Croatia – a land of a thousand islands, magical nature and rich heritage, land whose beauties have been celebrated since ancient times. With its rocky, indented shore and more than a thousand islands, Croatia boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that Europe has to offer. In addition, many of Croatia’s coastal towns and cities have a fascinating history and are filled with the historical remains of Roman and Venetian times.
With its rocky, indented shore and more than a thousand islands, Croatia boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that Europe has to offer. In addition, many of Croatia’s coastal towns and cities have a fascinating history and are filled with the historical remains of Roman and Venetian times.
Gornji Grad is the medieval core of Zagreb and translates as Upper Town. It developed as two separate towns, Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop, and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived. The towns merged in the 1770s to form the northern section of historic Zagreb. The focal point of Gornji Grad is the square around St. Mark’s Church, the parish church of Old Zagreb.
The 6th century Euphrasian Basilica is the top attraction of Poreč, a 2,000 year old town in Istria. It is one of the best examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region and, for the most part, has retained its original shape, though accidents, fires and earthquakes have altered a few details. The present basilica was built on the site of an older basilica during the period of Bishop Euphrasius. The wall mosaics were executed by Byzantian masters and the floor mosaics by local experts.
The island of Mljet is one of the larger islands off the coast of Southern Croatia. With 72% of the island covered by forests and the rest dotted by fields, vineyards and small villages, Mljet is a perfect place to relax. The island contains two salt lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, that are located at the western end of the island. In the middle of Veliko Jezero, there is a small island with an old Benedictine monastery.
Arrival. Fly to Zagreb, private transfer on arrival to hotel in city centre – 2 nights BB.
Sighseeing. Local sightseeing (using excellent public transport); suggested detour to Trakoscan Castle in northwest Croatia.
Drive to Plitvice National Park. Deliver hire car to your hotel and drive south to Plitvice National Park – 2nts BB.
Explore National Park. Full day to explore National Park trails and scenery on foot or by using park transportation.
Zadar. Drive down to Dalmatian coast to Zadar – 2nts BB.
Relax in Zadar. Relax in Zadar or visit the local area, including the island of Pag, National Park Kornati.
Onwards to Split. Onward drive to Split via Sibenik and/or Krka National Park; recommend staying in small accommodation in nearby Trogir – 3nts BB
Relax in Split. Relax and explore historic cities of Split and Trogir by foot or by using water buses. – suggested detour outside city to ancient Salona.
Explore islands. Take car ferry to one of the nearby islands, such as Hvar, Brac or Korcula – 2nts BB; (consider a diversion to Omis and the beautiful Cetina river).
Explore islands. Relax and explore your chosen island – optional sightseeing – Pakleni Islands (Hvar); Zlatini Rat beach (Brac)
Travel to Dubrovnik. Ferry back to mainland & drive via the castle at Ston to Dubrovnik – 3nts BB On this day you have the option to drop off your car and utilise public transport (or possibly, add a night and visit Mostar (in Bosnia) or Mali Ston heading on to Dubrovnik.)
Dubrovnik. Relax and enjoy Dubrovnik, optional excursions available.
Departure. Private transfer to Dubrovnik airport for flight home.