s village and our starting point to Ston, once a fortified small village, famous for its oysters. After exploring the town’s long medieval ramparts, continue to a small village nearby to learn more about oysters and a special tasting of this delicacy. Enjoy time at leisure before returning to our yacht with time to freshen up prior to our Captain’s Dinner. 

Day 6 | Monday May 12   B/L
SLANO – MLJET
In the morning, the cruise continues further north to the Island of Mljet. 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 a 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, choose to rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters, or convertible cars to roam around the National Park or island on your own but beware of the nymphs!  

Day 7 | Tuesday May 13   B/L
MLJET – 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 where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of this enchanting place surrounded by walls and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korčula Old Town for a natural cooling effect, and it provides citizens with sheltered and comfortable accommodation. Korčula also has an abundant choice of locally owned restaurants and bars to enjoy a gourmet experience and evening entertainment. 

Day 8 | Wednesday May 14   B/L
KORČULA – VIS
Continue to the island of Vis, once, in the 4th century BC, one of the main Greek colonies. Vis is relatively under the radar for tourists. For many years, it was in used as a Yugoslavian army base – until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island. Try some exquisite local wines. If interested, visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, City Museum or simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront.  

Day 9 | Thursday May 15   B/L
VIS – BIŠEVO (BLUE CAVE)/ HVAR
Early in the morning, cruising resumes towards the small island of Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. As weather can be unpredictable, the possibility of a cave visit will depend on conditions. Continue towards the jet-set island of Hvar with a swimming stop and lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands. Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Arrive in the afternoon for the guided tour of Hvar – visit 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 our yacht and the Paklinski Islands. Hvar offers an abundance of entertainment in the evening – numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs, many open long into the night.  

Day 10 | Friday May 16   B/L
HVAR – (BOL) SPLIT
This morning, we depart for Brač island where swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat near Bol – whose shingle promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly cause the shape to change. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination yet retaining its charm. Continue to Split to join a guided tour of the city upon arrival. This historical town under UNESCO World Heritage protection will knock you off your feet with its abundance of things to see and do and with its unique lively atmosphere.  

Day 11 | Saturday May 17   B
SPLIT – ZADAR
One last breakfast onboard followed by goodbyes with the crew.  Check-out by 9:00 am. We begin our post tour by heading to Zadar where the group will have a guided walking tour with the remainder of the day and evening is free to explore.  Zadar has been the capital city of Dalmatia for centuries and today it is the center of North Dalmatia. The old town is located on a tiny peninsula, providing breathtaking views of the sea and a charming blend of Roman ruins, medieval churches, vibrant bars, and modern art installations, a city that truly has it all. Alfred Hitchcock described the Zadar sunset as “the most beautiful sunset in the world” on his visit in 1964.  

Overnight at Hotel Pinija(or similar) – 1 night 

Day 12 | Sunday May 18   B
ZADAR – NATIONAL PARK PLITVICE – OPATIJA
After breakfast we depart for the most beautiful national park in Croatia – The Plitvice Lakes. Embraced by high wooded mountains, one beneath another lie sixteen beautiful lakes of crystal blue-green water. Connected to each other by a series of foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls, the lakes are fed by many rivers and streams. Over the millennia, the waters of these lakes have dissolved the limestone rock and carved out the valley in which they now lie. Late afternoon arrival into the coastal town of Opatija Riviera, often called the Nice of Croatia, Vienna by the Sea, the Pearl of the Adriatic. The rest of the day is yours to take a walk through the historic town center and the enchanting Lungomare coastal promenade (Franz-Josef promenade) and discover the symbol of Opatija – the statue of the Girl with the Seagull. 

Overnight at Hotel Keight (or similar) – 2 nights 

Day 13 | Monday May 19   B/S
ISTRIAN PENINSULA
Today we will have a full-day coach excursion to get to know the Istrian Peninsula, known as the “Croatian Tuscany”. Visit the city of Pula and its well-preserved amphitheater. On route we will stop in a village known for excellent olive oil. You will have the opportunity to sample olive oil, a glass of wine and local food (snacks will be served). Visit Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful town of Istria with its unique location on a small peninsula offering amazing views of the surrounding islands. Strolling the cobbled streets among colourful buildings and passing by numerous art galleries you will feel a true Mediterranean charm and the presence of Italian cultural influence. Return to Opatija for the evening. 

Day 14 | Tuesday May 20   B/D
LJUBLJANA – BLED – ZAGREB
After a delightful breakfast, we’ll set off for Ljubljana, Slovenia’s enchanting capital, renowned as Europe’s Green Capital and a city with a captivating, fairytale-like atmosphere. Our visit begins with a guided walking tour through its charming streets, where you’ll see iconic sites such as the Three Bridges, Preseren Square, and the stunning Robba Fountain, all under the watchful gaze of the historic Ljubljana Castle perched on a hilltop. After some free time to savour a delicious lunch at one of the city’s local cafes or restaurants, we’ll continue our journey to Bled, a destination of breathtaking beauty. Here, we’ll take a leisurely guided tour of the glacial Lake Bled, a gem nestled in the Julian Alps, offering spectacular scenery and a quintessential alpine experience. In the afternoon, we will depart for Zagreb, leaving behind the serene landscapes of Slovenia.  We conclude our trip with a Farewell Dinner reminiscing about all the memories we have shared. 

Overnight at Hotel Premier (or similar) – 1 night 

Day 15 | Wednesday May 21   B/M
ZAGREB – TORONTO
Breakfast followed with check out and transfer to the airport for our return flights to Toronto. Meet local coach for the designated drop off points. Welcome home! 

B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / S – Snack / D – Dinner / 

M – Airline Meal – denote meals included in tour cost 

**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Ellison Travel & Tours reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.** 

 Level 2 – Moderate – This trip is appropriate for travellers who are in good health and are comfortable with full-day excursions.  Participants with basic good balance, mobility, and moderate fitness level should not require physical preparation to enjoy the various activities of this tour.  Walking on uneven terrain, sometimes uphill, walking and standing for long periods of time during guided tours, easy physical activities, stairways sometimes without handles, absence of elevators, and getting on and off various modes of transportation unassisted can be expected.   

 

Price based on Lower Deck Cabins (only 7 cabins):
$9495 CAD per person double/twin occupancy
$3059 CAD single supplement **1 spot available in a Lower Cabin only

Price based on Upper Deck Cabins with a balcony (only 11 cabins):
$9895 CAD per person double/twin occupancy

Payment Requirements
Deposit of $2400 per person and insurance at time of booking
Balance due February 27, 2025
All payments are 100% non-refundable

*Minimum of 30 travellers required due to private boat charter*

Ellison Travel strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact your agent for rates and complete details.