Highlights of Croatia and Greece

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. The old Jewish quarter occupies the northwestern part of the former palace and is still known as the ghetto. The history of Jews in Dalmatia includes the Split synagogue (originally built in the 16th century, renovated many times, with current appearance dating to about 1728) and the Old Jewish cemetery established in 1573 on Marjan Hill above the city. The synagogue is in a residential building (Zidovki Prilaz 1) in the northwestern corner of the former palace. In 1942 Italian fascists ravaged the tiny sanctuary, throwing most of the ritual objects, archives, Torah scrolls, and books onto a bonfire in the main town square. The synagogue was restored after World War II and again renovated and reopened in 1996. It now shares a building with the Jewish community headquarters. The sanctuary is in a rectangular room with arched windows. The stone Ark is flanked by columns set under a decorative arch. Bačvice Beach – The most famous beach in Split gives you a chance to blend in with the locals and play a game of picigin! Only ten minutes’ walk from the center, Bačvice Beach will show you this is a game suitable for everyone, no matter what age, sex or fitness level. All you need, besides balun (small ball), company and shallow sandy water, is a load of positive energy. And when you feel the urge for some refreshment and relaxation, you won’t have to go far – there are numerous coffee shops dotted along the beach. 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. Marjan also hides some interesting historical sites such as old Jewish cemetery and 15th-century monasteries which are actually built into the hill. The oldest remaining gravestone in the Old Cemetery dates from 1717.  The rectangular plot includes some 700 tombstones from the 18th to 20th centuries; it remained in use until World War II. The tombstones are of the horizontal Sephardi type; some are shaped like a sarcophagus roof, and the others are flat, slightly inclined slabs. The tombstones have inscriptions in Hebrew, with additional epitaphs in Italian or Croatian on the newer monuments. The cemetery is surrounded by a gated wall. The entrance is beside a house that once functioned as a mikveh, and is now a café. Itinerary:

• Upon arrival to Split Airport, you will be met by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel
•  Check-in at your hotel
•  Dinner reservation at O’Zlata restaurant (to be paid on spot)
• Time at leisure and an overnight in Split

Omis is a small town and harbor in Central Dalmatian located between Split and Makarska, situated in the mouth of the Cetina river and surrounded with massive gorges. In the past, Omis was notorious because of the pirates of Omis whose ships were a centuries-long symbol of retaliation, courage, and strength. The evidence of proud and turbulent Omis history can be found on every corner of the Omis Riviera. Omis churches and Omis fortresses are silent stone reminders of the power and the might of infamous Omis pirates. Today, Omis is one of the most beautiful places on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. The fortress Fortica is located at the top of Dinara Mountain. The first part of the fortress Fortica was built at the beginning of the 14th century, and it was completed in the mid-15th century. Fortress Fortica was built primarily for defending the city from the enemy. It was very important for piracy – it is a site of strategic importance with a broad view on all movements across the middle Poljica as well as over the navigation in the sea channel between Split and Makarska. From the fortress, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the entire city, the canyon of the river Cetina, Brač Channel, islands of Brač, Hvar, Šolta, and most of Poljica. The Cetina River is one of the most beautiful Croatian rivers. It represents a key feature of the entire area in the narrow central land region of Dalmatia between the slopes of Dinara and the coastal belt. The river commences its path 105 kilometers long towards the Adriatic below the slopes of Dinara, at 385 meters above sea level, and completes the voyage with a spectacularly cut passage between the steep rocks of Omiška Dinara and Poljička planina. These two mountains once represented a single massif, but they ended up separated by the Cetina River as it created its path to the sea. From the canyon of the Cetina River, Omiška Dinara spreads towards the southeast as a mighty and huge stone massif with steep sides, connecting with the northwestern edges of the mountain of Biokovo. In the hinterland, we come across the vertical rocks of the Cetina canyon, with a road squeezed at the base of the canyon, leading next to beautiful cascades at the site of Radmanove mlinice. On an isolated site on a vertical rock above Cetina and Omiš, we can see the barely accessible medieval hill fort Fortica. Below it, immediately above the houses of the town of Omiš, there is a smaller fortress called Mirabela. Omiška Dinara is 15 kilometers long, and its highest peak is called Imber or Kula (863 m.a.s.l.). A full 3 hours of pure fun and a healthy dose of adrenalin to satisfy even the most demanding thrill junkies. Zipline is an adrenaline activity where guests descend through the canyon down the steel rope, secured with a belt. The adventure also includes training and a short walk in nature. Zipline is located 3 km from Omiš, in the canyon of the Cetina River, and consists of eight wires with a total length of 2100m. Depending on the size of the group you will experience an unforgettable three hours of fun and beautiful nature. Each group is followed by two guides. Before the beginning, the group goes to the training ground and each guest receives equipment. There are two short cables, length 25m, where guides show you how to brake and act on the cable. Follows a short walk to the first cable, during which you can enjoy in almost untouched nature and a beautiful view of the canyon of the Cetina river. Before each cable, one of the guides attaches you and gives you instructions. On the other side, there is another guide who descended first and who will get you off the cable. In this way, you will pass all of the eight cables. Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Meeting with your driver for a private transfer from Split to Omiš for a hiking experience
• The town of Omiš lies in the embrace of three steep mountains – Omiška Dinara, Komorjak, and Mosor. For centuries these mountains served as natural protection from enemies, whereas today they represent a perfect venue for hiking tours. Your instructor will accompany you during some extreme hiking and take you back to Omiš.
•  Your instructors/guides will take you zipping your way across the magnificent Cetina River 150 meters above the canyon suspended by a wire! We have 8 wires running a total of 2100 meters.  The highest one is 150 meters above the river canyon.  The views from up here are incredible—a bird’s eye experience of some of the most magnificent nature in Croatia and the nearby seaside village of Omis is the perfect ending to an amazing day!
• Meet the driver for a final transfer to Split
• Time at leisure and an overnight in Split

Although Šolta is the closest island to Split, just 45 minutes by ferry, it remained a place of pristine natural beauty. With only 1,500 year-round residents, 24 bays, and natural beauty, Šolta is a place where you can find peace and tranquility wherever you wander. But the island is more than just a collection of sleepy villages. First mentioned by the Greeks as Olinta, for most of its history, Šolta was a wealthy “province” of Split – whether it was the Roman Emperor Diocletian who had a “summer” home here as well as a private fish farm (!), or the wealthy Cindro and Cipiko families. The island is still famed for its olives, honey, and wine. Remains of Solti’s Roman, Gothic, and other historical periods are everywhere, but you need to take the time to see behind the picturesque and charming to find them. Even the simplest stone house and winding village road can be a surprising treat.  Stop and look closely at that graceful archway over a konoba (the ground floor room used for storage, wine-making and olive oil); a pair of gorgeous weather-washed blue wood window shutters; a hand-made iron door latch; the way the stone has been laid on the roof of a small outbuilding that was once used for donkeys and other livestock. Even when restored, the charming original details of these timeless homes never cease to give pleasure. Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Assistance with your luggage and ferry tickets from Split to Šolta island (Rogač town)
• When you get to Šolta your instructor is waiting for you Transfer in a van arranged to the bike center in Gornje Selo on the eastern part of the island. Select a bike and equipment (mountain bikes with 29″ wheels and hydraulic disk brakes are fitted for the full experience of off-road routes). You will ride the bicycle to the western part of the island and the place Maslinica located 15 km from our starting point.
• Your cycle route actually crosses over the entire island from east to west. You will love the off-road ride through the beautiful scenery and unspoiled nature. A visit to a picturesque village frozen in time is ahead of you where you ‘ll have a chance to touch living history all around you with specific architecture and with the historical traces of the traditional way of life. A snack and a glass of fruit juice will be prepared for you. Since the island of Šolta is famous for its olive oil, you will have the opportunity to taste an exquisite collection of extra virgin olive oil.
• And, at the end of the tour, you will have lunch in Maslinica at a restaurant overlooking the sea and seven Islands. After lunch there is still time for swimming, walking or any other activity you may wish.
• At the end of the tour, you will be driven to your hotel on the island
• Enjoy your dinner at the hotel restaurant (to be paid on spot), time at leisure and an overnight on Šolta island

The lavender island that Conde Nast’s signature travel magazine called “one of the “best 10 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. Sea kayak from Hvar town to Pakleni islands or along the beautiful coast of Hvar. Visit numerous secluded bays and beaches, natural jewels, enjoy the unspoiled scenery and crystal blue waters. This is why Croatia became one of the most popular sea kayaking destinations. St. Stephen’s Square – The center of town is this rectangular square, which was formed by filling in an inlet that once stretched out from the bay. At 4500 sq meters, it’s one of the largest old squares in Dalmatia. The town first developed in the 13th century to the north of the square and later spread south in the 15th century. Notice the well at the square’s northern end, which was built in 1520 and has a wrought-iron grill dating from 1780. Cathedral of St Stephen – The cathedral forms a stunning backdrop to the square. The bell tower rises four levels, each more elaborate than the last. The cathedral was built in the 16th and 17th centuries at the height of the Dalmatian Renaissance on the site of a cathedral destroyed by the Turks. Parts of the older cathedral are visible in the nave and in the carved 15thcentury choir stalls. Renaissance Theater – Built-in 1612, this theater is reportedly the first theater in Europe open to plebeians and aristocrats alike. It remained a regional cultural center throughout the centuries. Plays were still staged here right up until 2008. Although much of the theater is still under renovation, you can wander around the atmospheric interior and take in the faded frescoes and baroque loggias. Franciscan Monastery & Museum – This 15th-century monastery overlooks a shady cove. The elegant bell tower was built in the 16th century by a well-known family of stonemasons from Korčula. The Renaissance cloister leads to a refectory containing lace, coins, nautical charts, and valuable documents, such as an edition of Ptolemy’s Atlas, printed in 1524. Your eye will immediately be struck by The Last Supper, an 8m by 2.5m work by the Venetian Matteo Ingoli dating from the end of the 16th century. The cypress in the cloister garden is said to be more than 300 years old. The adjoining church, named Our Lady of Charity, contains more fine paintings such as the three polyptychs created by Francesco da Santacroce in 1583, which represent the summit of this painter’s work. Fortica – Through the network of tiny streets northwest of St Stephen’s Square, climb up through a park to the citadel built on the site of a medieval castle to defend the town from the Turks. The Venetians strengthened it in 1557 and then the Austrians renovated it in the 19th century by adding barracks. Inside is a tiny collection of ancient amphorae recovered from the seabed. The view over the harbor is magnificent, and there’s a lovely cafe at the top. Arsenal – On the southern side of St Stephen’s Square, the Arsenal was built in 1611 to replace a building destroyed by the Ottomans. Mentioned in Venetian documents as ‘the most beautiful and the most useful building in the whole of Dalmatia’, the Arsenal once served as a repair and refitting station for war galleons. The starting point of the kayaking tour is the town of Hvar. You set off to the group of small islands called the Pakleni. The origin of the name goes back to the old days when the islands were the main source of rosin for local shipbuilders. Today, just like then, the islands are covered with thick pine woods providing refreshing shade even during the hottest summer days. The route through narrow straits and along the islands reveals small hidden pebble beaches where you can enjoy the privilege of having, at least temporarily, a beach of your own, where you can swim, snorkel and relax. Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Meeting with your skipper for a private transfer from Šolta island to Hvar island with a stop for a swim and lunch at Laganini lounge bar & beach house (to be paid on spot)
• Final transfer to your hotel on Hvar island, spend some time at the hotel pool or check the local sea kayak options (on your own), time at leisure and an overnight in Hvar

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• The tour starts in the Hvar town port where the group meets with the guide. A 20 minutes transfer from the bus station to our starting point takes us to the village of V.Grablje, which is approx. 14km from Hvar town. The road to the starting point will offer the group amazing views on the surrounding islands. We will hike through villages where you would see the beauties of traditional architecture and way of living, learn about medicinal herbs, and much more. There is a possibility to try the homemade vine, Prošek or grappa, prepared in a traditional way…
• We start our walk from Velo Grablje towards Malo Grablje following the old trail which in medieval time used to be the main road connecting Hvar with Stari Grad on the north side of the island. The entire trail is downhill, starting with approx. 20 long steps and continuing as a small trail for approx. 1.5km. After that part, we continue our walk to Malo Grablje on a wide, gravelly trail…
• It usually takes us around 1h from Velo Grablje to Malo Grablje, including short stops for some explanations and photo stops. After arrival to this picturesque, hidden village of Malo Grablje we continue walking for about 45minutes on a wide, gravelly road to Milna. A walk from Milna back to Hvar follows a small, rocky trail and it lasts approximately 1.30h (depending on the speed).
• Return to the hotel, time at leisure before meeting your driver for a return transfer to Malo Grablje village for a traditional dinner
• Return to your hotel for an overnight in Hvar

Dubrovnik is a medieval city on the Croatian side of the Adriatic coastline and 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. Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Assistance with your luggage and fast ferry tickets from Hvar to Dubrovnik
• Upon arrival to Dubrovnik, a private transfer to your hotel will follow (early check-in is not guaranteed)
• Meeting with your instructors at Pile Gate for a half-day sea kayaking experience (starts beneath Fort Lovrjenac in the small port called Pile). Explore caves and beauties of Lokrum island, where you will have a break for snorkeling and sandwiches. Upon return, discover why easy paddling in kayaks beneath the old city walls.
• Time at leisure to explore the town on your own, visit a museum or walk the famed Dubrovnik Walls
• Return to the hotel on your own
• Overnight in Dubrovnik

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, at 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 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 on the epic poem ‘Song of Roland’. Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and time to explore the area on your own
• Walk the old country roads and pathways of Dubrovnik area; enjoy the scents of the rich Mediterranean vegetation and a breathtaking view of the mountains and islands.
• Start the walk from the Old Town’s gate Ploče. Take one of the oldest roads in Dubrovnik (6th century). The ascent is easy and leads you to the village above Dubrovnik called Bosanka. While climbing up you can enjoy the view of the old town in the foothills. After about one hour of walking, you’ll come to the Napoleon’s Fort Imperial that was badly damaged during the war and is now the museum of Homeland war. Rest for a while and refresh yourself in a nearby restaurant Panorama overlooking the city from Srđ Mountain. Then walk down to the town and end your hiking tour at the Pile gate.
• Time at leisure and an overnight in Dubrovnik

Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5^th Century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”) – the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history – the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens and erected unique, splendid monuments – a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivaled charm. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3-kilometer pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape. Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure
• Check out and a private transfer from your hotel in Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport
• Croatia Airlines direct flight from Dubrovnik to Athens
• Arrival to Athens and a private transfer to your hotel
• Time at leisure and an overnight in Athens

Crescent-shaped Santorini (or Thíra), the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. Did you know that the whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano (the same as Méthana, Mílos and Nísiros) and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea? The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again. Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Private transfer from your hotel in Athens to Athens main port (Piraeus)
• Fast ferry to Santorini
• Arrival to Santorini and a private transfer to your hotel
• Time at leisure and an overnight in Santorini

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and explore the island on your own
• Time at leisure and an overnight in Santorini

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and explore the island on your own
• Time at leisure and an overnight in Santorini

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Private transfer from your hotel in Fira to Santorini Airport and departure flight