Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast
Be Captivated by Croatia's Spectacular Sights During a 2-Week Guided Tour & Island Cruise
$15,774
Tour Description
See spectacular Croatia on this 2-Week guided tour including a week-long luxury cruise. Enjoy a mix of medieval and modern sightseeing with a Local Expert in Zagreb. See hundreds of waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, then journey to the Opatija Riviera for striking views of the Adriatic Sea. Hunt for truffles with a local farmer and his hound dogs in Istria. Explore the Museum of Apoxyomenos, allowing you unparalleled access to its 2,000-year-old Greek bronze statue. Savor oysters straight from the sea in the picturesque fishing village of Mali Ston, then tour the marble streets of Old Town Dubrovnik with a Local Expert. Later, choose to walk the city’s expansive walls or visit its world-class museums.
The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
Dubrovnik: Begin your journey in the iconic city of Dubrovnik, where ancient city walls and crystal-clear waters create a breathtaking backdrop. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with a private guide, stroll along the Stradun, and take a scenic cable car ride for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
Split: Travel to Split, a city known for its dynamic blend of ancient history and modern flair. Discover the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman marvel, and explore the bustling waterfront. Enjoy leisurely walks through charming streets and savor exquisite local cuisine in fine dining establishments.
Hvar: Set sail to Hvar, an island renowned for its stunning natural beauty and lively atmosphere. Relax on pristine beaches, explore the charming town center, and enjoy a private wine tasting featuring the island’s renowned local varieties.
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DAY 1 Welcome to Zagreb
After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to
your centrally located hotel whose glamorous
history dates to the mid 1920s. As you step inside
its gorgeous lobby decorated in art nouveau and art
deco, reflect upon the hotel’s former guests
including Yul Brynner, Ella Fitzgerald, Orson Welles
and Anita Ekberg. As evening calls, join your
Traveling Concierge and fellow travellers for a
Welcome Dinner.
Included Dining: Dinner
Accommodation: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.
DAY 2 Zagreb Sightseeing
Experience the best of Zagreb’s medieval and
modern architecture on a curated tour with your
Local Expert. Enjoy the bustle of Ban Jelačić Square
where locals chatter beneath the iconic sculpture of
Ban Josip Jelačić before ascending to the Upper
Town on the funicular. Breathe in the fresh air and
panoramic views over the capital and the roof of St.
Mark’s Church colourfully decorated in tiles
depicting the Dalmatia, Slavonia and Croatia as well
as Zagreb’s coat of arms. Continue to the Opatija
Riviera, once a favourite seaside retreat of the elite.
Included Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador Opatija
DAY 3 Pula and Istria
Discover one of the best-preserved Roman
Amphitheaters in the city of Pula. Experience the
thrill of truffle-hunting at the family owned and
operated, Prodan Tartufi. Embark on a decadent
culinary journey of Istria’s bounty starting with a
truffle-hunt expertly led by a local farmer and his
well-trained hounds. After the hunt, treat yourself to
a selection of salami, spreads and cheeses laid out
for you with this gourmet delicacy and finish with a
truffle inspired lunch.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador Opatija
DAY 4 Plitvice Lakes National Park
Find yourself in paradise today on a MAKE TRAVEL
MATTER® Experience in the breathtaking Plitvice
Lakes National Park. On your unforgettable
exploration, team up with a Local Expert to learn
about the Park’s invaluable research and
conservation of its native species. Easy, windy trails
guide you through the blue-green beauty of 16
interconnecting lakes. Stepping across the
boardwalks over otherworldly, turquoise waters,
you’ll be mesmerised by the wonder of the
surrounding nature. Duck your head into cool caves
and gaze up at tumbling waterfalls that remind you
beauty is all around before you continue your
journey to Split.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Park, Split.
DAY 5 Board your Adriatic Cruise
See the sights of Split with your Local Expert who is
eager to escort you though the Old Town’s labyrinth
of streets and the remains of Diocletian’s Palace.
Admire its dramatic arches and columns of this
combined imperial residence and military fortress
before savouring lunch and then setting sail for the
magnificent waters of Croatia. Aboard your cruise
ship is the ideal way to experience the beauty of the
crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Get comfortable in your
private cabin or head up to the sun deck and relax in
the lounge chairs or hot tub with a cocktail in hand
for your voyage to Primosten for your overnight
stay, savouring a delicious dinner on board.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Markan, Katarina Line.
DAY 6 The Islands of Kornati National Park and Telašćica Bay
Find paradise sailing through Kornati National
Park’s maze of 89 jewel-like islands. Craggy and
rugged yet surrounded by the most tempting
beaches and sparkling waters, the islands offer the
faraway feel that has lured visitors in search of a
luxury escape. Cruise past ruins of the ancient
Illyrian fort of Tureta, Roman villas and medieval
settlements. Bathe in crystal clear waters as you
stop for a swim, before arriving in the natural
paradise of Telašćica Bay. Stroll to the Salt Lake
and stand in awe at the famous White Cliffs, rising
162 meters above the blue waters.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Markan, Katarina Line.
DAY 7 Mali Lošinj
Set sail for the exquisite island of Lošinj to join an
expert guide for a walking tour of Mali Lošinj, the
island’s principal town. See the harbor ringed with
Mediterranean townhouses and explore the historic
quarter. Captivating sites continue on tonight’s
private and immersive exploration of the Museum
of Apoxyomenos where you’ll learn the story of the
2000-year-old bronze statue from Greece, perfectly
preserved in the nearby seabed, and housed in this
thoughtfully designed museum.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Markan, Katarina Line.
DAY 8 Explore Zadar
The ancient capital of Zadar is yours to uncover
guided by the insightful eye of your Local Expert.
Travel back in time to the 1st century among the
ruins of the colonnade at the Roman Forum – a
spacious area that allows you to imagine life in the
time of Emperor Augustus. Admire the 9th century
St. Donatus Basilica’s simple yet distinctive round
structure before walking through the 16th century
Venetian city walls. Experience a modern medley of
nature and music at the Sea Organ – a seaside art
installation of underwater pipes that create a
symphony of sound when the waves rush in.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Markan, Katarina Line.
DAY 9 Krka National Park Waterfalls
Taste the best of Croatian wines at the renowned,
family-run Bibich Winery sampling delicate vintages
and savouring a light, tapas lunch of creative
molecular gastronomy overlooking the over 500-
year-old vineyards. Discover more of nature’s beauty
at Krka National Park’s cascading Skradinski Buk
waterfalls where dozens of falls tumble down a
tiered terrace to turquoise waters, bringing you a
sense of serenity amidst the layers of rushing
waters. Then venture into the seaside town of
Šibenik for a guided tour with a Local Expert of its
15th century cathedral, historic stone architecture
and inviting alleys and squares encouraging you to
linger with the locals. Conclude the day with a
Captain’s Dinner and live entertainment on board.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Markan, Katarina Line.
DAY 10 Admire Hvar Island
Embark on a morning cruise towards the island of
Hvar, the sunniest Adriatic Island and the jet-set
destination. Stop for lunch on board and take a
swim in the secluded bay. Upon arrival, spend your
time at leisure to exploring Stari Grad, the oldest
town in Croatia! The first settlers were the Greeks
from the island Paros in the Aegean Sea, who
established the colony in the year 384 B.C. and
named the town Pharos. This evening, walk through
the smooth cobblestone streets, enjoy an aperitif
and find a nice place for dinner.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Markan, Katarina Line.
DAY 11 The Golden Horn and Split
Morning cruise to Zlatni Rat, the most famous
beach in Dalmatia, the Golden Horn. The beach has
a unique and distinctive shape which changes
depending on the wind and tide. Enjoy unbelievable
views of the surrounding seas and the amazing Split
Riviera. Arriving in Split, a city bustling with modern
life amid its ancient Roman setting, enjoy the cafés,
restaurants, and galleries that cram the cobblestone
alleyways and the waterfront. Join your Local Expert
if you choose, for a guided tour of Croatia's secondlargest city, one of the Mediterranean's most
compelling.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Markan, Katarina Line.
DAY 12 Oyster Tasting and Dubrovnik
Hug Croatia’s stunning coastline as you pass the
colourful fields of the Neretva River Delta en route
to the picturesque fishing village of Mali Ston. Set
beneath a hilltop fortress, this quiet town has
become famous for the mussels and oysters that
thrive in its salt-rich channel. You’re fortunate to
stroll out to the floating oyster beds and - with a
cooling ocean breeze in the air - savour fresh, briny
oysters straight from the sea. Enjoy more of the
region’s tempting cuisine over lunch prepared with
seasonal ingredients before arriving at your five-star,
seaside hotel in Dubrovnik. Once the sun has
lowered, join your Local Expert for an evening stroll
through the marble streets of the Old Town viewing
the Rector’s Palace, St. Blaise’s Cathedral Built and
the Dominican Monastery.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hilton Dubrovnik.
DAY 13 Dubrovnik Your Way
Discover the best of Dubrovnik today with your
Dubrovnik Museum Passes and personalized
recommendations from your Travel Concierge.
Choose to stroll along the impressive city walls,
taking in the mesmerizing myriad of red roofs
tucked within the city juxtaposed against the
dazzling blue of the Adriatic just beyond the wall. Or,
history lovers will want to visit one of the city’s
many captivating museums including the
Franciscan Monastery Museum set inside a 14thcentury cloister exhibiting rare books and a
medieval pharmacy that's been in use since 1317,
the Maritime Museum, or War Photo Limited. After
a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun on your
hotel’s private beach, tonight raise a glass to your
amazing travels at your Celebration Dinner.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hilton Dubrovnik.
DAY 14 Farewell Dubrovnik
Conclude your Zagreb to Dubrovnik tour with a
private transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.
Included Dining: Breakfast
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Your Travel Concierge
Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
Local Expert Guides
In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
In-Room Porterage
Included at all hotels.
Taxes & Tipping
Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
Meals & Dining
Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
Complimentary Room Service
On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
Wi-Fi
Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
Airport Transfers
Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.
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Booking and Payments
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation by Client:
More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.
30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.
Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.
Changes to Itinerary
Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.
Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.
Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.
Health and Safety
Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.
Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.
Liability
Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.
Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.
Visas and Documentation
Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.
Conduct
Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.
Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.
Complaints
Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.
Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.
By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.