Croatian Rhapsody 2024

Individual arrival to Zagreb and transfer to the hotel, driving time approx 20-45 minutes. Dinner at the hotel. (D)

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb with a guide. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, you will see its most prominent sights such as St Mark’s Church with its multicolour tiled roof, Parliament, Government Palace, and many others. After the sightseeing we proceed to the picturesque Kvarner Bay, more precisely to Opatija, the cradle of Croatian tourism and the city which used to be the favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy including famous personalities such as Mahler, Chekhov and Isadora Duncan. Dinner and overnight in Opatija. (B, D)

It's time to get to know the Istrian Peninsula and visit the 2000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre located in Pula. Departure from Opatija at approx 0900HRS. Afterwards we will relax in Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful city in Istria and the inspiration of many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj and departure towards Motovun for a sample of one of the Istrian tastiest treasures, the truffle. Return to Opatija at approx 1800HRS for an evening at leisure and overnight. (B, T)

The most beautiful and the oldest National Park in Croatia under UNESCO protection consists of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. The park is located in the mountainous region of Lika and visited mostly on foot. The entrance includes a boat ride across the emerald, green Lake Kozjak. The visit of the park grounds takes approximately 3 hours and reveals a special turquoise magic. Dinner at the hotel restaurant and overnight in Plitvice area. (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive via the coast towards the city of Zadar. The historic city of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments. Here you can see The Roman Forum dated to the 1st century AD and the Church of St Donatus dated to the 9th century AD. Of special interest is the famous Zadar Sea Organ, one of a kind in the world. From Zadar we continue to a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland. We will taste the authentic Dalmatian wines and international Cuvees accompanied with delicious Croatian style Tapas. Departure towards Split for overnight. (B, T)

Today’s Split is the handiwork of seventeen centuries of men and women building and remodelling, adding, tearing down and touching up, so that 18th century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls and fourth century chambers now house the twentieth century apartments. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace that the Emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the fourth century. Today's lunch will be the traditional Dalmatian dish prepared for us at the Tragos Restaurant in Trogir. The town of Trogir, a UNESCO Site, has a fascinating 2,300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. With the high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortresses on a small island, Trogir is sometimes referred to as the “floating museum town”. (B, L)

On our way to Dubrovnik, we will stop near the town of Ston to visit a local winery and taste the famous ‘Plavac Mali’ wine, a very close relative to the ‘Zinfandel’. In this winery the traditional wine making business has been passed on for generations, offering a unique story everyone wants to hear. The wine tasting includes a wine presentation on all the specifics of the winemaking process, wine tasting and a snack. Arrival to Dubrovnik, dinner and overnight. (B, T, D)

Completed in the thirteenth century, the Old Town of Dubrovnik has remained basically unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the Old Town which can be entered through one of the two gates. Once you cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron saint, Saint Blaise (Vlaho), you will find yourself joining the walk down the broad, stone paved promenade known as ‘Stradun’. After the sightseeing, you will have free time to explore the town on your own. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B)

After breakfast, the end of the tour. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport or your Croatia cruise. (B)