Ultimate Croatia – 8 day guided tour

January 15. 2017.

from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Stunning and simply unforgettable, take a journey from the heart of the capital in Zagreb to the luscious landscapes of Plitvice Lakes and then uncover the true beauty of the infamous Dalmatian coastline. Exploring the historical importance and local heritage of Dubrovnik, Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Trogir, this 8 day tour is truly captures the medieval past of these ancient towns while also allowing for time to enjoy the most idyllic and paradise like islands of Pag and Korcula.
Day One - Arrival in Zagreb
Arriving in the capital, your local tour guide will meet you at the airport and ensure that you are transferred safely to the hotel. Having checked in, you will then join the rest of the newcomers for a welcome drink before a sublime meal in the restaurant on site.
*Please note, should you arrive early on the first day, you can opt to take part of the guided tour of the city on the same day.
Day Two - Zagreb City to Plitvice Lakes
Start your first morning in the capital with an introduction to Lower Zagreb at which point you will board the local funicular to the Upper part of the city and the many beautiful landmarks of Zagreb. Taking a short walking tour beneath the Baroque facades of St. Marks Square, St, Catherines Church and the Gothic Cathedral are all memorable encounters, while a short visit to Tkalčićeva Street uncovers a more vibrant and energtic side to the city. Zagreb has a very enchanting feel and after a fine lunch in the city, you will prepare to depart for Pltivice Lakes.
UNESCO World Heritage Site and possible the most infamous National Park in all of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes is akin to the landscape from a fairytale with pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, luscious green canopies and colorful flora at every turn. You will have tie for a walking tour in the park before a short boat trip and a train ride which offers the most breath-takig views of the park.
After checking into you hotel for the evening, you can look forward to having a group meal and a highly relaxing stay.
Day Three – Plitvice Lakes to Biogard (Including Zadar and Pag Island)
Over the Ostarije mountain pass in the Velebit massif, your drive this morning will take in some of the most incredible scenery in Croatia and unobstructed vistas of the Adriatic sea. Following a brief ferry crossing to the island of Pag, an enthralling encounter begins with some genueinly strange landscapes in this small landmass which is best known for producing cheese. You will enjoy a traditional lunch inside a charming inn on the island before venturing into the old capital which dates back to the Renaissance.
Returning to the mainland via Pag Bridge, our tour reaches the historical city of Zadar in the afternoon which is home to a large number of historical attractions and landmarks such as the Roman Forum, Five Wells Square and the 9th century Carolingian rotunda of Saint Donatus.
Day Four - Biograd to the Riviera Makarska (Including Trogir and Split)
Simply one of the most spectacular pieces of architecture in all of Croatia, the cathedral is such a memorable sight on your morning tour of Šibenik before travelling south to the quaint town of Primošten. On this morning you will take another insightful tour in the city of Trogir and there is plenty of opportunity here to understand exactly why this city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catching a glimpse of the Romanesque portal on the cathedral is a particular highlght in Trogir, as too is a suptious seafood lunch afterward.
Later in the afternoon, the magnificent city of Split awaits, a city renowned for iconic landmarks such as the Diocletian's Palace, The Temple of Jupiter and the Mausoleum. Exploring underground halls in the Palace is a very unique experience while a fascinating history surrounds the Mausoleum which has been a cathedral since the 6th century.
After some free time in Split, your tour continues to the Riviera Makarska where you will eat and sleep next to the impressive Biokovo Massif.
Day Five - Makarska Riviera to Dubrovnik (Via Korčula)
Departing on a ferry from Ploče to Trpanj, you will arrive in Orebić on this morning for a short boat tour to the beautiful Korčula island. Home to a very endearing town which is quite often referred to as a museum, the narrow streets of Korčula make this town feel a lot different from anything you will have experienced on the trip. And then there is St. Marks Cathedral and the many haunting palaces, although largely unassuming, the town is a genuine highlight which never fails to delight the intrepid traveller.
Pelješac Peninsula makes for a stunning drive after lunch as you proceed to the city of Dubrovnik, but not before you stop to explore Ston, renowned for oysters and the ancient Ragusan Fort. Checking in for two nights in Dubrovnik, now is a great time to slow it all down even further and immerse yourself in one of Europes most interesting cities.
Day Six – Dubrovnik City
After a morning of leisure, the enchanting old town is a great way to start your encounter with Dubrovnik. Ancient monastery's, rusted gates and colorful churches are to be found here but arguably the main attraction on this particular guided tour is the interior of both Sponza and Rector's Palace which offer an incredible insight into a time long past.
Following a delicious lunch, you will have some more free time to take a tour of the ramparts or delve deeper into the myriad of streets around the city and that evening, you will have the *option to enjoy a local dinner with traditional music in a nearby village.
*Additional charge for the local dinner with folk music.
Day Seven – Free day and overnight in Dubrovnik
Today you have a full day free in the fascinting city of Dubrovnik. Full board will be provided on this day.
Day Eight – Final day of the tour
On the final day you can enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a timely transfer to the airport and the end of your tour.

You can decide upon any of the following free tours on your Free Days:

Full day tour to the Bay of Kotor (Montenegro)
Travelling into the Republic of Montenegro and lonside the Bay of Kotor, a magnificent mountain range forms the backdrop for the fjord below. Luscious valleys infused with antique-like churches, the view from Perast is unforgettable and a nice prelude to the small town of Kotor. Moving up onto the Lovćen Road, there are many more beuaitful vistas until you arrive in the old royal capital, Cetinje, where you will also visit King Nicolas Palace and enjoy some lunch. Descending to the coast of Montenegrin, idyllic beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and our last stop before returning to Dubrovik will be the old fort and historical town of Budva.
Full Day Tour to Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Journey through the Neretva Delta and into Bosnia and Herzegovina on this full day tour to Mostar. Stopping at the 16th century town of Počitelj, you can witness some truly stunning architecture before continuing to Mostar itself for a guided tour. Oriental in parts, Mostar was a centre point for trade over the centuries with fine examples of different cultures which can also be seen in the architecture of Mehmed Koki Pacha Mosque and Mostar Bridge but regardless of historical reasons, the colorful setting of Mostar on the blue waters of Neretva Delta make it a memorable day tour in a lesser known part of Croatia. Traditional food and charming streets, the tour will stop in Neum before returning to the departure point.
Full day tour to the Elaphiti archipelago
There are many highights on this full day tour including a sumptious fish picnic lunch but food aside, travelling by boat bewteen the stunning Elaphiti islands is such a wonderful way to see some of Croatia's finest scenery. Without cars or noise of any kind, a short walk on Koločep island is particularly unique but then so too is Lopud, another unassuming island infused with dainty stone houses with extremely green and luscious gardens. As mentioned, the lunch on board is a great way to enjoy some traditional music in the afternoon and the tour also stops on the island of Šipan before returning to Dubrovnik in late afternoon.

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