Croatia
Europe Summer Sea
Travel
May 30 - June 08, 2026

Cruising Croatia

Jennifer Brush *99

About the Study Leader

Jennifer Brush *99, Ambassador (retired), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Ambassador Brush is a Solon, Ohio, native who has served her country for 30 years for the US State Department, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), United Nations Peace-Keeping and the Office for Democratic Initiatives and Human Rights (ODIHR). She was a Senior Foreign Service Officer, OSCE Ambassador to Moldova, Deputy Representative of the Secretary General for the United Nation at the Kosovo Peace-Keeping Mission, and Head of Mission for the 2024 ODIHR Elections Monitoring Mission In Mongolia. With the State Department, she served in Yugoslavia, Poland, Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the US Mission to the UN in Vienna, the Marshall Islands, Turkmenistan and Serbia. She speaks Russian, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, Polish, Turkish, Turkmen, French, Mongolian and enough German to order a meal.

Before joining the Foreign Service, Ambassador Brush was a Thomas J. Watson Fellow researching workers self-management in the former Yugoslavia. She studied for two years at the Political Science Faculty of the University of Zagreb, and one year in the graduate department of Workers Self-Management and the Socio-Political System of Yugoslavia at the Political Science Faculty of the University of Sarajevo.  

About the Journey

Island hop along the Croatian coast aboard the intimate 18-cabin Queen Eleganza and learn about the civilizations that swept across the Eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea over the course of many millennia. From the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to the Crusades and the Renaissance, these civilizations left a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures behind.

Begin in Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb, for a one-night stay at the 5-star Hotel Esplanade.  Continue to Zadar for a seven-night Adriatic cruise aboard Queen Eleganza, an 18-cabin yacht chartered exclusively for Princeton Journeys. Sail along the Croatian coast calling on Trogir, Split, Hvar, and Korčula, Mljet, and Dubrovnik along the way. A leisurely cruising pace allows for ample free time in town to sample regional cuisine and mingle with locals.

In a region well worth exploring for its natural beauty alone, you will visit spellbinding archaeological sites, impressive cathedrals, dramatic palaces, and ancient city centers that illuminate the layered history of the Dalmatian Coast. For those wishing to dive deeper into this fascinating region, a post-cruise extension to Bosnia-Herzegovina will be offered.    

Please note: This trip is exclusive to Princeton Journeys.

Accommodation

Hotel Esplanade Zagreb
Opened in 1925 as a refuge for passengers from the Orient Express, the über-stylish Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is an architectural gem. Located within easy reach of key attractions, the city’s most iconic hotel combines art deco glamour with every contemporary convenience. Long-established as a haven for A-List movie stars, politicians, singers and artists, the hotel’s fairytale exterior and 208 thoughtfully-designed rooms and suites make it easily the most prestigious hotel in Zagreb. Hotel features include a Health Club and award-winning collection of restaurants.

Queen Eleganza
The yacht-like Queen Eleganza, launched in the Spring of 2018, was beautifully crafted in Croatia specifically to cruise the Adriatic coastline. With its small number of travelers, there is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board. The 18 cabins are finished to high standards with sleek lines and neutral colors. The bar/restaurant and lounge boast comfortable seating areas, large windows, and complimentary tea/coffee. Meals are served in a single seating and feature fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine

Reservations

Registration is not yet open for this journey. Please request a brochure or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

 

Trip Details

  • Dates
    May 30 - June 08, 2026
  • Activity Level
    Moderate
  • Cost
    from $6,490 per person, double occupancy; from $9,590 per person, single occupancy
  • Deposit
    $1,000 per person
  • Contact