Rijeka

Discover the best of Croatia on this elegant four-day journey, where natural beauty, rich heritage, and refined hospitality come together seamlessly. From the breathtaking waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park to the vibrant streets of Zagreb, this curated experience blends guided exploration with moments of leisure. Stay in the iconic Hotel Esplanade Zagreb, a symbol of timeless luxury, and uncover the charm of historic towns like Varazdin and coastal Rijeka. With expert guides, exceptional dining, and unforgettable scenery, this itinerary offers a sophisticated introduction to Croatia’s cultural treasures and natural wonders.

Special Notes:

•This program involves walking distances at times over uneven ground. 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 – September 9, 2027

Disembark in Rijeka and meet your guide. Your journey begins with a scenic drive south to one of Croatia’s most treasured natural wonders – Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your expert guide will lead you through a discovery of the park’s sixteen terraced lakes and cascading waterfalls, connected by wooden walkways above the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Following your guided tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant within the park.

In the afternoon, continue driving north to Croatia’s vibrant capital, Zagreb. Check in to the legendary Hotel Esplanade (or similar), a timeless Art Nouveau masterpiece built in 1925 for passengers of the Orient Express, ideally located in the heart of the city.

This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a characterful local restaurant in Zagreb.

DAY 2 – September 10, 2027

Following breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide who will take you on an engaging walking tour of Zagreb.

Stroll through the medieval Upper Town (Gornji Grad), discovering the iconic St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tiled roof, the Stone Gate, and panoramic views over the city.

Ride the historic Zagreb Funicular – one of the shortest in the world – and wander the charming cobblestone streets.

The afternoon is yours at leisure to explore Zagreb’s lively café culture, boutique shops, and vibrant Dolac market.

Lunch and dinner are on your own today, giving you the freedom to discover the city’s excellent culinary scene independently.

Note: You may choose between an organized transfer at 2:15pm or continue exploring the city indpendently and make your own way back to the hotel. The walking tour will end Ban Josip Jelacic Square, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

DAY 3 – September 11, 2027

Following breakfast at your hotel, travel north to the beautifully preserved Baroque city of Varazdin, often called “Little Vienna” for its elegant architecture.

Your guided walking tour reveals the city’s ornate palaces, churches, and charming pedestrian streets. Visit Sermage Palace, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Croatia and explore its fascinating collections.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Varazdin before returning to Zagreb in the afternoon.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a wonderful local restaurant in Zagreb, celebrating a memorable journey through Croatia.

DAY 4 – September 12, 2027

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Rijeka along the scenic Croatian coast.

On arrival in Rijeka, your guide will lead a walking tour of Croatia’s main seaport city. Discover the striking Trsat Castle perched on a hilltop, the lively Korzo promenade, and the city’s distinctive blend of Austro-Hungarian and maritime heritage.

Enjoy a final lunch together at a local restaurant in Rijeka before transferring to the port where you will re-board the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

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

DAY 1

Eat a hearty breakfast/brunch on board before departing

10:30am Disembark in Rijeka upon clearance of the ship

10:45am Depart Rijeka by coach

1:30pm Guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

3:30pm Lunch at local restaurant in Plitvice

4:30pm Depart Plitvice, drive to Zagreb

6:30pm Arrive Zagreb, check in to your hotel

8:00pm Welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Zagreb

Overnight at Hotel Esplanade or similar

DAY 2

8:00am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Meet your guide

9:15am Depart for a walking tour of Zagreb

12:00pm Zagreb Upper Town (Gornji Grad) – St. Mark's Church, Stone Gate

1:00pm Ride the Zagreb Funicular

2:15pm Transfer back to the hotel or continue to explore independently

and make own way back to the hotel

Afternoon at leisure, lunch on own

5:30pm Return to the hotel

6:00pm Evening at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at Hotel Esplanade or similar

DAY 3

8:00am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Meet your guide

9:15am Depart for Varaždin

12:00pm Arrive Varaždin – guided walking tour

1:00pm Visit Sermage Palace

2:15pm Lunch at local restaurant in Varaždin

5:30pm Depart Varaždin, drive back to Zagreb

6:00pm Arrive Zagreb, time to freshen up

7:30pm Farewell dinner at local restaurant in Zagreb

Overnight at Hotel Esplanade or similar

DAY 4

9:00am Breakfast at hotel, check out

9:45am Depart Zagreb, drive to Rijeka

12:00pm Arrive Rijeka – walking tour of the city

1:15pm Lunch at local restaurant in Rijeka

2:45pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation

Mobility:

This program includes moderate walking at a relaxed pace, suitable for guests with a reasonable level of mobility. Walking distance is approximately 1.5–2.5 km (1–1.5 miles) throughout each day, with regular stops.

Guests should expect a mix of surfaces and gentle elevation changes (flat, cobbled, hilly, some steps). Guests who prefer less walking may be able to remain near coach drop-off points at certain stops. This program is not recommended for guests who require use of a wheelchair or scooter.

What to bring:

Comfortable clothing that can be layered, umbrella or rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, camera, charger

*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. 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. 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

Electricity

Voltage is 230 volts and TYPE C adapter is used.

We recommend you bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

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

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. 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.

Accommodation:

Hotel Esplanade

Mihanoviceva ul. 1, 10000, Zagreb

Phone: +385 1 4566 666

*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 hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•3 nights at Hotel Esplanade or similar – Deluxe Room

•Deluxe air-conditioned coach transportation throughout the tour

•Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout the tour

•Professional English-speaking local guides where necessary

•All sightseeing services and entrance fees as per itinerary

•All meals as per itinerary:

•Dinners include 3-course menu + 1 drink (glass of wine or beer) + water + coffee after meal, per person.

•Lunches include 2-course menu (main + dessert) + 1 drink (glass of wine or beer) + coffee after meal, per person.

•Tourist tax

Program Excludes for guests:

•Personal expenses

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Any meals or beverages 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.

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. Mid cruise overland 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.