$4999—16-day Italy to Croatia tour w/cruise, $1850 off

Discover Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Croatia with this 16-day, land-only tour and cruise holiday from Inspiring Vacations. 

This highlight-packed holiday visits the famous floating city of Venice, journeys through the stunning Julian Alps to Slovenia's glacial Lake Bled, then continues to Croatia's 24 km-long Postojna Caves, one of the largest underground cave systems in Europe. You'll discover the remarkable 800-year-old Predjama Castle, situated on a 123-metre-high cliff and holding the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest cave castle, explore the UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park, a stunning labyrinth of woods, lakes, and waterfalls and explore the 3000-year old city of Pula boasting one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. One of the greatest highlights of this itinerary is a seven-night luxury cruise sailing you along the spectacular Dalmatian Coast, visiting up to five idyllic Croatian islands including Mljet, Korčula (the birthplace of Marco Polo) and Hvar. Whether you're wandering through the UNESCO-listed medieval towns of Split or Dubrovnik, savouring delectable local truffles or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic's secluded bays, this package offers the perfect blend of rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and fascinating ancient history.

For just $4999 per person, this incredible itinerary offers Travelzoo members exclusive savings of up to $1850 off Inspiring Vacation's usual prices. From an extra $500 more per person, there are also four other dates to choose from that are exclusively discounted. We found savings of between $1500 to $2150 per person for those dates with the strongest savings for the June departure.

What's included

• 7 nights in 4-star accommodation
• 7-night small ship luxury cruise along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, round trip from Split, visiting Makarska, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Korčula and Hvar.
• Breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 4 dinners
• Boat ride on Lake Bled
• Airport transfer on the first day
• Transfer to Split port
• Porterage and city taxes from day 1 to 8
• Dedicated transportation throughout
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary

When

The featured fare of $4999 is valid for travel on 25 April; 2 May; and 10 October 2025. 

Book by 10 September 2024.

To find out more, see our partner's website

Holiday snapshot

Mestre - Venice - Bled - Bohinj - Bled - Klagenfurt - Bled - Postojna Caves - Predjama Castle - Rovinj - Istria - Rovinj - Opatija - Lake Bajer - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Split - Makarska - Mljet - Dubrovnik - Sipan/Trstenik - Korcula -Hvar - Split

About the itinerary

Day 1: Benvenuti in Italia! Today, you'll arrive at Venice airport, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this beautiful floating city as you please.

Day 2: This morning, you'll meet your tour leader and fellow guests in the hotel reception from 9 am. You'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Venice before heading towards Slovenia. You'll enjoy dinner and stay overnight in the beautiful Bled Lake area.

Day 3: You'll start your day with a tour of Lake Bled, a glacial lake at the edge of the Julian Alps. After a boat ride across the lake, you'll visit the 1000-year-old Bled Castle. Your final stop will be at Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest natural lake. 

Day 4: Discover Austria today! Your first stop will be in Carinthia, known for its impressive peaks, lush valleys and clear bathing lakes. You'll enjoy a panoramic tour of Lake Worth before heading to Klagenfurt, a university town with the beautiful 16th-century Lindworm fountain dominating the city square, the Alt Platz. You'll spend tonight in Bled.

Day 5: You'll set out this morning toward Croatia. The first stop will be the 24 km-long Postojna Caves, one of Europe's largest underground cave systems. You'll also see the more than 800-year-old Predjama Castle on a 123-metre-high cliff near the caves, holding the Guinness World Record for the world's largest cave castle. Tonight, you'll stay in the coastal town of Rovinj.

Day 6: Today, you'll travel to the Istrian Coast, which offers idyllic views across Croatia and nearby Italy. You'll walk through its cobbled streets, learn of the peninsula's fascinating Roman history, and head inland to sample some local truffle and virgin olive oil. Your day ends with a visit to the jewel of Pula, a 3000-year-old city boasting one of the world's best-preserved amphitheatres. 

Day 7: After checkout, you'll head to the Plitvice area. Your first stop will be in the picturesque town of Opatija, known for its villas and old hotels. Here, you'll enjoy free time to stroll the Lungomare promenade, tour Villa Angiolina, and visit the Croatian Museum of Tourism, with a coffee break at Caffé Wagner. You'll then pass through the mountainous Gorski Kotar to Fužine to explore the 3.5-4 million-year-old Vrelo Cave. Lunch will be a traditional Croatian meal at a restaurant in Bitoraj. You'll then continue to Plitvice Lakes for the night.

Day 8: Today, you'll travel by coach to the UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park, a stunning labyrinth of woods, lakes, and waterfalls. After exploring Croatia's oldest national park, founded in 1949, you'll continue to Split for an evening walk through the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical centre. Your tour includes Diocletian's Palace, the Grgur Ninski Statue, and the Cathedral and Bell Tower of Saint Domnius. You'll spend the evening in Split.

Day 9: This afternoon, you'll board one of Katarina Line's luxurious boats to sail the Dalmatian Coast. You'll stop to swim at a secluded bay en route to Makarska, or for adrenaline lovers, there's an optional zipline ride over the Cetina River Canyon. Dinner is at your leisure tonight in Makarska, known for its beaches, promenade, and nightlife.

Day 10: You'll sail out of port early this morning as you head towards Mljet, the eighth largest Island in Croatia, with a swim stop on the Pelješac Peninsula. You'll visit the island's national park (entry fee payable locally) and explore St Mary's Island. Dinner is at your leisure this evening in the port of Polača or Pomena.

Day 11: Your journey continues today to Dubrovnik, Croatia's best-known town. On arrival, you'll join a guided city tour and an optional cable car ride up to the Srđ mountain, part of the Dinaric Alps. At 412 metres high, you can expect spectacular views of the old town. Dinner is at your leisure; you'll spend the night in port.

Day 12: Set out late this morning toward the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. Today, you'll enjoy gorgeous swimming spots and may even visit a local winery. In the evening, the Captain's dinner will be served onboard.

Day 13: Discover the island of Korčula today, one of the famous islands in the Dubrovnik region and best-known as the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. You'll have lunch on board in a bay near Korčula town. You also have the option of taking a sightseeing tour of the town. You will overnight in port.

Day 14: Departing early, you'll head towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swim stop. In the afternoon, you'll join a sightseeing trip across Hvar, including The Renaissance cathedral founded in 1612. The island of Hvar offers excellent restaurants and entertainment. You will spend tonight in port.

Day 15: After breakfast, you'll head to Brač Island to visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach near Bol, known for its shifting shape. After lunch, continue to Split for an optional river rafting excursion on the Cetina River. Enjoy the stunning views as you approach the Split Riviera. Upon arrival, you can join an optional guided tour of Split, featuring the UNESCO-protected Diocletian's Palace. Dinner is at your leisure in Split, where you'll find many bistros and restaurants.

Day 16: You'll enjoy an early breakfast before disembarking in Split. Airport transfers are not included but can be organised for you at an additional charge.