SEMI-INDEPENDENT TOUR: Discover the charm of Croatia, starting in Zagreb. Explore its vibrant cityscape, then journey to the elegant seaside town of Opatija. Traverse the Istrian peninsula, visiting historic Pula, picturesque Rovinj, and medieval Motovun. Marvel at the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes and the historic sites of Trogir en route to Split. Experience the island allure of Hvar and Korčula, before concluding your trip in the stunning city of Dubrovnik.
Included
Itinerary
Welcome
Welcome to Zagreb! Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore the vibrant capital. Stroll through the historic Upper Town with its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings, visit the bustling Ban Jelačić Square, or relax in the serene Maksimir Park. Enjoy the city's lively cafes, museums, and galleries before your overnight stay.
Overnight: Zagreb
Onward to Opatija
Zagreb - Opatija. Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided tour of Zagreb, Croatia’s largest city. Wander through its enchanting streets adorned with baroque facades, majestic towers, and lush parks.
In the afternoon, head on a scenic journey to Opatija, a picturesque seaside resort nestled along the shores of Kvarner Bay. Renowned for its 19th-century charm and elegance, Opatija boasts graceful architecture and stunning coastal views.
Overnight: Opatija | Breakfast
The Istrian Peninsula
Situated as the gateway to the Istrian peninsula, Opatija offers the perfect base for discovering this enchanting region. Begin your day with a visit to the impressive Roman amphitheater in Pula. Continue to explore the picturesque streets and coastal views of Rovinj, renowned for its beauty and charm. Conclude your journey with a visit to the medieval hilltop town of Motovun, surrounded by ancient walls and lush greenery.
Istria, often compared to the "Croatian Tuscany," captivates with its rich heritage and culinary delights such as truffles, wines, and olive oils. After a day filled with exploration, return to Opatija in the evening to relax and immerse yourself in the coastal atmosphere of this graceful town.
Overnight: Opatija | Breakfast
Plitvice Lakes & Trogir
Opatija - Plitvice Lakes - Split. After breakfast, depart for Split. Your first stop is Croatia’s renowned natural wonder, the Plitvice Lakes. Enjoy a guided walk along wooden pathways, marveling at 16 cascading lakes and over 90 picturesque waterfalls.
Continuing your journey to Split, stop enroute in Trogir, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site. Wander through its narrow streets lined with historic houses, palaces, and churches, reflecting its Greek and Roman origins. Admire exquisite Renaissance architecture, including the intricate portal of the Cathedral, the Town Loggia, and the Cipiko palace.
Arrive in Split, where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Split | Breakfast
The Island of Hvar
Split - Hvar. After breakfast, embark on a late morning walking tour of Split. As Dalmatia’s largest coastal town, Split charms visitors with its laid-back atmosphere, creative cuisine, vibrant shopping scene, and rich heritage. Explore the iconic Diocletian’s Palace, once the retirement estate of a Roman Emperor and now a bustling city center home to 2,000 residents.
Later, enjoy a scenic ferry or catamaran ride from Split to the neighbouring island of Hvar. Arrive in the glitzy town of Hvar, where you will spend the next two nights. Discover Hvar's unique blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm, with its stunning architecture and picturesque waterfront.
Overnight: Hvar | Breakfast
The Trendy Town of Hvar
Explore the island of Hvar, renowned for its vibrant lavender fields, olive oil production, and acclaimed red wines from terraced vineyards. Discover the glamorous jet-set atmosphere along the starlit waterfront of Hvar town.
Explore Hvar town independently, a prime destination known for its historic significance, including Europe’s oldest theatre. Beyond its renowned party scene, Hvar offers a day of leisure to enjoy its cultural treasures and Mediterranean charm.
Overnight: Hvar | Breakfast
Captivating Korčula
Hvar - Korčula. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel and some leisure time exploring Hvar, bid farewell to this diverse island.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat journey from Hvar to the neighboring island of Korčula. Renowned for its medieval architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning coastal vistas, you will arrive in the evening. Enjoy settling in for an overnight stay on this picturesque island.
Overnight: Korcula | Breakfast
Korčula to Dubrovnik
Korčula - Dubrovnik. Korčula, a former Venetian stronghold, stuns with its iconic lion statues and exquisite stonework adorning facades and gates. Stroll through its narrow, curved streets, admire beautiful churches, and visit magnificent palaces in one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean.
In the early afternoon, cruise to Dubrovnik, once a formidable rival to the Venetian Republic. Upon arrival, settle in for your next few nights in this renowned Adriatic city, where you'll immerse yourself in its rich history and captivating coastal charm.
Overnight: Dubrovnik | Breakfast
Dazzling Dubrovnik
After hotel breakfast, start your day leisurely. In the late morning, join a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town, also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Marvel at the mighty city walls that transport you back to its days as an independent republic. Explore the town's history and present charm before enjoying the afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight: Dubrovnik | Breakfast
Dubrovnik at leisure
Today is yours to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. Customise your day to your preferences, whether you choose to relax and soak in the city's charm or venture out to nearby islands for adventure.
Consider a visit to Lokrum Island, easily accessible from the Old Town Harbor. This serene island features lush green forests of holm oak, pine, and laurel, home to peacocks and bunnies. For those seeking more excitement, explore the Elaphite Archipelago, famous for its sandy beaches, rich historical sites, scenic hiking trails, and delightful local cuisine.
Overnight: Dubrovnik | Breakfast
Goodbye
Today, your Croatian adventure comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a cabin. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of their own cabin.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Astoria, Zagreb
Part of Best Western's Premier range, the elegant Hotel Astoria offers a high level of comfort and style, fitting with the brand. Guests can choose from a variety of different sizes of room, each offering plush, attractive furniture and a range of modern amenities, including a minibar and satellite TV. The hotel's Ragusa restaurant has a great ambiance and serves a wonderful selection of local and international dishes. The accommodation is conveniently located just 300m from the train station and offers free parking for guests.
Hotel International, Zagreb
While situated in the capital’s buzzing business centre as part of a large modern complex, Hotel International is just a short walk away from Zagreb’s Old Town, making it ideal for business and leisure travellers alike. This 4-star property boasts spacious newly-refurbished guest rooms, benefiting from air-conditioning, en-suite facilities and complimentary WiFi. Hotel facilities include an in-house restaurant and lounge bar, plus a coffee shop and casino. Travellers that like to keep fit on holiday can take advantage of the hotel’s fitness centre.
Hotel Globo, Split
The gleaming Hotel Globo is a beacon of modern hospitality, located in the heart of Split. The delightfully air conditioned rooms are spacious, elegantly decorated and equipped with plush furnishings and a selection of modern amenities. While there is no restaurant at the hotel, reception staff are always happy to make reservations for you at any of the gourmet restaurants in the vicinity. Surrounded by numerous beaches, including the beautiful Bacvice Beach, the Globo is the an excellent base for exploring the best of what Split has to offer.
Hotel Amfora, Hvar
The stunning Hotel Amfora sits right on the beachfront of Hvar and overlooks the Paklinski Islands. Each room comes with large windows, which bathe the room with natural light and provide excellent views of the hotel's gorgeous surroundings. The soft, natural colours with which the rooms are decorated create a calming atmosphere, conducive to a perfect night's sleep. When it comes to wining and dining, guests are spoilt for choice. Choose from the swim up restaurant and bar, located on the edge of the pool, or one of the gourmet restaurants.
Hotel Podstine, Hvar
With its own private beach, this secluded hotel is perfect for those looking to escape the stress of modern life in favour of some sunshine and tranquility. Rooms are beautifully decorated with soft, calming colours and command stunning views out over the bay. Indulge in a treatment at the spa or work up a sweat in the the fitness centre before diving in to the cool, sparkling water of the outdoor pool. Traditional local cuisine is served in the restaurant, which can be washed down with a refreshing drink at the cocktail bar.
Hotel Marko Polo, Korcula
Commanding magnificent views out over the harbour, the Marko Polo is a stunning hotel, boasting sparkling outdoor and indoor pools, a huge wellness centre and a fitness area. Rooms come equipped with all manner of modern convenience and are tastefully decorated. Local cuisine, including fresh fish and meat dishes as well as vegetarian options, can be enjoyed in the spacious dining area. In their spare time, guests can hire a canoe or paddle boat and explore the island's coastline. The hotel is located just a short walk from Korcula's centre.
Port 9 Hotel, Korcula
Boasting a complete renovation in 2017, the Port 9 hotel is ideally located overlooking Korcula bay and only a short walk to the nearest beach. The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms with air conditioning and a large outdoor pool area, perfect for relaxing under the Croatian sun. Port 9 has 3 restaurants on site and Korcula Old Town is just over a mile away.
Hotel Park , Dubrovnik
Grand hotel Park is located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Lapad peninsula and just 100 meters away from the beach and Dubrovnik's Old town is less than 3 km away. Guest rooms offer air-conditioning with private bathrooms, a minibar and flat screen TV's along with free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a large outdoor pool and a brand new and modern spa area with indoor pool.
Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik
The elegant Hotel Lero is a spacious accommodation that offers free WiFi to all of its guests and has an onsite salon as well as a massage parlour. The air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and stylish, ensuring that guests have a wonderful night's sleep. The hotel's bar is the perfect location for a leisurely drink before dinner, which can be taken in either of the two restaurants and consists of local and international dishes. A buffet breakfast is served each morning. The hotel is situated just minutes from the beach and 20 minutes on foot from the Old Town.
Hotel Bristol, Opatija
The Hotel Bristol has been carefully restored to its former glory. This hotel is set in an imposing building of imperial Austro-Hungarian architecture, looking out across Angiolina Park to the Adriatic Sea. Spacious, bright and well decorated rooms offer free wifi and ensuite facilities. The restaurant serves delicious local and international dishes on a terrace with a stunning view.
At a Glance
