Highlights
- Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
- Guided tour of Dubrovnik, with its medieval and baroque centre almost untouched by the 21st century - ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’
- Visit to Krka National Park and its series of stunning waterfalls and lakes
- Visit to Mostar, with its iconic bridge, once Europe’s border with the Ottoman Empire (2023 only)
- Visit a traditional watermill in the fertile Konavle valley and taste its regional specialities, then spend time in the ancient town of Cavtat
- Guided walking tour of Split including Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace one of the greatest ancient Roman structures
- Visit to medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most seductive old ports
- Tour the Dalmatian coastline, one of Europe’s most dramatic, studded with Venetian influenced, perfectly preserved villages
- Seven nights' four-star hotel accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner
- Visit to the Peljesac peninsula, enjoy a tasting of locally produced cheeses , prosciutto and wine at a family wine cellar, with time to explore medieval Mali Ston (2024 only)
- The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
- Start your holiday in style with an aperitif and canapés at your hotel
- Enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd overlooking Dubrovnik and gaze in wonder at the breathtaking views of the old city and the remarkable Dalmatian coastline
- Experience a slice of rural life on a traditional family farm and dine on seasonal Croatian dishes prepared by your welcoming hosts with fresh ingredients grown on the farm
1
Take your arranged flight to Croatia, where you will be met at the airport by your tour manager. We then transfer to our hotel for the next three night with breakfast and dinner.
2
After breakfast we drive inland to the Krka Valley, home to an immensely impressive sequence of lakes, where water cascades dramatically from one to the next via vertiginous interlocking waterfalls. Minerals dissolved in the water trigger stunning colour changes, from turquoise to azure-blue and from vibrant green to steely grey. With reflections of the majestic surrounding peaks and luxuriant forests rippling on lake surfaces, it’s impossible not to be awestruck. You’ll witness one of the most dramatic stretches of the river as you walk past several tiers of waterfalls tumbling magnificently into a broad, shallow pool, before we take a boat trip along the river. There’s ample time to absorb the surroundings before we return to our hotel during the afternoon. Signature Experience: After a day of truly spectacular discoveries share your experiences over an aperitif and local canapés in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel.
3
Morning We drive along stunning Dalmatian coastline on our way to Split. Croatia’s second-largest city is most famous for a single building, the colossal palace of Emperor Diocletian, which makes up much of the city’s Old Town. It’s one of the great structures of the Roman Empire and has survived in amazing condition since it was built at the turn of the 4th century. A guided walking tour this morning of the fascinating complex will bring its storied history to life. Afternoon We visit the nearby medieval citadel of Trogir, one of the most beguiling little ports in Dalmatia. The Old Town is actually an island. A wealth of Renaissance and Romanesque buildings line a veritable maze of charmingly chaotic lanes. At the centre is the exquisite Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, whose long cycle of construction is reflected in its contrasting architectural features. Wander where your feet take you, cast an eye over one of the many antique shops or just enjoy a coffee in a pavement café – the choice is yours, before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.
4
Morning This morning we say goodbye to our hotel in Omis or Vodice, and travel across the border to Mostar. Please note that for the border-crossing you will need passports in your hand luggage with you. The ancient town of Mostar is nestled in cliffs, overlooking the Neretva river. It was once a provincial capital of the Ottoman Empire, was later annexed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Much of its renown rests with Stari Most, the bridge linking the two halves of the Old Town. Originally built in the 16th century, it was left in ruins in 1993 but rose again the following decade, painstakingly rebuilt to the original Balkan Islamic design as a symbol of reconciliation and as the visual focus of the city. Afternoon Once you’ve experienced the marvels of the city, we continue to Dubrovnik, where we stay for four nights with breakfast and dinner. 2023 itineraries only.
5
Morning Dubrovnik, an independent city-state for much of its history, has evolved differently to the rest of Croatia. This morning, we take a tour with an expert local guide explaining the city’s landmarks and intriguing history. Dubrovnik threw off its Venetian masters in medieval times and founded a commercial empire, trading with the eastern Mediterranean, France, Spain and, later, the Ottoman Empire. The economic boom that resulted in the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ found beautiful expression in the likes of the Rector’s Palace, now a museum, and Sponza Palace, currently housing centuries of historical city documents. The main avenue, lined by enticing shops and cafés, is completely paved with marble, which strikingly reflects the midday sun. Add in a wonderful array of monasteries and monumental ramparts and you’ll find this is a wonderful city, nestling in a location of outstanding natural beauty. Afternoon You are free to explore before we return to the hotel for dinner.
6
You have the day to yourselves, so what is it to be? Watching the world go by as you have a leisurely lunch in the main square? Enjoying a cruise around the harbour? A stroll around the city walls that once protected the city’s inhabitants, but now offer unbeatable views? The options are many and the choice is yours. Signature Experience: For an alternative view of Dubrovnik take the cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd. You can enjoy this experience at any time to suit you, although watching the sun set into the sea from this spectacular vista must be a highlight. As you ride high above the rooftops of Dubrovnik the views of the old town and the Dalmatian coastline beyond will take your breath away. At the summit you may choose to relax with a drink and a bite to eat or perhaps visit the Homeland War Museum, a poignant reminder of the 1991-1995 war.
7
This morning we drive south away from the rugged coast around Dubrovnik and through the lush fields and immaculate vineyards of Konavle, Croatia’s southernmost region nestled between the mesmerisingly blue Adriatic Sea and the dramatic mountains. This fertile land became the main granary of the Dubrovnik Republic and has produced grapes, olives and even silk for hundreds of years. Dotting the landscape are villages with centuries-old stone houses, where traditional farming methods and crafts are still very much a part of modern life. The rivers that flow through the valley encouraged the construction of mills for agricultural development over the centuries, but today only three remain operational. We visit one of these faithfully restored watermills to learn how woollen cloth was produced here – the traditional processes of spinning, weaving and stamping are fascinating. Afterwards we enjoy a welcome drink made with homemade liqueurs, figs, sugared orange, lemon peels and candied almonds, as well as a selection of local cheeses, prosciutto, bread and wine for which Konavle is renowned. We then visit Cavat, a picturesque town on the Adriatic Coast set amidst an evergreen forest of pine and cypress trees. The charming harbour, lined with palm trees has been compared to St Tropez, it is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by from one of the many cafes and restaurants. Signature Experience: For a taste of typical rural life travel into the heart of the lush countryside of Konavle where your welcoming hosts, the Novaković family, will show you around the farm and their wonderful garden. You’ll be served with a selection of delicious seasonal dishes, created with fresh, home cultivated ingredients, cooked over fire from traditional recipes passed down through the family for generations. You’ll also have time to discover the wine cellar and explore the small museum which provides an insight into the history and tradition of this fascinating region.
8
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
4* Hotel Plaza - Omiš
About the hotel The Hotel Plaza is located in Omiš, a lovely little village dominated by two medieval fortresses, with remnants of the old city walls still intact. This comfortable hotel is shaded by aromatic pine forests and is set in a cove on a stretch of beautiful coastline. The sea is invitingly crystal-clear and there is a welcome lack of development. It has a peaceful wellness centre featuring a jacuzzi, steam room, Finnish sauna and massage treatment area plus an indoor gym. The modern rooms are well appointed with an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, a minibar, safe and hairdryer. The hotel’s Buffet i Andante restaurant, decorated with rich wood and leafy green plants, offers a wide selection of local and international dishes, enjoyed in a buffet style. A rich, continental buffet of hot and cold items is offered for breakfast. There’s a great bar too, with a delightful terrace overlooking the beach and complimentary Wi-Fi. Location The hotel is approximately a 10-minute stroll from the centre of Omiš and also has direct access to the beach.
4* Arausana Antonina Hotel - Vodice
2023 departures only About the hotel The four-star Arausana Hotel is in the coastal resort of Vodice, known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. The hotel's restaurant and bar offers superb views of the sea and the surrounding islands. Location The contemporary hotel is well located next to the sea, only a few minutes’ walk from the city town centre.
4* Valamar Tirena Hotel
The 4 star Valamar Tirena Hotel is located just outside the historic centre of Dubrovnik in the quiet natural surroundings of the Babin Kuk peninsula like its sister hotels the Lacroma and Argosy hotel . Just a short walk to nearby beautiful beaches, the hotel has an outdoor pool ( the indoor pool at the Lacroma may be used by guests at the Tirena well as the Wellness centre) and all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi access, a safe and mini bar (payable locally). The Hotels main restaurant serves Mediterranean fare and there is a lobby bar with outside terrace area.
4* Valamar Hotel Lacroma – Dubrovnik
About the hotel The 4-star Hotel Lacroma is a contemporary hotel situated on a rocky promontory into the Adriatic and is surrounded by lush, green pine forests. It provides an excellent, relaxing base for your stay in Dubrovnik. There are two restaurants in the hotel. Whilst dinner in the Mediterraneo is included and will be buffet-style Mediterranean and international cuisine. Guests may choose to dine at the Momenti which serves delicious sea food specialties on the terrace with panoramic views of the Elaphiti (extra supplement applies payable locally) islands, The hotel boasts a choice of bars to enjoy anything from your morning coffee to a sophisticated glass of wine in the evening. There’s an outdoor poolside bar, a chic wine and cocktail bar, and a lobby bar with terrace offering views of the nearby gardens and sea. There’s also a choice of spacious, freshwater swimming pools at this hotel – both outdoor and indoor pools available with sun loungers, umbrellas and towels. Revitalise after a day of exploration with a treatment in one of the hotel’s many spa and wellness areas (Extra charges may apply payable locally). Please note the outdoor pool will be open during the summer months, depending on weather conditions. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom, mini bar, safe, hairdryer, kettle, Complimentary Wi-Fi and telephone. Location There’s an excellent bus service that runs every 10 minutes into Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The journey time is 15 minutes. There are plenty of well-kept beaches nearby to explore and watch the sunset over the ocean.
4* Hotel Argosy - Dubrovnik
2024 departures only About the hotel This contemporary hotel provides us with an excellent, relaxing base for our tour. All rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, minibar, safe and hairdryer. Please note the swimming pool will be open during the summer months, weather permitting. Location The hotel situated on a rocky promontory into the Adriatic and therefore enjoys beautiful sea-views on three sides.