Compare Croatia: Islands & Mountains by Exodus Travels vs Highlights of Croatia by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,235 | $ 2,825 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 314 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts are included. For breakfast you can expect a large continental buffet with meats and cheeses, bread, jams and pastries, plus tea and coffee. Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled meat, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy and the Balkans. Some specialities that we highly recommend include squid-ink risotto and octopus salad. | N/A |
| Description |
Enjoy the very best of Croatia: the coast and islands, the beautiful towns, near-perfect national parks and spectacular mountains. Starting in the fascinating Unesco-badged city of Dubrovnik, we begin our journey along the coast where the crystal-clear sea forms the backdrop for many of our early walks, followed by the peaceful sound of waterfalls as we head into the national parks of Paklenica and Krka. Here we have a chance to visit Skradinski buk waterfalls and enjoy walks through spectacular gorges, forests and mountain scenery.Walk idyllic coastal and mountain paths in Croatia |
So, you want to go to the world's newest hot spot: Croatia! Who doesn't? You're ready to travel, but fitting all the raved-about sites into one trip seems, well, tough. Fear no more! Lucky for you, this vacation package is designed for you to easily experience all of Croatia's highlights! You'll begin in bustling Zagreb, then move on to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. All of that in one trip? You bet. With included tours, private transfers, and scenic ferry rides, you'll get a true taste of each destination. This perfect "sampling platter" of Croatia will take you from charming old town streets to the turquoise Dalmatian Coast. Enjoy private walking tours of Zagreb, Old Dubrovnik, and Split - including entrance to the breathtaking Diocletian Palace! Feast your eyes on mesmerizing waterfalls as you take advantage of your included entrance to Plitvice Lake National Park, and feel the salty sea breeze in your hair as you take the ferry to the resort island of Hvar. Looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty, bright blue coasts, old UNESCO-recognized towns, and vibrant cities? Look no further; you've found it! |
Day 1 Start Dubrovnik
The tour starts in the fascinating old city of Dubrovnik. Situated right on the Adriatic Sea, the fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and the jumble of red-tiled roofs make this a truly enchanting place. In the evening, we may have the opportunity to take a walk around the city (subject to flight arrival time) and go out for an optional group meal where we will have a briefing about the tour. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Day 2 Walk from Gornji Obod to Strazisce Peak; transfer to Dubrovnik, explore the old town
After breakfast we take a short transfer (about 25 minutes) to the village of Gornji Obod. From here we follow a path that zig-zags up to the village of Velji Do. After a break, the walk continues up to Strazisce Peak; at the top we are rewarded with spectacular views back over Dubrovnik and can see the commemorative cross in memory of the US aircraft that crashed delivering aid in 1996. We return to Velji Do and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik where we have the afternoon to enjoy the city. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, great care has been taken over the last decade to rebuild and the city has now returned to its former glory. The cobblestoned 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 at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun – this is the main street and is covered in smooth shiny marble. Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Day 3 Transfer up the coast to the Biokovo Massif; walk above the town of Makarska; transfer to Bol on the island of Brac
After breakfast, we will transfer by bus to Tucepi. This transfer takes about 3hr 30min, including a coffee break en route. Once in Tucepi we begin our walk to Makarska, through the Biokovo mountains. The Biokovo massif rises steeply above the Makarska Riviera in three spectacular shelves, providing hiking for all levels and fabulous views. Our destination of Makarska is a small but lively town, tastefully restored in stone after a devastating earthquake in 1962. It has a fantastic 1.2mi (2km) stretch of beach, so if we have a bit of time we can take a refreshing dip before we head for the island of Brac. We will catch the ferry from Makarska and transfer to Bol, by far the biggest draw on Brac. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)
Day 4 Climb Vidova Gora for views over Bol and Zlatni Rat, the Golden Beach; afternoon to relax on the beach
We start today with a 20-minute transfer to the small village of Gazul, where we begin our walk to the peak of Vidova Gora (2,559ft/780m above sea level). The first part of our walk will take us through woodland for around 90 minutes as we gradually ascend 755ft (230m) to the summit of the highest point on Brac. The views from the top of Vidova Gora are spectacular; we can see all the way to the island of Hvar in the distance and the 1,640ft (500m) long spit of Zlatni Rat jutting out to sea in the foreground – this view is one that features on many postcards in Croatia, so make sure to bring your camera. From here, our walk is downhill for around two hours towards the town of Bol. In the afternoon you can make the most of the glorious beach of Zlatni Rat. It is south-facing – ideal for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)
Day 5 Catch the ferry to Split and explore the old town before transferring to Krka National Park; visit the Skradinski Buk waterfalls
We begin with a morning ferry transfer to Split, the second biggest city in Croatia. The old centre is compact and easily explored on foot; many make a beeline to the best-known attraction, Diocletian’s Palace. The town as a whole is a lively and friendly place with a cafe culture. Stop, have a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. We then have a transfer (approximately 52mi/84km) by bus to Krka National Park. Here we begin our walk to Skradinski Buk, a series of waterfalls dropping down in 17 dramatic steps. The area is accessed by wooden walkways and forest paths. It’s also a fantastic spot for wildlife – an important sanctuary with several endemic species, some now extinct elsewhere in Europe. The walk will take around 2hr 30min and all on easy paths. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Starigrad Paklenica. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Day 6 Velika Paklenica National Park gorge walk via Ramici Village
In the morning we take a transfer to the western part of Paklenica National Park where we start our hiking tour passing old villages and fields, hidden among rocky towers and ridges of this limestone realm. After reaching the highest point of the day (approx. 760m), offering splendid views of Velika Paklenica Canyon from the west, we go down to the main canyon and descend to the entrance of the park, admiring the mighty walls of Velika Paklenica along the way. As one of the most popular climbing destinations in the region, Paklenica attracts climbers from all over the world. While hiking down the canyon, you will be able to admire the courage and determination of climbers whom we will see high above us in the vertical world of Paklenica cliffs. We end the hike at the park entrance and take a short (10min) transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Day 7 Another day in Paklenica National Park; walk to a meadow beneath Bojin Kuk peak before returning to Starigrad Paklenica in the afternoon
Today we have another opportunity to explore the wonderful wilderness of Paklenica National Park and complete the most challenging hike of the trip. We walk to the saddle of Pod Jaginim Kukom, which has a great view up to Bojin Kuk. The Bojinac group is made of a vast area of limestone, with the karst scenery forming towers of rock, furrowed limestone cliffs, caves and green meadows creating a contrast against the severe rock. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walker’s paradise. Today's walk takes about five to six hours, the terrain is quite challenging and rocky and requires concentration, steady footing and good balance. En route, we pass the unusual Mirila graves. This afternoon, we return to Starigrad Paklenica in time for a swim and relaxation before leaving Croatia tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Day 8 End Zadar Airport
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel this morning, before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a little time to explore Zadar, home to Roman ruins and intriguing art installations, speak to your sales representative about extending your hotel stay.
Day 1 Welcome to Zagreb!
Arrive in the vibrant capital of Croatia! Grab your luggage, meet your transfer, and enjoy a convenient ride to your first hotel. Settle in, then get to know the city! Stroll around the cobblestone streets in medieval Gornji Grad, Zagreb's Upper Town, and be sure to visit the ornate Church of St. Mark's!
Day 2 Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes
Recharge with a pleasant breakfast, then enjoy a private walking tour of Zagreb! See the historic Upper Town, St, Mark's Church, St. Catherine's Church, and more. In the early afternoon, relax on a scenic transfer to the eye-popping Plitvice Lakes National Park!
Day 3 Plitvice Lakes - Split
After breakfast, take a walk around the breathtaking lower lakes on your own. Meander through this stunning landscape of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by lush vegetation, dense woods, and soaring mountains. In the afternoon, you'll be taken to the coastal town of Split, where you'll explore the city on a private walking tour. Take advantage of your included entrance to Diocletian's Palace!
Day 4 Split - Hvar
Fuel up with breakfast, then hop aboard a ferry to the island of Hvar! As you glide atop the sea, gaze out at the bright blue waters that surround you. Settle in to your hotel, then take a walk through the main square. While in Hvar, be sure to try some of Croatia's seafood specialties, like gregada, peka and brodet!
Day 5 Hvar
Wake up and smell the beauty! Hvar boasts a beautiful blend of party culture, beach relaxation, and old-village charm. There's plenty to do in Hvar Town, which is filled with waterfront parties, cute shops, and trendy restaurants. If you're looking to step off the beaten path, however, you might want to take a 45-minute hike east towards Milna, where you'll be rewarded with crystal-clear, white-stoned Mekicevica Bay. This spot is frequented by naturists and is also known as Robinson's Beach. You also might want to explore the old, less populated villages that exist outside the main town center. Check out Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia, or the tiny village of Humac, filled with small stone homes and lavender fields!
Day 6 Hvar - Split - Dubrovnik
After a lovely morning in Hvar, you'll be transferred to the Hvar Pier where you'll catch a ferry back to Split. Say goodbye to Split, once again, and head on your merry way to Dubrovnik! Your driver will take you along the spectacular Adriatic Coast, past old fishing villages and resort towns - be sure to have your camera ready. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, check-in to your hotel and relax. If you have enough energy, stroll around the Old Town, encased in the historic stone city walls.
Day 7 Dubrovnik
After breakfast, take tons of photos on a private walking tour of Old Dubrovnik! You'll see the Rector's Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, monasteries, and much more. When the tour concludes, spend the rest of the day at leisure!
Day 8 Dubrovnik
Fuel up with a yummy breakfast, then enjoy the day sightseeing at your own pace. Looking for a spectacular view of the city? Consider hopping in a cable car and seeing a truly unique perspective. Game of Thrones fan? Stroll around the walled old city, specifically St. Dominika Street, and feel like you're walking through the show's set. Many Game of Thrones scenes have been shot in Dubrovnik, so if you feel a sense of deja vu or familiarity, you'll know why!
Day 9 Depart Croatia
Savor the flavors of one last Croatian breakfast, then squeeze your souvenirs into your luggage and meet your transfer. Spend your flight home scrolling through photos and dreaming about your next adventure.
