DETAILS
Join us aboard the 18-cabin Queen Eleganza for a cruise along the spectacular Adriatic coast. In a region worth visiting for its natural beauty alone, visit spellbinding archaeological sites, dramatic palaces, ancient city centers, and two national parks, including Krka, with its magical cascading waterfalls. Begin at the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik and embark on a seven-night Adriatic cruise calling at unspoiled forested Mljet; Korčula, with its delightful Old Town; Hvar, home to Gothic palaces; charming Split; Trogir, protected by medieval walls; Zadar, with its collection of Roman and medieval ruins; and finally Slovenia’s captivating capital, Ljubljana.
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- Pricing from
- $7,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 8, 2025
The yacht-like Queen Eleganza, launched in the spring of 2018, was beautifully crafted in Croatia specifically to cruise the Adriatic coastline. With its small number of travelers, there is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board. The 18 cabins are finished to high standards with sleek lines and neutral colors. The bar/restaurant and lounge boast comfortable seating areas, large windows, and complimentary tea/coffee. Meals are served in a single seating and feature fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine.
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Grace Gary
> Grace Gary’s relationship with the National Trust began when, while in graduate school, she was chosen as a National Trust Maritime Intern. She’s hard to pin down on how many years ago that was, but she admits to having served as a lecturer on more-than fifty Trust tours over a span of more-than thirty years. She is also the author of two titles in the Trust’s “Information” series and served as director of the Trust’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Office. She also served as executive director of Preservation Pennsylvania, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg’s Tourism Leadership Program, and Nemours Mansion and Gardens. While at Nemours she oversaw an $80 million restoration program, which received the highest award from the AIA ever bestowed on a restoration project. She and fellow National Trust Tours lecturer Dwight Young also co-authored “Nemours: A Portrait of Alfred I. DuPont’s Home,” which was published by Rizzoli. She is a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and has a Master’s in architectural history from the University of Virginia, where she had the privilege of living on the Range in one of the original, Thomas Jefferson-designed rooms.
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
Home / Dubrovnik, Croatia
Depart home on an overnight flight to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, transfer to the the 5-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Relax and settle in, then gather for an orientation, welcome reception, and dinner.
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day 2
Dubrovnik
Following a morning lecture, take in iconic sites on a walking tour of historic Dubrovnik. Noted for its expansive walls and red tile rooftops, Dubrovnik is perhaps the most-visited destination on the Adriatic coast. Explore the sites along the marble clad Stradun, including Onofrio’s Fountain, St. Blaise’s Church, and the Franciscan Church and Monastery, a large complex belonging to the Order of the Friars Minor and consisting of a monastery, church, library, and pharmacy, the latter of which dates from A.D. 1317. Take advantage of free time in the afternoon to explore the maze of alleyways and Renaissance era architecture before embarking Queen Eleganza for a welcome reception and dinner.
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day 3
Mljet
Relax on the sun deck while cruising to the picturesque island of Mljet. At Mljet National Park, walk or e-bike amongst shady forests of Aleppo pine or swim in a saltwater lake. Dinner is at leisure this evening.
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day 4
Korčula
En route to the fortified town of Korčula, swim in a calm cove (weather permitting). Perched on a promontory on its namesake island. Korčula is rich in vineyards and olive groves, picturesque villages, and a glorious old town, as well as age-old religious ceremonies, folk music, and dance traditions. Following an insightful walking tour, sample local delicacies and some of Croatia’s most famous wines.
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day 5
Hvar
Today cruise to lavender scented Hvar Island, known as the “Queen of the Dalmatian islands.” Stroll along the elegant main square and visit a Franciscan monastery whose refectory contains a 1524 edition of Ptolemy’s Atlas and a large painting of the Last Supper. Stroll along the yacht-filled waterfront and the restaurant-lined avenues this evening.
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day 6
Split
Call at sophisticated Split, Croatia’s second largest city. Upon arrival, tour Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, an imposing ancient structure spread along the waterfront. Enjoy ample time at leisure to wander the pedestrian Old Town, and in the evening, take the opportunity to try local delicacies.
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day 7
Trogir
Cruise to Trogir with another possible swimming opportunity in a quiet cove. A walking tour introduces you to the tiny, but charming Old Town of Trogir, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. For dinner, savor a traditional peka, meat and potatoes slowly roasted over coals under an iron bell, at a local restaurant.
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day 8
At Sea/Zadar
Enjoy a day at sea with time for a final lecture en route to Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia rich in natural beauty, charming architecture, and fascinating history. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner aboard Queen Eleganza.
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day 9
Ljubljana,
Take a morning walking tour of Zadar, a city which boasts a rich history dating as far back to the Neolithic era. Here admire the ancient Roman Forum and the cylindrical shaped Church of St. Donat. The streets of the old town are paved with shining white marble, and the inviting waterfront is a magnet for art lovers. Before arriving in Ljubljana, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most-loved national parks, and walk on wooden pathways amongst cascading waterfalls, picturesque pools, and lush vegetation. Dine independently in Ljubljana this evening.
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day 10
Ljubljana
This morning tour Ljubljana’s historic Old Town, which is off limits to automobiles, and explore the cobblestone streets, bridges, and markets found in Slovenia’s charming capital city. See the famous Dragon Bridge and stroll along the ancient Roman wall. Travel by motorcoach to picturesque Lake Bled and take gondola-like pletna boats to visit Slovenia’s only island—a church-crowned islet in the center of the lake. As UNESCO has designated Slovenian beekeeping an Intangible Cultural Heritage, tour an apiary before returning to Ljubljana for a farewell dinner.
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day 11
Ljubljana/Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
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