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Insider Secrets of Croatia Travel
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Discover Croatia!
Insider Secrets EXCLUSIVE
Guaranteed Departure Small Group Tour (6 – 12 people)
9-Day Croatia Discovery Tour: June 3 – 11, 2023
Visiting: ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES – SPLIT – OMIŠ – HVAR – STON – DUBROVNIK
See the highlights of Croatia in 9 days!
Visit some of the most beautiful locations in Croatia, but moreover, become immersed in local favorites in addition to the culture of the Balkans.
Filled with walking tours, outdoor activities as well as time for self-exploration away from the group in some of the most beautiful places. This itinerary helps maximize your vacation time as well as create memories to last a lifetime.
Curious what our other clients have said about Adventures Croatia? Read some of their reviews.
9 Days
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Day 1 – June 3 ZAGREB
The Cathedral of the Assumption dominates Kaptol, its glowing towers you see off in the distance is 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 wave of fires. But the bad luck goes on, in 1880 it was seriously damaged during an earthquake. In 1990 exterior renovations 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 the touristy stalls which 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 door 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 |
| Arrive in Zagreb and meet with your driver at the arrival gate for a private transfer from the airport to the hotel in Zagreb. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Meet with your guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Zagreb. Enjoy a pleasant walk around the center of Croatia's capital Zagreb and see the city’s most important monuments. Our guide will show you the most famous landmarks such as the Cathedral, vibrant Dolac market, Tkalčićeva Street and the nearby Stone Gate, important St. Mark's Church, and other city attractions. You will also hear about the city's history and culture but also interesting information about the lifestyle in Croatia. 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. Located in the Kaptol district just above Ban Jelačić Square, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Zagreb’s most defining landmark and Croatia’s tallest building thanks to its 108-meter spires. Featured on the back of the Croatian 1,000 kuna note, the Cathedral’s ornate, mid-13th century Gothic and late-19th century Neo-Gothic reconstructive architecture is the most important example of sacral architecture in southeast Europe. An old clock out front keeps the time at exactly 7.03 – the very time that the 1880 earthquake struck Zagreb, damaging part of the Cathedral and responsible for the partial reconstruction. Its 6,000-pipe organ is classified as one of the top 10 finest in the world. The heaviest carved gargoyle weighs around 1,500 kg while the largest of the eight church bells weighs a huge almost 6,500 kg. Currently undergoing a renovation, it is planned that the 40-meter viewing deck, last opened in the 1950s, will reopen together with access to the 85-meter viewpoints in the two towers. 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. 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. Visit the unique Museum of Broken Relationship, an emotional rollercoaster of experiences accompanied by your guide. The Museum of Broken Relationships is dedicated to failed relationships. It exhibits personal objects, left over from former owners, accompanied by their stories and emotions. 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. Recommendation: Visit the local Cheese & wine bar and indulge in wine and cheese tasting. You can try three to four different kinds of local wine and delicious cheese accompanied by bread and olive oil. While enjoying delicious food, the staff can tell you more about the local production of wine and its importance to Croatian culture. Time at leisure and overnight in Zagreb. |
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Day 2 – June 4 ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
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. With 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 driver for a private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes. Upon arrival meet with your guide and head for a guided visit to the national park. 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. Along with Dubrovnik, and possibly Split, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s most visited tourist attraction. Situated 130km south of Zagreb, the national park is one of the largest and oldest in the country. It is renowned for its scenic lakes which are clustered in certain areas of the park and best viewed from above and/or via purpose-built wooden walkways that cut through and around the edge of the most accessible pools of water. The oldest (since 1949) and largest (294,82 km2) National Park in Croatia. The only National Park in Croatia on 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 of drinking water (a rarity in Croatia). Meal highly recommended at Lička kuća restaurant (located opposite the main entrance to the park). A unique place with an ambiance of a traditional house in Lika, in which authentic dishes are prepared. In the middle of the restaurant, there is an open-hearth fireplace, where lamb is roasted on a spit, and where other food specialties from Lika are prepared “under iron cover”. Ham, “basa” cottage cheese, lamb under iron cover, grilled meats, baked potatoes, trout, sour milk, the Lika fritters, and the Lika strudels made of cheese, apple, or plum, are just some of the specialties of this renowned restaurant. Final transfer to your accommodation, time at leisure, and an overnight |
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Day 3 – May 28 PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK – 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 everyday “buzz” be sure to grab your spot and you’ll soon experience firsthand how important and irresistible is the coffee culture in Croatia.
And finally, maybe not the most important but certainly the yummiest must-do activity of all – food! ;) Split, especially its Old Town, is literally dotted with colorful food stalls, konoba (a type of traditional Dalmatian tavern), and quaint little restaurants. Don’t miss local delicacies, such as fish prepared na gradele and pašticada. Street food culture in Split is also pretty strong and you can never go hungry since there’s always some inviting bite-sized treat waiting for you around the corner.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check out Private transfer from Plitvice lakes NP to Split and accommodation in your hotel You are meeting with your guide for an Exclusive Adventures Croatia private walking tour of Old Town Split. 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 beaten path and give you the opportunity to taste local food. 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. There are plenty of things to do in Split now that – thankfully – its days as a departure point to the nearby islands are gone. Brimming with recently opened high-quality bistros, antiquities aplenty and the best bar scene on the Adriatic coast, Croatia’s main ferry port is also the country’s most promising all-round city-break destination. The Diocletian’s Palace is the perfect backdrop for Croatia’s best bar crawl, a night of revelry in the secret alleyways and hidden corners of this atmospheric ruin overlooking the seafront. Split’s focal embankment officially titled Obala Hrvatskog Narodnog Preporoda, the Riva is where the city meets over coffee. As the sun moves across the sky, and thoughts turn to the night ahead, customers on the dozen or so café terraces tend to start ordering stiff drinks rather than coffee. Order up a cold drink, maybe a signature doorstep sandwich of prosciutto and cheese, and take in the last of the day’s rays. Recommendation: 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 an old Jewish cemetery and 15th-century monasteries which are built into the hill. You can hike to the highest point Telegrin located at 178 meters above sea level, look for the Hermitage Caves and St. Jerome Church and sit on one of the many benches to enjoy the views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. Watch the Sunset from Split Viewpoint (Belvedere) To see Split’s Promenade and Old Town from above, climb up to Split’s viewpoint at the edge of Marjan Hill, just next to the old Jewish cemetery. Use the stairs near Matejuska to get to this first viewpoint of Marjan Hill and sip a cup of coffee or a cold drink at Teraca Vidilica. Time at leisure and an overnight in Split |
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Day 4 – June 6 SPLIT – OMIŠ – 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 by 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 of Croatia's Adriatic Coast. For thousands of years, the Cetina River has been flowing persistently through the canyon, creating magical shapes in its bed. Crystal clear and pleasant for swimming, the Cetina River today represents the genuine experience of intact nature with its 180 meters high cliffs, wild rapids, basins, lakes, and subterranean tunnels.
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 break and act on the cable. Follows a short walk to the first cable, during which you can enjoy almost untouched nature and beautiful views 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.
Rafting on the Cetina river is the most popular and most attended adventurous trip in Dalmatia. The three to four-hour-long rafting trip takes you down a 12 kilometer long part of the Cetina course. Starting from the village of Penšići, the rafting route passes through an unforgettable scenery of impressive cliffs, playful waterfalls, and numerous rapids and ends at the excursion site of Radmanove Mlinice (the family Radman Mills), where you can take a rest and enjoy the amazing natural ambiance of fresh air and unique scenery, so different from the nearby Adriatic coast.
| Itinerary |
| B Breakfast at the hotel Meeting with your driver for a private transfer to Omiš. Choose one of these activities, included: ACTIVITY A: 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! or ACTIVITY B: Meeting with your instructors in Omiš and drive to the meeting point for a rafting adventure down a 12-kilometer-long part of the Cetina course OPTIONAL, NOT INCLUDED: The experience ends in Radman Mills restaurant where we can book a table for lunch, so you can enjoy a traditional lunch (drinks are not included). The optional boat ride from the restaurant to Omiš can follow where you can explore the town briefly accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Return drive to Split (meeting point TBC with the driver), time at leisure, and an overnight in Split. |
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Day 5 – June 7 SPLIT – HVAR
This island of Hvar was, more than once, put on lists of the most beautiful islands of the world by the world media. It is famous for its indented coastline, clean beaches and plenty of sunshine, untouched nature, and the smell of lavender, olives, and wine. It is precisely the island of Hvar that has the most hours of sunshine in Europe – 2700 of them a year.
The Greek colonization chose this island as an important strategic and nautical center. Its name today comes from the Greek word Pharos – lighthouse. After that the Romans turned it into Pharia, the Dalmatian Romans changed it to Fara and in the early Middle Ages, the Croatian immigrants re-named it Hvar. The longest Adriatic Island of Hvar has plenty of beaches, so every guest can find a beach suited to their needs.
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 15th-century choir stalls.
Renaissance Theater - Built in 1612, this theatre is reportedly the first theatre 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 theatre 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.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Assistance with your luggage to Split Port is provided by the hotel staff. Embark on the fast ferry from Split to Hvar island. Upon arrival hotel staff is waiting at the port and aids with luggage delivery to the hotel, guests must walk to the hotel since it is located in a pedestrian area (early check-in is not guaranteed). Check into your hotel and take the afternoon to explore Hvar on your own. The sunniest, the biggest, the oldest. The three most common superlatives are used when describing the island and town of Hvar. These are some of the highlights: Sv. Stephen’s square or Piazza, The Place where locals meet, living room of Hvar. The theatre in the Arsenal building, after being closed for renovation for over 20 years, this year finally opened its doors to visitors, audiences, and actors. Elegant city Loggia and the old Palace hotel, once Austrian Empress Sissi’s spa hotel, renovated into its 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 – lacemaking of agave threads. Renaissance nobility and 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? Meet with your driver/guide for a drive that takes you to the picturesque and abandoned village of Malo Grablje, located just 6 km away from Hvar town. Reaching Malo Grablje, we will walk around the village and check the abandoned ruins, such as water cisterns, cooperative, church, and old mill, … till we will reach Mr. Berti’s Tudor-restored family property, meet our host Berti and try what he and his family cooked. After our amazing dinner and tranquility in the village will go back to Hvar town. Time at leisure and overnight in Hvar |
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Day 6 – June 8 HVAR - VIS - HVAR
Vis – the furthest island of the central Dalmatian archipelago. It is especially well known for its cultural and historical heritage, but also its natural beauty. Even the Greek writer Agatharchides in his scripts praised wines from Vis as being the best he had ever tasted, in comparison to other sorts he had tried. Their most autochthonous wine is most certainly Vugava which you can try in numerous restaurants and cellars all around the island. We recommend you try their autochthonous Viška pogača which will definitively go well with their wines.
Vis is also known as one of “the forbidden islands” during the communist era. It was the center of the Yugoslav navy and therefore was forbidden to tourists. Even today there are many hidden tunnels all around the island that testify to that fact. Some of them are now tourist attractions and others are used by the Croatian navy.
Stiniva Beach - this gorgeous beach is a small bay hidden from the view of passing boats, framed by the high cliffs which give it a mystic atmosphere and a paradise-like feeling! Thanks to its beauty, it is now revealed to the world as the top beach in Europe. Because of its unique visuals and underwater life, it is protected as a nature reserve
Pakleni islands archipelago is a labyrinth of several smaller islands that offer perfect bays for swimming and snorkeling. Paklinski islands group is situated in front of Hvar town, and they tend to use a large town park and town port breakwater. Pakleni islands group consists of Jerolim, Pokonji dol, Galešnik, Marinkovac, Planikovac, Borovac, Stambedar, Dobri otok, Gojca, Vlaka, Borovac, Parzanj, Travna, Mali Vodnjak, Veli Vodnjak islets, the biggest one Saint Klement island, and a few cliffs. Pakleni island with its many coves is the perfect place for famous people who want to hide from publicity and keep their privacy. The island group is covered with low vegetation, small bushes, and Aleppo pine.
There you cannot find many pebble or sandy beaches, but the interesting spot has beach chase, beach bean bags, or other kinds of beach chairs. The entire Vinogradišće bay has a sandy bottom, and the sea color is beautiful. In Vinogradišce you could enjoy a narrow, not-too-long sandy beach with beach chairs. 50 meters distance from the sandy beach there is a small pebble beach. Behind restaurants, you can find many shady trails which lead in different directions. Land and facility owners take care that everything remains in harmony with nature (and they expect from tourists the same).
The same philosophy you will notice on the other spots on Paklinski islands – Marinkovac with isthmus Zdrilca (pebble beach), Vlaka bay, and Soline (sandy beach).
| Itinerary |
Breakfast at the hotel
Meeting with your skipper for a full-day group speed boat excursion to the Island Biševo and Blue Cave (entrance fees not included – additional 15 EUR)
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Day 7 – June 9 HVAR – KORČULA – STON – DUBROVNIK
Korčula was first mentioned as early as the 10th c. in works of Byzantine historians under the name "Stone Town". It flourished under the Venetian government and later on it spread around the town walls. But despite all that, it is still the most famous as the birthplace of Marco Polo who was probably born here in 1254, and reminders of him can be seen all around the town, including the extremely interesting Marco Polo Museum which is something you definitively don`t want to miss when visiting this beautiful Dalmatian town. Today it`s a town where you can vividly feel the Mediterranean spirit of people who live and work in this mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
Pelješac is a peninsula in southern Croatia, in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, just about an hour and a half drive from Dubrovnik. It is around 70 km long and is connected with the Croatian Mainland at Ston. The Pelješac Channel divides the peninsula from the island of Korcula. Scattered like breadcrumbs across the foothills of the dolomites, the hamlets, and villages of southern Pelješac evoke an ancient past. The rocks, the vegetation, the groves of pine and cypress - everywhere a sense of timelessness prevails. On the hills above the sea, abandoned villas and gardens, stone walls, and columns lie crumbling in the sun. Lemon, fig, and almond trees, herbs, and wildflowers surround the village’s gardens and fields. The historical sea captains' town of Orebic - with its shops, market, cafes, and restaurants is at the bottom of the Sveti Ilija Mountain. A footpath into the mountains to the summit of Sveti Ilija begins near Viganj too - Croatia's windsurfing capital. There, seaside restaurants and pebbly beaches attract a lively crowd in the summer months. The island of Korcula and Mljet are just across the channel. Pelješac peninsula is known as one of the best wine-producing regions in Croatia.
Ston is a small Mediterranean town situated on the Pelješac Peninsula, with a history that reaches back as far as the 14th century. It is a small town with the longest stone wall in Europe(5,5km), with narrow quiet streets, noble ancient houses, and traces of ancient cultures. Its former value as a “salt city” gets confirmed even today in the plants of the oldest active salt works in the world. These saltworks have remained faithful to the tradition and to the natural way of salt production which has not changed since the remote ages. The town is best known for its oyster and mussel beds, and during your tour, you will not only participate in oyster harvesting but also be served fabulous versions of these shellfish along with traditional dish buzara for light lunch. Pelješac peninsula is renowned for its spectacular coastline and historic towns and wine production. Enjoy the magnificent peninsula scenery and picturesque vineyards. You can start this tour with a visit to Ston, a town famous for its 5 km long defensive wall, the second largest in the world, right after the Chinese wall, and finish in Mali Ston, the center of oyster production in Croatia.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Assistance from the hotel to Hvar Port was provided by the hotel staff. Embark on the fast ferry from Hvar to Korčula. Upon arrival meet your driver and store your luggage safely with him while you join the local guide for a private walking tour of this ancient town. Explore the town of Korcula with its long history, ingenious building strategies, peculiar building layout, and a legend of a great merchant traveler Marco Polo that was born and spent his childhood in the streets of Korcula. Wander the 26 narrow cobbled streets of the old town and indulge in the outstanding architecture. For example, you can visit the majestic Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St Mark. Or the Venetian palace of the Gabrielis family which now houses the Town Museum. Discover the tales of the explorer Marco Polo by visiting his family home. Learn about Korčula’s religious traditions by visiting the many churches, Icon Museum and Abbey Treasury. Complete your tour by walking the circumference of this enchanting old town and marvel at the historic towers. For pleasant views of the area ensure you climb the Revelin Tower. Climb the bell tower - Make your way to the highest point in Korcula Old Town, to the top of St Mark’s Cathedral. The climb up the narrow spiral staircase to the bell tower will provide you with spectacular panoramic views of the town, the Pelješac, and the stunning Adriatic Sea. When you’re ready continue your journey and a private transfer from Korčula to Dubrovnik via the Pelješac peninsula with an en-route stop in Ston (a visit to Ston Walls not included) Your first stop is at the family estate and winery Miloš. Grape and wine production in Ponikve, on the Pelješac peninsula, has been a Milos family tradition for generations. They base their production on the autochthonous grape variety of Plavac mali. The family owns approx. 15 hectares of vineyards in the finest locations on Pelješac; on the slippery slopes of the Prapratno cove next to Ponikve village. Vineyards have been planted on sandy soil formed on the dolomite rocks. Handcrafted vineyards and ecological production show the effort they put into every detail. In Ponikve you will visit their wine cellar for fermentation, processing, bottling, and the g of wine. The selection of wine depends on the position and the preparation of the vineyard, the particular year, the way and time of vintage, and the technology in the cellar. This means that each type of wine requires a different winemaking procedure. They produce different types of wines: dry, semi-dry, half-sweet, and naturally sweet (dessert) wines. Stop in Mali Ston or Hodilje for an oyster harvesting experience and a traditional lunch prepared with local mussels and shells. As the car heads further, you will have a great opportunity to enjoy the picturesque hillside of Dalmatia’s magical interior: a unique blend of high mountains and small patches of fertile fields. It is part of the country that looks as if it was stopped in time. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, check-in, and then have time at your leisure at your hotel. Overnight in Dubrovnik. |
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Day 8 – June 10 DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is a medieval city on the Croatian side of the Adriatic coastline and a treasure trove of cultural, and 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.'
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.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel Meet your driver for a private transfer to the Old Town Dubrovnik meeting point where your local guide awaits to take you for a private walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik. 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, NOT INCLUDED: End your walk with a visit to 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, NOT INCLUDED: 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. OPTIONAL, NOT INCLUDED: Meeting with your instructors at Pile Gate for a half-day group sea kayaking experience (starts beneath fort Lovrjenac in the small port called Pile). Explore the 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. WEATHER PERMITTING Private transfer back to your hotel, time at leisure, and an overnight in Dubrovnik |
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Day 9 – June 11 DUBROVNIK
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport for a departure flight
INSIDER SECRETS Small Group Tour (6-12 people), June 3 - 11, 2023, package includes:
- ALL PRIVATE and ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDES AND DRIVERS
- VAT TAX INCLUDED
- 24hr concierge and in-Croatia assistance
- Private transfer from the Zagreb Airport to the hotel in Zagreb in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Private walking tour of Zagreb with a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships (entrance fee included)
- 1 night in Canopy by Hotel 4* in Zagreb, double room, BB basis
- Private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes NP in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees to NP Plitvice Lakes and a guided visit
- 1 night in Hotel 4* in Plitvice Lakes area, double room, BB basis
- Accommodation for the driver at Plitvice Lakes with daily expenses
- Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes NP to Split hotel in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Adventures Croatia Exclusive Brass Gate Taste of Split – Essential /drinks excluded. Included: Walking tour Split, English-speaking tour guide, insurance, pick up & drop off, a meal at each food stop (1st stop – prosciutto & cheese and bread, 2nd stop – olive oil tasting)
- 2 nights in Hotel 4* in Split, double room, BB basis
- Private round-trip transfers from Split to Omiš, with a choice of one activity:
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- ACTIVITY A: Zipline adventure in the outback of the Omiš area (transfers, Insurance, instructors included)
- ACTIVITY B: Rafting on the Cetina River (Included: Transfer from Omiš to Peršići meeting point, Professional licensed instructor, Rafting equipment, Safety gear, Insurance, with a final transfer back)
- Assistance with your luggage from the hotel in Split to Split Port
- Ferry tickets from Split to Hvar
- The abandoned ethno – eco-village tour (Included: pick up, guide/driver, car transfer, dinner with wine in the abandoned village)
- 2 nights in Hotel 4* in Hvar, double room, sea view, BB basis
- Group speed boat excursion to Vis Island (around the island Vis, to the Blue Cave and around Biševo, to the bays Porat, Stiniva, to the Green Cave, Budihovac islet for swimming or lunch – not included) /Included: Speedboat, fuel, a skipper, refreshments, and snorkeling gear.
- Fast ferry tickets from Hvar to Korčula
- Private transfer from Korčula to Dubrovnik via Pelješac peninsula with en route stop in Ston (Ston Walls tickets not included) in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Korčula (entrance fees not included)
- Wine tasting with snacks at Miloš Winery
- Stop in Mali Ston or Hodilje for an oyster harvesting experience and a traditional lunch prepared with local mussels and shells
- 2 nights in Hotel 5* in Dubrovnik, double room, sea view, BB basis
- Private round-trip transfer from the hotel to the Old Town Dubrovnik in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle (parking and Old Town fees included)
- English-speaking guide for the private walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik (entrance fees not included)
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Guaranteed Departure Tour, up to 12 people
- June 3 - 11, 2023
- $4240 per person, double occupancy
- For a solo traveler, $4240 plus a single supplement of $1565
- Price and availability are subject to change without notice, we highly recommend booking early!