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Insider Secrets of Croatia Travel
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Discover Croatia!
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Guaranteed Departure Small Group Tour (6 – 12 people)
9 Day Croatia Discovery Tour: May 26 – June 3, 2022
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
1
Day 1 – May 26 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 |
| Arrival to Zagreb and a private transfer to your centrally situated hotel. Private transfer from Zagreb Airport to your centrally situated hotel in a modern, air-conditioned car Meeting with your guide for a private walking tour of Zagreb with a visit to Museum of Broken Relationships. Private walking tour of Zagreb with a visit to Museum of Broken Relationships (entrance fee included) Time at leisure to explore the city on your own, enjoy a drink or dinner in one of the many restaurants (on your own) Overnight in Zagreb. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Zagreb, double/twin room, BB basis |
2
Day 2 – May 27 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. 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 driver for a private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes with en route in Rastoke for lunch at a family estate Holjevac. Private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Onward drive to Plitvice Lakes, meeting with your guide and a guided visit to the national park. Entrance fees to Plitvice Lakes National Park and a guided visit 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 transfer to your accommodation, time at leisure and an overnight. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Plitvice lakes area, double/twin room, BB basis |
3
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.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split and accommodation in your hotel. Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split hotel in a modern, air-conditioned van. 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 of the beaten path and give you an opportunity to taste local food. Exclusive Adventures Croatia Silver Gate Taste of Split – Included: Walking tour Split, English speaking tour guide, insurance, pick up & drop off, meal + water in each food stop (1st stop – prosciutto & cheese, 2nd stop – olive oil tasting, 3rd stop – entrée dish + glass of wine, dessert, rakija tasting – 2 shots rakija in 2 food stops) Time at leisure and an overnight in Split. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Split, double/twin room, BB basis |
4
Day 4 – May 29 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 |
| Breakfast at the hotel Meeting with your driver for a private transfer to Omiš. Private round trip transfers from Split to Omiš. Your choice of: OPTION 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! OPTION B: Meeting with your instructors in Omiš and a drive to the meeting point for a rafting adventure down a 12 kilometer long part of the Cetina course The experience ends in Radman Mills restaurant where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional three-course lunch (drinks are not included) A lunch in a traditional restaurant Radman Mills where the morning experiences finish (drinks not included) A return boat ride from the restaurant to Omiš. Upon arrival to Omiš, 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. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Split, double/twin room, BB basis |
5
Day 5 – May 30 SPLIT – HVAR
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 ride 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. Assistance with your luggage to Split Port. Ferry tickets from Split to Hvar. Upon arrival, you will be assisted from Hvar Port to your hotel by the hotel staff. Private transfer from Stari Grad ferry port to your hotel Check into your hotel and explore its facilities and the area on your own. The abandoned ethno – eco-village of Malo Grablje tour (Included: pick up, guide/driver, car transfer, dinner with wine in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje) OPTIONAL: Private speed boat taxi to nearby Pakleni islands. Pakleni islands archipelago, a labyrinth of several smaller islands that offer perfect bays for swimming and snorkeling is perfect for a meal or drink in Zori or Laganini restaurants & lounge bars. OPTIONAL: Explore Hvar town accompanied by an English speaking local guide during a private walking tour of Hvar town Time at leisure and overnight in Hvar. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Hvar, double room, BB basis |
6
Day 6 – May 31 HVAR
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 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 Meet your guide in the morning to depart on a special wine tasting tour of Hvar. Taste Croatia’s first and only wines that won the Paris World Wine Contest and the Decanter World Wine Awards in London! Our Taste of Hvar, the island of wine tour introduces you to two of Croatia’s most distinguished winemakers, including wine tastings. Hvar wine tasting – Included: pick up, guide/driver, car transfer, wine tasting. NOTE: Hvar wine tasting tour includes one of the above-mentioned wineries. You will have the opportunity to taste 4 – 5 different wines together with a specific wine guide, who will describe the individual wines and provide all information needed with the island's finest local appetizers. Duration: 2-3 hours Return to Hvar town for time at leisure and dinner on your own. Overnight in Hvar. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Hvar, double/twin room, BB basis |
7
Day 7 – June 1 HVAR – STON – DUBROVNIK
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 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.
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.
| Itinerary |
| Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Assistance from the hotel to Hvar Port provided by the hotel staff. Fast ferry from Hvar to Split. Meet your driver for a private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik via Pelješac peninsula with en-route stop in Ston (a visit to Ston Walls included) Private transfer from Hvar to Dubrovnik via Pelješac peninsula with en-route stop in Ston (Ston Walls tickets included) in a modern, air-conditioned van. Stop in Mali Ston or Hodilje for an oyster harvesting experience and a traditional lunch prepared with local mussels and shells. Onward drive to Dubrovnik, accommodation in your hotel Evening on your own (dinner suggestion) Time at leisure and an overnight in Dubrovnik. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Dubrovnik, double/twin room, BB basis |
8
Day 8 – June 2 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, 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.'
Visio 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.
Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure
OPTIONAL: 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 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
One way transfer to Pile Gate meeting point. Private round trip transfer from the hotel to Old Town Dubrovnik and from Konoba Dubrava back to your hotel in a modern, air-conditioned van
Private transfer back to your hotel, time at leisure and an overnight in Dubrovnik. Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Dubrovnik, double room, BB basis 9
Day 9 – June 3 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), May 26 – June 3, 2022, package includes:
- ALL PRIVATE and ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES AND DRIVERS
- VAT TAX INCLUDED
- 24hr concierge and in Croatia assistance
- Private transfer from Zagreb Airport to your centrally situated hotel in a modern, air-conditioned car
- Private walking tour of Zagreb with a visit to Museum of Broken Relationships (entrance fee included)
- 1 night in a 4* hotel in Zagreb, double/twin room, BB basis
- English speaking tour leader throughout with covered expenses
- Private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees to Plitvice Lakes National Park and a guided visit
- 1 night in a 4* hotel in Plitvice lakes area, double/twin room, BB basis
- Private transfer from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split hotel in a modern, air-conditioned
- Exclusive Adventures Croatia Silver Gate Taste of Split – Included: Walking tour Split, English speaking tour guide, insurance, pick up & drop off, meal + water in each food stop (1st stop – prosciutto & cheese, 2nd stop – olive oil tasting, 3rd stop – entrée dish + glass of wine, dessert, rakija tasting – 2 shots rakija in 2 food stops)
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Split, double/twin room, BB basis
- Private round trip transfers from Split to Omiš in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Choose one: OPTION A IN OMIŠ: Zipline adventure in the outback of Omiš area (transfers, Insurance, instructors included)
- Or OPTION B IN OMIŠ: Rafting on the Cetina river (Included: Transfer from Omiš to Peršići meeting point, Professional licensed instructor, Rafting equipment, Safety gear, Insurance, with final transfer back)
- Three course lunch in a traditional restaurant Radman Mills where the morning experiences finish (drinks not included)
- Boat ride from Radman Mills restaurant to Omiš city center and a walking tour of Omiš
- Assistance with your luggage from the hotel in Split to Split Port
- Fast ferry tickets from Split to Hvar.
- The abandoned ethno – eco village of Malo Grablje tour (Included: pick up, guide/driver, car transfer, dinner with wine in abandoned village of Malo Grablje)
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Hvar, double room, BB basis
- Hvar wine tasting – Included: pick up, guide/driver, car transfer, wine tasting.
- Fast ferry tickets from Hvar to Split.
- Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik via Pelješac peninsula with en route stop in Ston (Ston Walls tickets included) in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Stop in Mali Ston or Hodilje for oyster harvesting experience and a traditional lunch prepared with local mussels and shells.
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Dubrovnik, double/twin room, BB basis
- Private round trip transfer from the hotel to Old Town Dubrovnik and from Konoba Dubrava back to your hotel in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- English speaking guide for the private walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik (entrance fees not included)
- One-way tickets for Dubrovnik Cable Car
- Three course dinner in Konoba Dubrava (drinks not included)
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport upon departure in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above.
- Airfare, Travel Insurance
- Additional excursions and / or services not mentioned in the program.
- Personal expenses (internet, telephone, mini bar etc.)
- Tips and porterage services
- Available dates upon request
- Travel between late April - September
- Double occupancy cabins, Solo traveler with supplement
- price starting at $4915 per person, double occupancy
- Price and availability subject to change