Captivating Croatia

Friday. Upon arrival into Zagreb you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Zagreb - Opatija. Our adventure begins after breakfast with a walking tour of Zagreb. During the guided tour, you will glimpse into Croatia's rich history and architectural beauty as we visit the fortified medieval Upper Town and witness iconic sights like St. Mark's church with its colorful tiled roof, Parliament, and the Government Palace.

Afterwards, we will head toward the picturesque Kvarner Bay, and more specifically to the city of Opatija. Full of historical significance, Opatija is known as the cradle of Croatian tourism and was once a beloved spa resort for the Habsburgs and European aristocracy, including famous personalities Mahler, Chekhov and Isadora Duncan. Dinner and overnight in Opatija.

Istria. Today we will head to the enchanting Istrian peninsula, beginning with a visit to the remarkable 2000-year-old Roman Colosseum in Pula. The ancient amphitheater stands as an extraordinary testament to the region's rich history.

Continuing on, we will visit the relaxing town of Rovinj, one of the most beautiful cities in Istria and the inspiration of many artists. Enjoy free time to explore the area - be sure to wander through its narrow streets, admire colorful architecture and enjoy the coastal views.

Our journey continues to the hilltop town of Motovun, where we will indulge in one of Istria's delectable treasures with a truffle tasting. Prepare your tastebuds for this tasty culinary experience. Afterwards, we will head back to Opatija for the night.

Opatija - Plitvice Lakes. Today, you will discover the splendour of Croatia's most beautiful and ancient national park, Plitvice Lakes. A UNESCO-protected gem, the area boasts 16 interconnected lakes adorned with breathtaking waterfalls. The park is located in the mountainous region of Lika and is a true wonder that is best explored on foot.

Our entrance will include a serene boat ride across the mesmerising Emerald Green Lake, also known as "Kozjak." We will spend approximately 3 hours exploring the park, enjoying nature's captivating beauty and the lake's magical turquoise hues.

Dinner and overnight in the Plitvice area.

Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Split. After breakfast, we will begin a scenic coastal drive towards the city of Zadar.

Zadar is a historic town and a treasure trove of cultural and historical monuments. In Zadar, you'll be captivated as we explore The Roman forum, dating back to the 1st century AD, and the church of St. Donatus, which dates back to the 9th century AD. We will also visit the one-of-a-kind Zadar Sea Organs, a unique installation of musical pipes that play harmonious sounds created by the waves of the Adriatic Sea.

From Zadar, we will continue to a local winery in the Dalmatian Hinterland. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste authentic Dalmatian wines and international Cuvees, complemented by delicious Croatian-style Tapas.

As the day draws to a close, we will continue our trip towards Split, where we will spend the next two nights.

Today's exploration will introduce us to the captivating cities of Split and Trogir, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with modern life.

Split is a true testament to the passage of time, showcasing layers of architectural wonders that reflect 17 centuries of human craftmanship. Today, we will explore Split's thrilling history, and 18th century houses that intertwine with ancient Roman walls. We will have an opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace - sitting in the heart of the city, the palace was built in the 4th century and offers a glimpse into the opulence of the past.

Afterwards, we will indulge in a traditional Dalmatian dish at the Tragos Restaurant in Trogir. Trogir is a UNESCO-listed town that boasts an incredible 2,300 years of continuous urban tradition. Influences from ancient Greeks, Romans and Venetians have all shaped Trogir's rich culture. During our time in Trogir, we will explore the various palaces, churches and towers that line the streets. The town also features a fortress on a small island, which has earned it the nickname "floating museum town."

We will return to Split for the night.

Split - Ston - Dubrovnik. We begin our journey towards Dubrovnik, with a stop near the town of Ston along the way. Here, we will visit a local winery to taste the renowned "Plavac Mali" wine. This wine variety is closely related to the famous Zinfandel.

The winery has been passed through many generations - during our stop we will learn about the winery's own fascinating history and enjoy a wine tasting, presentation on the wine-making process, and a snack that complements the beverage.

Afterwards we will continue towards Dubrovnik. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend the night at leisure.

Today we will explore the charming old city of Dubrovnik. Completed in the 13th century, the city has retained its medieval charm and character through the ages. Our tour will take us to the medieval ramparts that encircle the old town, which can be accessed through one of its two gates.

As you pass through you will walk across a stone bridge. Be sure to acknowledge the statue of the city's patron Saint Blaise (Vlaho), who stands watchfully and welcomes visitors inside. Once inside, you will walk down the broad, stone-paved promenade known as Stadrun. The iconic walkway signifies the heart of the city and is lined with picturesque buildings and lively cafes.

After sightseeing, explore the city at leisure. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, visit a museum or two, or enjoy the surrounding tranquil views of the Adriatic Sea. Be sure to make the most of your final night in Dubrovnik.

Saturday. Our journey ends after breakfast. A departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport is included.

If you wish to extend your holiday, why not consider joining one of our sailing adventures, like the Adriatic Explorer that departs from Dubrovnik?