An Exclusive Invitation for Summer 2028
It is our absolute pleasure to invite you to join us for a unique and private tour through Croatia, Slovenia, and the Islands of the Adriatic
A Tradition Passed From Mother to Daughter"This cherished tradition began back in 1979 when Sonja’s mother, Katie Bolf, first started bringing travelers to her beloved native homeland of Croatia. For decades, Katie filled the hearts of countless guests with love and joy, sharing the stunning beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality of her culture. Now in her wonderful 90s, Katie has lovingly passed the torch to her daughter, Sonja—who, along with her husband Steven and dear friend Manja Lilek, offer you this exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Katie Bolf & her daughter Sonja Schroder — passing on decades of love, warmth, and Croatian heritage.
We will begin our adventure in Zagreb, the Capital of Croatia, where we will spend the night in the city center facing famous Ban Jelačić Square; stroll along old cobblestone streets to admire historic sites such as Zagreb Cathedral, King Tomislav Square, St. Mark’s Square, and Dolac—the largest and most famous open market in Europe. We will stop at St. Theresa’s Orphanage to visit with the children and Carmelite Sisters, and travel north to Kezele Vineyard to sample award-winning Croatian wines.
Aboard our private coach, we will continue our journey to the mesmerizing sites of the Julian Alps in Slovenia, Lake Bled, Planica Nordic Centre, Zelenci Nature Reserve, and Lake Jasna; travel to the Gorski Kotar region for a traditional picnic in Delnice; walk along rustic paths, explore historic Karlovac, and stroll the seaside promenade in Split. Manja Lilek, our amazing friend and partner, will surely work her “Magic” to find local relatives along the way for anyone with family ties to the region!
The second part of our voyage will have us boarding our chartered luxury yacht, “The M/S Summer”, where we will set sail island hopping along the magical Southern Islands of Croatia. As we cruise along the coast, we’ll visit island towns with thousands of years of history, stop at ports that pre-date the Roman era, visit Krka and Lastovo National Parks, and taste local delicacies.
"Just imagine… relaxing on the Sun Deck sipping on a glass of your favorite Croatian wine, while our vessel drops anchor in a secluded cove inviting you for a swim in the crystal blue water of the Adriatic Sea. What makes our tours extra special are the friends and families that join us—sharing laughs, making special memories, and forming relationships that will last a lifetime."
Delicious Regional Food & Drink
Savor authentic Mediterranean flavors, fine wines, and traditional culinary craftsmanship throughout our journey:
Authentic Dalmatian & Continental Cuisine
Indulge in traditional family-style Peka at Etnoland Dalmati (slow-cooked meats and vegetables under an iron bell), world-renowned Drniški pršut (artisan smoked ham), fresh Adriatic seafood, and local olive oils sourced directly from village producers.
Award-Winning Wines & Liqueurs
Enjoy private wine tastings at Kezele Estate in Moslavina and the sunny slopes of Lastovo Island. Experience handmade chocolates and fine herbal liqueurs at the famous Berryshka Distillery Boutique in Slovenia.
Land & Alps Tour
Zagreb Old Town, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Planica, Berryshka Boutique & Karlovac Star Fortress.
Private Yacht Cruise
7 nights aboard M/S Summer: Šibenik (St. James Cathedral), Krka National Park, Primošten, Milna, Bol, Hvar, Lastovo, Korčula & Dubrovnik.
Exclusive Group Size
An intimate group setting designed for warm connections, laughter, ancestral discovery, and lifetime memories.
Cruising Aboard the Deluxe M/S Summer
Your elegant home at sea while exploring the Croatian Adriatic Coast
Built in 2019, the M/S Summer is a 150-foot luxury yacht specifically engineered for comfortable coastal cruising among the islands of Croatia.
Featuring modern state-of-the-art nautical technology, the vessel offers 18 fully air-conditioned cabins spread across the Main/Upper Deck and Lower Deck. Each cabin features private ensuite bathrooms with showers, individual climate control, flat-screen satellite TV, safe, hairdryer, and internal intercom.
- Sun Deck: Expansive top deck featuring comfortable lounge chairs, shaded seating areas, and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
- Salon & Dining: Elegant indoor restaurant and bar serving daily buffet breakfasts and freshly prepared multi-course lunches.
- Outdoor Lounge: Covered rear outdoor lounge deck ideal for enjoying evening breeze and coastal scenery.
- Rear Swim Platform: Dedicated stern platform with ladders for effortless swimming directly off the vessel in secluded coves.
M/S Summer Yacht Gallery
Click any photo below to open and view the full-size high-resolution image:
Top Deck & Jacuzzi
Expansive sunbathing deck with loungers, shaded relaxation areas, and panoramic sea views.
M/S Summer Profile
Sleek 150-foot deluxe vessel built specifically for navigating Adriatic island coves.
Rear Covered Lounge Deck
Shaded alfresco seating at the stern for relaxation, morning tea, and evening gatherings.
Restaurant & Salon Bar
Spacious indoor air-conditioned dining salon serving daily breakfasts and multi-course meals.
Meet Your Hosts
Personalized service, warm hospitality, and regional expertise.
Manja Lilek
Slovenia Local Partner & Founder (MANJA TRAVEL)
CEO of MANJA TRAVEL & Židana Marela d.o.o. Manja works her local magic to find family ties for guests with roots in the region and handles all local arrangements.
Agency: MANJA TRAVEL & Židana Marela d.o.o. (Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Website: manja-travel.com
Email: manja@manja-travel.com
Steven & Sonja Schroder
USA Hosts & Tour Coordinators
Steven and Sonja Schroder personally escort the group from booking to departure, making sure every guest feels welcome, connected, and supported throughout the entire voyage.
Contact: sonja@letsgotocroatia.com | (602) 405-2059
Your hosts: Manja Lilek, Steven Schroder, and Sonja Schroder.
Summer 2028 Route & Accommodation Schedule
(Exact calendar dates will be announced prior to ticketing)
| Segment / Hotel | Location | Schedule | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Dubrovnik 4* (or similar) | Zagreb, Croatia | Summer 2028 | 3 Nights |
| Hotel Bled Rose 4* (or similar) | Bled, Slovenia | Summer 2028 | 2 Nights |
| Hotel Korana 4* (or similar) | Karlovac, Croatia | Summer 2028 | 3 Nights |
| M/S Summer Yacht | Southern Adriatic Islands | Summer 2028 | 7 Nights |
| Optional Post-Stay: Hotel Lero 4* / Grand Hotel Park 4* | Dubrovnik, Croatia | Summer 2028 | 1+ Nights |
Summer 2026 Tour Itinerary
The 2026 day-by-day program below illustrates our 16-day journey. The Summer 2028 itinerary will be very similar, though exact dates and details are not yet finalized.
USA Departure to Zagreb, Croatia
Depart USA on your European adventure! Arrive at Zagreb Airport, meet your guide, transfer to Hotel Dubrovnik in the city center facing Ban Jelačić Square, and relax with a welcome drink.
Zagreb City Tour & Historic Old Town
Walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata), and the 100-year-old Dolac Farmer's Market. Free afternoon to explore museums, shopping, or local parks.
Orphanage Visit & Moslavina Winery
Free morning in Zagreb. In the afternoon, embark on our traditional visit to St. Theresa's Orphanage. Later, drive to Moslavina for a wine tasting and dinner at Kezele Rural Tourism.
Zagreb to Ljubljana & Lake Bled, Slovenia
Cross into Slovenia to explore green Ljubljana. Enjoy a boat ride along the Ljubljanica River, cross the Triple Bridge, then continue into the Julian Alps to visit perched Bled Castle.
Julian Alps: Planica, Zelenci, Kranjska Gora & Lake Jasna
Visit Planica Nordic Centre (world ski-flying hill with optional zipline), Zelenci Nature Reserve, Kranjska Gora, and enjoy a light lunch at Lake Jasna. Wrap up in Bled with a festive Slovenian Evening in Radovljica with local music, dance, and traditional cuisine.
Lake Bled Pletna Boat to Berryshka Boutique & Karlovac
Ride a traditional wooden pletna boat to Bled Island and ring the wishing bell. Cross into Croatia to visit Berryshka Distillery & Chocolate Boutique for artisanal chocolate and liqueur tastings, arriving at Hotel Korana in Karlovac for dinner.
Gorski Kotar Ancestral Village Hopping & Petehovac Picnic
Explore the Delnice region in Gorski Kotar, visiting local villages where Manja helps guests trace family roots! Enjoy a traditional Croatian picnic at Petehovac in Polane with food, drinks, and music.
Karlovac Star Fortress, War Museum & Optional River Rafting
Tour Karlovac's 16th-century six-pointed Renaissance Star Fortress and Turanj Homeland War Museum. Afternoon option: gentle Rafting on the emerald Mrežnica River past travertine waterfalls!
Etnoland Pakovo Selo to Šibenik — Embark M/S Summer
Visit Etnoland Dalmati in Pakovo Selo for smoked Drniški pršut ham and traditional family-style peka lunch. Board the luxury M/S Summer yacht in Šibenik port for a city tour of St. James Cathedral, safety briefing, and welcome reception.
Krka National Park Waterfalls to Primošten
Guided tour of Krka National Park and Skradinski buk waterfalls. Return to M/S Summer for lunch while cruising the Adriatic coast to postcard-perfect Primošten.
Primošten Swim Stop to Milna (Brač Island)
Relaxing morning cruise with a swim stop in a crystal-clear cove. Enjoy lunch on board before arriving in Milna, a peaceful harbor town known for its Venetian maritime heritage.
Bol (Golden Horn Beach) to Historic Hvar Island
Stop at Bol to swim at famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach). Sail to Hvar for a guided walking tour of Old Town Venetian architecture, lavender fields, and hilltop Fortica Fortress.
Lastovo Island Nature Park & Local Wine Tasting
Cruise to remote Lastovo Island. Tour Lastovo town, famous for its historic stone houses and distinctive fumari chimneys. Conclude with an island wine tasting and dinner on board.
Lastovo Swim & Korčula Old Town
Morning swimming in Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park. Sail to Korčula town ("Little Dubrovnik") for a guided walking tour of St. Mark's Cathedral and Marco Polo's birthplace, followed by a farewell dinner on board.
Sail to Dubrovnik — "Pearl of the Adriatic"
Cruise past Elaphiti Islands with final swim stops. Private transfer to Dubrovnik Old Town to tour Stradun, Rector's Palace, Game of Thrones sites, Fort Lovrijenac, and the ancient City Walls.
Disembarkation & Farewell
Disembark in Dubrovnik Port by 9:00 AM. Group transfers to Dubrovnik Airport or extended stay hotels (Hotel Lero 4* or Grand Hotel Park 4*).
Summer 2028 Tour Pricing & Registration
Please Note: Exact pricing for Summer 2028 is yet to be determined. The pricing listed below reflects the 2026 itinerary as a guide and is subject to change for 2028.
* Upper Deck Cabin Upgrade on Yacht: +$400 per person
What's Included:
- Deluxe motor coach transfers & professional guides
- Hotels (Zagreb, Bled, Karlovac) + 7 Nights on M/S Summer
- Daily breakfasts, welcome dinners, folklore evening, picnics, wine tastings & 6 yacht lunches
- All entrances: Bled Castle, Turanj War Museum, Etnoland Pakovo Selo, Krka & Lastovo National Parks
Important Reservation Info:
- Airfare: Travelers are responsible for booking and paying for their own flights to and from Croatia
- Deposit: $500 per person to hold your cabin
- Limited Capacity: Only 34–36 passengers available
- Payment Options: Check (to Sonja Schroder), Zelle, or PayPal
Ready to Reserve Your Cabin for Summer 2028?
Contact Sonja today to lock in your reservation or receive exact 2028 rates and travel dates as soon as they are announced!
Email Sonja to RSVP for Summer 2028