Highlights Of Central & Southern Croatia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B