Croatia Lakes & Cities Vacation

Your adventure through Croatia kicks off in the capital city of Zagreb, which offers a mix of modern and medieval, including Austro-Hungarian architecture reminiscent of Vienna and Budapest. Filled with world-class museums, galleries, and hip cafes, it’s a hub of culture. You’ll be met by your private driver at Zagreb’s airport for transfer to your hotel, with the afternoon enjoyed at your leisure to relax or explore. Perhaps find a spot at an outdoor café to unwind with a drink while people watching.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb

Meet your guide for a private city tour that will uncover the highlights of Zagreb and its cobbled streets that will reveal some of its most impressive landmarks like the colorful roof of St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral with its twin spires that soar above the skyline, Dolac Market, the Croatian National Theater and more. During the tour, you will break at “La Struk” to sample Croatia’s most well-known delicacy, Strukli.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb

Moving on from Zagreb, your private driver will transfer you to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fantasy come to life, best known for its 100 waterfalls and 16 interconnected lakes in various shades of emerald and turquoise. Your professional guide will take you to explore this huge national park. At the end of the tour, you can hop on the train for a panoramic ride back to the north-side entrance.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Degenija, Plitvice

It’s time to head to the coastal city of Split next, famous for its 4^th-century Roman emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Along the way, you will stop to visit Krka National Park. Spend some time admiring this natural beauty spot and explore the restored stone houses, watermills, exhibits, and workshops. The network of forest pathways, trails, and wooden bridges will lead you to the discovery of diverse flora and fauna. Continue to Split, arriving later that afternoon.

Note that your visit to Krka NP is self-guided (entrance tickets are included).

• Preferred Hotel Cornaro Hotel, Split

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Croatia on your tour today visiting the UNESCO Island Town of Trogir and Split. Your tour of the two cities begins in the charming town of Trogir, where you can stroll along the seaside promenade and admire the Venetian and Renaissance monuments and buildings whilst learning about their history. Return to Split where you will have a walking tour of the iconic Diocletian’s Palace and the medieval Old Town.

• Preferred Hotel Cornaro Hotel, Split

Today is a free day in Split to relax and explore at your own leisure.

Optional Tour – Blue Cave & Hvar
After an early breakfast hop onto a speedboat for a tour of the Blue Cave, Hvar, and Vis islands. Start by witnessing the remarkable phenomenon that occurs in the cave, illuminating the interior in a surreal blue glow, and then cruise over to nearby Vis to enjoy swimming off the shores of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches at Stiniva Cove. After reaching Hvar you’ll have a couple of hours to explore the historic Old Town before we make our return to Split.

• Preferred Hotel Cornaro Hotel, Split

Your transfer today brings you to your final destination, the UNESCO-listed “Pearl of the Adriatic.” First, however, take a detour to Mostar in neighboring Bosnia & Herzegovina. After crossing the Croatian / Bosnia & Herzegovina border you’ll get a full rundown of the country, and hear all about the local history and life in the present, the break up of Yugoslavia, and the early 1990’s war. Spend a few hours exploring historic Mostar in the company of a private guide, with a little time to explore independently too. Cross back over the border and continue your journey to Dubrovnik.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

You’ll get to know the heart of Dubrovnik and its medieval walled center on a private half-day tour. Your local guide will reveal fascinating tidbits about its history and destruction during the Homeland War. It’s been impressively rebuilt to its former glory, something you’ll witness as soon as you step through the Pile City Gate. While walking the marble streets, marvel at landmarks like the gothic-renaissance Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery which is home to an over 700-year-old still operating pharmacy, and much more.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

Today you will journey to the Peljesac Peninsula to taste the region’s renowned oysters and fine wine. Start in the medieval village of Ston where you’ll witness the ‘Great Wall of Croatia,’ second in length only to the Great Wall of China, built in the 14th century. Next, take a short drive from Ston to hop on a boat to visit an oyster farm. Here you’ll be able to taste the delicacy right from the sea, paired with some of Dalmatia’s tasty wine while learning all about how and why oysters have been grown here for 700 years.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

Your 9-night adventure comes to an end after enjoying breakfast this morning. You’ll be met by your private driver for your transfer to Dubrovnik’s airport to catch your flight home.