Best of Croatia

11 Days

Spend just under two weeks extensively exploring the treasure that is the country of Croatia. While not large in size, this country is absolutely mammoth in terms of historical and cultural value. Its vivid past includes Greek colonies, the Roman Province of Dalmatia, the medieval maritime Republic of Ragusa, the Hapsburg monarchy, the Ottoman Conquest – and more recently, the former Yugoslavia. Geographically-speaking, you’d be hard-pressed to find a vacation destination with as many fantastic national parks, turquoise beaches, breathtaking coastline, thousands of islands (and good seafood), hills, fjords, amazing lakes, mountains and vineyards. This itinerary will show you the best of Croatia, and while there you’ll realize that the friendliness of the Croatians ranks right up there with the nature, seafood, wine and history.

Highlights

Discover Skradinski Buk’s 17 Waterfalls Inside Inside Krka National Park
Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UNESCO-Listed Stari Most Bridge
Attend a Classical Music Concert in Zadar’s Historic Church of St Donatus
Visit to Korcula Island, Considered the Birthplace of the Explorer Marco Polo

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 4

3 Nights

Split

Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and a major port on the Adriatic Sea. Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is renown for its architecture. At the heart of the city lies a 4th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman palace belonging to the Emperor Diocletian, which serves both as a historical monument and a lively city center. Other notable examples of architecture include the Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the oldest cathedrals still in use, and the medieval era Klis Fortress, overlooking the city from its hilltop vantage. Located along the seafront near the city center, the Riva Promenade is ideal for leisurely strolls past trendy cafes and boutiques. The city is also a gateway to nearby islands such as Hvar, Brac, and Korcula.

Included activities

Day 1: Arrive in Split

Welcome to Split, the second largest city in Croatia and a major port city on the Adriatic Sea. Upon arrival an assistant will meet your group in the airport and escort them by private coach to the hotel. Please note that if your group arrives before the hotel's official check-in time, they can store the baggage at the reception, and set out to explore. Depending on the time of your group's arrival and the season, guests could check out the Mestrovic Gallery of sculptures, go for a swim at the public beach at Bacvice, or simply enjoy free time to begin exploring Split. There will be a welcome dinner tonight either in the hotel or in a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 2: Split

This morning, your group will meet the local guide in the lobby for a morning sightseeing tour of Split's historic core. Located in the center of the Dalmatian coast and nestled between the mountains and sea, Split has fantastic ruins to be visited that date to the end of the 3rd century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. On this guided tour, your group will tour the impressive ruins of the emperor's palace complex including the Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of St. Domnius. During the tour, the guide will also show the lovely medieval square of Brace Radic Trg and the Riva promenade. The tour will finish in the historic center, although the guide can accompany any group member back to the hotel should they prefer. The remainder of the day is free for guests to visit Split independently. Your group can continue sightseeing, shop, or relax on the beach.

Day 3: Split

Today, guests will meet the local guide in the lobby for a full-day of exciting sightseeing by private coach. They will begin by traveling to the outskirts of Split to the ancient city of Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, and the site of a major Greek market before that. This morning guests will see some of its impressive Roman ruins; its is important to wear comfortable shoes as this is an archeological site and it's only possible to visit the site on foot. Afterwards, your group will travel a short distance to the town of Trogir, whose beauty will knock your socks off! Upon arrival, everyone in the group will have free time for lunch, followed by a guided sightseeing tour of historic Trogir. Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical tapestry of Greeks, Romans and Venetians – and because the town today still houses a fairytale blend of Romanesque-Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Your group will visit inside the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and see the Clock Tower, the Loggia, and Kamerlengo Castle, among other attractions. After the tour, group members will have time to shop or explore on their own before returning to Split in the late afternoon/early evening.

Day 4 - 6

2 Nights

Zadar

Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Zadar has retained many elements of its ancient past. Chief among these is the Roman Forum and the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus, considered one of the most iconic symbols of Zadar. Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, and its fortified city walls are a testament to its turbulent past when Venetians and Austrians fought for control over the city. Visitors can also explore the stunning Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the largest cathedral in all of Croatia. In contrast to the historical sites, Zadar is also home to modern attractions such as the unique Sea Organ, an experimental musical instrument that has organ pipes to capture the sound of waves.

Included activities

Day 4: Arrival in Zadar

This morning, your group will travel north along the Adriatic coast to the city of Zadar. En route they will visit Krka National Park, which is located on the outskirts of the historic town of Sibenik. This remarkable park is considered one of Croatia's crown jewels, and guests will cruise to its breathtaking Skradinski Buk waterfall. After the visit, they will proceed to the historic center of Sibenik where your group will have free time to have lunch. Later, they will go inside the Cathedral of St. James, a 15th century Gothic-Renaissance church that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Sibenik, your group will continue traveling north along the coast to the city of Zadar, the overnight base for the next two nights and another incredibly historic city along the beautiful Adriatic Coast. After checking into the hotel, guests will enjoy free time before reuniting with the others for a group dinner in the hotel or a nearby local restaurant. Afterwards, they could consider a leisurely stroll down the Zadar's seaside "Riva" promenade.

Day 5: Zadar

This morning, your group will depart by private bus for Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 16 cascading, turquoise lakes that contrast beautifully with the surrounding verdancy. For nature lovers, this guided excursion will most likely be the highlight of the entire trip to Croatia. In addition to its prized lakes, Plitvice is also home to many animal species, meadows, caves and natural springs. After touring this spectacular feat of nature, guests will return to Zadar. In the evening, your group will attend a classical music concert (pending availability) in the Church of St. Donatus, whose 9th century acoustics continue to impress concertgoers.

Day 6 - 7

1 Night

Mostar

Mostar, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is known for its distinctive cultural heritage. It's old town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets that lead to historic mosques and lively bazaars, making it a top draw for visitors. Mostar's other famous landmark is the Stari Most, or Old Bridge, a a 16th-century Ottoman structure across Neretva River. Destroyed in the Bosnian War of 1993, this bridge was reconstructed with support from UNESCO, and reopened in 2004. Other attractions in Mostar include the Old Bazaar and the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, which offer insights into Mostar's storied past.

Included activities

Day 6: Arrival in Mostar

This morning, guests will check out and meet the local guide in the lobby for a morning walking tour of Zadar's Old Town, a bastion of Gothic-Romanesque architecture. This city however, pre-dates the architecture. In fact, before the Common Era, Zadar was an important trading center for Phoenicians, Etruscans and Ancient Greeks. On the guided tour, guests will see Zadar's ancient city walls and gates a well as Zadar's remarkable 12th-century, Romanesque churches including the Church of St. Mary, the Church of St. Chrysogonus, and the St. Anastasia Cathedral, where they will go inside. Also on the must-see list is Zadar's legendary Sea Organ, whose melodies are created by the breaking waves. If time permits, your group will also visit Zadar's bustling market of Dolac where locals come to shop and mingle. Later, group members will have time for a quick lunch before boarding the bus to travel south to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The drive will be a good time to fit in a nap or brush up on Balkan history. Mostar is known for its interesting blend of "East meets West." Upon arrival to Mostar, your group will check into the hotel and have time to relax and freshen up before a group meal in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 7 - 11

4 Nights

Dubrovnik

With dramatic ramparts surrounded by pristine, azure waters – the entire historic core of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the city's top attractions reside within these historic walls. Originally settled by the Romans – Dubrovnik's Golden Age came about during the Middle Ages because of its extremely strategic location as a maritime port. The Venetians, Habsburgs and Ottomans all coveted Dubrovnik, the seat of the Republic of Ragusa as it was then known. Its medieval past has left an indelible mark on the city.

Included activities

Day 7: Arrival in Dubrovnik

After breakfast in the hotel, guests will enjoy a guided morning tour of Mostar's historic Old Town, and see the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). This UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed by the Ottomans during the 16th century. It is perhaps the best example of Islamic architecture in all of the Balkans. After the tour and time for a quick lunch on their own, group members will board the bus to proceed to Dubrovnik, commonly referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Upon arrival at the hotel in Dubrovnik, guests will have time to freshen up and then meet the others for a group dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 8: Dubrovnik

After breakfast, your group will enjoy a leisurely full-day tour of Dubrovnik, which is certain to enchant any visitor! Most of the city's top attractions reside within its historic walls. On the guided walking tour through the Old Town, guests will see the city's very scenic harbor, the Onofrio's Fountains, Luza Square, and the Franciscan Monastery, among many other attractions They will go inside Dubrovnik's Baroque Cathedral (Church of the Assumption) and the Dominican Monastery & Museum. During the tour, there will be free time for lunch and shopping. The tour will finish in the afternoon, and the remainder of the day is free for exploring Dubrovnik.

Day 9: Dubrovnik

After breakfast, guests will embark on a fantastic sightseeing excursion to the neighboring Republic of Montenegro. This is a nation that – like Croatia – boasts a rich heritage and immense natural beauty. This stretch of the Dalmatian Coast has a wonderful Mediterranean climate and is known for its interesting geology. The first stop is the picture-perfect Bay of Kotor, a dramatic submerged river canyon (that resembles a fjord). This scenic spot is part of a largest historic area that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, your group will proceed to the town of Cetinje, which was once the seat for the Montenegrin royals. Guests will go inside the Orthodox Monastery of Saint Peter. Also on today's itinerary, is a visit to the gorgeous islet of Sveti Stefan, a popular resort in Montenegro. (There will be a stop for lunch on own during the day, perhaps in Budva). After an exciting day of exploring Montenegro, guests will drive back north along the coast to Dubrovnik and have the evening to themselves.

Day 10: Dubrovnik

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will enjoy another day of fantastic sightseeing. They will begin by traveling north along the Adriatic Coast to the seaside village of Stor. During the medieval, maritime Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik), Ston's fortifications - particularly its walls - were noteworthy. Your group will drive across the Peljesac Peninsula, an area well-known for its grape vineyards and wine production (why not try some at lunch?). In the port town of Orebic they will board a ferry for a short voyage to the island of Korcula, which might prove to be another favorite moment on this trip to Croatia. The Old Town of Korcula (on the island of Korcula) was a city of utmost importance during the Middle Ages. Defensively fortified by thick walls, for many years it actually was part of the Republic of Venice. It is even rumored to be the birthplace of explorer-merchant Marco Polo. Guests will enjoy a guided walking tour of Korcula's best medieval attractions before returning to Dubrovnik in the afternoon.

Day 11: Dubrovnik

This morning, your group will check out of the hotel and travel by private coach to Dubrovnik International Airport for the return flight back home.

Inclusions

Includes

Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Accommodations: Split (3 nights) - Zadar (2 nights) - Mostar (1 night) - Dubrovnik (4 nights)
Meals: Daily breakfast, and lunch and dinner as specified
Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
English speaking assistants and guides
Admission tickets as specified in the itinerary

Not Included

Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism charges
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance