What’ll it be? Black risotto made with squid ink? Grilled sardines with garlic and lemon? Lamb and potatoes “under the bell”? This introductory tour of Croatia allows you to sample its local delicacies as well get a taste of the country’s greatest attributes. Modern coastal cities, magnificent medieval towns, and breathtaking natural wonders await at every turn. Get your fill of the lively cobblestone squares in the capital city of Zagreb, the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in the seaside city of Split, the walled beauty of baroque Dubrovnik, and the magical waterfalls of Krka National Park. Enjoy a walking tour of Ston, famous for its oyster farms, and discover Konavle, known for its lush vineyards. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Trogir! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ZAGREB, CROATIA
Welcome to Zagreb! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
ZAGREB
Landmarks & Legends This morning, get acquainted with Croatia’s capital city when you join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that includes sights of the Parliament, Stone Gate, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral. Experience a ride on Zagreb’s famous funicular, a beloved city landmark linking the Lower and Upper Towns. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more and try some local specialties. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Explore the ancient city of Zagreb where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe meet with a magnetic culture amid medieval architecture and offbeat cafes and bars to enjoy. In the Upper Town of Zagreb, admire the historic Croatian Parliament building and see the Stone Gate, the only fortification entrance that is still standing, and now home to the city’s most important shrine.
Day 3
ZAGREB–ZADAR
Sea Sounds & Sunsets Relax as you travel through Croatia to Zadar, where you join a guided walking tour through the Old Town, see the People’s Square and the Sea Organ, and Greeting to the Sun monument. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Designed by architect Nikola Bašic and opened in April 2005, the Sea Organ captures the movement of the waves and transforms it into music-or something like it. Next to it the Greeting to the Sun was built: a 22-meter diameter circle with photovoltaic solar modules underneath. The solar-powered cells under the glass start generating electricity around dawn, which allows the disc to glow and light the shoreline.
Day 4
ZADAR–KRKA–SPLIT
Waterfalls & Royal Walks This morning, enter [LOCAL FAVORITE] the Krka National Park, an exceptional expanse of natural beauty and importance. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through the park, admire the natural waterfalls and learn about the flora and fauna. Later, in Split, a Local Guide will lead you through the labyrinth of medieval streets located within the Old Town, better known as the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy free time this evening to browse the shops and sink your teeth into some delicious local specialties. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Discover the magic beauty of Krka National Park whose natural wonders span from the Adriatic to the mountains of the Croatian interior. Here, the Krka River provides spectacular waterfalls and gorges as it gushes through a karstic canyon 200m deep.
Day 5
SPLIT–BOSNIA–HERZEGOVINA–STON–DUBROVNIK
Ston Walls & Salty History Travel south and stop in the stunning coastal town of Ston. Enjoy some free time to explore the medieval town and admire the impressive walls, which make up the longest preserved fortress system in Europe. [LOCAL FAVORITE] No visit to Ston is complete without trying its most acclaimed delicacy. Take a boat across Mali Ston Bay to a floating wooden dock and hear all about the local oyster cultivation before tasting them. Continue to Dubrovnik for an evening at leisure. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Oyster farming in Ston dates back to Roman times, and the area's unique combination of clean seawater and favorable environmental conditions has made it an ideal location for oyster cultivation. The oysters grown here are prized for their exceptional flavor and quality.
Day 6
DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK
Spend Your Day Your Way in Dubrovnik This morning, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour of the historic center. Explore more of Dubrovnik with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Walking on Walls The city of Dubrovnik is completely embraced by its iconic city walls that have survived intact for centuries. Spend time walking along the walls at your own pace on this self-guided visit brimming with photo opportunities and stunning vistas of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. To Summit Up Soar up the side of Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable Car for stunning views en route to the panoramic summit above. Cast your eyes on the spectacular views along the way to soak in the miles of marvelous vistas above. Later, drive to Konavle for an orientation walk in Cavtat and a dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7
DUBROVNIK (EMBARKATION)
Above the Gates Today, board your coastal cruise ship. After some time on board to start getting acquainted, join a transfer to the city gates. Take the cable car from the Old Town to Mount Srd to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. Later, return to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Built back in 1969, the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who want to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from Mount Srd. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect — its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon.
Day 8
CRUISING: DUBROVNIK–SLANO
Safe Harbor Admire the views as you cruise around Dubrovnik’s city walls before reaching one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop. Sail to Slano and disembark to explore the town’s long medieval ramparts. At a nearby village, learn more about the famed oysters and taste this local delicacy. Time at leisure before returning to the vessel for the Captain’s dinner. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera. It is situated on a gentle bay with fine beaches, thick pine and olive groves, a rich cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing reliable protection against the elements for many centuries.
Day 9
CRUISING: SLANO–MLJET
Myths & Marvels Dock at the island of Mljet and stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. Free time to explore more of the island independently. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent seven years on the island of Mljet. The nymph Calypso had charmed him and caused a shipwreck, leaving him to seek shelter in the cave for seven years until the Gods released him.
Day 10
CRUISING: MLJET–KORCULA
Marco Polo’s Roots En-route to the island of Korcula, stop for lunch in a secluded bay. On arrival at Korcula join a guided walking tour of this enchanting town. Surrounded by walls, it claims to be one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. An evening at leisure to try out the local restaurants and entertainment. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. The fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town to create a natural cooling effect, providing shelter in the long, hot summer days.
Day 11
CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS
On the Waterfront Today, discover the island of Vis. A wine tasting experience will familiarize you with the exquisite local wines. Then, plenty of free time to explore the island—perhaps a visit to the remains of the Roman bathing facilities or the City Museum; or a scenic walk with views of the beautiful Villa Rustica on the waterfront; or just relax on a local beach! (B,L) ENHANCED FREE TIME In the 4th century BC, the island of Vis was one of the main Greek colonies and ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island.
Day 12
CRUISING: VIS–BISEVO–HVAR
Island Beauties Dock at the small island of Biševo to visit the magnificent Blue Cave (weather permitting), famous for its enchanting azure glow. En route to Hvar, stop at the Pakleni Islands for a refreshing swim stop and lunch on board. This afternoon, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour of the jet-set island of Hvar which includes a visit to the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breathtaking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Pakleni Islands.
Day 13
CRUISING: HVAR–BOL–TROGIR
Blue Heaven Start the day with a stop on Brac Island for a refreshing swim at Zlatni Rat, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. See the nearby charming former fisherman’s village of Bol. Later, continue to Trogir, the final port of call, for a guided tour and leisure time. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the winds, waves, and current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool.
Day 14
TROGIR (DISEMBARKATION)
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Split. (B)
What's Included
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
Hotels
Zagreb
|
The Westin Zagreb
Superior First-Class
Zagreb,
Croatia
Krsnjavoga 1
Free WiFi
Within walking distance to the center, cafes, and adjacent to a commercial center.
The comfortable rooms have a minibar and coffeemaker.
There's an elegant bar/lounge, a café, and upscale restaurant.
Other amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness room, sauna, and various wellness treatments. Free internet access is available throughout.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Zadar-Petrcane
|
Pinija
First-Class
Zadar-Petrcane,
Croatia
Ulica V 1A
Free WiFi
The Hotel Pinija is situated in the small Mediterranean village of Petrcane, near Zadar. Its unique position on a natural peninsula makes it the perfect choice for rest and recreation. Hidden in a forest of pine trees and surrounded by a crystal clear sea, it invites you to escape everyday life. Enjoy a variety of gastronomic delicacies and relax with wellness program. The hotel offers 300 modern air-conditioned rooms fully equipped. Accommodation is arranged into three wings connected by the reception area, a spacious lobby, and an aperitif bar.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Zadar- Biograd
|
Ilirija Resort
First-Class
Zadar- Biograd,
Croatia
Tina Ujevia 7
Free WiFi
Immerse yourself in Dalmatia at Ilirija Resort, a beachfront haven boasting breathtaking Adriatic Sea views and convenient access to Biograd's town center. Unwind in modern, relaxing rooms and savor delectable Dalmatian cuisine at the resort's traditional restaurant. For ultimate relaxation, the resort offers a full-service spa and a refreshing pool. All rooms prioritize your comfort, featuring air conditioning to combat the Adriatic heat, along with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Split
|
Amphora
Superior First-Class
Split,
Croatia
Setaliste Pape Ivana Pavla Ii, 51
Free WiFi
Nestled on the Dalmatian coast, Hotel Amphora offers a blend of modern luxury and historical charm. Luxurious accommodations, refined dining, a spa retreat, and private beach await. The stylish air-conditioned rooms are a haven of sophisticated comfort, featuring a blend of modern amenities and classic touches. There is also a fitness room, spa & wellness centre with indoor swimming pool, as well as a choice of restaurants and bar.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Dubrovnik
|
Lapad
Superior First-Class
Dubrovnik,
Croatia
Lapadska obala 37
Free WiFi
This former Grand Hotel is set in a historic building surrounded by a large outdoor pool and palm trees, overlooking the famous Dubrovnik's Gruz Harbour. Clear lines are combined with luxurious fabrics in the modern guestrooms, all of which are air-conditioned and feature flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrooms with shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi internet connection is available throughout the entire hotel.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Dubrovnik
|
Hotel Adriatic
First-Class
Dubrovnik,
Croatia
Masarykov Put 5
Free WiFi
This four-star property features 140 guestrooms, offering views of the sea and the reefs or the Petka park forest. Adriatic hotel boasts a modern restaurant with a large terrace, as well as a rooftop infinity pool with sun decks and facilities.