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.

 
  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

 

Travellers photos