Compare Highlights of Croatia by Great Value Vacations vs Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 2,825 | $ 5,350 |
| Price Per Day | $ 314 | $ 357 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
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! |
Discover Croatia’s rich heritage and stunning Dalmatian coastline—with fascinating itineraries curated by Local Experts. Charting a course through the cities of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, the journey pauses for sea-to-table oysters in Ston, a quaint coastal village. Croatia’s culinary delicacies are also the order of the day at Celebration Dinner in Dubrovnik paired with wine and grappa. Explore Plitvice National Park, one of Europe’s great natural wonders. On this Insight Choice, learn about local Tara Community folklore, or journey through the forest paths, alongside 16 interconnecting lakes. |
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.
Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb
Transfers to your hotel depart from Zagreb airport at 11:30 and 14:00. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views over the city. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Zagreb’s Twin Towns Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Drive through the squares of the Lower Town, Donji Grad, designed to give a sense of grandeur. See the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square and continue to Ban Josip Jelacic Square en route to the cathedral. Board the city's funicular to the medieval Upper Town, Gornji Grad. It's a network of little streets, stretching between the Kaptol and Gradec hills. View the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower. The afternoon is at leisure. Relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities or perhaps take an Optional Experience to the Zagorje region to learn about the local traditions and visit the house of Marshall Tito?
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Breakfast
Day 3: Postojna Caves and on to Belle-Epoque Opatija
Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Return to Croatia, where your hotel is in the Belle Époque seaside resort town of Opatija, nestled at the foot of Mount Učka. Take time to stroll by the luxurious villas along the tree-lined seafront promenade.
Amadria Park Hotel Agava, Opatija.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Discover the Jewels of Istria
Cross the heart-shaped peninsula to explore the Jewels of Istria with your Local Expert. Visit the well-preserved first-century arena at Pula, scene of brutal gladiatorial battles in Roman times. Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, rising directly from the sea. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-coloured bars and sidewalk cafes.
Amadria Park Hotel Agava, Opatija.
Breakfast
Day 5: Pristine Plitvice National Park
Enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coast in the morning - journey past sparkling deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands, before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.
Hotel Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: The Dalmatian Coast to Split
The green forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters. Walk through the Roman Ruins and market to see the sea organ of Zadar. Witness the dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in 3rd century B.C. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before continuing to the historic port of Split. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.
Hotel President Solin, Split.
Breakfast
Day 7: Island Hopping to Hvar Relaxed Start
The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's- originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your island-hopping adventure begins here. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, famed for being the sunniest island in the country and boasting an interior dotted with lofty mountain peaks and aromatic fields of lavender.
Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Exploring the Island of Hvar Relaxed Start
Enjoy a full day at leisure, as you explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches, old monasteries and villages of Hvar. Perhaps stroll around seaside Stari Grad, known for being one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Maybe visit the local museum with its impressive collection of archeological finds dating back to Greek antiquity or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant? You could even see the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town with its yacht-lined marinas, famous for being the trendy playground of the rich and famous.
Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Breakfast
Day 9: On the Trail of Marco Polo to Korčula
Cruise back to the mainland and continue your journey to the island of Korčula, known for its grace, history and rich culture. The perfect place for relaxing, the island is filled with quiet coves and small beaches that dot the south coastline. This evening, delight in seasonal fare during a Croatian dinner.
Hotel Liburna, Korcula.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Captivating Korčula Relaxed Start
In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of the Old Town. Marvel at spectacular views of the mainland as you stroll towards the main square of Korčula where the Cathedral of St. Mark dominates the ancient skyline. Hear about local legends and history from your Local Expert, stopping by the Town Museum, the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury collection and the Town Hall. Visit the ruins of the house where according to local legend Marco Polo was born. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town.
Hotel Liburna, Korcula.
Breakfast
Day 11: Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic
Journey to the beautiful southern slopes of the Pelješac Peninsula. Weather permitting, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston and admire the surrounding untouched natural beauty, as you enjoy a glass of traditional Croatian brandy. Stop at a shellfish farm and meet Tomislav, a local oyster farmer, to learn about the cultivation and harvest of oysters. Enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of the fresh shellfish, accompanied with a glass of wine. Continue to the walled town of Dubrovnik, 'paradise on Earth' according to George Bernard Shaw. Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see the Old Jewish Quarter and the synagogue, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoy the luxuries of the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, your home for the next three nights.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast, Morning Tea
Day 12: Optional Montenegro Experience Relaxed Start
Spend the day at your leisure or enjoy an optional visit to Montenegro, travelling along the coast to the pretty port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A photographer's dream, capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay and learn about some of the compelling history of this area. Return to Dubrovnik and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Perhaps start at a trendy wine bar, followed by dinner at a romantic sidewalk cafe?
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast
Day 13: Dubrovnik at Leisure Relaxed Start
Make the most of a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Relax by the pool, shop in the markets or perhaps take the opportunity to visit Cavtat, one of the most enchanting seaside resorts in Croatia. This evening, should weather permit, you're invited to embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Start your Celebration Dinner with the national favourite drink, a glass of grappa. Savour authentic flavours of local specialities washed down with locally produced wine.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik
Your travels draw to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dubrovnik airport at 05:00, 09:00 and 11:30.
Breakfast
