Croatia
June 23, Saturday DUBROVNIK
On arrival at Dubrovnik airport, 6 guests will be met and privately transferred into the city where you will stay 3 nights in classic 3 classic rooms at Hotel More, a boutique hotel with 36 luxuriously equipped rooms and 5 suites, each designed with natural tones to reflect a relaxing environment and to offer guests the ultimate luxury and comfort. Situated in the Bay of Lapad, one of the most beautiful locations in the Dubrovnik area. http://hotel-more.hr
Note: Many hotels in Europe are now required to collect a room tax. This new tax cannot be prepaid and must be collected direct at check out.
June 24, Sunday DUBROVNIK
A driver will take you to the Old town where you will meet a guide at the Pile Gate who will escort you for a private walking tour including admission fees.
The old center of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city: for him, it was paradise. Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson's last trip abroad before they were married was to Dubrovnik and the Croatian Adriatic. (The locals even claim that they wanted to settle there.) The old town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city's promenade.
June 25, Monday MONTENEGRO
A guide will take you for a full day excursion to Montenegro where a local guide will meet and introduce you to Kotor & Budva.
June 26, Tuesday KORCULA
A driver will take you to the Dubrovnik port where you will board a ferry to Korcula Island, ferry tickets included. On arrival at the Korcula port a driver will meet and take you to stay overnight at Hotel Marko Polo, set in a hilly position overlooking Korcula Old Town. This hotel offers wide range of facilities and is situated 10 min walk from Korcula Old Town.
Korčula is considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and history and tradition are apparent when you walk along the streets and squares. Points of interest include cultural and historical monuments: the Treasury of the Abbey, the Town Museum, the Museum of Icons, as well as other interesting places including the House of Marco Polo, soon to be made into a Marco Polo Museum.
This is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. It is also one of the most popular travel destinations in this part of Croatia. Like most of the Croatian islands, the Greeks, who gave it the name Korkyra Melaina or 'Black Corfu' for its dark and densely wooded appearance, first settled Korčula. The island itself is rich in art and culture, as well as beautiful nature such as numerous tiny and secluded beaches and bays, small and uninhabited islands and breathtaking views. The main town on the island is also named Korcula. It is a typical medieval walled Dalmatian city, with its round defensive towers and cluster of red-roofed houses.
· The Moreška Sword Dance is performed free of charge on the Korčula town square at 9:00 PM.
June 27, Wednesday SPLIT
A driver will take you to the Korcula port where you will board a ferry to Split. Tickets included for the ferry to Split where you will stay 2 nights at Heritage Diocletian Hotel. Situated in the center of Split, within the walls of the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace, Hotel Diocletian offers an excellent location
June 28, Thursday SPLIT
An expert local guide will escort you for a private walking tour, including admission to Diocletian’s Palace.
Diocletian's Palace one of Croatia's top sights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A fascinating place to explore. If you're thinking palace like Versailles however, think again because it's really more like a city within a city. Emperor Diocletian was Dalmatia's most outstanding contribution to the Roman empire. When he retired to his birthplace (Salona, near Split), he decided to build this monumental fortified palace.
June 29, Friday PLITVICE
Pick up an automatic minivan inclusive of tax, CDW and unlimited mileage. Then head off to Plitvice Lakes National Park (about 3 ½ hours if driving direct).
We suggest a stop at Zadar on the way. Zadar has one of the biggest and best markets of all the Dalmatian coastal towns. The market is a beautiful sight for sore eyes. It's been here since the Middle Ages, but the large open space dates back only to WWII, when many buildings were flattened in this part of town. Some around the edge of the square are only just being reconstructed. The outside stalls are where you'll find mouthwatering displays of fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs and more... all locally grown. Little old ladies (bakice) also sell home made olive oil, rakija and cheese – usually far better than the shop-bought equivalent. The indoor meat market is to one side of the square, and the fish market is opposite, coolly located inside the city walls. Proud locals claim it's the best fish market on the coast. The market is open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 pm daily.
Stay overnight near the park at Hotel Degenija. Situated in the village of Seliste Dreznicko, Hotel Degenija offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The entrance of the Plitvice Lakes National Park is just 2.5 miles away.
The Plitvice National Park is beautiful! Lush forests and tranquil waters are at your doorstep in this serene location. Enjoy an evening stroll in the warm Mediterranean climate or take advantage of one of the numerous water activities available. Imagine Niagara Falls diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon. This lush valley of terraced lakes is laced together by waterfalls and miles of pleasant wooden-plank walks. Countless cascades and strangely clear and colorful water make the Plitvice Lakes National Park (Nacionalni Park Plitvicka Jezera) a misty natural wonderland
June 30, Saturday ZAGREB
In another 3 hours you will reach Zagreb where you will stay 1 night at Hotel International. The newly refurbished Hotel International enjoys a prime location in the heart of Zagreb
Although Zagreb is not known for its beauty, we strongly advise you take a seat in the main square, Trg Jelačića, to understand the city. Above (literally) the square is Zagreb's Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose twin spires are visible from afar. Begun in the 13th century, it was reconstructed in the 20th century after an earthquake damaged it. It gives one an excellent vantage point from which to observe what life is like in the Croatian capital. Be sure to visit the Croatian history museum located in a fine Baroque palace in the Upper Town. The collection includes over 140,000 artifacts from the cultural and national heritage of Croatia from the Middle Ages to the present day. The beautiful Botanical Garden near your hotel is an Oasis of peace and calm in a busy city.
July 1, Sunday DEPART
Leave your van at Zagreb airport and board your departing flight. Flights arranged by Travel Wizards.
