This morning depart Zagreb, travelling in part along the new
motorway, which connects Zagreb to Split. En route visit the
beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site whose 16 lakes are connected by a series of waterfalls set in
deep woodland. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to
Trogir, known as the "Jewel of the Adriatic." This UNESCO World
Heritage Site is acknowledged for the beauty of its Romanesque
and Renaissance buildings and fortifications. Visit the 13th-century
cathedral of St. Lawrence and stroll through the old streets and
waterfront before continuing to Podstrana.
Le M?ridien Lav B L D
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Zagreb, Croatia
Discover Split, its busy waterfront and horseshoe-shaped harbor
where ferries and private boats regularly cross the Adriatic to Italy.
Stroll through the maze of medieval streets that cluster around the
imposing Imperial Palace of Emperor Diocletian, built in the third
century AD on the shores of the Adriatic. This looming building
with its cavernous interior is a unique remnant of the great days of
the Roman Empire. Next to it stands the richly decorated octagonal
St. Dominus Cathedral, which was originally the emperor's
mausoleum and is believed to be the oldest practicing church in
Christendom. The rest of the day is at leisure. You may remain in
Split to explore more on your own, walk along the waterfront and
shop the quaint stores or return to the hotel to relax in one of the
pools, the spa or on the private beach. This evening, join a wine
expert for a tasting of Croatian wines, followed by dinner and a
klapa concert, a traditional form of a cappella singing.
Le M?ridien Lav B D
Day 3: Zagreb/Plitvice/Trogir/Podstrana
Cross the Adriatic by ferry or hydrofoil (depending on the season)
to the island of Hvar, constructed by Venetian merchants whose
palaces are hidden among the narrow backstreets of the town.
Walk along the waterfront square past the 17th-century arsenal and
caf?s to the 15th-century Franciscan monastery of Our Lady of
Grace and the 17th-century Renaissance theater, one of the oldest
in Europe. This evening dine ? la carte at one of a carefully selected
choice of restaurants.
Hotel Adriana B L D
Day 4: Podstrana/Split/Podstrana
Travel to the Croatian mainland and into Bosnia-Herzegovina for
a visit to Mostar. This picturesque town takes its name from the
16th-century Stari Most, the old bridge that spans the waters of
the Neretva River, flowing some 23 yards below. The town gained
notoriety when the bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where
traditionally East and West symbolically met, was destroyed during
the conflict in 1993; the bridge was rebuilt in 2004. After lunch,
enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Old Bazaar Kujundzilu, the
16th-century Karadjoz-bey's Mosque and Kajtaz's House, a Turkish
home with beautiful living quarters and separate accommodation
for men and women. Later continue to Dubrovnik, where dinner
this evening is ? la carte at a local restaurant.
Hotel Excelsior B L D
Day 5: Podstrana/Split/Hvar
Explore the walled city of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic,"
now restored to its former glory. The landlords and merchants
of this medieval city left behind a legacy of fortresses, churches
and palaces built by the best-known architects of the day. Take a
walking tour of the historic center and its 14th-century Dominican
monastery; the Gothic-Renaissance Sponza Palace, the Rector's
Palace; and the Cathedral, whose rich treasury of gold and silver
religious artifacts is one of the most famous in the entire Adriatic
region. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure; tonight gather for a
farewell dinner at the hotel.
Hotel Excelsior B D
Day 6: Hvar/Mostar/Dubrovnik
Drive along the coast into Montenegro and see its famous fjord as
well as the Venetian trading town of Kotor, founded by the Romans
and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walled city is rich
in period buildings and houses the 12th-century Cathedral of
St. Tryphon, the Gothic Drago Palace and the Renaissance Pima
Palace. Continue to Budva for lunch and a walking tour. Return to
Dubrovnik for a farewell cocktail party.
Hotel Excelsior B L
Day 7: Dubrovnik
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.
B
Day 8: Dubrovnik/Montenegro/Dubrovnik
Day 9: Dubrovnik/USA or Canada