Croatian Rhapsody 9 Days
9 Days: Zagreb – Opatija – Rovinj – Pula – Plitvice Lakes – Zadar – Split -Trogir – Ston – Dubrovnik
Tour overview:
This 9-day land tour offers the best that Croatia has to offer. Experience the best of Croatia on this captivating journey from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Begin in the vibrant capital, where tradition meets modernity, before heading to the enchanting Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cascading waterfalls and emerald waters. Explore the coastal gems of Zadar, Šibenik, and Split, each offering a unique mix of historic landmarks, charming streets, and stunning seaside views. Conclude your adventure in Dubrovnik, the iconic "Pearl of the Adriatic," with its breathtaking Old Town and magnificent city walls. Along the way, savour local flavours, discover hidden treasures, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Day 1 - Arrive Zagreb
Individual arrival to Zagreb and transfer to the hotel (driving time 20to 45 min). Dinner at the hotel. D
Day 2 - Zagreb – Opatija
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb with an English-speaking guide. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, you will see its most prominent sights such as St. Mark’s church with its multicolour tiled roof, Parliament, the government palace, and many fine old buildings. After sightseeing, we proceed to the picturesque Kvarner Bay, more precisely to Opatija, the cradle of Croatian tourism and the city which used to be the favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy including famous personalities such as Mahler, Chekhov, and Isadora Duncan. Dinner and overnight in Opatija. (Driving time2:30h) . BD
Day 3 - Istria Excursion
Today it's time to get to know the Istrian peninsula and visit the 2000-year-old Roman amphitheatre located in Pula. Afterwards, relax in Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful city in Istria and the inspiration of many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj and departure towards Motovun for a sample of one the Istrian tastiest treasures, the truffle. Overnight in Opatija. (Departure at 9:00h, return around 18:00h) . BT
Day 4 - Opatija – Plitvice Lakes - Zadar
This early morning departure and comfortable walking shoes will ensure you reveal the magnificent world of Croatia’s most beautiful and oldest national park under UNESCO protection consisting of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. The park is located in the mountainous region of Lika and is visited mostly on foot–however, the entrance includes a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake “Kozjak”. The visit to the park grounds takes approximately 3 hours and reveals a special turquoise magic. After the visit, we will continue to Zadar for dinner at the hotel restaurant and overnight. (Total driving time approx. 5:30h) . DB
Day 5 - Zadar - Split
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, it is time to explore Zadar. The historic town of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments like the Roman Forum dating to the 1st century AD, and the church of St. Donatus dating to the 9th century AD. Of special interest are the famous Zadar Sea Organs, one of a kind in the world. From the Old Town of Zadar, we continue to a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland. Tasting of the authentic Dalmatian wines and international Cuveeswill be accompanied by delicious Croatian-style Tapas. Departure towards Split for overnight. (Total driving time approx. 3:00h) . BT
Day 6 - Split & Trogir
Today’s Split is the handiwork of seventeen centuries of men and women building and remodeling, adding, tearing down and touching up, so that 18th-century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls and fourth chambers now house the twentieth-century apartments. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace the emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the fourth century. Today's lunch will be the traditional Dalmatian dish prepared for us at the Tragos restaurant in Trogir. The town of Trogir, a UNESCO site, has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. With the high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortresses on a small island, Trogir is sometimes referred to as the floating museum town. BL
Day 7 - Split – Ston – Dubrovnik
On our way to Dubrovnik, we will stop near the town of Ston to visit a local winery and taste the famous “Plavac Mali“ wine, a very close relative to the Zinfandel. In this winery the traditional wine-making business has been passed on for generations, offering a unique story everyone wants to hear. The wine tasting includes a wine presentation on all the specifics of the wine-making process, wine tasting, and a snack. Arrival in Dubrovnik, dinner and overnight. (Driving time 5 hours) . BTD
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
Completed in the thirteenth century; the old city of Dubrovnik has remained unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the Old Town which can be entered through one of the two gates. Once you cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron Saint Blaise (Vlaho), you will find yourself joining the walk down the broad, stone-paved promenade known as Stradun. After the sightseeing, you have free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Dubrovnik. B
Day 9 - Depart Dubrovnik
The Croatian Rhapsody tour ends in Dubrovnik after breakfast, but your adventure doesn’t have to! Extend your journey with a 2-night add-on to explore Montenegro and Mostar, or set sail on one of our unforgettable cruises departing from Dubrovnik. If you are heading home, we will provide a departure transfer to the airport. B