Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro Cruise
Encounter the wonders of Croatia and Montenegro, where aquamarine waters, lush isles, and Venetian towns converge on one of Europe’s most enchanting rivieras. Explore the winding lanes of the medieval walled cities from Kotor to Dubrovnik, and travel inland to witness pristine nature reserves, including the waterfall-laced Plitvice Lakes National Park. Engage with the region’s rich cultural heritage through customs such as oyster farming, sword dancing, and silk embroidery, learning about their importance from the people dedicated to preserving these timeless traditions.
Highlights
• Experience Croatia’s stunning shades of blue and green on the forested isle of Mljet and amid the picturesque waterfalls and gem-like pools of Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dubrovnik while strolling atop the ancient walls, trying your hand at oystering, or participating in a cooking or silk embroidery class
• Marvel at the medieval charms of fortified Montenegro, with options for wine tasting, hiking, or learning about olive oil production
• Discover the captivating island of Vis—blending historical and natural allure—and experience the vibrancy of Hvar during kayaking excursions, island tours, and scenic hikes
• Explore the waterfall-laced landscapes around Krka National Park while hiking or birdwatching, or delve into a centuries-old jewelry tradition on the island of Zlarin
• Receive exclusive guidance from both a National Geographic Photography Expert and Destination Expert on each departure
Arrive in Split and transfer to the ship. Embark National Geographic Orion and settle into your cabin, enjoying your first Dalmatian sunset as we set sail.
Meals Included: Dinner
With one-third of its land designated a national park, the island of Mljet is one of the most heavily forested isles in the Adriatic—and the perfect place to experience Croatia’s rich shades of blue and green. This morning, go for a swim in the Great Lake, stretch your legs on a hike, or take a boat trip to the monastery on St. Marija Island. After lunch, experience all that the nearby island of Korčula has to offer, from wine tasting and cooking classes to a walking tour or hike. For those seeking a more heart-pounding experience, there is also the option for an off-road buggy excursion. Later, take in a Moreska sword dance performance, a celebrated Korčula tradition that dates to the 15th century.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up at the ancient walls of Dubrovnik’s Old City—a UNESCO World Heritage site that is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. Choose from several experiences to customize your day. Participate in a guided walk of the fortified walls, go oystering and enjoy a seafood lunch in the neighboring town of Ston, take part in an interactive cooking class in a quaint rural home, or learn about traditional silk embroidery at a local workshop.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tucked into a bay in the shadow of craggy mountains lies the Montenegrin city of Kotor. Wrapped in medieval walls and dotted with Venetian palaces, churches, and red-tiled roofs, Kotor is widely considered one of the most beautiful ports in the Adriatic. Spend the afternoon wine tasting, learning about the production of olive oil, or hiking along the old city walls in search of the perfect photo op.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of the outermost Croatian islands, Vis was ruled successively by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, and Italians. It became a central Yugoslav military base during World War II, and only opened to tourists in the 1990s, making it less developed and less populated than many of its neighbors. On arrival in Komiža, a beautiful coastal town that weaves history and natural wonders, embark on your choice of several optional experiences, including a hike to the headquarters of Yugoslav resistance leader Josip Broz Tito, where he hid troops and weapons in extensive underground tunnels at the end of World War II and into the Cold War. Venture to hillside barracks and hidden bunkers, or spend the morning enjoying the charming downtown.
This afternoon, visit the vibrant town of Hvar—the region’s most prosperous port at the height of Venetian rule. See the area as you wish: kayak through the Pakleni Islands, enjoy an island tour, or choose from several incredible hiking options.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, National Geographic Orion tucks into a narrow cut of St. Anthony’s Channel and sails past the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. Nicolas Fortress en route to Šibenik, a labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys waiting to be explored. Join our local guides on an excursion to Krka National Park and walk along the boardwalk trail to visit Skradinski Buk falls, which cascade through the countryside. Go birding at Vransko Lake, hike along St. Anthony’s Channel, or visit Zlarin—the island of corals—with a jewelry tradition dating back to the 14th century. Tour the coral center to learn about Zlarin’s rich history.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The old town center of Zadar is the perfect jumping off spot to explore what this region has to offer. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park or visit the village of Pag for a walking tour and stop at the lace workshop and museum that showcases some remarkably intricate designs. Alternatively, join a mountain guide and hit the trails of Paklenica National Park. Or simply soak in Zadar’s many charms. After a day of exploring, enjoy the captain’s farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Split this morning. Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarking and transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships.
Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
