Cultural Discovery Tour of Croatia

• 1

  Join tour Dubrovnik

  Arrive Dubrovnik and check into hotel.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

  Included Meals:  None

• 2

  In Dubrovnik

  We have two wonderful days available to enjoy the extensive attractions of Dubrovnik and its surrounding villages or even venture further afield. Now essentially fully restored following damage from shelling in the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991-92, the old medieval town of Dubrovnik still retains its unique atmosphere and charm. UNESCO have granted Dubrovnik World Cultural Heritage status as one of the world's finest examples of a fortified medieval town. Those who seek paradise on earth, George Bernard Shaw once wrote, should come to Dubrovnik. The best way to get a feel of the layout of the old town and its wealth of monasteries, museums and old buildings is on our guided tour of the main places of interest. Starting from Pile Gate we will visit the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, the cathedral and the Rector's Palace on our first morning here. There will also be time for you to walk the entire circumference of the city wall (1940m) for great views over the twisting alleyways and out over the Adriatic (optional).

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 3

  Free day

  Today is left free for you to follow your own interests. You could choose from multitude of available activities including a full-day excursion to nearby Montenegro or take a ferry to the Elaphite Islands. You can even do a guided day trip to Mostar, visiting the old bazaar, the Turkish house and one of the many old mosques.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 4

  Drive to Split

  This morning we first drive through the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula to Trpanj, then take a ferry back onto the Croatian mainland to Ploce. Continuing towards Split we arrive at Omis at the head of the Cetina River, where you can take a boat trip to visit Cetina Gorge before heading back to the road to Split. The centre of the city is located close to the riva (seafront) and the old town. Take the opportunity to join the glamorous locals on an evening riva (promenade) past aromatic restaurants and bustling cafés.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 5

  Guided tour of Split; drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park

  After breakfast we take a guided morning walking tour of Split. Today's Split is the product of 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodelling. A visit to the remains of the Diocletian's Palace is a particular highlight. The palace that Emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century became the heart of the city. The mausoleum of the pagan Roman emperor evolved with time into the world's oldest Roman Catholic church. A tour of the Palace is a step back in time. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing maze of narrow cobble-stone streets where pre- Romanesque churches nestle alongside Gothic chapels. We'll visit the Peristyle, cathedral, crypt and basement halls. In the afternoon we head inland into the mountainous hinterland of Croatia. A brief stop at the fortress at Klis affords an impressive view of Split and the Dalmatian Coast. Later, we arrive at Plitvice Lakes, located in a valley between high forested mountains. Plitvice was the first and is the most beautiful National Park in the country. It is also one of the natural wonders of Europe.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 6

  Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

  We plan to spend a full day walking the wellmarked trails in the National Park, following the 16 crystal blue-green lakes on their dramatic and cascading descent over 92 travertine barriers and waterfalls. Over the millennia, the waters of these lakes have dissolved the limestone rock and carved out the valley in which they now lie. Through the sedimentation of calcium carbonate and the work of special kinds of algae and moss, tufa or travertine has been deposited to form the natural dams that separate the lakes.
  This dynamic process still continues, creating new falls as water breaks through the travertine barriers. A popular circuit leads from the Upper Lakes, involves a ferry across Lake Kozjak, then twists between the Lower Lakes, walking mostly on wooden promenades. Every turn leads to breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Shorter walks are possible for those wanting less activity.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 7

  To Trogir via Zadar

  Following scenic backroads initially through rolling farmland, we make for the northern Dalmatian Coast towards the ancient capital of Dalmatia, Zadar. You will have some free time to explore the old the Old Town. You may choose to see the influence of Romanesque art in the round church of St. Donat, one of the largest 19th century churches in Europe. Also of interest are the ruins of the Roman Forum, which date from the 2nd century BC. We then continue our journey along the twisting and extremely scenic Dalmatian Coast road to Trogir. This evening we will enjoy this seductive medieval town and to reflect on our journey though one of Europes most beautiful countries.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 8

  Tour ends in Trogir

  The tour ends in Trogir this morning after breakfast.

  Included Meals:  Breakfast