Croatian Dream: 11 Days Independent Tour

Croatia and the magnificent Dalmatian coastline await your welcomed arrival. It is centuries old, historically and culturally significant, lovingly restored and on the hot list of places you need to experience, either again... or for the very first time! Dubrovnik has ever been a favorite of world travelers! From unspoiled countryside vistas to the sparkling clear waters of the Adriatic, the charms and hospitality of this little country will delight you.

Inclusions

  • 3 nights Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
  • 2 nights Le Meridien Hotel in Split
  • 2 nights Jerezo Hotel in Plitvice
  • 2 nights Regent Esplanade Zagreb
  • Services of a private Croatia national guide
  • 9 breakfasts

Highlights

  • Services of a private guide for 10 days
  • Visits include many UNESCO World Cultural or Natural Heritage sites
  • Europe's third oldest pharmacy
  • Visit the Diocletian's Palace
  • Excursion into Montenegro
  • Take an island excursion to Hvar
  • Get to know historic Zagreb
  • Visit Trakoscan Castle
  • Private car transfers

Special Features

  • Prices start from $5599 per person. Tour operates daily year round, and can operate in reverse or can be customized to suit your needs.





Itinerary

Day 1 - Departure day
Depart on your overnight flight.

Day 2 - Dubrovnik
Welcome to Dubrovnik, centuries old fortified jewel on the clear blue Adriatic coast, included on the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Get to know your fellow travelers at this evening's get-acquainted reception and dinner. HILTON IMPERIAL DUBROVNIK

Day 3 - Dubrovnik
This morning take a walking tour within the thick medieval walls of the carefully preserved and restored "old town". Visit the Rector's Palace, the Baroque Cathedral, the Dominican monastery with priceless collections, and the Franciscan monastery with Europe's third oldest pharmacy. The remainder of the afternoon is free for your own pursuits. Wander through the shops, take a walk along the city walls to relish the views, and discover other architectural treasures of this charming town, horseshoed by the azure sea. Dine out at restaurant Nautika, in the renovated former home of the Dubrovnik Nautical Academy where many a sea captain learned his trade from 1881! HILTON IMPERIAL DUBROVNIK

Day 4 - Montenegro/Dubrovnik
Cross the border into tiny Montenegro, whose stunning natural scenery is sure to impress. On the fjord-like Bay of Kotor lies a village of the same name on UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage, surrounded by sheer vertical mountains on three sides. Its ties go back to ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire. Take a walking tour to examine the impressive city walls and visit the 12th century cathedral and Maritime Museum. You might like to go in search of fresh seafood tonight. It is fun to make discoveries! HILTON IMPERIAL DUBROVNIK

Day 5 - To Split
Drive along the magnificent Dalmatian coast this morning to the popular and picturesque Adriatic port city of Split, home to another of Croatia's abundance of official UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. Discover the relics and significance of the 3rd century Diocletian's Palace with the Peristyle, Jupiter's Temple and the cathedral. Built by Emperor Diocletian as an imperial fortified residence, it is an intriguing maze of narrow cobblestone streets. LE MERIDIEN HOTEL

Day 6 - Hvar/Split
Travel by ferry to the island of Hvar, an exquisite and celebrated resort for more than century. Take a short drive from the waterfront promenade, bordered with palms, to the town of Hvar where the local guide will show you one of the oldest municipal theatres in Europe as well as the centuries old fortress walls, cathedral and Franciscan Monastery. There is time to stroll about on your own and soak up the views before returning by ferry to Split, where you are free to dine when, where and with whom you choose. LE MERIDIEN HOTEL

Day 7 - Trogir/Zadar/Plitvice
Continue along the ever-scenic coast, first to the UNESCO protected museum town of Trogir, on a small islet. Then, to the medieval city of Zadar with its distinctly Italian accents. A walking tour of the town reveals the layers of historic conquerors from its days as a Roman colony, attacks by the Turks, rule by Austria, then Italy and finally to assault by Yugoslav forces in 1991. The recovery has been remarkable, as it has throughout this country that understands and cares deeply for its architectural and cultural treasures. This afternoon turn inland across the valley to Plitvice, surrounded by dense woods and an abundance of natural beauty. JEZERO HOTEL

Day 8 - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Take a walking tour in Plitvice Lake National Park, largest in Croatia and, also on the UNESCO list of World Natural Heritage sites. Sixteen aquamarine lakes, each at different levels, are joined in a series of cascading waterfalls, a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. You have a free afternoon to bask in the pristine setting. JEZERO HOTEL

Day 9 - To Zagreb
You are off to Croatia's 900-year-old capital today for a tour of the fortified upper town, the city's historical center, St. Mark's church with its multi-colored roof, the Croatian National Theatre and the University. REGENT ESPLANADE

Day 10 - Hrvatski Zagorje/Zagreb
Take an excursion into the castle country, where the delicate landscape of gentle rolling hills is dotted with vineyards, orchards and forests. Here also white church steeples reach upward to the clear blue sky and the sullen walls of old palaces speak of another time. Visit 13th century Trakoscan Castle. Croatian poet, Mihanovic, drew inspiration from this countryside for verses of their national anthem. Visit Kumrovec, birthplace of Marshall Tito, and known for its unique open-air museum. REGENT EXPLANADE

Day 11 - Conclude Zagreb
Return home today with fond memories to share with friends and family. Hvala, do videnja!

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

  • Land only rate is per person based on double occupancy. International airfare is not included. Single supplement is from $1929. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit is $750 per person. Travel insurance is highly recommend.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.