11-Day Beautiful Croatia

Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the town has preserved its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Visit the main attractions including the Pile Gate, the city’s main promenade – the Stradun, the Onophrian Fountain, the Franciscan Monastery, the baroque church of St Blaise and the Rector’s Palace. Also walk atop the city walls for an amazing view. Afterward, enjoy a wonderful welcome lunch at a local restaurant.

As Dubrovnik is one of the most delightful towns in Europe, continue your exploration of this amazing town as you please. There are so many options. Perhaps, continuing exploring the old town; take the ferry to the Island of Lokrum for its natural beauty, Benedictine Ruins and Monastery; or even venture further with a pre-arranged excursion to Montenegro to visit Kotor and Budva.

Drive along the beautiful Adriatic coastline stopping at the fishing village of Ston for a visit to an Oyster Farm. Sail out to the Oyster Beds for a tour and demonstration before delighting in a wonderful culinary lunch experience with wine. Continue north to Split, the second largest city in Croatia dating to the 6th century BC. Freshen up and enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Split. Originally a Greek settlement, Split was conquered by the Venetians in 1420, ruled by Austrians and French before becoming part of Yugoslavia in 1918. It was occupied by the Italians in 1941 and liberated in 1943. Visit the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Listed historical centre including the Diocletians Palace representing one of the most famous architectural and cultural buildings on the Croatian coast. Afterward, transfer to nearby Trogir, the UNESCO World Heritage Listed medieval town with fortified walls, a preserved castle and tower and dwellings from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Enjoy the afternoon to roam before returning to Split.

Today enjoy an excursion to one of Croatia’s most popular islands off the Dalmatian Coast, Hvar. After disembarking the ferry, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Hvar town. Afterward, there is time to enjoy an independent lunch at one of the island’s many seaside restaurants and some leisure time before returning to Split by ferry.

Visit Šibenik, the oldest native Croatian town on the eastern shores of the Adriatic. The town is famed for its UNESCO World Heritage Listed Cathedral of St. James, built between 1431 and 1536, both in Gothic and in Renaissance style. Afterward, continue for a quick visit of Zadar including admission to St Donatus Cathedral, before arriving to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Listed Plitvice Lakes National Park for a cosy organised dinner at your lodge.

Enjoy a guided morning tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, covering 300 square kilometres with beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. The 16 crystal blue-green colour lakes are stunning, particularly the upper lakes that lie in the dolomite valley which are interlinked by waterfalls and are surrounded by thick forests. The area is also fauna-rich, including the brown bear, wolf, eagle owl and many rare bird species. Afterward, depart for the stunning seaside village of Rovinj to check into your amazing hotel before a brief sunset walking tour..

Enjoy a guided tour of the seaside town of Pula, famed for its natural geography and its ancient Roman buildings including its 1st century amphitheatre, the Triumphal Arch, the Arch of Sergii and the Temple of Rome and Augustus. Afterward, visit an olive oil estate in Vodnjan for an olive oil tasting and tour. Afterward, return to Rovinj for leisure time.

Enjoy a thrilling truffle hunt on an Istrian truffle farm followed by a truffle infused light lunch and a brief visit to Motovun town centre. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in the delightful Adriatic town of Poreč before returning to Rovinj.

Venture along the Italian coastline to visit the prosperous seaport of Trieste. Originally a Roman colony dating to 51BC, Trieste later became an important trade, literature and music centre for the Austrian-Hungarian empire. Today, Viennese architecture and coffee houses dominate the streets and the Port supplies 40% of Italy’s coffee. If you are not continuing with us on our Highlights of Italy (North) tour or our Slovenia Discovery tour, transfer to the Venice airport for your ongoing journey.