Compare Croatia & Adriatic Cruise by Celtic Tours vs Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,219 | $ 2,175 |
| Price Per Day | $ 202 | $ 272 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 1 Dinner |
All breakfasts and one picnic lunch are included. For breakfast, expect a continental-style buffet with cold meat, cheeses, bread, eggs, jams, and pastries, plus tea and coffee. The Dalmatian Coast is dotted with mussel farms and fishing boats, and the seafood along the coast and on the islands is amazing. You will also find grilled lamb, pizza, pasta and salads, and influences from central Europe, Italy, and the Balkans. |
| Description |
An amazing and unique journey through Croatia and cruising the Adriatic Sea! Simply breathtaking! |
With impressive architecture and some of the best scenery in Europe, the Dalmatian Coast is a destination to rival any of the big hitters. So spend a relaxed week taking in the best of this striking coastal region. We start by exploring the Unesco-listed cities of Split and nearby Trogir, before sampling island life on beautiful Korcula. We complete our trip with three nights in Dubrovnik, possibly the best preserved Renaissance town in the world, with a jumble of narrow streets and red-tiled roofs tucked tightly within the city walls.Discover Adriatic islands and the historic cities of Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik |
Day 1: Arrive Zagreb.
Arrive Zagreb,where we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Enjoy dinner this evening and overnight in Zagreb.
Day 2: A day in Zagreb.
A morning sightseeing tour will take us through the historic Upper Town. See St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and the Government Palace. The rest of the day is ours to explore the winding streets of the old town at our own pace. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 3: Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar.
We head south for a visit to magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder with its 16 terraced lakes surrounded by forested mountains and lush vegetation. A walking tour takes us around several of the lower lakes. On to Zadar and the port to embark. Later, gather with our fellow “sailors” for a Welcome Reception on board followed by dinner.
Day 4: Zadare - Sali.
Zadar’s historical center is a pedestrian zone, perfect to explore on foot. Set out on a walking tour and admire the 16th-century walls built in by Venetians as a defense from the Turks. On to see the 16th century Port Gate where the Venetian lion still stands guard over the entrance, the Square of the Five Wells, Church of St. Donat, the Roman Forum and the largest cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. Returning to the boat, enjoy lunch as we sail to Sali. Explore the town tonight, and have dinner on your own in one of the restaurants.
Day 5: Sali - Sibenik.
Take in the scenic natural beauty of two National Parks today. Start in Kornati, home to more than 140 islands with numerous coves and crystal clear waters. Stop for a swim during our lunchtime cruise. Next is Krka, with its breathtaking waterfalls. After your visit here, coach to Sibenik where our boat is anchored. Our evening is at leisure in town.
Day 6: Sibenik - Trogir - Split.
Take a break for a swim during our morning cruise. Sail through lunch, arriving in the UNESCO-listed city of Trogir this afternoon. Free time before heading to Split. Here, a walking tour of the historic inner city shows off the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral.
Day 7: Split - Bol - Hvar.
Stop in Bol, home to one of the best beaches in Croatia, the Golden Horn. Go for a swim in the clear blue waters before sailing to Hvar. Here, a sightseeing tour includes views of the first public theatre in Europe, the Franciscan Monastery, and many more historic sights. The evening is free to explore Hvar and to dine on our own at one of the excellent restaurants. (Note: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbor (during peak season in July and August) port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad/Jelsa. In that case, transfer by bus will be organized to and from Hvar.)
Day 8: Hvar - Korcula - Mljet.
Relax on deck as we sail to Korcula, with an early afternoon arrival. Korcula is the supposed birthplace of the famed explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour through its narrow, cobbled streets and visit the grand Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark. Continue sailing to the island of Mljet, where our evening is free.
Day 9: Split - Bol - Hvar.
Start the day with a tour of Mljet National Park, encompassing five types of forest and many species of birds, including eagles. A walking tour shows you the two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Lunch is served on board while we cruise to Dubrovnik. We dock and head to Grgich Winery for a tour and wine tasting. Later, in Dubrovnik, take a walking tour of the old town and visit the Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy. Our evening is free here in the “Pearl of Adriatic,” a UNESCO World Heritage site
Day 10: Depart Dubrovnik.
After breakfast it's time to disembark. Transfer tothe airport for our return home.
Day 1 Start Split Airport
The adventure starts our hotel in the Unesco-listed town of Trogir, a 10-minute drive from Split Airport. We’ll be staying in the atmospheric old walled part of town. Accommodation: Hotel Tragos (or similar)
Day 2 Explore Trogir; transfer to Split, free time in Split before a ferry ride to Korcula
We look around Trogir in the early morning before a short transfer to Split, another Unesco-listed city. There will be free time in the beautiful old centre before we catch a catamaran in the late afternoon to Korcula island (approximately 2hr to 2hr 30min). The medieval walled town here, reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, is often described as a mini-Dubrovnik. Like the larger city, it is a warren of small lanes and alleys: a great place to explore and a photographer's paradise. After, we take a short transfer to the village of Lumbarda, where our hotel is situated. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Day 3 Circular walk around Lumbarda village and wine tasting
It's time to stretch our legs and roam the surrounding area of Lumbarda. We walk through vineyards and olive groves and admire beautiful beaches, where we can stop for a drink or a quick swim. We also visit the renowned Grk winery to sample local wines. In the evening, we transfer to Korcula town for dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Day 4 Travel by boat to Mljet Island; walk to the peak of Montokuc for panoramic views
After breakfast, we transfer to Korcula in time for the catamaran to Mljet Island, whose national park status has ensured limited development. The island is a tranquil place to walk, cloaked in forest, and dotted with tiny hamlets. Our goal today is the peak of Montokuc (840ft/256m), which offers panoramic views of the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, and to enjoy a picnic lunch on the island, before returning to our Korcula hotel. The path on the way up to Montokuc is rocky, good walking shoes are required to walk this route. Those who do not wish to walk up Montokuc can take a flat circular walk around the lake, have a swim and enjoy a drink overlooking the water. If the catamaran cannot operate due to bad weather, there are alternative excursions, or we will stay on Korcula island and visit Vela Spilja, one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Day 5 Ferry to mainland; visit Ston en route to Dubrovnik
After breakfast, we transfer to the port and take a 15-minute ferry ride to the Peninsula Peljesac. Upon arrival, we drive along a scenic mountain road with views of the coast and vineyards. We stop at a farm and enjoy a local olive and produce tasting just next to the old town of Ston. In Ston, we recommend walking up the magnificent old walls that overlook the town – the view from the top is fantastic. The town is also a seafood hotspot, the mussels and oysters here are among the best in the country. After, we transfer about 37mi (60km) to Dubrovnik where we have the rest of the day to relax. In the evening, we can go into the old town for dinner and a wander. Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)
Day 6 Dubrovnik city tour
We enjoy a full day in the remarkable old city of Dubrovnik, which includes visits to the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm with a location right on the Adriatic, fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls, and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. The cobblestone streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city but the streets come alive at night as locals and visitors stroll along Stradun, the main street. Following the walking tour, you have time to walk along the city walls: this is optional and costs approximately €35 for entrance (or is included in the Dubrovnik Card). Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)
Day 7 Free day to relax in Dubrovnik, or take an optional trip to Lokrum and explore the surrounding area
We have a free day today. Relax in the many eateries or chill on the beach. Alternatively, enjoy an optional visit to Lokrum Island; a 20-minute boat ride will take you from the Old Town port to this beautiful green island, home to a botanic garden full of exotic plants. Bring your swimming costume and a good book – after your stroll, you will definitely want to enjoy a swim in the Adriatic. Accommodation: Hotel Splendid (or similar)
Day 8 End Dubrovnik
The trip ends in Dubrovnik after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
