National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Food & Wine magazine have combined their expertise to deliver a stimulating and satiating exploration of Croatia and Montenegro’s enchanting riviera. Savor exclusive culinary experiences against spectacular backdrops, such as the walled medieval cities of Kotor and Dubrovnik, and experience pristine nature reserves, including the waterfall-laced Plitvice Lakes National Park. Discover the region’s cultural and culinary traditions—from oyster farming and olive oil production to sword dancing and silk embroidery—as we learn about their importance from the people dedicated to preserving these timeless traditions. A wine expert joins us throughout the voyage, offering accessible insights and nightly tastings to guide you through the region’s rich terroirs.
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
Taste some of the region’s best wines, sampling bottles personally selected by Food & Wine magazine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle
Discover 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 Kotor, Montenegro, and learn about olive oil production, or explore submarine tunnels built by the Yugoslavian Navy
Venture to the captivating island of Vis—blending historical and natural allure—and experience the vibrancy of Hvar during kayaking excursions, island tours and scenic hikes
Witness the waterfall-laced landscapes around Krka National Park, go hiking, birdwatch or delve into a centuries-old jewelry tradition on the island of Zlarin
Join Massimo Bassano on the Aug. 16 and 23, 2025 departures
From
$9,243
/ per person
Does not include any flights
60% reduced deposit for any 2026 voyage
Join Jeff Mauritzen on the Aug. 16, 2025 departure
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean: Food & Wine 2025-26
From
$9,243
/ per person
Join Jeff Mauritzen on the Aug. 16, 2025 departure
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean: Food & Wine 2025-26
From
$9,243
/ per person
60% reduced deposit for any 2026 voyage
Join Jeff Mauritzen on the Aug. 16, 2025 departure
View our brochure for more details
Mediterranean: Food & Wine 2025-26
Itinerary
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
2025 Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atSplit, CroatiaEnds atSplit, Croatia
Day 1
Split, Croatia / Embark Ship
Arrive in Split, the largest city on the Dalmatian coast, and transfer to the National Geographic Orion. Settle into your cabin, enjoying your first Dalmatian sunset as you set sail.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Split, Croatia / Embark ShipArrive in Split, the largest city on the Dalmatian coast, and transfer to the National Geographic Orion. Settle into your cabin, enjoying your first Dalmatian sunset as you set sail.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Mljet National Park / Korčula
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
Day 2
Mljet National Park / KorčulaWith 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
Day 3
Dubrovnik
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
Day 3
DubrovnikWake 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
Day 4
Kotor, Montenegro
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
Day 4
Kotor, MontenegroTucked 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
Day 5
Komiža, Croatia / Hvar
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
Day 5
Komiža, Croatia / HvarOne 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
Day 6
Šibenik / Krka National Park
This morning, the 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 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
Day 6
Šibenik / Krka National ParkThis morning, the 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 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
Day 7
Zadar / Plitvice Lakes National Park
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
Day 7
Zadar / Plitvice Lakes National ParkThe 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
Day 8
Split / Disembark Ship
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
Day 8
Split / Disembark ShipArrive in Split this morning. Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarking and transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itinerary note: Routing may vary and stops may be subject to modification and/or permitting.
Back-to-Back Savings
Save 10%: Combine this expedition with Ancient Mediterranean: Exploring Greece, Croatia and Albania for a deeper dive into the region.
Dates & Rates
Filters
Ships
National Geographic Orion
GUESTS 102
CABINS 53
DECKS 6
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Special Offers
60% reduced deposit for any 2026 voyage
Take advantage of our additional offers
SUITE EXCLUSIVES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
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Mediterranean: Food & Wine 2025-26