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Croatia Familiarity Trip – October 2022
per person
8 Day EXCLUSIVE Adventures Croatia Familiarity Trip
Visiting: ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK – ZADAR – SIBENIK – KRKA – TROGIR – SPLIT – HVAR – DUBROVNIK
October 1, 2022
for Qualified Agents – Limited spaces available!
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Travel in 2022
We LOVE working with agents and we’re sure you’ve been getting a lot of requests for trips to Croatia! Let’s get the 2022 travel season off to a great start – trust us to show you firsthand the beauty and culture of Croatia so you can share your experience with your clients!
Seeing Croatia is a life-changing experience. Blessed with magnificent scenery, incredible history, delicious regional foods and wines, and enriched with folk traditions, this is a country so divine that it has been named one of the best travel destinations in the world. It’s no wonder that Croatia is such a hot seller for 2021.
That’s why we created our Familiarity Tours. They’re crammed full of some of Croatia’s most impressive destinations, islands, ancient cities, UNESCO national parks, and historical sites.
FAM Tour 2022
The FAM tours provide an opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with places and experiences to recommend to your customers, aspects of their they will remember for a lifetime. Moreover, so you may personally experience how we carefully attend to traveling guests with high-touch service. This is NOT a parade of hotel inspections. Members of the Adventures Croatia team will be with you to share our industry insights, intense localized knowledge, additional recommendations in the area, and help you understand the details and finesse in each of our itineraries.
Croatia has been acclaimed for its response to COVID-19 and its continuing diligence when it comes to testing and tracing. Relatively few cases mean that it’s one of the safest vacation spots in Europe.
If you would like to apply to join our Familiarity Tour, we encourage you to complete our short form. Or call us to discuss any questions you may have.
In the meantime, here’s a flavor of what you can expect from our Familiarity Tours and the destinations they encompass, as well as how best to sell them.
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital city is split into three parts – the 1,000-year-old Gornji grad (Upper Town), which contains the Presidential Palace, the iconic St Mark’s Church, the Croatian parliament (Sabor), and museums and galleries which are all set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; the 19th-century Donji grad (Lower Town) with its shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, and parks; and the modern post-World War II area of Novi Zagreb (‘new Zagreb’). Zagreb is often referred to as the City of Museums as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world.
Unique selling points:
• The capital of Croatia
• The upper town (Gornji grad) boasts buildings and historical sites that are 1,000 years old
• Zagreb has more museums per square foot than any other city in the world
Plitvice Lakes National Parks
This unique and visually stunning UNESCO World Heritage site features natural dams, which, over time (and thanks to water flowing over the limestone and chalk) have created a series of connecting lakes, waterfalls, and caves. The nearby forests are home to bears, wolves, and many rare bird species.
Unique selling points:
• A UNESCO World Heritage site
• The park boasts 16 lakes, interconnected by waterfalls
• Unique topography created by natural phenomenon
• Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction
Zadar
Most famous for its Old Town, and set in a peninsula that is completely pedestrianized, the capital of North Dalmatia boasts numerous stunning Roman historical sites. It also boasts the UNESCO World Heritage site, Venetian works of defense. Comprising 15 components, this system of defense spanned 1,000 kilometers between the Lombardi region in Italy and down the north Adriatic coast and were built to guard against changing military techniques after the introduction of gunpowder in combat.
Unique selling points:
• The capital of North Dalmatia
• Charming and off the beaten track gem
• Roman historical sites
• UNESCO World Heritage Site Venetian works of defense
Šibenik
Sibenik is unique amongst Croatia’s Adriatic towns and cities in that its history lies neither in Roman or Greek origins. Somewhat overlooked as a tourist destination, the town still has some fantastic sights that exist from Venetian times. Included in these architectural gems is the UNESCO site, Cathedral of Saint James, reckoned to be one of the most important Renaissance architectural monuments in the Adriatic region.
Unique selling points:
• History lies in the Venetian Renaissance
• Overlooked as a tourist destination
• UNESCO World Heritage Site Cathedral of Saint James one of the most important Renaissance buildings in the region
Trogir
This incredible city was influenced by Greeks, Romans, and Venetians and is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic city in all central Europe. There are castles, surrounding walls, and a number of buildings and palaces that are fine examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
Unique selling points:
• The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Varied influences including Roman, Greek, and Venetian
• Stunning array of architecture from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque
Split
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, and there are some fantastic sights in the city, both Roman and more modern, as well as plenty of excellent options for dining, drinking, and dancing the night away. Being on the coast, there’s also plenty of beaches to enjoy and lots of choice for those wanting day trips to some of the nearby islands.
Unique selling points:
• Croatia’s second city
• Great mixture of historic sites and modern amenities
• Excellent beaches
• Hub for traveling to nearby islands
Hvar
Hvar is the fourth largest of Croatia’s islands but arguably the most popular. With stunning beaches and an average of 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the Adriatic. With fields full of lavender, rosemary, sage, marjoram and thyme, and vineyards aplenty, it has a unique mixture of the rural and the bouji, and also boasts the Stari Grad Plain – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this agricultural landscape was created by ancient Greek colonists in the fourth century BC. Otherwise, Hvar is an upmarket, luxury destination.
Unique selling points:
• Upmarket destinations often visited by celebrities
• Croatia’s fourth-largest island
• picture-postcard Old Town
• Perfect beaches and romantic restaurants and bars
Dubrovnik
Nicknamed the ‘Pearl Of The Adriatic’ this city was once a prosperous maritime republic in the Middle Ages, and once rivaled Venice in importance, wealth, and strategic significance. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town is something to behold – think an enchanting labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, cafes and bars, restaurants. Pristine beaches await nearby for a change of pace.
Unique selling points:
• UNESCO World Heritage site Old Town
• One of Croatia’s best-known (and loved) destinations
• Nicknamed the Pearl Of The Adriatic
We want you to fall in love with Croatia – and then spread the word! Croatia is amazing and your clients will thank you for your expertise. Contact us if you would like to apply for our Familiarity Tours!
If you already have clients interested in traveling to Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and the region, we’re eager to extend our extensive experience and expertise to you.
Adventures Croatia will always be here to demystify the region for our preferred agents!
Travel with Adventures Croatia
We’re here to make sure you learn everything there is to love about Croatia so you’ll be able to share your expertise with your clients.
Join us for this exclusive Familiarity trip, and experience firsthand how we take good care of your clients, and WOW them every step of the way.
8 Days
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Day 1 – October 1 ZAGREB
The Cathedral of the Assumption dominates Kaptol, the glowing towers you see off in the distance are the most immediately recognizable and commanding feature in town. It is an ornate and impressive wonder of neo-Gothic artistry. The cathedral was founded in 1093, heavily damaged in 1242 after various sieges by the Tartars, then again in 1625 after a wave of fires. But the bad luck goes on, in 1880 it was seriously damaged during an earthquake. In 1990 exterior renovations were set in motion to battle against the wearing effects of time. Just up from the main square (Trg bana J. Jelacica) by the stairs, you will find the colorful Dolac market. To the back of the market square, there are touristy stalls that sell souvenirs. But actually, the market itself is for the locals to buy fresh produce. Downstairs you will find the meat etc. sections.
St. Mark’s Church - In the highest area of historic Zagreb this church is characterized by its roof with red, blue, and white representing the coat of arms of Zagreb. The building was constructed by Venetian masters, even the baroque bell tower is an addition of the seventeenth century. Inside there are Gothic vaults and a choir designed by Ivan Mestrovic. The square where it is situated is a symbol of political life because here are the locations of the Sabor (Parliament), neoclassical building, and the Croatian government.
Stone Gate - Only one of the city's four gates, the eastern one, has been preserved and this leads to the Gradec neighborhood. Apart from being practical, it's also surrounded by a legend which is very important to Zagreb's citizens who are very devout. According to this legend, the great fire of 1731 destroyed nearly all of the wooden doors except for a painting of the Virgin and Child by an unknown 17th-century artist. People thought that it was a magical or a miraculous painting and since then, they have come to the site to pray and make offerings. On the inside of the doors on the wall, they have used the space as a chapel with benches for the people to pray before the image locked behind iron bars and surrounded by candles and flowers.
| Itinerary |
| Arrival to Zagreb and transfer to your hotel arranged on your own either from Zagreb Airport or some other location in the city Meeting with your guide and tour leader for a private walking city tour of Zagreb. English speaking guide for a private walking city tour of Zagreb (entrance fees not included) Start with exploring the capital’s historic center, Gornji Grad (“Upper Town”), to see the top tourist attractions, find the most Instagram-worthy spots and walk on picturesque cobblestone streets. St. Mark’s Church is one of Zagreb’s most emblematic buildings. Not surprising as just a glance at the gorgeous, tiled roof can take your breath away. Dolac Market is a farmer’s market located in Gornji Grad, just a few meters away from the main city square, Ban Jelačić Square. Here you can find anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers and souvenirs, like Licitars. A Short walk from the Zagreb cathedral, in a magnificent 200 y.o. brick vaulted cellar, the first Croatian wine shop (Vinoteka) was born 30 years ago which gave birth to a renewed Croatian wine scene. The pioneers of this enological project have created a true wine temple to be enjoyed by wine enthusiasts and lovers from all over the world. The fairytale street of Tkalčićeva, which snakes up from focal Jelačić trg, was once the flowing stream of Medveščak. The little side streets leading off it, Splavnica (from splav, raft) and Krvavi most ('Bloody Bridge'), link to its watery origins and colorful past as the flashpoint in local disputes over the centuries. For two decades, this atmospheric thoroughfare has provided Zagreb with its prime bar crawl, a constant current of revelers moving from spot to spot. Zagreb Hills Tasting at Bornstein wine bar in Zagreb (Included:4 Wines from the Zagreb Hills, Olive oil Bread, Cheese) Time at leisure to explore the city on your own, enjoy a drink or dinner in one of the many restaurants and return to the hotel (on your own) An overnight in Zagreb. Accommodation Hotel 4* in Zagreb, double room, BB basis |
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Day 2 – October 2 ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES NP
Rastoke - a watermill village situated where the blue-green water of river Slunjčica flows into the Korana river.
Most of the houses were built at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Because of its extraordinary natural beauties and historical tradition, in 1962 Rastoke village fell under the protection of the State Directorate for cultural and historical heritage.
For thousands of years, the water of Korana and Slunjčica, and their flora and fauna, fought the laws of nature, and as a result of this struggle in the limestone plateau, a remarkable canyon was carved in for us to take pleasure in.
Seeing this natural phenomenon, this “poured off” (“rastočen”) terrain, a place where the water of river Slunjčica pour off in several backwaters, leaving behind small elevations which then form watercourses and waterfalls, people built a village and named it RASTOKE. Here, they found everything they needed and stayed here, forever bound with nature. Rastoke is a village of ambiance value and authentic heritage when it comes to architecture. The grain from nearby villages was constantly being milled here, and since its location is by the main road – which connects southern and northern part of Croatia – it became the intersection of various buyers, dealers, and livestock traders. During the Homeland War in the 1990s, the village was completely destroyed. It was renovated with the help of the Croatian Ministry of Development and Reconstruction. Today, there are about 30 households in Rastoke, and their wish is to renew the water mills and start running businesses. Most of the households started renting out rooms for tourists.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s best-known national park and the only one of eight that is listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage sites.
The main attractions of this park are the 16 small lakes joined by waterfalls created by the sedimentation of travertine, a particular type of limestone. This national park encompasses the source of the river Korana, located in the area surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir, and spruce. There are also several caves in the park, as well as springs and flowering meadows. The brown bear stands out as one of many protected animal species. The popularity of this park is also boosted by the special means of transport used to ferry visitors around: the panoramic electric trains and the noiseless electric-powered boats. By a network of paths, visitors can get around and access the numerous waterfalls, and the rocky lake shores easily.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Meeting with your tour leader & driver for a private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice with an en-route stop in Rastoke for a panoramic stop. Private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes NP in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle (waiting time included) Onward drive to Plitvice Lakes NP and upon arrival meeting with the local guide for a guided visit to the NP. Entrance fees for Plitvice Lakes NP and a guided visit to the NP Terrain: Gravel & Steep Bring comfortable shoes and a jacket even in the summertime because the area is in the mountains and the climate is always fresh. In Plitvice guests will have to walk approximately 2000 meters over gravel and steep terrain and take up to 300 steps. Note: This tour is including a significant amount of walking. Guests with walking difficulties are kindly requested to take this into consideration. Sun protection and comfortable shoes are suggested. Plitvice Lakes is one of the most unique places to visit in Croatia. With easy walking trails, boardwalks suspended over the turquoise water, stunning viewpoints, and photogenic waterfalls, this is the type of place that is perfect for visitors of all ages. With different levels of lakes, four different hiking trails, seven routes through the park, and two different entrances, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to spend your time here. The oldest (since 1949) and largest (294,82 km2) National park in Croatia. The only National park in Croatia on the UNESCO’s list of protected natural and cultural heritage (for almost 30 years). The riches of sixteen wonderful, interlinked azure-green-colored crystalline lakes. The constant formation of the barrier modeled the appearance of the lakes today and is the main feature of the National park. The water of Plitvice Lakes is prime category drinking water (a rarity in Croatia). Final drive to your hotel for check-in. Dinner served at Degenija restaurant (Dinner at Degenija restaurant (drinks not included)) followed by time at leisure and overnight in Plitvice lakes area. Accommodation in Hotel 4* in Plitvice, double room, BB basis |
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Day 3 – October 3 PLITVICE LAKES NP – ZADAR – ŠIBENIK
Zadar is a treasure trove of archaeological treasures and monuments to the ancient, medieval, and Renaissance periods. This is visible by a number of sacral and architectural monuments – the church of sv. Donat [St. Donatus] where every summer the sounds of Zadar's musical evenings echo, the Roman Forum near the main square, Kalelarga - the longest and widest street, the Cathedral of sv. Stošije [St. Anastasia], an Archaeological Museum with its exceptional treasures and many other monuments of cultural and historical heritage (town gate, Arsenal, churches, museums...). In a city with the most beautiful sunset, in a maritime archipelago facing a multitude of islands and islets, which protect the city from the strong winds, enjoy the symphony of the Sea Organ and magical urban light installation Pozdrav suncu [Greeting the Sun] near the new harbor for cruise ships.
Šibenik - unique because of its fortresses and towers such as Sv. Mihovil [St. Mihovil], Sv. Nikola [St. Nicholas], Sv. Ivan [St. John] and Šubićevac, Šibenik is most famous for the cathedral of Sv. Jakov [St. Jacob] that was built in the 15th century. Constructed by the masterful hands of Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac, and because of its original architecture of large stone slabs, this cathedral was entered on the UNESCO list of world heritage and voted at the same time to be most beautiful sacral building in Croatia. Diverse and fun excursions to nearby towns and national parks, boat excursions equally delighting the young and the old and beautiful walkways by the sea make Solaris the ideal destination for guests in search of an active vacation
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Meeting with your guide/tour leader & driver for a private transfer from Plitvice Lakes NP to Šibenik with an en-route stop in Zadar, Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes NP to Šibenik with an en-route stop in Zadar in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle Upon arrival to Zadar head for a private walking tour of Old Town Zadar. English speaking guide for a walking city tour of Old Town Zadar (entrance fees not included) One of the best Zadar attractions is the sea organ. The magic that is the Sea Organ, known as the Morske orgulje in Croatian is mesmerizing. Okay, it’s not magic, the music actually comes from the waves. The waves push air through 35 underwater pipes stretching across 70 meters, and the sound pops-up all along the promenade, known as the Riva. Head to the sea organ at least half-hour before the sun is scheduled to vanish into the horizon to claim your front-row seat or even better come to Zadar in Autumn and Spring when there are fewer tourists. Turn to your right, and just next door is a solar-powered work of art that explodes with an array of brightly colored lights – The Greeting to the Sun. Tap dance, tip-toe, or waltz across its glass surface as it changes hues. The Greeting to the Sun consists of three hundred multi-layer glass plates in the shape of a circle 22 meters in diameter. It is conceived as a spatial installation in the form of an amphitheater surrounded by stone blocks with a presentation of all Solar System planets and their orbits. Onward drive to Šibenik and upon arrival check into your centrally located hotel. Meeting with the local guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Šibenik. English speaking guide for a walking city tour of Old Town Šibenik (entrance fees not included) Time at leisure to explore the town further on your own and overnight in Šibenik. Accommodation in Hotel 4* in Zadar, double room, BB basis |
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Day 4 – October 4 ŠIBENIK – KRKA NP – TROGIR – SPLIT
The largest part of this amazing river’s course is the national park, which in addition to its natural phenomena abounds with cultural and historical monuments. The most outstanding of these is the Franciscan monastery on the tiny island of Visovac, set in the middle of the lake widening in the river like a precious stone. Within the monastery, there is a picture gallery and a church, origins of which are traced back to the 14th century. In the middle of the canyon, upstream of the river, is an interesting Krka Orthodox monastery, while on the high ground above the river several old ruins sit. The old mills, which have been transformed into small ethnographic museums where one can see how wheat was ground in the olden days, are a popular attraction for visitors. Heritage interpreters are dressed in traditional folk costumes, which is particularly interesting and entertaining for children, who are frequent visitors of the park. However, the main attraction of Krka National Park lies in its seven waterfalls. The widest of these is Roški slap, although Skradinski Buk is the biggest and most well-known.
Trogir, a harmonious stone town on a small island that is connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges. The old town, under UNESCO protection, is a treasure trove for lovers of art, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, Romanesque churches.
It is called the town-museum which is visible in the famous portal of Trogir cathedral by the craftsman Radovan in 1240, a Renaissance city lodge, the thousand-year-old Monastery of sv. Nikola [St. Nicholas] which has the ancient famous relief of Kairos preserved in it from the 4th century BC.
Cathedral of St Lawrence - During structural repairs to the foundations of the bell tower in 1903, an altar consecrated to Hera was found, which might well warrant the assumption that there was once, on the site of today's cathedral, a shrine from at least the Greek and Roman period. The new foundations of St. Lawrence's Cathedral were blessed at the beginning of the 13th century after the old cathedral had been ruined in the Venetian destruction of the city in 1171.
Radovan's portal - A genuine trademark of Trogir sculpting is Master Radovan, the most important sculptor of Croatian medieval art. He signed his name on the main portal in an inscription that runs under the lunette and reliefs of the Annunciation at the side, where he is celebrated as “the best of all in this art” (cunctis hac arte preclarum). In the center of the upper zone of the portal is a lunette in which Radovan managed to link into a united composition the scenes of Nativity, the Journey of the Magi, and the Adoration of the Shepherds.
The Benedictine Convent of St. Nicholas - The church alongside the convent (founded in 1066) was put up on the side of the pre-Romanesque church of St Domnius. The interior was given a radical Baroque treatment in the mid -18th ct. (interesting Baroque stuccowork and altars). In the precious collection of artworks, the famed Kairos is on show, a relief with the figure of the youngest son of Zeus, the god of the lucky moment (4th or 3 rd ct. BC after on original of Lysippus).
The main city square - The program of designing the appearance of the main city square in Trogir, at the site of the Roman forum, started in 1300 with the construction of the commune's loggia and the council chamber. The square acquired its final shape in a number of operations in the mid-15th century, at a time when the city really was renovated.
The large Cipiko palace - Father and son, Petar and Koriolan Cipiko, managed, clearly according to a certain family program and with strategic marriages, to occupy the whole western side of the main square with their two palaces – opposite the council chamber, the cathedral, and the other public buildings.
The southern portal, with medallions of angels bearing Koriolan's motto Nosce te Ipsum (Know thyself), is the work of Niccolo, around 1470. The northern portal, opposite the portal of the cathedral, is the work of Ivan Duknović, fitted into the place, however, with Aleši three-mullion windows in the mid-17th century after the palace complex had been divided between two brothers and restored after the devastation by the Venetian militia that used the palaces as a barracks during the Cyprus War.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Meeting with your tour leader & driver for a private transfer from Šibenik to Split with an en-route stop in Krka NP & Trogir. Private transfer from Šibenik to Split with an en-route stop in Krka NP & Trogir in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Entrance fees to Krka NP The walking trails of Krka National Park and the stunning viewpoints are the best way to see the landscape and wealth of flora and fauna of the aquatic and terrestrial habitats and to get a true experience of nature that encompasses all the senses. The trails are equipped with educational panels providing detailed information about the plant and animal life in the park, and the cultural and historical points of interest. There are three circular trails: Skradinski Buk (1900 m), Roški Slap (1360 m), and Krka Monastery (2100 m). A walking/cycling trail also leads to Skradinski buk from the Skradin bridge (3400 m), while from Lozovac, it is possible to take a forest trail (875 m) down to the park's longest waterfall. Enjoy lunch break in a local, traditional tavern/konoba in Skradin (drinks to be paid on spot). Lunch in a local restaurant in Skradin (drinks to be paid on spot) Upon arrival to Trogir, you will head for a guided tour of the city. English speaking guide for a private walking tour of Trogir (entrance fees not included) Just behind Split airport, Trogir offers intricate medieval architecture, Dalmatian waterside dining and a busy market, from the mainland across two interlinked islands. Occupying the middle one of Trogir itself, the entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its heavyweight cultural importance. Two yacht marinas accommodate higher-spending visitors while a younger crowd hits the seafront nightspots of adjoining Čiovo island. Final drive to Split and check into your hotel, Time at leisure for dinner on your own and an overnight in Split. Accommodation in Hotel 4* in Split, double room, BB basis |
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Day 5 – October 5 SPLIT
Olives, indigenous aromatic plants, the brilliancy of white stone against the verdant vegetation and the towering mountain massif of Biokovo whose spurs reach all the way to the sea – yes, this is indeed an exceptional part of the country, and its beauty is made all the more enchanting by numerous historic events and monuments, and cultural manifestations. When, in the year 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled the entire world at that time, decided to build his leisure time abode - in which he intended to spend the rest of his life - he had no doubt as to exactly where build to it. In the very heart of Dalmatia, in the bay of Aspalathos (Split), well protected from the sea by the islands of the Split archipelago, and defended on its landward side by high mountains, Diocletian created a special point on the map of the Adriatic: the future city of Split.
There’s no doubt Diocletian’s Palace is the top must-see attraction in Croatia’s second-biggest city –Split. This UNESCO protected World Heritage Site is actually the heart of the whole city – almost two thousand years old, the enormous palace exists today as a “living monument” – meaning it’s dotted with quaint shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and people actually live and work within its old walls. And that’s what makes it really special – it’s an ancient Roman palace absolutely integrated into the everyday life and doings of Split and its people.
The Riva, a marble-white and palm-lined connection of Split and the Adriatic is everyone’s favorite spot for socializing, coffee-drinking, or just idle sitting on one of the comfy benches which face the sea. Riva is full of life throughout the day, especially during the summer, and you’ll always find people strolling along or sitting in one of the cafes. So, if you want to get a feeling of the local every day “buzz” be sure to grab your spot and you’ll soon experience firsthand how important and irresistible is the coffee culture in Croatia.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel Your local English-speaking guide will introduce you to the heritage and history of charming Split during your private walking tour. Adventures Croatia Exclusive Taste of Split /drinks included (Included: History highlights Split, English speaking tour guide, pick up & drop off, green market sampling, a meal in each food stop, 1st stop - Prosciutto & cheese and bread + glass of wine, 2nd stop - set 3-course menu dish in local konoba + glass of wine) Duration: 4 hours The second-largest city in Croatia, Split (Spalato in Italian) is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on for thousands of years. This tour will highlight the local customs and traditions related to food making. This tour Split will show you places of historical importance, take you to the places of the beaten path and give you the opportunity to taste local food. OPTIONAL: Marjan hill, often referred to as the “green lungs of the city”, is a big forest park located close to the city center and fully equipped with walking, hiking, and jogging trails. It’s a great choice for everyone who prefers less crowded, wild beaches and thick pine tree shade. Moreover, if you’re looking for a picture-taking paradise, Marjan is your place! It offers stunning views of both Split and the surrounding islands. OPTIONAL: Marvel at Meštrović’s magic Ivan Meštrović was arguably Croatia’s finest ever sculptor. Head to the Meštrović Gallery, which is housed in the expansive villa and studio he built for himself. You'll find here a wide range of his works, including early drawings and designs, through to the distinctive sculptures this twentieth-century talent was renowned for. Time at leisure and an overnight in Split. Accommodation in 4* in Split, double room, BB basis |
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Day 6 – October 6 SPLIT – HVAR
The lavender island that Conde Nast's signature travel magazine called “one of the 10 best islands in the world.” A vacation on the lavender island of Hvar means extraordinary experiences every day - from visiting an ancient olive grove and learning about what Homer called “liquid gold,” taking a Jeep safari to discover hidden inland Hvar to exploring a castle, visiting the oldest theatre in Europe, or tasting spectacular wine and local delicacies at an award-winning vineyard.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Join your tour leader & driver for a private transfer from your hotel to Split Port. Private transfer and luggage assistance from your hotel to Split Port in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle Embark the fast ferry from Split to Hvar. Fast ferry tickets for transfer from Split to Hvar Upon arrival to Hvar assistance with your luggage will be provided by the hotel staff. (Early check-in not guaranteed) Meeting with your guide in a hotel lobby and take a walk to the Old Town Hvar for a private walking tour (entrance fees not included) English speaking guide for a private walking tour of Hvar town ( entrance fees not included) The sunniest, the biggest, the oldest. The three most common superlatives are used when describing island and town Hvar. These are some of the highlights: Sv. Stephen’s square or Piazza, The Place where locals meet, living room of Hvar. Theatre in the Arsenal building, after being closed for renovation for over 20 years, this year finally opened its doors for visitors, audience, and actors. Elegant city Loggia and the old Palace hotel, once Austrian Empress Sissi’s spa hotel, are now being renovated into their old glory as Palace Elisabeth heritage hotel, Hvar’s first 5-star hotel! Old streets and Benedictine nunnery, where nuns keep the secret of their unique handicraft which is now a part of UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity - lace-making of agave threads. Renaissance nobility, poets like Hanibal Lucic and Petar Hektorovic left their marks not only in Croatian literature but also in the town’s architecture. Ivan Vucetic, Hvar born father of dactyloscopy, and many more interesting facts. Who would say that Hvar, the “party island” as many like to call it nowadays, has such a rich history? Time at leisure to explore the town further or for dinner (on your own) and overnight in Hvar. Accommodation in 4* in Hvar, double room, BB basis |
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Day 7 – October 7 HVAR – DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is a medieval city on the Croatian side of the Adriatic coastline and a treasure trove of cultural, historical monuments that were created throughout its thousand-year existence. In the past, it was a City-Republic, and alongside Venice one of the most famous cultural-economic centers on the Mediterranean. In more recent times, it has become the center of modern cultural and tourist events: a city of summer festivals – an international parade of top musical and theatrical achievements, a city of museums and galleries. These values have turned Dubrovnik into a place that offers a rich selection of various experiences and excitement, but also a complete holiday in a quiet and calming, mild Mediterranean ambiance and wonderful seaside landscapes.
Stradun - the main street of Dubrovnik where everyone's walked and also the busiest street where you stroll over marble tiles. Stradun is a great place for everyone where all the shopping can be done, cafes and restaurants are in the streets and many wonderful shops.
Onofrio’s Fountain - this drinking fountain is located just at the beginning of Stradun, the main street of the old town. The structure was named after its builder, the Italian Onofrio de la Cava dates from 1440 and includes 16 sides. The concept is part of the water supply system of the city and brings water from the well in Rijeka Dubrovacka, more than 20 km away, to the heart of the city.
Before that, this interest was, therefore, more than a masterpiece of architectural sophistication. Originally the fountain was decorated with a sculpture, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1667, the Remaining 16 stone masks from which the water flows into a lake.
The Clock Tower was built in the 15th Century right at the other end of the Placa (main thoroughfare) and represented alongside nearby buildings a free city-state. The tower is approximately 31 meters in height and was built by Grubacevic, Utisenovic, and Radoncic, local masters. Following an earthquake, the structure of the Clock Tower lost its structure and leaned. In order for it not to fall the Clock Tower was rebuilt in 1929.
Orlando's column was built in 1418, then it was the focal point of the city and Government ordinances and punishment carried out. A flag flies above the statue with the 'Libertas' motto.
The medieval cult of Orlando (Roland) started here in the 12th century based upon the epic poem 'Song of Roland'
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Assistance with your luggage from the hotel to Hvar Port is provided by the hotel staff. Fast ferry from Hvar island to Dubrovnik. Fast ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik Upon arrival to Dubrovnik, meeting you’re your driver for a private transfer to your hotel (early check-in not guaranteed). Private transfer from Dubrovnik Port to your hotel in Dubrovnik in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle Head for the Old Town accompanied by your tour leader and meet with your local guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik. Private round trip transfer from your hotel in Dubrovnik to the old Town Dubrovnik in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle (parking fees included) English speaking guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik (entrance fees not included) Take in all the main sights and explore the architecture and history of this famous city. Accompanied by our experienced guide, the story of Dubrovnik's golden age will unfold before your eyes. The walking tour route takes you around the Old Town via Onofrio's Fountain and up Prijeko Street to the Old Port - the key to Dubrovnik's trading and maritime success. Along the way, you will pay a visit to St. Saviour's, the grandiose Franciscan and Dominican church, and see wine-producing vines believed to be more than 100 years old. Ships from Dubrovnik were renowned throughout the Mediterranean and galleons from the Republic could be found in navies across Europe and beyond. These ships were built and loaded in the legendary Arsenal, which is another stop on the tour. Once in the “Old Port,” your guide will relate the intriguing stories of the famous Quarantine and the nearby fortresses of St. Luke and St. John as well as fascinating legends about the Church of St Blaise, the Cathedral, the Rector's Palace, Sponza Palace, and Orlando's Column. Time at leisure to explore the town further on your own OPTIONAL: Visit the Dubrovnik City Walls - the city walls are considered to be one of the most grandiose fortification monuments in Europe. The first fortifications were built already in the 8th century, but the most intense construction took place from the mid-15th to the end of the 16th century. The huge earthquake in 1667 did not do much damage. The ramparts encompass the city in an irregularly shaped polygon, with Fort Minčeta at the highest northwestern landward corner of the city and with Fort St. Johns on the southeastern seaside. Strong forts, such as Fort Lawrence at Pile and Fort Revelin at Ploče, are also part of the defense system, even though they are separated from the ramparts. The ramparts are 22 meters high in places, and from 4 to 6 m. thick on the landward side and from 1-1/2 to 3 m. thick on the seaside. In front of the main wall on the mainland, side is an outer wall with 10 semi-circular bastions, in front of which used to be a moat. The main wall has 14 quadrangular and 2 circular towers, 2 angular fortifications, and 4 bastions. There are three entrances to the city ramparts: on Stradun by the Pile gate, by Fort St. Johns, and by Fort St. Luke, Od sv. Dominika street. OPTIONAL: Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car and reach a unique viewpoint above the city. Glide through the air on a scenic adventure. The Cable Car ride offers breathtaking views of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, stunning coastal sights, and magnificent sunsets. Once you reach the top, take your time, and relax and enjoy the unique views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. WEATHER PERMITTING Farewell dinner in a local, traditional restaurant in Dubrovnik. Farewell dinner in a local, traditional restaurant in Dubrovnik (drinks to be paid on spot) Return transfer to the hotel, time at leisure, and an overnight in Dubrovnik. Accommodation in Hotel 5* in Dubrovnik, double room, BB basis |
8
Day 8 – October 8 DUBROVNIK
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer from your hotel arranged on your own |
INCLUSION LIST
ADVENTURES CROATIA FAMILIARITY TRIP (maximum 16 people), October 1 - 8, 2022 , package includes:
- ALL PRIVATE and ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES AND DRIVERS
- VAT TAX INCLUDED
- 24hr concierge and in Croatia assistance
- English speaking guide for a private walking city tour of Zagreb (entrance fees not included)
- Zagreb Hills Tasting at Bornstein wine bar in Zagreb (Included:4 Wines from the Zagreb Hills, Olive oil Bread, Cheese)
- 1 night in Hotel 4* in Zagreb, double room, BB basis
- Private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes NP in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle (waiting time included)
- Entrance fees for Plitvice Lakes NP and a guided visit to the NP
- Dinner at Plitvice restaurant (drinks not included)
- 1 night in Hotel 4* in Plitvice, double room, BB basis
- Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes NP to Šibenik with en-route stop in Zadar in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- English speaking guide for a walking city tour of Old Town Zadar (entrance fees not included)
- English speaking guide for a walking city tour of Old Town Šibenik (entrance fees not included)
- 1 night in Hotel 4* in SIbenik, double room, BB basis
- Private transfer from Šibenik to Split with en-route stop in Krka NP & Trogir in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees to Krka NP
- English speaking guide for a private walking tour of Trogir (entrance fees not included)
- Lunch in a local restaurant in Skradin (drinks to be paid on spot)
- 2 nights in Hotel 4* in Split, double room, BB basis
- Adventures Croatia Exclusive Taste of Split /drinks included (Included: History highlights Split, English speaking tour guide, pick up & drop off, green market sampling, a meal in each food stop, 1st stop - Prosciutto & cheese and bread + glass of wine, 2nd stop - set 3-course menu dish in local konoba + glass of wine)
- Private transfer and luggage assistance from your hotel to Split Port in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Fast ferry tickets for transfer from Split to Hvar
- English speaking guide for a private walking tour of Hvar town ( entrance fees not included)
- 1 night in Hotel 4* in Hvar, double room, BB basis
- Fast ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik Port to your hotel in Dubrovnik in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Private round trip transfer from your hotel in Dubrovnik to the old Town Dubrovnik in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle (parking fees included)
- English speaking guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik (entrance fees not included)
- Farewell dinner in a local, traditional restaurant in Dubrovnik (one drink per person included)
- 1 night in Hotel 5* in Dubrovnik, double room, BB basis