Date
May 6, 2027 - May 17, 2027
Trip Type
By Sea

Group Size: 20 - 29 participants 
Price: Starting from $7,990 per person, double occupancy 
Co-sponsored with: Harvard exclusive

Activity Level
3

Trip Overview

Begin your adventure in Slovenia, exploring the graceful streets of Ljubljana and the fairy-tale scenery of Lake Bled, where alpine waters and historic architecture create a captivating introduction. From Zadar, board the Queen Eleganza, a beautifully appointed 18-cabin yacht launched in 2018, offering a relaxed atmosphere and access to smaller islands and ports inaccessible to larger ships.

Over seven nights, cruise the Croatian coast from Zadar to Dubrovnik, stopping at a collection of alluring destinations including Trogir, Split, Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet. Overnight stays and a slow pace allow unhurried exploration, from strolling historic streets and savoring regional specialties to connecting with locals and soaking in the Adriatic way of life. This journey blends scenic beauty, cultural discovery, and the pleasures of relaxed, immersive travel along one of Europe’s most enchanting coastlines.

itinerary map

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Schedule by Day

Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select the "print page" button above.

Depart on an overnight flight to Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel, the Grand Hotel Union, and settle in after the journey. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for an orientation meeting followed by a welcome reception and dinner. 

Overnight: Grand Hotel Union

Meals: R, D

After a morning lecture, explore the heart of Ljubljana on a guided walking tour that brings the city’s history to life. Stroll across the iconic Dragon Bridge and trace the remnants of the ancient Roman wall before enjoying a leisurely afternoon at your own pace. This evening, dine independently at a local restaurant and sample the flavors of Slovenia.

Overnight: Grand Hotel Union

Meals: B, L

Travel by motorcoach to the alpine jewel of Lake Bled, where a traditional pletna boat glides across the emerald waters to the storybook church crowned islet. Learn about Slovenia’s centuries old beekeeping tradition, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, during a visit to a local apiary before returning to Ljubljana.

Overnight: Grand Hotel Union

Meals: B, L

Today, drive south to Zadar, traveling through the stunning landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Walk along wooden pathways that weave past cascading waterfalls, crystal clear pools, and lush vegetation, experiencing one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural wonders. Continue on to Zadar and embark the Queen Eleganza in the late afternoon to begin your Adriatic cruise. 

Overnight: Queen Eleganza

Meals: B, L, D

After a walking tour of Zadar’s Old Town, relax on the sun deck as the Queen Eleganza cruises south toward Trogir. The educational program continues with an onboard lecture, followed by an evening ashore to enjoy a traditional peka, with meat and potatoes slow roasted over coals beneath an iron bell, served at a welcoming agrotourism home.

Overnight: Queen Eleganza

Meals: B, L, D

Begin the day with a tour of the historic town of Trogir before continuing to Split for a guided visit to Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site woven into the modern city. The evening is free to stroll along the lively waterfront and sample local delicacies at your leisure. 

Overnight: Queen Eleganza

Meals: B, L

Glide to the sun-drenched island of Hvar, where the main square buzzes with history and charm. Step inside the Benedictine Monastery to marvel at intricate lace handcrafted by nuns from aloe threads, and, if the weather allows, take a dip in a hidden cove surrounded by sparkling waters. In the evening, dine at your leisure and discover the island’s culinary offerings on your own. 

Overnight: Queen Eleganza

Meals: B, L

Unwind on the sun deck as the Queen Eleganza sails to the fortified Old Town of Korčula Island. Explore the picturesque streets on a guided walking tour, then savor a tasting of local wines paired with regional specialties. Enjoy dinner on your own. 

Overnight: Queen Eleganza

Meals: B, L

Explore Mljet National Park at your own pace, whether strolling along shaded paths, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or cycling on e-bikes through forests of Aleppo pine and shimmering saltwater lakes. 

Overnight: Queen Eleganza

Meals: B, L

Enjoy the final lecture aboard the Queen Eleganza as you sail toward Dubrovnik. Step ashore to wander the city’s famed streets, taking in the striking architecture and historic landmarks along the marble-lined Stradun. In the evening, return to the yacht for a celebratory farewell dinner, savoring the flavors of the Adriatic as the journey comes to a close. 

Overnight: Queen Eleganza

Meals: B, L, D

Disembark by 9:00 am and transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your flights home.

Meals: B

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Pricing

More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.

Cabin Category

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Category A

$7,990 per person

$12,790

Category B

$8,990 per person

$14,390

Category C

$10,490 per person

Inquire

Category D

$11,490 per person

Inquire

Category E

$13,990 per person

Inquire

Three hotel nights and seven nights aboard Queen Eleganza • Meals and excursions are included as noted in the itinerary, featuring ten breakfasts, nine lunches, 4 dinners, and one reception • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Shared transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with group lunches and dinners • Professional tour manager throughout the program

U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature

To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (January 6, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.

The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.

 

Accommodations

  • Three hotel nights at Grand Hotel Union
  • Seven nights aboard Queen Eleganza

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

activity iconThis is a moderately strenuous program that is at times both physically demanding and busy and requires you to be in good health and physical condition. In order to make the most of what each locale has to offer, time spent in Dubrovnik and Ljubljana, along with shore excursions from the Queen Eleganza, will be active, and you will often be spending much of the day off the ship. These adventure-filled days are offset by relaxing time spent cruising at sea, with the opportunity to enjoy the ship’s amenities and the full lecture program. Travel on land will be by air-conditioned motorcoach. Daily activities can involve up to two miles of walking, and walking tours take place in older quarters and historic sites, where the terrain is often cobblestoned and uneven. Many historic buildings do not have elevators, and you’ll occasionally encounter steps without handrails. The Queen Eleganza does not have an elevator, so participants should be capable of navigating stairs on rolling seas.

Please note there is no doctor on board the Queen Eleganza. All crew members are trained in first aid and there is a defibrillator on board. The ship sails close to shore and medical personnel can be brought aboard relatively quickly in most locations. Anyone with a serious medical problem, whose medical situation might be adversely affected by active travel, or who might have difficulty walking, should not consider this program.

This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.

Study Leader(s)

To be announced

Mode of Travel

The super yacht Queen Eleganza, launched in the spring of 2018, was beautifully crafted in Croatia specifically to cruise the Adriatic coastline.

For More Information

Please email haatravels@harvard.edu or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.