TurlyCroatia.com
Zagreb
Opatija
Pula
Rovinj
Motovun
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Zadar
Split
Trogir
Ston
Dubrovnik
Day 1 - Zagreb
Arrival to Zagreb and individual transfers to the hotel (driving time 20-45 minutes). Dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2 - Zagreb - Opatija
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb with an English-speaking guide. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, you will see its most prominent sights such as St. Mark’s church with its multicolor tiled roof, Parliament, the government palace, and many fine old buildings. After sightseeing, the tour proceeds to the picturesque Kvarner Bay, more precisely to Opatija. Opatija is the cradle of Croatian tourism and the city which used to be the favorite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy including famous personalities such as Mahler, Chekhov, and Isadora Duncan. Dinner and overnight in Opatija. Driving time 2h30m. (B, D)
Day 3 - Opatija - Pula - Rovinj - Opatija
Today it’s time to get to know the Istrian peninsula and visit the 2,000-year-old roman Colosseum located in Pula. Afterward, we will relax in Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful city in Istria, and the inspiration of many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj. Afternoon departure towards Motovun for a sampling of one of Istria’s tastiest treasures, the truffle. Overnight in Opatija. Departure 9 a.m., approx. return 6 p.m. (B, T)
Day 4 - Opatija - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Zadar
The most beautiful and oldest national park in Croatia under UNESCO protection consists of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. The park is located in the mountainous region of Lika and is visited mostly on foot. However, the tour also includes a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake, Kozjak. The visit takes approximately 3 hours and reveals a special turquoise magic. After the visit, we will continue to Zadar for dinner at the hotel restaurant and overnight. Total driving time approx. 5h30m. (B, D)
Day 5 - Zadar - Split
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, it is time to explore Zadar. The historic town of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments. Here you can see the Roman forum dating back to the 1st century AD, and the church of St. Donatus dating back to the 9th century AD. Of special interest is the famous Sea Organ and Salutation to the Sun experience. From Zadar, we continue to a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland. We will taste authentic Dalmatian wines and international Cuvees accompanied by delicious Croatian-style Tapas. Departure towards Split for overnight. Total driving time approx. 3h. (B, T)
Day 6 - Split - Trogir - Split
Today’s city of Split is the handiwork of seventeen centuries of men and women building and remodeling, adding, tearing down, and touching up, so that 18th-century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls and fourth-century chambers now house the twenty-first-century apartments. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace the emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the fourth century. Today’s lunch will be a traditional Dalmatian dish prepared for us at Tragos restaurant in Trogir. The town of Trogir, a UNESCO site, has a fascinating 2,300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. With a high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortress on a small island, Trogir is sometimes referred to as the floating museum town. (B, L)
Day 7 - Split - Ston - Dubrovnik
On our way to Dubrovnik, we will stop near the town of Ston to visit a local winery and taste the famous Plavac Mali wine, a very close relative to the Zinfandel. In this winery, the traditional wine-making business has been passed on for generations, offering a unique story everyone wants to hear. Learn during the wine-tasting experience about the wine- making process. Enjoy both wine tasting and a snack. Arrival to Dubrovnik, dinner, and overnight. Driving time 5h. (B, T, D)
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
Completed in the thirteenth century, the old city of Dubrovnik has remained basically unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the Old Town which can be entered through one of the two gates. Once you cross the stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron St. Blaise, you will find yourself joining the walk down the broad, stone- paved promenade known as Stradun. After the sightseeing, you have free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B)
Day 9 - Dubrovnik
After breakfast, the land tour ends with everlasting memories and experiences of Croatia. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport or Croatia cruise. (B)
B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner, T Tasting