Private Highlights of Croatia Tour

Arrival to Zagreb airport or train station and private transfer to hotel. Overnight in Zagreb. Hotel Dubrovnik 4* or similar. 

In the morning, meet with local guide for a walking city tour of Croatian lively capital city. In the afternoon departure towards Opatija. Opatija is a former Austro – Hungarian coastal resort, known for its pleasant climate, art nuveau architecture and cake shops on every corner. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation tour with your tour director, who will present the city’s rich history and hidden gems. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own or take a relaxing afternoon on one of the local beaches. Overnight in Opatija at Hotel Bristol 4* or similar. (B) 

Today explore the biggest peninsula in Croatia – Istria. Throughout its history, Istria has been strongly influenced by its western neighbour Italy. Traces of which we can still see in the countryside and some of its charming cities. Our first stop will be in the city of Pula where we will be met by a local guide that will take us on a journey of Pula’s Roman past, including the visit of Pula Amphitheatre, one of the six largest surviving Roman Arenas in the world. Continue to Rovinj, a small and charming former island, that hosts numerous artists not just from Croatia but from all around the world. Overnight in Opatija at Hotel Bristol 4* or similar. (B)

Morning drive to the south will first take us inland to one of the biggest gems of inland Croatia, its National park of Plitvice Lakes. The park was established in 1949, which makes it the oldest in Croatia and listed under Unesco 1979. It covers the area just under 300 square kilometres but its main attraction are the 16 named lakes and the waterfalls created by travertine. The play of sun on the surface of the water, together with the microorganisms and algae, gives the lakes their distinctive colour varying from blue to emerald to green and almost black in the colder months. All the beauties of its flora and fauna will be presented to you by local guide from the park. After the visit head back to the coast and the city of Zadar. Your tour director will take you on a short orientation tour, showing you one of the most popular attractions of the city, the Sea organ and Greetings to the sun, whose true beauty is best seen just before the sun give its final goodbye and sets into the Adriatic Sea. Overnight in Zadar at Hotel Kolovare 4* or similar. (B)

After breakfast, continue yourney south along the Dalmatian coast. While driving on the scenic Adriatic Magistrale, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the blue Adriatic sea dotted with small islands that attract so many visitors during the summer. And that is exactly where our next stop will be, on a small island of Trogir, whose importance was also recognised by Unesco. The local guide will show you the old town, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, Kamerlengo fortress and other medeval palces. After some free time, continue to Split. The second largest city of Croatia, became famous because of an acient palace, built by Roman Emperor Diocletian. Dioklecian’s Palace was ment to be his retirement home. The palace and its surroundings were later inhabited by the locals and despite the changes made through the centuries, it is still an integral part of the city and therefore still very much alive. Overnight in Split at Hotel Globo 4* or similar. (B)

Today enjoy the day trip to Hvar. Morning ferry will take you to the island of Hvar. Lovely climate and a high number of sunny days are not the only attraction that the island has to offer. Lavender fields, olive trees and vineyards also contribute to its charm. In the evening return back to Split for overnight at Hotel Globo 4* or similar. (B)

Travel to the southernmost part of Croatia and the city of Dubrovnik. Known in the past as The Republic of Ragusa, this city amazes its visitors with almost 2 kilometres long walls that managed to stay intact even during the conflict that shook Croatia in the early 90s. The narrow streets of the old town, the historical buildings and delicious sea food restaurants attract numerous visitors throughout the year. Overnight in Dubrovnik at Hotel Lero 4* or similar. (B)

Today spend the whole day exploring this Adriatic treasure. The local guide will take you on a walk through the city’s cobblestone streets, enter the Franciscan monastery with the 3rd oldest still functioning pharmacy in the world. Then the afternoon will be free to explore the city on your own. You will be able to take the cable car to the top of Mt. Srd (optional) to admire the amazing view over the fortified town or take a scenic boat ride (optional) to see the majestic city walls from a different perspective and of course walk the walls itself. Overnight in Dubrovnik at Hotel Lero or similar. (B)

Our guide/driver ends the service in the afternoon of day 8.

Transfer to the airport. (B)