Tour Itinerary – Croatian Rhapsody 9 Days – 2019

Map

DAY 1 ZAGREB (D)

Individual or group arrival in Zagreb, transfer to the hotel (driving time 20 to 45 min).
Welcome drink and group get together. Acquaint yourself with your tour manager and fellow travellers over a plate of Štrukli, a local specialty in the Zagreb area.

DAY 2 ZAGREB –OPATIJA (B,D)

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb with our English speaking guide. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, you will visit St. Mark’s church, with its multicoloured tiled roof, Parliament, the government palace, and many fine old buildings. After the sightseeing tour, we proceed to Opatija (driving time 2:30h), situated on the picturesque Kvarner Bay, which used to be the favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy including famous personalities such as Mahler, Chekhov and Isadora Duncan.
Dinner and overnight in Opatija.

DAY 3 ISTRIA EXCURSION (B,T)

Today it’s time to get to know the Istrian peninsula and visit the 2000 year old roman Colosseum located in Pula. Afterwards we will relax in Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful city in Istria and the inspiration of many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj and departure towards Livade to sample one of the Istrian tastiest treasures, the truffle.
Overnight in Opatija. (departure at 09:00hrs, return around 18:00hrs)

DAY 4 OPATIJA –PLITVICE LAKES (B,D)

The most beautiful and oldest national park in Croatia under UNESCO protection – consisting of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. The park is located in the Lika mountain region and is visited mostly on foot – however the entrance includes a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake “Kozjak” and a train ride back to the main entrance. The visit of the park grounds takes approx. 3 hours.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant and overnight in Plitvice area. (Driving time approx.. 3 hrs)

DAY 5 PLITVICE LAKES –ZADAR–SPLIT (B,T)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive down from the mountain region of Lika via the coast towards the city of Zadar. The historic town of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments. Here you can see the Roman Forum dating to the 1st century AD and the church of St. Donatus dating to the 9th century AD. Of special interest Zadar’s incredible and unique Sea Organ,designed by local architect Nikola Bašić,. From Zadar we continue to the Bibich Winery for a gourmet experience that is more than a simple wine tasting. The winery was burnt to the ground during the war, but is now producing award winning wines and exporting 80% of their production to USA & Scandinavia. We will taste the Dalmatian Debit white wine and Cuvee of Shiraz and Merlot, accompanied with delicious Croatian style Tapas.
Departure towards Split for overnight. (Total driving time 4 to 5 hrs)

DAY 6 SPLIT & TROGIR Sightseeing (B,L)

Today’s Split is the handiwork of seventeen centuries of men and women building and remodelling, adding, tearing down and touching up, so that 18th century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls and fourth century chambers house twentieth century apartments. At the core of this amazing cityscape is the palace built by Emperor Diocletian for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century. Today, for lunch, we enjoy the traditional Dalmatian dish – Pašticada which we will taste at the family owned Tragos restaurant in Trogir. The town of Trogir, a UNESCO site, has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich culture was created under the influence of Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. Trogir has a high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortresses on a small island. It is sometimes referred to as the floating museum town.

DAY 7 SPLIT –STON –DUBROVNIK (B,T)

On our way to Dubrovnik we will stop near the town of Ston, where we visit a local winery and taste the famous “Plavac Mali” wine, a very close relative to Zinfandel. In this winery the traditional wine making business has been passed down for generations, offering a unique story everyone wants to hear. The wine tasting includes a wine presentation on all the specifics of the wine-making process, wine tasting and snack. Arrival in Dubrovnik and overnight. (Driving time 5 hrs)

DAY 8 DUBROVNIK (B,D)

Completed in the 13th century, the old city of Dubrovnik has remained basically unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the city, which pedestrians can enter through one of two gates – either way, they cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron Saint Blaise (Vlaho), to find themselves joining the evening promenade down the broad, stone-paved avenue known as Stradun. After the sightseeing tour, there is free time to explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Dubrovnik

DAY 9  DUBROVNIK (B)

After breakfast, check out.
Individual transfers to the airport are included, or consider joining a relaxing cruise of the islands.

B – breakfast;  L – lunch;  D – dinner;  T – tasting

2019 Dates and Prices (per person in EUROS):

Croatia tour Price Includes:

• Local airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 9
• All transportation as per itinerary in modern motor coach/van with A/C
• Qualified and licensed tour manager during the entire trip
• Welcome drink and info meeting on Day 1
• 8 nights in 4*  Hotels, 3* at Plitvice lakes
• Breakfast daily
• 4 x dinners in hotel restaurants
• 4 x high quality gastronomical experiences in wineries and local restaurants as per itinerary:
  Truffle tasting / Bibich winery /restaurant Tragos / Pelješac winery
• Local guides in Zagreb, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Trogir, Split
• Entrances to: Pula Colosseum, Diocletian Palace Split, Franciscan monastery in Dubrovnik, Plitvice lakes
• Porterage & city taxes

Example Hotels:

• Zagreb: Hotel Dubrovnik, Hotel Academia or similar
• Opatija: Remisens Hotel Admiral, Remisens Hotel Palace, Remisens Hotel Kvarner or similar
• Plitvice: Hotel Degenija, Hotel Jezero or similar
• Split: Hotel Cornarro, Hotel Luxe, Hotel Corner or similar
• Dubrovnik: Hotel Valamar Lacroma Resort, Hotel Argosy, Hotel Kompas, Hotel Lapad or similar

Not Included:

• International Flights
• Any beverages, sightseeing entrance fees not specified in the inclusions
• Gratuities / Tips for guides and drivers
• Photo and video charges at museums and places of interest
• Extra personal costs incurred at the hotel
• Visa service (if required)

Notes

• Hotel – check in after 14.00 hours only. Check out by 11.00 hours
• Accommodation may be substituted with similar grade hotels
• Group size 15-20 approximately
• Meals are pre-set, please notify us of any dietary requirements
• Visa (if required).  Please check with your local Consulate
• CHILDREN: Suitable for 12 years and older

Please email info@select-a-tour.com  for further details.