TOUR OF CROATIA

Croatia Experience: Zagreb, Istria, Split and Dubrovnik

16 June 2024

Starting in Zagreb, you’ll explore this most fascinating region, then onto Istria and Split before finishing in the historic city of Dubrovnik. Along the way, you will see some of the most beautiful scenery, experience the history and culture of this diverse country and enjoy some unique foodie highlights including, wine tasting, regional delicacies, olive groves and local cheese makers. This really is a fantastic combination of culture, history, scenery and culinary delights. With plenty of time to explore on your own and solo room occupancy at the 4* & 5* hotels, this tour is not to be missed! 

THE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Zagreb

Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Hotel check-in is normally around 3 pm.

Free time for the remainder of the day. A drinks reception will be held at the hotel that evening so you can meet your hostess and the rest of the group. A table will be reserved in the restaurant for Solo in Style, should you wish to join. This will be on an a la carte basis.

Your accommodation will be at the 5* Hotel Westin. Single room on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 2 : Zagreb

After breakfast, you will enjoy a private tour of Zagreb. This modern city with Medieval roots is rich in history and culture and filled with museums. There will be free time after the tour to explore by yourself or relax at the hotel.

Day 3: Plesevica Hills wine tasting and culinary experience

You will have a free morning.

Late morning, we take a short ride to Plesevica Hills, the location of a leading Croatian Boutique family-run winery. After wine tasting and a tour of the winery, the chef who has worked in top European restaurants will organise a fine dining experience for you in the restaurant or on the terrace, serving traditional dishes in a modern way. The courses are designed to faithfully represent traditional dishes from the region, but in a modern and creative way, with seasonal ingredients available from the property and from local producers. 

Return to Zagreb in the early evening.

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park

After breakfast, we leave for a day trip to Plitvice Lakes.

Breathtakingly beautiful, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest National Park in Croatia.

Over the years, the flowing waters on the limestone and chalk have created natural dams, carving out a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls.

A traditional late lunch will be organised after your tour; after lunch, you will continue on to Istria.

Here you will stay at the 4* seafront Hotel Icici in Opatija. Single room on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 5: Istria Experience

Your first stop today will be the attractive medieval town of Motovun. This hillside town overlooks the Mirna River Valley and is surrounded by vineyards, where the finest Istrian wines are produced.

The captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian Peninsular.  Following free time for lunch you will visit the beautiful town of Groznjan filled with local artisans and artists. 

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Day 6: Rovinj – Pula

After breakfast, you have a private guided tour of the ancient city of Pula, with a special stop at the world’s 3rd largest, fully preserved Roman amphitheatre.

Following the tour, you will have free time for lunch and to explore yourself before continuing to Rovinj for a guided tour before returning to the hotel.

Day 7: Split and the Island of Pag

Today your journey continues to Split where you will stay at the 4* Hotel Marul. Single room on Bed & Breakfast basis.

There will be a short ferry ride to the Island of Pag, a culinary jewel of Croatia, famous for its goat cheeses and voted best in the world several years in a row. Famed for lamb and olive oil from olive groves over 1500 years old, you will have a tour of the olive groves and the cheese factory followed by a traditional lunch.

Then continue to Split, arriving early evening.

Day 8: : Split

A morning guided tour of Split offers a perfect mix of history and modern influences, amazing ancient Roman architecture, and modern bars and restaurants.

The tour will include a visit to the Diocletian’s Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the tour you will have the rest of the day to explore on your own or relax at the hotel.

Day 9: Dubrovnik

After breakfast, you will continue onto Dubrovnik, and check into the 4* Hotel Tirena. Single room on Bed & Breakfast basis. The hotel is positioned right by the crystal blue sea and surrounded by pine trees in the Lapad Peninsula, and conveniently positioned only minutes away from Dubrovnik Old Town, the world-famous UNESCO site.

After settling into your hotel, you will then head out for a guided city tour of Dubrovnik. The old town, protected by city walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along the ramparts reveals a different view of the Elafiti Islands and the Old Town. On your tour, the local guide will show you the Onofrio fountain, the city bell tower, and numerous medieval buildings. 

The evening is free for you to explore on your own.

Day 10: Dubrovnik

A free day to explore this fascinating city or relax at your hotel.

Day 11: Departure day

Unfortunately, your time in Croatia has come to an end!

After breakfast, you will transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home.

16 June 2024 - 10 nights

£4530 per person

PLEASE NOTE FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE. YOU WILL NEED TO FLY INTO ZAGREB AND OUT OF DUBROVNIK. WE CAN HELP YOU TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS.

Tour Includes:

  • 11-day tour by air-conditioned coaches with expert English-speaking local guides and driver

  • 10 nights solo occupancy accommodations in hotels stated or similar

  • 3 nights in Zagreb, 3 nights in Istria, 2 nights in Split, 2 nights in Dubrovnik

  • Breakfast is included daily.

  • 3 lunches.

  • Guides and tickets to sights in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Rovinj and Pula.

  • Private airport transfers

  • Private tour leader throughout the tour

Foodie Highlights:

  • Wine tasting

  • Traditional lunch on the Island of Pag

Sightseeing Highlights:

  • Visit Dubrovnik Old Town

  • Explore Istrian Peninsular

  • Discover the Culinary Island of Pag

Not included:

  • Tips and gratuities.

  • Alcohol and other beverages unless stated.

  • Hotel tax which must be paid directly to the hotel at the end of your stay – varies depending on location but is normally Euros 3 per person per night.

  • Flights

FAQs

  • Yes, we strongly recommend that you purchase full personal travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Personal, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for each individual joining the tour and should be purchased by the individual prior to booking. Your travel insurance MUST include airline cancellation cover.

  • No, all rooms are single occupancy only.

  • October's average daily temperature is about 18°C, with highs of around 20°C and lows from 14°C. Of course, with temperatures being lower at night, it would be wise to pack a light jacket or sweater just in case.

  • 6 is the maximum on this tour and you will have an English speaking hostess with you throughout the entire tour.

  • A reasonable level of mobility is required as there will be some walking, mainly on the flat, and not all attractions have elevators.

  • 30% deposit required at time of booking.

  • Cancellation prior to balance payment = 50% loss of deposit.

    Cancellation after balance payment = 100% cancellation charges.

  • If the Croatian Government bans travel due to COVID then we will issue a full refund. If travel is prohibited by other respective Governments, then we will issue a credit note or full refund depending on the circumstances.

Terms & Conditions:

  • The balance of EUR €2733 is to be paid on or by Friday 25th August 2023.

  • Cancellation prior to balance payment = 50% loss of deposit.  Cancellation after balance payment = 100% cancellation charges. 

  • If the Croatian Government bans travel due to COVID then we will issue a full refund.  If travel is prohibited by other respective Governments then we will issue a credit note or full refund depending on the circumstances. 

  • Personal, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for each individual joining the tour and should be purchased by the individual prior to booking.

  • Please note that all holidays are curated and organised specifically for Solo in Style by Voyages d’Exception (sister company of Inspire Me Travel Ltd) and accordingly in purchasing such holiday you are contracting directly with Voyages d’Exception. Deborah Ives will receive a referral fee should you book via Solo in Style, or indicate her name.