Discover The Wonders of The Balkans
Croatia boasts a rich and colourful history, characterized by pristine forests, stunning lakes, and breathtaking coastlines. Renowned for its exquisite sea-to-table cuisine and fine wines, Croatia offers an exciting blend of culinary delights and adventurous experiences.
Best Time to Travel: The ideal time to visit Croatia is between May and October.
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Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Once settled, embark on a guided city tour to explore its many attractions.
Experience the vibrant Ban Jelacic Square, a bustling hub in the lower town featuring a statue of national hero Josip Jelačić on horseback. Visit the Zagreb Cathedral, originally known as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as other saints.
Explore other notable attractions, including the Dolac Market and the magnificent 17th and 18th-century monasteries, palaces, and churches in the historic Upper Town.
Destination Nugget: Zagreb originated in medieval times as twin fortresses on neighbouring hills. The city has withstood numerous earthquakes, invasions, and political upheavals, showcasing its resilience through the ages.
Discover the stunning karst landscape of Plitvice National Park, filled with lush forests and vibrant meadows. Be captivated by the breathtaking Plitvice Lake System, featuring interconnected waterfalls and watercourses grouped into upper and lower lakes.
After your exploration, continue to Split and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or uncovering the charm of this beautiful city. Join the locals at Bacvice Beach or savour delectable dishes at the various restaurants and al fresco bars lining the seafront.
Destination Nugget: Split is home to many fascinating attractions, including an ancient Egyptian Sphinx brought to the city by the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Maximize your time in Split with a 4-hour tour that combines history and gastronomy. Delve into the colourful life of the eccentric Emperor Diocletian as you explore his palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Roam the historic fish market, which has thrived for centuries, and finish the tour at a local restaurant where you can indulge in delightful Dalmatian specialities like locally-made cheese, cured ham, and local wine.
Destination Nugget: Diocletian’s Palace in Split served as a filming location for many scenes in the hit television series Game of Thrones.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board a public ferry to Hvar Island. Upon checking into your new hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Enjoy the stunning waterfront lined with palm trees, and visit local vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, and charming villages.
Don’t miss notable relics such as the 17th-century Cathedral of Saint Stephen and the historic Clock Tower. Wind down your day with an evening stroll, enjoying ice cream from a local slašictarna, the Croatian version of an Italian gelateria, and admire the elegant yachts docked at the harbour.
Destination Nugget: The interior of the Cathedral of Saint Stephen is modest, yet it’s celebrated for its late Renaissance paintings, 15th-century wooden choir stalls, and beautiful altars.
Start your day with breakfast before taking a public ferry back to Split.
Dubrovnik City Tour: With a knowledgeable guide, explore Dubrovnik on foot. Walk through its cobblestone town centre, fortified by 13th-century stone walls that stretch approximately 2 kilometres, providing breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Once a maritime rival to Venice, Dubrovnik was heavily impacted during the Yugoslav War in 1992, with two out of three buildings damaged. Fortunately, extensive restoration has made the city one of the most beautiful and resilient fortresses in the Mediterranean.
Visit the grandiose 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, home to a remarkable collection of relics, an ancient pharmacy, and a mid-14th-century cloister.
Destination Nugget: The Franciscan Monastery originally featured Romanesque-Renaissance architecture and was later renovated in the Renaissance-Baroque style.
After breakfast, travel to Korcula Island, known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, by ferry. Your ferry will also transport your minivan for exploring the island.
Korcula offers various attractions, including secluded beaches with breathtaking views over the Adriatic. The main town is home to several fine museums showcasing remarkable works of art. You might also have the opportunity to witness a Morisca Dance, a spectacular sword dance that tells the story of a maiden’s abduction by the Black King. This dance, once widespread across the Mediterranean, can now only be seen on Korcula Island.
Destination Nugget: Each Morisca Dance recital depicts a narrative involving the passionate conflict between the forces of good and evil, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage.
After breakfast, return to Zagreb for a quick transfer to the charming city of Varaždin.
Excursion to Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle: Discover Varaždin, a Baroque city known as the cultural and economic centre of Croatia. In the 18th century, it served as the seat of the Croatian Royal Regency Council. As you stroll through the city, admire its antique Baroque-era architecture, including the Church of Saint Ursula, built during the 1700s.
Continue your visit with a trip to Trakošćan Castle, one of Croatia’s most picturesque and well-preserved castles. Nestled amid stunning natural scenery, it offers a glimpse into the country’s feudal past.
Return to Zagreb for hotel check-in, followed by a relaxing evening.
Destination Nugget: The exact origins of Trakošćan Castle remain a mystery; the first historical record of it dates back to 1334, indicating its long-standing significance in Croatia.
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight home, concluding your unforgettable journey through Croatia.
Experiences