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Croatia Tours | Croatia Cruise - CROAGRP01

$5,960 21 days / 20 nights Make a Booking Shortlist

Experience Croatia Tours Like Never Before

Experience: A wonderful journey along the stunning Croatian coastline
Witness: Ancient Roman ruins, glorious walled cities and beautiful islands
Celebrate: A coastal lifestyle which has remained unchanged for centuries
Be inspired: By the warmth of the Croatian people

ESCORTED EX ZAGREB THURSDAY 15 AUGUST 2013

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Zagreb

On arrival, you should make your way through formalities and proceed to the Palace Hotel for a stay of 2 nights. Our escort will be on hand to assist you.

Day 2 Zagreb - Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing visiting the fortified Upper Town, the city's historic centre, St Mark's Church and the City Museum. (B)

Day 3 Zagreb to Rijeka (by road – 130kms)

Late this morning, we transfer by coach to the coastal city of Rijeka where we embark on the MV Emanuel – our home for the next 14 nights. This evening, we’ll enjoy a short sightseeing tour before settling in. (B/D)

Day 4 Sightseeing – Istria to Opatija

We travel by coach to visit the ancient town of Pula where we visit one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world, other Roman ruins, a forum and “Hercules Gate.” Lunch and a folkloric performance will be provided at a traditional family homestead before we visit the medieval hill-top town of Motovun. We then proceed to Opatija to rejoin the MV Emanuel. Situated below a mountain and nature park, Opatija features old Austrian villas, beaches and a magnificent seaside promenade; and is one of the leading tourist destinations in Croatia. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Sailing via the Kvarner Gulf to Mali Losinj

Early this morning, we set sail through the Kvarner Gulf, with a swimming opportunity in one of its many beautiful bays. By the 19th Century, Mali Losinj had developed into the 2nd most important port in the Adriatic and its inhabitants were regarded as being the best seamen in the Mediterranean. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Mali Losinj, Cres and Osor then sail to Zadar

We depart by coach for a tour of Mali Losinj, visiting a herb garden along the way, then continue on to the town of Cres (to view one of 3 Venetian town gates) and the charming “old town” of Osor. Lunch will be taken at the seaside village of Martinscica, from where we will enjoy magnificent views. After lunch, we rejoin the MV Emanuel and sail for the coastal port of Zadar, an ancient Roman colony and (in medieval times) rival to Venice. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Sightseeing Zadar, then sail to the Kornati Islands

This morning, we enjoy a 2 hour walking tour, including a stroll along the famous Kalelarga Street. We then set sail for the Kornati Islands National Park where we’ll experience magnificent views of 140 islands and islets of exceptional beauty, as well as small fishing villages and picturesque shorelines. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Sail to Sibenik

We set sail for Skradin, travelling approximately 12kms up-river, through fascinating gorges, to visit the magnificent Krka waterfalls. This afternoon, we journey to Sibenik where we stroll through the heart of the ancient town. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Trogir & Split

This morning, we set sail for Trogir, known as a “city museum” and listed in UNESCO’s world heritage list. We take a 1 hour walking tour to breathe in the feeling of antiquity which abounds in this lovely town. After lunch, we set sail for the nearby island of Drvenik, anchoring for a swim before we continue on to Split, Croatia’s 2nd largest city. After dinner on board, we’ll be serenaded by a group of local musicians. (B/L/D)

Day 10 Split and Pusica

This morning, we visit the 4th Century Diocletian’s Palace (a World Heritage Site), Jupiter’s Temple, the 1700 year old Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the famous Split markets. We then set sail for the town of Pucisca on the north-eastern side of the island of Brac. Pucisca is famous for its white stone - used for centuries in palaces and cathedrals and, most notably, the USA’s White House. This afternoon, we’ll visit a masonry school. (B/L/D)

Day 11 Sail to Hvar

After breakfast, we set sail to Bol where to visit Zlatni Rat (one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic coast). There will be an opportunity to explore Bol, or to take the mini train to the famous beach for a swim. After lunch, we cruise to Hvar Island. The harbour is small and extremely busy so, this afternoon, we anchor just outside the entrance then transfer by local boat to undertake a short stroll along Hvar’s waterfront promenade and through the Old Town’s historic medieval and Renaissance heart. This evening, we dine ashore at a carefully selected local restaurant and with free time prior to being transferred back to our vessel at 10pm. (B/L/D)

Day 12 Sail to Vis

Early this morning, we depart for the island of Vis. During WWII, Vis was Tito’s headquarters, regularly visited by Churchill’s intelligence officers who assisted with his fight against the German invaders. Later this morning we visit the cave from which Tito directed his forces, the British wartime airport and a local winery. Then, this afternoon, we take a tour of the former Yugoslav military tunnels. (B/L/D)

Day 13 Bisevo and Korcula

This morning, we head to the island of Bisevo to visit the famous Blue Grotto (Cave) which was proclaimed a national natural heritage in 1951. Later this morning, we set sail for the island of Korcula, reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Korcula town, another ancient walled city, contains a wealth of artistic masterworks including paintings by Tintoretto. We take a short walking tour before heading to nearby Lumbarda where we enjoy a traditional dinner at a winery, whilst being entertained by local musicians. (B/L/D)

Day 14 Sail to Mljet and Trstenik

We sail for the island of Mljet, one of 7 Croatian National Parks, with lovely pine forests and jewel-like lakes, cruising across a lake to the ancient church of St Mary. After lunch, we head towards the Peljesac peninsula and the small town of Trstenik where we’ll have a wine tasting at the Grgic winery, made famous by Mike Grgic of Nappa Valley fame. (B/L/D)

Day 15 Sail to Dubrovnik

After breakfast, we depart for a quiet bay on the island of Jakljan where we enjoy a relaxing swim before sailing into Dubrovnik – the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Dubrovnik is a breathtaking sight, entirely surrounded by massive grey walls, interspersed with 4 gates, 3 forts, 5 bastions and 14 towers. It contains a treasure-trove of medieval art and architecture, such that the town itself has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site. This afternoon, we will drive by coach to enjoy a wonderful view over Dubrovnik and coastline. From Pile Gate, we start our walking tour along the famous Stradun, visiting Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery (with one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe), the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. (B/L/D)

Day 16 Dubrovnik

This morning, we join a local boat to experience the panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s majestic ancient walls, then head to the nearby island of Lokrum to visit the famous botanical garden. After lunch on board MV Emanuel, there will be an opportunity to transfer back for further exploration of the “old town.” Tonight, we enjoy special farewell dinner and musical entertainment as we prepare to say farewell to the captain and crew. (B/L/D)

Day 17 Dubrovnik to Makarska Riviera

At 9.00am, we bid farewell to our fellow travellers, then travel by coach into Bosnia and Hercegovina where we visit the "Old City" of Mostar. From here we head to the coast where we stay 2 nights at the Makarska Riviera. (B)

Day 18 Makarska Riviera

Today is free for relaxation. (B)

Day 19 Overland to Plitvice Lakes

This morning, we had back into Croatia and travel via the island route to the Plitvice Lakes where we stay 2 nights at the Hotel Jazero. (B)

Day 20 Plitvice Lakes

Comprising 16 lakes, each at a different level and joined by cascading waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will enjoy a walking tour through and around the lakes today. (B) 

Day 21 Depart for Zagreb airport

After a leisurely breakfast, we head back to Zagreb's airport, where arrangements end. (B)

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