Country Roads of Croatia

Day 1  Zagreb          
Arrive in Zagreb and transfer to your hotel. Later, join your travel director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner this evening.          

Day 2  Zagreb          
Discover Zagreb, the two-tiered capital of Croatia on a tour with a local expert. Drive through the squares of the Lower Town and walk through the medieval Upper Town to see the Stone Gate, the colourful Church of St Mark and Lotrscak Tower.          

Day 3  Zagreb to Opatija      
Take a quick detour to Slovenia to visit the world famous caves of Postojna. Board the cave train and descend into an underground world of illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Opatija for an evening on the promenade.  

Day 4  Pula & Rovinj        
Cross the heart shaped peninsula to explore the area of Istria with a local expert. Visit the well preserved 1st Century arena at Pula, the scene of brutal gladiatorial battles during the Roman occupation. This afternoon, explore the charming old town of Rovinj which rises directly from the sea.            

Day 5  Opatija to Plitvice Lakes NP        
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Adriatic coast before heading inland to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose to navigate the timber footbridges through this scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes to Korana Canyon for panoramic views of cascading waterfalls and the primeval forest, alternatively meet the Women of the Tara Centre who produce handicrafts.          

Day 6  Plitvice Lakes NP to Split          
Journey along the Dalmatian Coast through lush green forests and Mediterranean olive groves to the historic town of Trogir. Founded by the Greeks in 400BC, admire the city’s cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace before continuing to the port of Split.      

Days 7-8  Split to Hvar  
With a local expert, explore the sights of Diocletian's Palace including the Temple of Jupiter and Golden Gate before       crossing the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, Croatia’s sunniest island and home to aromatic fields of lavender, rosemary and heather. Day eight is free to enjoy the secluded beaches, old monasteries and tiny fish restaurants that dot the shoreline or to climb the tall peaks for magnificent panoramic views.          

Days 9-10  Hvar to Korcula      
Travel to Korcula, an island of exceptional history and culture and enjoy free time to explore the old town. On day 10, join a local expert for a walking tour to see the Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace and the ruins that remain of the house where Marco Polo was reputedly born.  

Day 11  Korcula to Dubrovnik          
This morning, journey to the beautiful southern slopes of the Peljesac peninsula stopping en route among the vines to see how wine is produced. Continue your journey to the walled town of Dubrovnik and join a local expert to explore the stone paved streets of the 16th Century bastions.  

Days 12-13  Dubrovnik          
Spend the next two days at leisure to explore the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Relax around the pool or perhaps join an optional excursion to Montenegro. On your last evening, enjoy a sunset cruise before joining your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.      

Day 14  Dubrovnik        
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.