Zagreb

This 4-day journey offers a perfect blend of coastal charm, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Beginning in Trieste, Italy, you’ll travel through picturesque seaside towns before arriving in Rovinj, Croatia. From there, discover Pula’s rich Roman history, take part in a truffle hunting experience in Istria, and experience the breathtaking landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The program concludes in Zagreb, where you’ll enjoy the capital’s vibrant city life and historic highlights.

Special Notes:

•This program begins in Trieste, Italy and ends in Zagreb, Croatia. Departure flights must be booked out of Franjo Tudman International Airport, Zagreb (ZAG)

•This program involves walking at times over uneven ground and most sites are not wheelchair accessible It is not recommended for guests who require use of wheelchair, walker, cane or scooter

•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review

DAY 1

Disembark the ship in Trieste, Italy and meet you guide. Your program begins with a scenic drive to Rovinj, with a lovely stop along the way in the coastal town of Piran. There, you’ll enjoy a short walk through the charming Venetian-style old town, including the main square, Venetian House, and the seafront promenade.

Upon arrival in Rovinj, enjoy lunch followed by a guided walking tour of the Old Town. You’ll then check in at your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore at your leisure.

Dinner is on your own.

DAY 2

Following breakfast and check-out, your day begins with a scenic drive to the historic city of Pula. There, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city’s remarkable Ancient Roman ruins, including the impressive Pula Arena—one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.

Next, continue on to Livade, a region renowned for its truffles. You'll take part in a hands-on truffle hunting experience, followed by a delicious truffle-themed lunch that highlights this local specialty.

In the afternoon, transfer to Zagreb, arriving in the early evening to check in at your next hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to explore Croatia’s vibrant capital at your own pace or simply relax. Dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a scenic journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking turquoise lakes, terraced waterfalls, and lush forests.

The park is home to 16 interlinked lakes connected by a series of cascading waterfalls, and boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare bird species and vibrant wildflowers. Explore the wooden walkways and winding paths that offer enchanting views at every turn, making this one of Croatia’s most captivating natural wonders.

After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant near the park, return to your hotel in Zagreb.

In the early evening, a guided city tour will highlight the best of Zagreb, including Zrinjevac Park, Ban Jelacic Square, Dolac Market (optional brief stop), Zagreb Cathedral, and the lively Tkalciceva Street.

The day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at your hotel, settle any incidentals and check out. Your transfer to the Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) will be based on your flight time. Check out time at the hotel is at 10:00am.

Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at Reception until your transfer.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

?Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

?Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing.

?Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

?The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

?A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.

DAY 1

9:00am Disembark the ship in Trieste, locate luggage and meet your guide

9:15am Transfer to Piran

10:00am Stop in Piran, stroll through the Venetian-style old town, main square, Venetian House , St. George’s Church & Bell Tower (exterior), City walls and Seafront Promenade

11:00am Transfer to Rovinj

12:00pm Arrival in Rovinj, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

1:30pm Guided walking tour in Rovinj

3:00pm Check in at your hotel, afternoon and evening at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Hotel Lone Rovinj or similar

DAY 2

7:30am Breakfast at your hotel

8:15am Check out, meet your guide in the hotel lobby

8:30am Transfer from Rovinj to Pula

9:15am Guided tour of Pula, including the Roman Arena and other historical landmarks

11:15am Transfer from Pula to Livade

12:15pm Truffle hunting experience in Livade

1:15pm Truffle-themed lunch at a local restaurant in Livade

2:45pm Transfer from Livade to Zagreb

5:45pm Check-in at your hotel, dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Zagreb or similar hotel

DAY 3

7:30am Breakfast at your hotel

8:30am Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park

10:30am Guided walking tour of Plitvice Lakes

1:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant

2:30pm Transfer back to Zagreb

4:30pm Free time

6:00pm Guided city tour of Zagreb, including the Upper Town, Zagreb Cathedral, and Ban Jelacic Square

7:45pm Dinner at a local restaurant in Zagreb

10:00pm Arrival back at the hotel

Overnight at the Sheraton Zagreb or similar hotel

DAY 4

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

For guests with early flights, breakfast boxes will be provided

10:00am Check-out time from the hotel, don’t forget to take care of any hotel incidentals prior to departing

TBA Transfer to the Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) in accordance with your flight details.

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby at least 10 min before your scheduled departure time – check your Welcome Letter for departure details

Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights

Extra Nights:

?All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

?When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 10:00am.

?Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers:

?All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

?Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

?Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.

Weather:

In Istria, Croatia the months of May, June, September and October bring pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging between 19°C and 24°C. Istria reaches its peak temperature in August, hitting 27°C.

What to bring:

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, headscarf

*It is required for women to have covered shoulders and knees and to wear a headscarf when visiting holy places

*Some hotels do not provide distilled water for CPAP machines. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Please keep in mind the rule for liquids in carry-on bags. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.

Local Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Electricity

Type F sockets, Voltage: 230V. Croatia uses the two, round pin, style of adapter plugs used all over Continental Europe.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

This program takes place between Croatia and Italy.

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

Citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers from certain countries will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the 30 European countries covered by ETIAS.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa or updated entry requirements for your nationality to both Croatia and Italy.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.

Accommodation:

Sheraton Zagreb

Address: Kneza Borne 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Hotel Lone Rovinj

Address: Ul. Luje Adamovica 31, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•1 night at the Hotel Lone Rovinj including breakfast – Premium Double Room

•2 nights at the Sheraton Hotel Zagreb or similar including breakfast – Classic Suite

•Porterage services at the hotels at check-in and check-out

•Airport transfers (driver only)

•Modern coach transportation during tour days

•English-speaking tour guide with national license

•Entrance fees as per program

•Meals as indicated above including water, 1 coffee/tea and 1 glass of wine/beer/soft drink for lunches and dinners

•Small bottle of water per person per day in the tour coach

•Headsets (whispers) during tour days

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Porterage services at the airports

•Breakfast at the hotel on arrival day in case of early flight arrival.

•Hotel incidentals including minibar, laundry and room service

•Any meals not mentioned above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

Please note:

Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

Discover Zagreb’s vibrant squares and historic landmarks, wander through Rovinj’s charming streets along the Adriatic, and explore Pula’s ancient Roman amphitheater. Finish your journey with a wine-tasting experience in the Istrian countryside, savoring Croatia’s finest wines and local delicacies.

Special Note: Due to the amount of walking at times over uneven or cobbled surfaces, this program is not recommended for guests with walking difficulty or for those who require the use of a wheelchair, walker or cane.

This program begins in Zagreb, Croatia and ends in Trieste, Italy where guests will embark the ship. Arrival flights must be booked into Zagreb’s Franjo Tudman International Airport (ZAG)

DAY 1

Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia at the International Airport where you will be met by our local ground operator and transferred to your hotel.

Couples or cruise bookings with two guests will transfer by private van and solo travelers will transfer by private sedan. Vans hold a maximum of 4 pieces or large luggage and 2 carry on’s per person and sedans hold a maximum of 2 large suitcases and a carry-on. Transfers are not guided.

Check in time is at 3:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee room availability upon arrival otherwise, luggage can be stored at Reception until your room is ready. Guests may start to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or enjoy some independent exploration of the area.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2

After breakfast, meet your guide and discover the cultural richness and historical charm of Zagreb, the capital and largest city of Croatia, with a comprehensive guided tour of the city.

Start with the historic Upper Town, where you’ll visit landmarks such as St. Mark’s Church, with its colorful roof, and the medieval Lotršcak Tower.

Enjoy a delicious typical lunch at one of Zagreb's best restaurants before continuing to Lower Town, known for its grand architecture and green parks.

Returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

Following breakfast, meet your guide and embark on a captivating journey through Croatia’s rich history and wine heritage.

Begin with a visit to the stunning Trakošcan Castle, where you’ll explore its well-preserved interiors and admire breathtaking views of the surrounding lake and forest. Built in the 13th century, this castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in the country.

Continue to the charming town of Varaždin, known for its Baroque elegance and historical landmarks. Stroll through its picturesque streets and visit the Old Town Fortress before savoring a traditional lunch featuring regional specialties.

In the afternoon, head to the renowned Plešivica wine region, with a stop in the quaint town of Samobor to taste the famous “Kremšnita” cake.

Conclude the day with an immersive wine tasting experience, sampling Plešivica’s exceptional sparkling wines while learning about the local winemaking traditions.

Return to Zagreb where the evening is at your leisure with dinner on your own.

DAY 4

Following breakfast, settle any incidentals and check out. Meet your guide for the drive to either Trieste or Fusina (depending on your voyage) where you will embark the ship.

Along the way make a stop in Postojna where you will visit the Skocjan Caves which were added to UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural World Heritage Sites in 1986.

Note: The walk inside the caves is approximately 3 km (1.86 miles) and there are about 500-800 steps. The constant temperature inside the caves is 12°C (53.6 F). Please wear closed toe shoes with good rubber soles in case of dampness along the pathway and wear or bring a waterproof jacket as part of the walk takes place outside and you may experience rain. Taking photos in the interior of the cave is not permitted. Guests not wishing to enter the caves may remain at the visitor center.

After your visit to the caves, enjoy lunch before continuing to the port for embarkation.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrive at Zagreb’s Franjo Tudman International Airport

You are met outside of Customs, Immigration and luggage claim and transferred to your hotel

3:00pm Official check-in time at the hotel

Day at leisure, meals on your own

Overnight at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel or similar

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

8:00am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Meet your guide in the lobby for a guided city tour of Zagreb

12:30pm Lunch at local restaurant

2:00pm Continue the city tour, exploring the Lower Town

3:30pm Return to the hotel, evening at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel or similar

DAY 3

8:00am Breakfast at the hotel

8:30am Depart for Trakošcan Castle

10:00am Guided tour of Trakošcan Castle

Optional: Short nature walk around the lake

11:30am Transfer to Varaždin

12:15pm Guided tour of Varaždin

1:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant in Varaždin

3:00pm Depart for the winery Šember or similar Plešivica winery

Stop at picturesque Samobor for a short walk and a taste of the famous “Kremšnita” cake with coffee

4:30pm Wine tasting experience

6:00pm Return to Zagreb

7:30pm Arrival at the hotel, evening at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel or similar

DAY 4

7:30am Breakfast at the hotel

8:00am Check out, settle any incidentals before departure

8:15am Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel

8:30am Departure for Postojna

10:00am Entrance to the Skocjan Caves

12:00pm Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

1:00pm Departure for the port of Fusina or Trieste depending on your voyage

2-3:00pm Approximate arrival at the port of Fusina or Trieste for embarkation

Expected Weather

In October the average high temperature in Zagreb is 55 F (12 C) and the average low temperature 41 F (5 C)

What to Bring

Umbrella, weather-appropriate clothing that can be layered, sweater, raincoat, hat, good walking shoes, camera, chargers.

Local Currency

Euro

Electricity

In Croatia plug types C and F are used in Croatia. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required for entry into Croatia. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.

Accommodations:

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Mihanoviceva ul. 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Phone: +385 1 4566 666

Program Includes for guests:

•3-nights at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel or similar, with breakfast included - superior room

•Guided city tour of Zagreb, including both Upper and Lower Towns

•Wine tasting experience

•Meals listed in the itinerary

•All transfers and transportation during the tour program

•Professional English-speaking guide throughout the program

•Entrance fees to all included attractions and sites

•Local taxes and service charges

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service

•Meals not listed above

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.