What’ll it be? Black risotto made with squid ink? Grilled sardines with garlic and lemon? Lamb and potatoes “under the bell”? This introductory tour of Croatia allows you to sample its local delicacies as well get a taste of the country’s greatest attributes. Modern coastal cities, magnificent medieval towns, and breathtaking natural wonders await at every turn. Get your fill of the lively cobblestone squares in the capital city of Zagreb, the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in the seaside city of Split, the walled beauty of baroque Dubrovnik, and the magical waterfalls of Krka National Park. Enjoy a walking tour of Ston, famous for its oyster farms, and discover Konavle, known for its lush vineyards. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Trogir!PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Zagreb includes sights of the historic Parliament and Stone Gate• [LF] Guided walking tour in the Krka National Park • Guided walking in Split tour includes Diocletian’s Palace • [LF] Visit to an oyster farm in Ston includes a tasting• Guided walking tour in Dubrovnik • Globus Choice excursions in Dubrovnik − included in your tour with your choice of a self-guided visit on the city walls or a ride up Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable car• Orientation walk in Cavtat and dinner at a local restaurant• 7-day Adriatic Cruise visiting selected Croatian Islands• Visit to the Mljet National Park includes a boat ride to St Mary Isle • Guided sightseeing in Hvar, and Trogir• Oyster tasting in Slano and wine tasting in Vis• Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting) in Bisev
Notes: We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Services of the Tour Director end on day 7. The cruise portion of your vacation, from Dubrovnik to Trogir, is operated by Katarina Lines. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details; there are various ships operating this itinerary, so the ship name varies by departure date.
Welcome to Zagreb! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) Dinner
Day 2 ZAGREB
Landmarks & Legends This morning, get acquainted with Croatia’s capital city when you join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that includes sights of the Parliament, Stone Gate the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more and try some local specialties. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Explore the ancient city of Zagreb where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe meet with a magnetic culture amid medieval architecture and offbeat cafes and bars to enjoy. See the historic Croatian Parliament building – its first session recorded in 1273. In the Upper Town of Zagreb, admire the historic Croatian Parliament building and see the Stone Gate, the only fortification entrance that is still standing, and now home to the city’s most important shrine Breakfast
Day 3 ZAGREB–ZADAR
Sea Sounds & Sunsets Relax as you travel through Croatia to Zadar, join a guided walking tour through the Old Town, see the People’s Square and the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun monument. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B,D)
177 mi/ 285 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Designed by architect Nikola Basic and opened in April 2005, the Sea Organ captures the movement of the waves and transforms it into music-or something like it. Next to it the Greeting to the Sun was built. a 22-meter diameter circle with photovoltaic solar modules underneath. The solar-powered cells under the glass start generating electricity around dawn, which allows the disc to glow and light the shoreline BreakfastDinner
Day 4 ZADAR–KRKA–SPLIT
Waterfalls & Royal Walks This morning, enter [LF] the Krka National Park, an exceptional expanse of natural beauty and importance. Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour through the park, admire the natural waterfalls and learn about the flora and fauna. Later, in Split, a Local Guide will lead you on a discovery through the labyrinth of medieval streets located within part of the Old Town better known as the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy free time this evening to browse the shops and sink your teeth into some delicious local specialties. (B)
124 mi / 200 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS Discover the magic beauty of Krka National Park whose natural wonders span from the Adriatic to the mountains of the Croatian interior. Here, the Krka River provides spectacular waterfalls and gorges as it gushes through a karstic canyon 200m deep Breakfast
Day 5 SPLIT–BOSNIA–HERZEGOVINA–STON–DUBROVNIK
Ston Walls & Salty History Travel south and stop in the stunning coastal town of Ston. Enjoy some free time to explore the medieval town and admire the impressive walls, which make up the longest fortress system in Europe. [LF] No visit to Ston is complete without trying its most acclaimed delicacy. Take a boat across Mali Ston Bay to a floating wooden dock and hear all about the local oyster cultivation before tasting them. Continue to Dubrovnik for an evening at leisure. (B)
146 mi / 235 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS Oyster farming in Ston dates back to Roman times, and the area's unique combination of clean seawater and favorable environmental conditions has made it an ideal location for oyster cultivation. The oysters grown here are prized for their exceptional flavor and quality Breakfast
Day 6 DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK
Spend Your Day Your Way in Dubrovnik This morning, follow your Local Guide for a walking tour of the historic center. Explore more of Dubrovnik with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Walking on Walls
The city of Dubrovnik is completely embraced by its iconic city walls that have survived intact for centuries. Spend time walking along the walls at your own pace on this self-guided visit brimming with photo opportunities and stunning vistas of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.
To Summit Up
Soar up the side of Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable Car for stunning views en route to the panoramic summit above. Cast your eyes on the spectacular views along the way to soak in the miles of marvelous vistas above.
Later, drive to Konavle for an orientation walk in Cavtat and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
37 mi / 60 km BreakfastDinner
Day 7 DUBROVNIK (EMBARKATION)
Above the Gates Today, board your coastal cruise ship. After some time on board to start getting acquainted, join a transfer to the city gate. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd Mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. Later, return to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Built back in 1969 the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who want to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect — its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon BreakfastDinner
Day 8 CRUISING: DUBROVNIK–SLANO
Safe Harbor Admire the views as you cruise around Dubrovnik’s city walls before reaching one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop. Sail to Slano and disembark to explore the town’s long medieval ramparts. At a nearby village learn more about the famed oysters and taste this local delicacy. Time at leisure before returning to the vessel for the Captain’s dinner. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera, situated in a gentle bay 2 km long, a fine beach, with thick pine and olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing a reliable protection against the elements for many centuries BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9 CRUISING: SLANO–MIJET
Myths & Marvels Dock at the island of Mljet and stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. Free time to explore more of the island independently. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent 7 years on the island of Mijet when the nymph Calypso charmed him which led to a shipwreck and him having to seek shelter in the cave for seven years before the Gods released him BreakfastLunch
Day 10 CRUISING: MIJET–KORCULA
Marco Polo’s Roots En-route to the island of Korčula, stop for lunch in a secluded bay. On arrival at Korčula join a guided walking tour of this enchanting town, surrounded by walls it claims to be one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. An evening at leisure to try out the local restaurants and entertainment. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days BreakfastLunch
Day 11 CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS
On the Waterfront Today, discover the island of Vis. A wine tasting experience will familiarize you with the exquisite local wines. Then, plenty of free time to explore the island—perhaps a visit to the remains of the Roman bathing facilities or the City Museum; or a scenic walk with views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae on the waterfront; or just relaxing on a local beach! (B,L)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE In the 4th-century B.C., the island of Vis was one of the main Greek colonies and ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island BreakfastLunch
Day 12 CRUISING: VIS–BISEVO–HVAR
Island Beauties Dock at the small island of Biševo to visit the magnificent Blue Cave (weather permitting), famous for its enchanting azure glow. En-route to Hvar, stop at the Pakleni Islands for a refreshing swim stop and lunch on board. This afternoon, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour of the jet-set island of Hvar which includes a visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands BreakfastLunch
Day 13 CRUISING: HVAR–BOL–TROGIR
Blue Heaven Start the day with a stop on Brač Island for a refreshing swim at Zlatni Rat, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. See the nearby charming former fisherman’s village of Bol. Later, continue to Trogir, the final port of call, for a guided tour and leisure time.
(B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the wind, tide, and the current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool BreakfastLunch
Day 14 TROGIR (DISEMBARKATION)
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Split.
Accommodations
Zagreb
Zadar
Zadar
Split
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
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