Croatia Delight Tour 13 Days 12 Night

Your morning exploration begins with a visit to the historical gem of Poreč, a UNESCO site. The 6th Century Basilica of Euphrasius, adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics, is a must-see. Afterward, you’ll have some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, prepare for a delightful tour of the picturesque Istrian countryside. This excursion includes a visit to a winery, stops at charming hill-top towns, and a memorable dinner featuring Istrian cuisine specialties, including truffles. Enjoy the flavors of the region. (B, D)

Pula, located at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, is the major town of the region. Your day begins with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, where you’ll encounter a wealth of ancient Roman architecture. The centerpiece is the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, situated right in the heart of the city. Following the tour, you’ll head to Rovinj, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. This charming old town boasts cobblestone streets and a picturesque waterfront setting. Return to the hotel, and enjoy a free evening at your leisure. (B)

Croatia boasts one of the world’s most stunning coastlines, teeming with numerous islands. Begin your day with a scenic drive from the west coast to the east coast of Istria, making a delightful coffee stop in the charming coastal town of Opatija. Then, continue your journey to Krk, Croatia’s largest island, connected to the mainland by a majestic bridge. Here, you’ll explore the towns of Soline, Krk, and Vrbnik, where you can savor local Nobile wine. Later, you’ll be transported to the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s premier attraction. Your accommodation for the night is at Hotel Degenija 4* or a similar option, with dinner included. (B, D)

The Plitvice Lakes, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, are a natural wonder and global treasure. This extraordinary National Park is distinguished by its sixteen interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and extensive woodlands inhabited by a diverse array of wildlife. Your comprehensive tour encompasses both the Lower and Upper lakes. It commences with a visit to the towering 260-foot Great Waterfall, followed by a 90-minute hike through the Lower lakes. Afterward, there’s a break for lunch and a delightful boat ride across the largest lake. The journey then continues with another 90-minute hike through the Upper part of the Lakes, concluding with a scenic train ride. Following your Plitvice Lakes adventure, you’ll be transferred to the beautiful coastal city of Split on the Adriatic Sea. For the next two nights, your accommodations will be at Hotel Luxe 4* or a similar option, conveniently located just a short stroll from the historic district. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Today, Split stands as the largest city along the Dalmatian coast and holds the titles of administrative, cultural, and economic capital. The city’s roots stretch back to Roman times, specifically to the year 305 AD when the ancient Roman Emperor Diocletian had his palace constructed here. Interestingly, Diocletian was born in the nearby town of Salona, present-day Solin. The remnants of his palace now constitute half of the city’s historic center. Your morning will be dedicated to exploring the myriad beauties of Split in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Then, during the afternoon and evening, you can unwind on the beach, savor wine at a sidewalk cafe, or simply relax and enjoy the splendid surroundings. (B)

Today, we depart from Split and head towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Mostar as our first destination. Mostar serves as the primary city in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled on the banks of the Neretva River. During the days of the Ottoman Empire, Mostar emerged as a crucial trading center. Here, people of various backgrounds, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, coexisted and engaged in trade. This intermingling of cultures and nationalities turned Mostar into a vibrant melting pot. At its heart stands the Old Bridge, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Although it suffered destruction during the war in 1993, the bridge was painstakingly reconstructed using original materials and reopened in 2004. During a guided tour of the old town of Mostar, you will explore these historical wonders, including visits to a Bosnian house and a mosque.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time for lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. Later in the day, we will continue our journey to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, representing a multi-religious and multicultural society. The city boasts a vibrant atmosphere with numerous coffee houses, restaurants, and shops, making it a charming place to explore. You’ll spend two nights in Sarajevo at the centrally located Hotel President 4*, situated next to the Baščaršija bazaar district. Tonight, you’ll have the opportunity to sample authentic Bosnian cuisine at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a unique meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures, characterized by its multi-cultural and multi-religious atmosphere. This vibrant city is brimming with colorful coffee houses, restaurants, and shops, reflecting the warm and welcoming nature of its people. To begin our day, we’ll embark on a guided city tour of Sarajevo, including a visit to the Tunnel of Hope area, an important historical site. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a special dinner hosted by local Bosnian families. This experience will offer a genuine taste of Bosnian culture and hospitality. (B, D)

After departing from Sarajevo, we will cross the border into Croatia and make our way to the charming village of Ston. In Ston, we’ll have the opportunity to walk along a section of The Great Wall of Croatia, which happens to be the longest fortress system in Europe, offering stunning views and rich history. Later, we’ll head to Mali Ston for a delightful boat excursion on the bay. During this excursion, we’ll visit an oyster farm where you can even partake in harvesting some oysters. These freshly harvested oysters will be served as a tasty starter for our included lunch along with local wines, all enjoyed on board. After this enjoyable experience, we’ll transfer to Orebić, a picturesque waterfront town located on the Pelješac Peninsula. Here, we’ll stay for two nights at Hotel Indijan 4* or similar accommodation. Your evening will be free, allowing you to explore this small seaside village at your own pace and savor a delicious dinner at one of the many local restaurants. (B, L)

We’ll embark on a short and pleasant ferry ride to reach Korčula, renowned for being one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. This island has a rich history that spans the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. After our informative guided tour of Korčula, you’ll have some free time to explore its charming narrow streets and even visit the famous house of Marco Polo. In the late afternoon, we’ll pay a visit to a local winery on the Pelješac Peninsula where you can sample their exceptional wines. This will be followed by a delightful dinner, providing you with the chance to indulge in local flavors. (B, D)

Today, we’ll transfer to the fabulous city of Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” You’ll enjoy a two-night stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel Villa Argentina 5* or similar accommodation. Upon arrival, you will be guided by a local expert for a walking tour of this extraordinary town. The tour will encompass Stradun, the main street, and the majestic defensive walls that have protected the city for centuries. The afternoon is yours to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. In the evening, you will embark on a memorable dinner experience within the walled city. This is a great opportunity to savor the local cuisine and soak in the captivating atmosphere of this historic city. (B, D)

Today, we’ll bid farewell to Dubrovnik and venture into the neighboring country of Montenegro. Our first stop will be in Perast, where you can capture stunning photos of Our Lady of the Rock island. Then, we’ll proceed to Kotor, a unique coastal town that has a rich history, having been a part of the Venetian Republic for more than 300 years. Many of its historic fortifications and buildings remain intact, making Kotor a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Montenegro has its own unique history as an independent principality and kingdom between 1696 and 1918. We’ll visit the village that served as the ancestral home of its ruling dynasty. The day’s adventure continues to Mount Lovčen, where you’ll explore the mausoleum of Petar Petrovič Njegoš, a renowned Montenegrin prince and poet who holds a significant place in the country’s history and culture. We’ll navigate steep country roads to reach these two important historical sites.

In the afternoon, we will return to Dubrovnik. To conclude this incredible journey, we will gather for a farewell dinner in the evening. It’s a perfect opportunity to share your experiences and impressions with fellow travellers. (B, D)

It’s time to say goodbye to this remarkable tour. Your guide will ensure your comfortable transfer to Dubrovnik airport at your preferred time. We hope you’ve enjoyed every moment of your journey, and we look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure in the future. Safe travels! (B)