Tour Croatia+ trip

Croatia - 11 days in the Land of Culture and Beauty

You're invited to this Croatia tour to explore a land of magnificent attractions, cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty of mountains and coastal splendors, impressive museums and galleries, superb wines and cuisine.

Trip highlights

  • Visit an open-air museum Kumrovec, the birthplace of the late Yugoslav President Tito
  • Take a boat ride and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Plitvice Lakes
  • Admire Diocletian's Palace in Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Sail to the Hell's islands, the most beautiful part of the Hvar riviera
  • Meet the locals at their country home in Konavle and taste some delicious specialities
  • Stroll along Stradun, the splendid main promenade of the Old Town of Dubrovnik

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Croatia, a land of spectacular sceneries, of rich cultural heritage and fairy-tale medieval towns situated at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean Sea will offer you its miracles.

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, dated back to the 11th and 13th centuries with its Baroque architecture and picturesque open-air markets, the unique setting of Plitvice Lakes, the glamorous island of Hvar, Diocletian’s Palace in Split as one of the most imposing and well-preserved Roman ruins anywhere, Dubrovnik, the stunningly beautiful city with a fascinating history are only some of Croatian treasures which reveal themselves around every corner. 

You will visit a lot of natural wonders and historically important places, with cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split on top of the list.

As a living, breathing city, Zagreb has a full menu of activities and pleasures all year round. There is no "wrong season" to visit Zagreb. Summers are rarely stifling and are a great time to enjoy Zagreb's parks. The season gears up in autumn with a full menu of concerts, exhibits and special events. Freezing winter temperatures make it the ideal time to duck into a cozy coffee house and linger over hot chocolate. In spring, cafe life blossoms as everyone heads outdoors for lunch on a terrace or an after-work drink on one of the city's attractive squares.

In Zagreb try "štrukli", a delicious pastry, filled with cottage cheese and sour cream is prepared in one of two ways: boiled in water or baked in an oven.

There is a small town of Klanjec in Hrvatsko Zagorje (i.e. Croatian Hinterland), the hometown of renowned sculptor Antun Augustinčić, whose most famous work is the Peace Monument which stands in front of the United Nations building in New York City.

In the castle of Veliki Tabor you will hear the legend of the tragic and forbidden love between the nobleman Friederich of Celje and the beautiful plebeian girl Veronika of Desinić. Their tragic love story inspired the town's name Grešna Gorica - the Hill of Sin.

In 1899, an archaeologist and paleontologist found over eight hundred fossil remains belonging to Neanderthals on the Hušnjakovo hill, near modern Krapina. The Neanderthal site of Krapina has been protected as the first paleontological natural monument in the Republic of Croatia, and has been listed as one of the richest Paleolithic habitats of Neanderthals in Croatia and Europe.

Plitvice Lakes consist of sixteen smaller and larger crystal turquoise lakes, nestled in the embrace of the surrounding wooded mountains, interconnected by foaming cascades and deep falls. The park includes the headwaters of the Korana River in an area surrounded by dense forests, and is additionally ornamented by several caves, springs and flower-filled meadows, which show the vast diversity of flora and fauna in the park. The tallest waterfalls in Plitvice are Galovački buk (25 meters) and Veliki slap (78 meters). All of the lakes in the park have a story or legend behind them, ranging from the Legend of the Black Queen, to stories about people drowning in the lakes, to names being derived from the way the water whirls, or even one being named after a monastery.

Split may be a big city, but you are expected to take it easy here. In order to “properly“ enjoy Split, you have to make time to sit on the café terraces, because this is an integral part of social life in the city, as are leasurely strolls along the popular Riva promenade, the palace waterfront. Regardless of the day of the week, the residents of Split will wear their finest attire and take a walk on the Riva, say hello to their friends and acquaintances and then probably sit down for a drink. This tranquil experience of watching the world go by in Split and elsewhere in Dalmatia is almost as important as sightseeing.

Trogir used to be one of the most significant cultural centers in Dalmatia. Enjoy a stroll through its narrow streets and visit the past as you pass by the stone houses, churches, palaces, monasteries and of course the city walls. Stop in front of the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and catch your breath before entering what is the city's main attraction - the highlight of this astounding piece of architecture is the Romanesque portal created by the local master Radovan.

Hvar attracts many visitors because of its numerous historical monuments such as the 17-th century Hvar Theater, among the oldest in Europe, or the Franciscan Monastery, which is famous for its collection of paintings by old masters. While in Hvar try Plavac Mali wine made from an indigenous grape variety from the Dalmatian region, but also the original Dalmatian dessert wine known as Prošek, made from selected and dried grapes of the highest quality.

The English poet Lord Byron called the old town of Dubrovnik, The pearl of the Adriatic, and it still holds this name today. Dubrovnik enjoyed 450 years as an independent republic, thanks largely to its formidable city walls and strategic diplomatic treaties with the Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. Take a break in one of the Dubrovnik bars where you can drink a bitter orange liqueur or pelinkovac (a liqueur made of absinth and aromatic herbs), the traditional Dubrovnik beverages, or taste the famous herb brandy (rakija travarica) containing many different Mediterranean medicinal herbs. 

Day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Zagreb

Arrival at Zagreb airport followed by a private transfer to the hotel. If you wish to take a stroll in the evening, be sure to visit Tkalčićeva Street, the busiest street in the city centre, filled with trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. You can walk the entire city of Zagreb without needing a car, but if you get tired, you can take a tram: they are very functional and of beautiful blue. You will love walking everywhere, and in the Zagreb city centre you will never miss driving, not for a minute. Overnight at the hotel in Zagreb.

DAY 2

City Tour through the historic parts of Zagreb's Upper Town

After a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will take a walking tour of Zagreb and visit its sights. The tour will take you through the historic parts of Zagreb's Upper Town, along its narrow streets - each with its own stories from the past. The Stone Gate, Grič Cannon and St. Mark's Church are just some of the Upper Town's most cherished sights. There is also the elegant architecture of Zagreb's Lower Town and its Austro-Hungarian buildings and parks.

In the afternoon we suggest that you visit one of Zagreb's many unusual museums, such as the Museum of Broken Relationships, filled with mementoes of relationships that have in one way or another gone wrong. There is also a Museum of Hangovers where the artifacts related to the alcohol-infused sessions are exposed, with an attached background story, and the Museum of Chocolate, a theme park dedicated to chocolate. Overnight at the hotel in Zagreb.

DAY 3

Zagreb surroundings tour with a visit to museums and monuments

Buffet breakfast and departure on an excursion to the Hrvatsko Zagorje region. The excursion leads to Kumrovec, the birthplace of the late Yugoslav President Tito. The old quarter of Kumrovec is an open-air museum with beautifully restored thatched cottages and wooden farm buildings that offer an authentic look at rural life in the 19th-century.

Then follows a visit to Veliki Tabor, a 12th-century fortress surrounded by Zagorje's remarkable rural landscapes that whisper of the romantic and dramatic past of Hrvatsko Zagorje. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Grešna Gorica.

Moving on to the city of Krapina, you'll travel back in time to 32 000 B.C. when the Krapina area was home to Neanderthal man. You'll visit the Krapina Neanderthal Museum - featuring an exhibit that takes each visitor from the beginning of cosmic evolution and through to the present day. Return to Zagreb and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4

Trip to Plitvice National Park and tour of the coastal city of Split

After buffet breakfast and check-out, departure for Plitvice Lakes National Park registered on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites. The park is a magical world of lakes, waterfalls, moss and forests. A sightseeing walking tour of the National Park, which includes a boat and train ride, allows you to experience first-hand the magical beauty of the lakes and waterfalls, each spectacular in its own right. Lunch at a local restaurant features a delicious array of local specialities (drinks are not included).

After the tour, you will continue to the coastal city of Split. Check-in at the hotel. In Split, we recommend that you spend the evening at one of the famous restaurants such as Konoba Varoš or Noštromo, or visit some of the unusual coffee houses and bars such as Academia Ghetto Club, a bar with a unique gallery. Overnight at the hotel in Split.

DAY 5

Split Walking Tour and excursion to Trogir

After breakfast follows a walking tour of Split, including the open-air market and Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which today constitutes the heart of the old city of Split. You'll visit the Ancient Cellars and the Peristyle, the central square of the palace and will continue to the Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic coast, former Roman Temples, the famous Golden Gate, and the statue of Grgur Ninski - a revered Croatian bishop.

In the early afternoon, you'll enjoy a short drive to Trogir, a small medieval town that is also under the protection of UNESCO. Situated on a small island, the historic centre of Trogir lies within the city's walls and was developed between the 13th and the 15th centuries. There will be some free time for shopping and relaxing in one of the cafés situated within the city walls. Return to Split and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 6

Ferry trip to Hvar island, famous for wine and architecture

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. You'll take a ferry trip to the island of Hvar, one of the most beautiful and sunniest islands in Europe, known for its fields of lavender, rosemary, olive groves and vineyards. Check-in to the hotel in the City of Hvar.

In the afternoon a walking tour of this small town rich in history and culture. Largely designed and built by the Venetians, Hvar is home to a lovely 17th-century Baroque cathedral, numerous picturesque squares, and the 13th-century Arsenal. You'll also make a stop at the Benedictine Convent where nuns make intricate lace from thread collected from local agave plants. Return to the hotel, overnight.

DAY 7

Sailing to Pakleni otoci & enjoying the island beaches

After a buffet breakfast, you will take a group half-day sailing tour to Pakleni otoci. The chain of islands is comprised of 21 islands and islets located right opposite the town of Hvar. The name of this tiny archipelago comes from the word "paklina", which is the pine resin once used to coat ships. The chain of islands is approximately 10 kilometres long, formed of limestone. The biggest island in the archipelago, Sveti Klement, has three occasionally populated hamlets: Palmižana, Momica Polje and Vlaka. Enjoy your time on one of the island's sandy beaches, go snorkeling, or just relax and have some snacks and wine. Return to Hvar and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 8

Visit to Ston – defensive wall, salt pans and oyster tasting

After breakfast, you will leave Hvar by regular catamaran fast ferry to Drvenik and continue by car to the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik.

On the way you'll make a stop in the city of Ston, a historic town which played an important strategic role during the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. Its salt works, dating back to Roman times, were worth a fortune. The oldest in Europe, the Ston salt pans are still in use, and the salt production technology has remained unchanged for centuries.

The 5.5 km long defensive wall, which dates from the 14th century, provided security in times of danger - the longest medieval fortification walls in Europe.

Sea food lovers will take special delight in visiting the Bay of Mali Ston, which is the cradle of mussel and oyster farming in the Adriatic. Oyster tasting at a famous local restaurant. Arrival in Dubrovnik, hotel check-in and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 9

Finding the best sites of the City of Dubrovnik

Buffet breakfast followed by a walking city tour - each corner of this legendary city is its own unique experience. A memorable excursion through Croatia's most famous medieval city that begins at the monumental Pile Gate, located at the top of Stradun, the splendid main promenade of the Old Town. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and its cloister, one of the most magnificent sites in the city. Move on to the third oldest pharmacy in Europe and the oldest one still in use on the continent, which opened its doors in 1317. A little farther on is the Sponza Palace, notable for its portico with columns and elaborate stone carvings, which today houses the State Archives. Visit the cathedral that was built on the ruins of a 12th-century church destroyed by the great earthquake of 1667.

After the tour we suggest that you explore (on your own) the fabled walls of the Old Town, built in the 13th century. During the 15th century, 15 towers were built as a part of the city walls, some of them preserved until today.

In the evening you could visit (on your own) one of the city's famous restaurants and taste traditional dishes such as pašticada with gnocchi, cheese in oil, and the traditional dessert of Dubrovnik - "rožata". Overnight at a hotel in Dubrovnik.

DAY 10

Taste of the Countryside in Konavle

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. In the morning you will start a delightful and tasteful trip to Konavle with the transfer. You will be welcomed to a typical local farm where you will enjoy a presentation at ethno sites to experience how local delicacy production techniques have evolved over time: olive oil, brandy, wine, flour and traditional sweets. See the stone mill, old distillery, grape press, hand wooden mill and stone pit, and listen to the story of stone. You will taste everything presented to you: wine, brandy, herbal brandy, prosecco, olive oil, olives, arancini.

Lunch with local specialities at the farm: a plate of cheese and smoked meat, lamb and veal "under the bell", a traditional preparation in which the meat is slow-cooked under a large, iron bell and covered with ashes and embers. The main dish will be served with potatoes, fried vegetables and homemade bread and followed by homemade apple pie for dessert, one drink included (wine, sparkling water, beer or juice). After lunch, return to the hotel. Enjoy some time on your own in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Dubrovnik.

DAY 11

Time to say goodbye and head home

Buffet breakfast and free time until your private transfer to the airport of Dubrovnik. We suggest you buy some unique souvenirs or gifts: arancini (candied orange peel), sugared almonds or Konavle-style embroidered tablecloth.

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