Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb
Your Croatian adventure kicks off in the capital, Zagreb. Take some time to relax and settle in, or stroll along the romantic, chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views of the city. Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner, where you can enjoy a pleasant evening and get to know your fellow travellers over some wine.
Day 2: Zagreb’s Twin Towns
Accompanied by a Local Expert, explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a leisurely walk to see the Art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Art, and pass through Zrinjevac Park. Next, hop on the city's funicular to visit St. Mark's Church and Lotrščak Tower, before making your way back down through the Stone Gate to the Square. The afternoon is yours to enjoy; relax at your hotel or consider an Optional Experience.
Day 3: Postojna Caves and on to Opatija
Venture into Slovenia to explore the famous Postojna Caves. Board the cave train and descend into a stunning subterranean world filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and the remarkable five-meter tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Return to Croatia and settle into your hotel in Opatija.
Day 4: Discover the Jewels of Istria
Cross the heart-shaped Istrian peninsula with your Local Expert to uncover its treasures. Visit the well-preserved first-century arena in Pula, once the site of brutal gladiatorial battles. Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, where you can wander the cobbled streets lined with delightful shops, pastel-coloured bars, and inviting sidewalk cafés.
Day 5: Pristine Plitvice Lakes National Park
Enjoy the scenic Adriatic coast in the morning, passing sparkling blue seas and rocky islands before heading inland to one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Explore Plitvice Lakes with Insight Choice. Choose from two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: join a Local Expert to discover how the park monitors its natural habitats, or meet a woman from the Tara Community Center who produces handicrafts, fostering local employment and community engagement.
Day 6: The Dalmatian Coast to Split
As you leave Plitvice, the green forests transition to pebble beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Walk through the Roman ruins and market to see the sea organ in Zadar. Experience the landscape's dramatic change as you pass through Mediterranean olive groves to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before heading to historic Solin. In the evening, savour dinner in a traditional konoba.
Day 7: Island Hopping to Hvar
Explore the heart of Split, where the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace 1,700 years ago. With your Local Expert, visit the palace cellars and learn about the infamous emperor. Continue through the maze of streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's Cathedral, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Golden Gate. Your island-hopping adventure begins as you cross the azure Adriatic waters to spend two nights on Hvar, renowned for its sunshine, stunning mountain peaks, and aromatic lavender fields.
Day 8: Exploring the Island of Hvar
Enjoy a full day at leisure on Hvar, exploring hidden coves, secluded beaches, ancient monasteries, and charming villages. You might stroll around seaside Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit the local museum with its impressive archaeological collection. Alternatively, enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant or experience the glitzy atmosphere of Hvar Town, known for its yacht-lined marinas and trendy hotspots.
Day 9: On the Trail of Marco Polo to Korčula
Cruise back to the mainland and continue to Korčula, an island celebrated for its beauty, history, and rich culture. This tranquil destination features quiet coves and small beaches along its southern coast. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 10: Captivating Korčula
In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of Korčula’s Old Town. Enjoy breathtaking views of the mainland as you stroll to the main square, dominated by the Cathedral of St. Mark. Learn about local legends and history, visit the Town Museum, explore the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury, and see the ruins of the house where Marco Polo is said to have been born. The rest of the day is yours to wander the charming streets, beautiful churches, and magnificent palaces of this medieval town.
Day 11: Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic
Journey to the stunning southern slopes of the Pelješac Peninsula. Weather permitting, enjoy a cruise on the tranquil waters of Mali Ston Bay while sipping traditional Croatian brandy. Visit a shellfish farm to meet an oyster farmer and learn about oyster cultivation, followed by a delightful sea-to-table tasting of fresh shellfish paired with wine. Continue to Dubrovnik, known as 'paradise on Earth' by George Bernard Shaw. Join a walking tour of the city with a Local Expert, exploring the stone-paved streets and 16th-century bastions of the Old Town. Pass by Onofrio's Fountain, the Old Jewish Quarter, the synagogue, and admire the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in the luxurious five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, your home for the next three nights.
Day 12: Optional Montenegro Experience
Spend the day at your leisure or opt for a visit to Montenegro, traveling along the coast to the picturesque port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capture stunning photos of this breathtaking bay while learning about the area's fascinating history. Return to Dubrovnik for an evening at your leisure—perhaps start at a trendy wine bar followed by dinner at a romantic sidewalk café.
Day 13: Dubrovnik at Leisure
Make the most of your day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Relax by the pool, shop in the local markets, or consider a visit to Cavtat, one of Croatia’s most enchanting seaside resorts. In the evening, if the weather permits, enjoy a dazzling cruise around the iconic Dubrovnik bay, savouring authentic local flavours for dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik
Your journey concludes after breakfast.
