Croatia may be relatively small but there lots to see and do. From ancient cities, secluded bays and inlets, ruins, national parks, rolling vineyards and a coastline dotted with over 1000 islands to explore. It can be difficult to know where to start. Our classic Croatia two-week tour gives you the historical sights, ancient cities, popular national parks and time on the islands before finishing in the Adriatic pearl, Dubrovnik.
Welcome to the capital of Croatia! Our driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel in the centre of the city. After settling in you will meet our private guide who will take you on a walking tour to learn about this vibrant city. You’ll take a ride on the Funicular (one of the shortest in the world) to the old town and explore the narrow, cobbled streets and some of Zagreb’s most iconic sights.
After breakfast, you have the day to yourself. Wander through ‘The Green Horseshoe’, a stretch of picturesque parks and gardens, home to some of Zagreb’s most famous buildings, such as the National Theatre. Visit one of the city’s many museums, enjoy the quirky cafes or take the tram to Lake Jarun, often referred to as Zagreb’s beach.
Today, you leave Zagreb for a glorious day at the UNESCO Plitvice National Park. Approx 2 hours drive from Zagreb, the park’s 16 emerald-green cascading lakes and waterfalls are one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural attractions. Your day will include a leisurely hike, a boat trip across the big lake and a train ride through the forest. You will continue to nearby watermills and have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant, before ending in Zadar.
After a leisurely breakfast you will meet your guide for a walking tour of Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia. Zadar enjoys a bustling cafe culture, as well as ancient history. Do visit the modern installations, ‘the sea organ’ and ‘greeting to the sun’, magical at sunset.
This morning you set off early to visit Krka National Park, a spectacular combination of lively falls, lush green hinterland and rocky mountains. Enjoy a relaxed hike around the cascading falls and the option of climbing a set of stairs to a cave and spectacular views. From Krka you will continue to Sibenik
Enjoy Sibenik at leisure today. You are perfectly situated in the heart of the old town and just around the corner from the unique St James’ Cathedral (Sibenik’s jewel) and the Michelin starred Peligrini restaurant, often referred to as the best restaurant in Croatia.
Today you depart Sibenik for nearby Trogir, a small town on an island connected to the mainland by bridge. Trogir holds its own in terms of historical sights, the whole city is UNESCO protected and is especially pretty too. From Trogir you continue to the most important archaeological site in Croatia, giving you a full appreciation of life in Roman times. The day ends in Split with a guided walking tour of the old city, built, for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. This impressive example of Roman architecture is now a living museum of narrow medieval streets, home to restaurants, cafes and ancient monuments.
A free day to enjoy Split at your leisure. Sit at one of the many cafes on the Riva or in one of the old town piazzas and enjoy a coffee watching the world go by. Make your way to the city’s beach, a 20-minute walk from the Riva. If you are feeling active you might like to hike or cycle through the pine forests of Marjan hill and enjoy panoramic views over the city.
This morning you’re off to the islands. The first stop is Milna bay on the island of Brac, where you can enjoy a coffee on the beautiful promenade. From here you will make your way to the beaches of the Pakleni islands to enjoy the turquoise waters, snorkelling and sunbathing. You will continue to the island of Hvar. Check in to your hotel before a guided walking tour of Hvar Old Town. Be sure to walk up to the fortress for sunset views over the island. Hvar is known as the new St Tropez, so hit the town and enjoy the scene.
The Adriana is a hotel that’s on a mission to spoil you. You’re worth it! Make the most of the rooftop lounge, indoor swimming pool and panoramic sauna. Book a treatment in advance to ensure you are completely pampered. The ground floor lounge terrace is wonderful for lunch overlooking the marina and the top floor bar offers panoramic views at cocktail hour.
The Pelješac Peninsula is famed for its wine region and the town of Ston, your first stop. Ston is known for the longest stone wall in Europe but it’s the high-quality farmed oysters that really put this little town on the map. You will meet a local fisherman and sample some for yourself. From here, you will continue to try top-quality wines at a family run winery. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before continuing to Dubrovnik.
After a leisurely breakfast you will meet your guide for a private walking tour of the UNESCO protected City of Dubrovnik. Your guide will introduce you to the old town, sharing its past and stories along the way. Be sure to walk the well-preserved city walls, providing a window to the past and iconic views over the terracotta tiles towards the shimmering sea.
A free day to explore Dubrovnik – as active or as leisurely as you like. You might hire a kayak and view the walls from another angle. Be sure to pick up some delicious Croatian wines and olive oils to enjoy at home.
Your final day in Dubrovnik, to relax at the beach or by your hotel pool. Alas, all good things come to an end, our driver will transport you to the airport in time for your homeward bound flight.
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