Overview
Embark on a relaxing and enriching cruise along the spectacular Adriatic coast aboard the 18-cabin Queen Eleganza yacht, beginning in Dubrovnik and calling at the enchanting islands of Mljet, Korčula, and Hvar, and the charming ancient coastal cities of Split and Trogir. In a region worth seeing for its natural beauty alone, you will visit spellbinding archaeological sites, dramatic palaces, ancient city centers, important Jewish sites and synagogues, and two national parks.
Discover the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik, including a visit to the Dubrovnik Synagogue, built in 1408, then set off for a week at a leisurely pace that allows for plenty of free time to explore, sample local cuisine, and mingle with residents. There are also wonderful opportunities to swim in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.
At the end of our cruise, we travel overland to Zagreb, where we stay at the magnificent Hotel Esplanade and spend two days touring this charming and cosmopolitan city and its Jewish sites. Throughout our travels, Jewish history scholar Raquel Orensztajn presents engaging talks that stimulate learning, conversation, and reflection.
Highlights
- 7 nights aboard the 18-cabin private yacht Queen Eleganza
- 4 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations
- Visits to historic synagogues and sites in Split and Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic
- Guided exploration along wooden walkways and bridges through the magical landscape of Plitvice National Park, including cascading waterfalls, picturesque pools, and lush vegetation
- A traditional Croatian meal of peka, meat and potatoes slowly roasted over coals under an iron bell
- Swimming in secluded coves in the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea
- Two guided days in the city of Zagreb, where Jewish life flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries
Itinerary
Sunday, June 7 | Arrive Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive and transfer to the 5-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with time to settle in and relax. We then gather for an orientation, welcome reception, lecture, and dinner.
Meals included: reception and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Monday, June 8 | Dubrovnik
This morning features a walking tour of the iconic sites of historic Dubrovnik along Stradun, a limestone-paved pedestrian street running through the Old Town. We also visit the ornate Baroque-style Dubrovnik Synagogue, built in 1408, the oldest Sefardic synagogue in use in the world and the second oldest synagogue in Europe. Located in what was formerly the city’s Jewish ghetto, its main floor functions as a place of worship for the High Holy Days and special occasions for the small local Jewish community. The synagogue is also home to a museum with centuries-old artifacts and ritual items from the city’s Jewish history, including a collection of Torah scrolls from Spanish Jewish migrants, a collection of menorahs, and numerous handicrafts, books, posters, photographs, and documents.
After lunch on your own, enjoy free time to explore Dubrovnik on your own, embarking on the Queen Eleganza in the late afternoon. A welcome reception is followed by dinner.
Meals Included: breakfast, reception, dinner
Accommodations: Queen Eleganza
Tuesday June 9 | Mljet
Relax on the sun deck this morning while cruising to the beautiful island of Mljet. According to legend, Odysseus used the island as a safe haven on his trips among the islands in the Greek archipelagos. Here we visit Mljet’s gorgeous national park, an unspoiled oasis of tranquility, where you have time to walk or e-bike amongst forests of Aleppo pine and explore its two stunning saltwater lakes, centerpieces of the park. Bring your bathing suit and take a swim in their refreshing turquoise waters.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodations: Queen Eleganza
Wednesday June 10 | Korčula
This morning we cruise to Korčula Island, with an opportunity to swim in an exquisite cove along the way (weather permitting). Korčula is home to a spectacular wine culture, a stunning old city, a collection of hidden beaches, endless olive groves, and unique dining specialties.
Upon arrival, we take a walking tour of the charming narrow streets and historic buildings of Old Town, a medieval walled city, layered like a wedding cake (with many stairs!). Then take part in a wine tasting, accompanied by local specialties, and discover what makes Korčula’s wines so special.
Choose from among the many local eateries — from a Michelin-starred meal to street food in a traditional konoba — for dinner on your own, perhaps watching the sun set over the Adriatic from one of Korčula’s western walls.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodations: Queen Eleganza
Thursday June 11 | Hvar
Today we cruise to the popular island of Hvar, known as Croatia’s sunniest island, where lavender oil production is a century-old industry and lavender fields dominate the landscape of small family-owned plots divided by dry stone walls. We will take a tour of the Piazza, the town’s main square, as well as see intricate lace made by nuns from aloe threads at the Benedictine Monastery, established in 1664.
Enjoy dinner on your own at one of Hvar’s many chic bars and restaurants offering international cuisine as well as tasty local specialties — gregarda, a fish and potato stew; dalmatinska pašticada, a dish of marinated beef; brudet, a rustic seafood-based stew; and others.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodations: Queen Eleganza
Friday June 12 | Split
Relax on board as we cruise to the ancient shoreline city of Split, originally a Greek colony, where the Roman Emperor Diocletian had a palace built in 305 CE. Upon arrival, we tour Diocletian’s Palace along the waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We also visit the city’s Jewish sites, including the ancient Split Synagogue. Dating back to the beginning of the 16th century and one of the oldest Sefardic synagogues in use today, the synagogue is situated at the entrance to the former ghetto on a small street called Židovski Prolaz (Jewish Lane), within the walls of the northwestern part of Diocletian’s Palace.
Enjoy Shabbat dinner aboard the Queen Eleganza.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Queen Eleganza
Saturday June 13 | Trogir
This morning explore the Jewish cemetery on Marjan Hill before cruising to the enchanting town of Trogir, with another possible swim opportunity in a quiet cove along the way.
A walking tour introduces you to Trogir’s car-free UNESCO-designated Old Town, packed with the charm of well-preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets, lively squares, art galleries, ancient churches, and endless opportunities for picturesque photos.
We enjoy dinner at a local tavern, featuring a traditional Croatian meal of peka, meat and potatoes slowly roasted over coals under an iron bell.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Queen Eleganza
Sunday June 14 | At Sea | Zadar
While cruising to Zadar, we gather for a final lecture by our scholar. Then we discover the beautiful city of Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, rich in history, charming architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Highlights include the Roman Forum, with its well-preserved ruins of temples, columns, and arches that showcase the city’s Roman past; the Church of St. Donatus, an impressive circular structure that dates back to the 9th century. Stroll through the ancient charm of Zadar’s Old Town, where you will find many delightful squares and can spend time at the Sea Organ, a system of pipes and whistles on stone stairs that dip into the water and play mesmerizing tones via sea waves.
In the evening, our last night on the Queen Eleganza, we enjoy our final dinner on board the ship.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Queen Eleganza
Monday June 15 | Zadar | Zagreb
This morning, we disembark from the Queen Eleganza and travel overland to Zagreb, stopping to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park. Accessible walking trails invite you to meander along wooden walkways suspended over turquoise waters and enjoy stunning viewpoints and photogenic waterfalls.
At the end of the day, we arrive in Zagreb and check in at our magnificent hotel, and you have the evening free for dinner on your own.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Esplanade
Tuesday June 16 | Zagreb
Today we discover the charming city of Zagreb, beginning with a walking tour of Upper Town, including St. Mark’s Church, Stone Gate, Strossmayer Promenade, and Lotrscak Tower. Zagreb’s Upper Town was once home to a significant Jewish community. While much of the physical evidence has been lost over time, it remains a significant historical and cultural backdrop to Zagreb’s Jewish heritage.
After lunch, we take a guided tour of the collection of Judaica at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in the city center.
The evening is at your leisure, with dinner on your own.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Esplanade
Wednesday June 17 | Zagreb
This morning we tour Zagreb’s Mirogoj Cemetery, known for its stunning architecture and considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. The cemetery contains around 1,500 Jewish graves, many dating back to the late 19th century. Buried here are notable members of Zagreb’s Jewish community, including prominent intellectuals, artists, and politicians. We also visit the Zagreb City Museum, and see the three surviving artifacts — a washbasin and two memorial tablets — from the Zagreb Synagogue that was demolished in 1942.
Lunch and the afternoon are unscheduled for exploration on your own.
Before gathering for dinner, we visit the Jewish Museum of Zagreb, which displays ritual objects, textiles, documents, and other material related to the history of the Jewish community in Zagreb.
We end our tour with a farewell dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Esplanade
Thursday June 18 | Zagreb | Home
After breakfast at the hotel, individual departures from the Zagreb airport for your flight home.
Meals included: breakfast
Gallery
Traveling with you…
Each of our scholars are outstanding experts in their fields and play an active role in helping us design our journeys as well as accompanying us as we travel.
Accommodations
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
The luxury 5-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace sits on a spectacularly scenic seafront peninsula between a pine forest and the turquoise coastal waters of the Adriatic. All rooms feature contemporary design, modern amenities, and a balcony with breathtaking Adriatic views. Just a few minute’s drive to Old Town Dubrovnik, the resort includes 2 outdoor and 1 indoor swimming pool, walking/jogging paths, a luxury spa, and superb dining options, as well as some of the best sunset views in Dubrovnik.
Queen Eleganza
The yacht-like Queen Eleganza was beautifully crafted in Croatia specifically to cruise the Adriatic coastline and features a sun deck with loungers for excellent views and relaxation. Its size allows for mooring at or near town centers with easy walk-off access. The Eleganza’s 18 cabins are finished to high standards with sleek lines and neutral colors and provide all modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning/heating, a wardrobe, drawers, radio, flat-screen television, hairdryer, safety deposit box, and 220 volt electrical outlets (universal adapters are recommended). Depending on the ship’s location, WiFi is available in public areas.
Serving fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine, the bar/restaurant and lounge boast comfortable seating areas and large windows. When guests are dining ashore, knowledgeable staff can recommend the best restaurants to discover. Carrying a maximum of 36 guests, there is a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere on board this fine ship, with a friendly Croatian crew providing excellent service and hospitality as you cruise the Adriatic.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb
Opened in 1925 as an overnight stop for passengers on the Orient Express, the stylish Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is an extraordinary architectural gem. Located within easy walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, and reminiscent of bygone times, it combines Art Deco glamour with contemporary convenience. Imaginative interior décor and luxurious marble bathrooms in each of the spacious rooms offer an exceptional level of 5-star comfort in the heart of Croatia’s vibrant capital.
Details
Program Cost: from $8,490* includes:
- 7 nights aboard the 18-cabin private yacht, Queen Eleganza
- 4 nights accommodation at a deluxe hotels
- Full breakfast daily; 9 lunches; 6 dinners; and 2 receptions
- House wine, beer, and soft drinks with group lunches and dinners
- All group transportation via deluxe air-conditioned coach
- All lectures, guided tours, museums, and site entrance fees
- All gratuities
**Per person, double occupancy. View cabin options online.
Travel note: Plan to arrive in Dubrovnik (DBV) on Sunday, June 7, 2026 and depart from Zagreb (ZAG) on Thursday, June 18. All travelers must disembark Queen Eleganza by 9:00am on Monday June 15.
Secure your place
Book Now: use the link below to reach our easy online booking form.
By phone: 845-256-0197 Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm EST.
Payment Reserve your space with a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person. Final balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
Membership Participation on these tours is a benefit for active members of our museum partners. During the registration process, you will be asked about your membership status with your affiliated museum. If you are not a current member, you will have a chance to activate your membership.
Participation Tour sizes are limited to 28 participants unless otherwise noted. Trips entail considerable walking including over uneven terrain. Participants need to be in good health, be able to keep up with the group, be able to experience group and cultural differences with grace. Please let us know if you have any physical conditions that may require special attention while on tour. For more information please see our FAQ page.
Cancellations All cancellations must be received by Jewish Heritage Travel in writing. Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure: full refund less nonrefundable deposits, per person; 119–90 days prior to departure: 50% refund per person after nonrefundable deposits. 89–0 days before departure: no refund.
Trip Cancellation Insurance Jewish Heritage Travel strongly urges all participants to purchase travel insurance for coverage of losses necessitated by having to cancel due to illness or accident. For your convenience, we are providing a link to Allianz Global Assistance, which many past participants have used. Please use code ACCAM/Agency ID# F026815 or feel free to use your own insurance agent. When purchasing insurance, please consider the plans carefully to familiarize yourself with what is covered. In this context, do take note that most insurance companies generally will waive exclusion for preexisting conditions only if your application is received by them within 14 days from the date of your program registration. If you have a preexisting medical condition and are interested in taking trip insurance, you should do so either with Allianz or through your own insurance agent within 14 days of registration.
Changes All rights are reserved by Jewish Heritage Travel to make scholar substitutions and/or to modify the itinerary (including hotels) as needed. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require the itinerary to be altered, Jewish Heritage Travel reserves the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Any extra expenses incurred in this situation are the responsibility of the participant.
Disclaimer of Responsibility By registering for this program, participant specifically waives any and all claims of action against Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below and their respective staffs for damages, loss, injury, accident, or death incurred by any person in connection with this tour. Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below and their respective staffs assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, or other conveyance that may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers. Neither will the Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below or their staffs be responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purposes for which tickets, vouchers, or coupons are issued. Any personal activities arranged outside the Jewish Heritage Travel published tour itinerary are solely and wholly the responsibility of the individual traveller whether or not a representative of Jewish Heritage Travel has provided any guidance. No responsibility is accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, viruses, weather, strikes, wars, and other causes. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the itinerary or arrangements, including hotels or scholars, such alterations may be made without penalty. All rights reserved to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at his/her own expense when such an action is determined by the tour staff to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety and that of the group in general. Prices subject to change. Cost in effect at time of registration will be honored.
