Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the Hotel Esplanade. Situated in an elegant 1925 landmark building originally constructed to accommodate passengers on the storied Orient-Express Train, our deluxe hotel offers a sophisticated welcome in the heart of this vibrant city.

After a leisurely breakfast, join your private guide for a narrated walking tour through this cultured city. Begin with the important architectural landmarks of Kaptol Square and the nearby Zagreb Cathedral, easily recognized by its twin Gothic spires. Then mingle with local residents at the bustling Dolac Market for a glimpse into daily life. See the medieval Stone Gate, once the main entrance to the city, and admire the beautifully tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church, one of Zagreb’s architectural crown jewels! Then hop aboard the funicular that connects Upper to Lower Tower, finishing your tour at the Flower Market and Ban Jelacic Square, the lively hub of the capital. Return to your hotel by chauffeured vehicle and enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B

With its rich history and vibrant 21st-century ambiance, Zagreb is an easy and rewarding city to explore at your own pace. Beyond the capital, there are incredible natural wonders and important historical sites to discover. This entire day is free so you can pursue your own interests at your own pace. If you prefer, we do offer additional privately guided sightseeing to enrich your stay. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/64c0e58e-2184-46b7-a4d6-8028f27cfdd3/Europe-Croatia-Zagreb-Optional-Tours_1.pdf.aspx] to see our available Privately Guided Tours in and around Zagreb. Meals B

Leave Zagreb behind this morning and enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel by chauffeured vehicle to the northern shores of the Adriatic—where the Istrian Peninsula sits nestled against the Slovenian border. On arrival in the lovely seaside enclave of Opatija, you’ll check in to the sophisticated Hotel Navis where a sea-view guestroom has been reserved for you. Later this afternoon, you’ll enjoy a walking tour. Situated on forested slopes that descend gently to Kvarner Bay, Opatija is an elegant coastal town that has welcomed its share of celebrity visitors over the decades, from James Joyce to Isadora Duncan. With keen cultural insights and entertaining historical facts from your personal guide, your narrated tour will show you lovely parks and gardens as well as beautiful buildings that reflect a variety of architectural styles including Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau. Meals B

A fashionable seaside resort during the early 19th century, Opatija is filled with Habsburg-era villas and carefully tended public gardens. The Lungomare is an inviting promenade that winds along the coastline for several miles, offering captivating vistas of the town and offshore islands. Take this free day to enjoy these myriad charms at your own pace. If you prefer additional privately guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of excursions that will take you farther afield across the Istrian Peninsula to experience its history and culture as well as its culinary and wine traditions. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/e4d83e04-3b0f-49ec-bfb4-5cb90d18d24c/Europe-Croatia-Opatija-Optional-Tours_1.pdf.aspx] to see our available Privately Guided Excursions in Istria. Meals B

This morning’s chauffeured journey brings you to Zadar for a guided walking tour. Set along the Dalmatian coast, Zadar’s intriguing Old Town is set on a peninsula and renowned for its ancient landmarks including the remains of the 2,000-year-old Roman Forum, the 9th-century St. Donatus Church and the Land Gate—the old main entrance to the city, designed by a Venetian architect in 1543. After sightseeing in Zadar, continue to Split and board the catamaran ferry bound for Hvar. Upon arrival on the island, you’ll be escorted to the Hotel Adriana. Settle in to your superior sea-view room and enjoy a relaxing evening. Meals B

Meet your guide this morning for a private walking tour through the historic coastal town of Hvar, an important harbor for Venice’s mighty Adriatic fleet from the 12th through 18th centuries. See the imposing walled fortress overlooking the harbor and take in the grandeur of Hvar Square as you learn about its impressive landmarks including the Cathedral of St. Stephen, built in the early 1600’s on the site of an earlier 9th-century church! From the old town, a chauffeured vehicle will bring you and your guide up in to the hills above Hvar to visit the Fortica Fortress. Dating back to the 16th century when Hvar was ruled by the Venetians, its commanding location offers breathtaking views of the port, the Adriatic Sea and Pakleni Islands. Returning to your hotel in town, the balance of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Meals B

In addition to Hvar Square and the town’s historic landmarks that you learned about yesterday, this inviting port is filled with cobblestone streets that lead to inviting cafes, boutiques and waterfront vistas. Take this day to explore and enjoy more of Hvar at your own pace. If you prefer additional privately guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of excursions by land and sea, including a speedboat adventure that will take you to the wondrous Blue Cave! CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/c8d0ec96-1ac6-4ade-927f-cd862f3ff848/Europe-Croatia-Hvar-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] to see our available Privately Guided Excursions on Hvar. Meals B

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the pier to board the catamaran back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Split, you’ll enjoy a privately guided tour beginning inside the remarkably well-preserved cellars of Emperor Diocletian’s magnificent palace #WHS#. A startling portion of this 4th-century palatial complex is remarkably well preserved, and it is widely regarded as the most valuable example of ancient Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. Your tour also includes the Cathedral of St. Domnius, an octagonal landmark that was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Diocletian but converted to a church about 100 years after his death. Just up the coast along the Split Riviera, you’ll explore Trogir #WHS#. Situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, this well-preserved old town boasts a wonderful ensemble of Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance landmarks – most of them constructed of stone. Enjoy a narrated walking tour and visit St. Lawrence Cathedral, an architectural treasure that dates back nearly 1,000 years. After sightseeing, return to Split and settle in to your room at the Hotel Cornaro.  Meals B  

With its inviting waterfront promenade and charming piazzas filled with restaurants and cafes, Split is a delightful town to explore at your leisure. And with our hotel’s prime location close to the old town center and waterfront, it’s easy to enjoy Split’s myriad charms on your own. If you prefer additional privately guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of excursions and cultural activities including a full-day tour to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/6ac61ec7-4726-470e-bc29-0031ae35e5fe/Europe-Croatia-Split-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] to see our available Privately Guided Excursions in and around Split. Meals B

After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to the airport for your onward journey. Or why not extend your travels with us to Dubrovnik! Our 4-day extension is perfectly planned with all transportation, privately guided sightseeing and deluxe hotel accommodations.  Meals B