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On this tour you will experience something new, something special and in every word – something magnificent. We will take you away, far on the Adriatic coast where you will feel unique pureness of crystal blue sea, fresh air and stunning nature. Some of the most beautiful islands, islets and rich underwater world are waiting for you to be discovered.
DURATION: 10 days / 9 nights
Day 1 – arrival to ZAGREB
On your first day of this great tour, you will meet Zagreb, capital of Croatia and its biggest city. We will wait for you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel, located in the city center, where you will check in. After check in we will take you for a walk through the city center, so you can discover your first experience with this exceptional old city; Zagreb – two cities in one city; two different faces in one face. Majestic Upper town, which is intimate, cozy and distinctly medieval in ambience and the Lower town, full of huge squares, wide boulevards and Secession architecture. You will see central square of Josip Jelacic, Zagreb Cathedral, the most beautiful market at the open – Dolac, Stone Gate and many other attractions. We’ll take a ride with the shortest funicular in the world (only 66 meters) to the Upper town and enjoy amazing view on Zagreb roof tops. We’ll take you through the beautiful Lenuzzi horseshoe or so called Green horseshoe, a complex of 7 parks and squares with fountains, in the center of the town. In the evening, we are inviting you to be our guests at a Welcome dinner in one of Zagreb restaurants where you will taste local delicacies.
Overnight in Zagreb, 4* or 5* hotel in the city center.
Day 2 – ZAGREB – SAMOBOR – ZAGREB
After breakfast we will show you some more attractions of Zagreb and one of them is one of top 5 highlights to be visited in Zagreb – Mirogoj cemetery. Situated on the slopes of the Medvednica Mountain, it is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. The well-known architect Herman Bollé designed the shape of the cemetery, applying a monumental composition of arcades, pavilions and domes, intermingled with rich vegetation, and adding a gallery of sculptures by Croatian sculptors. Mirogoj is not only a burial place but also a beautiful park and open art gallery.
In the afternoon we are taking to see on of the most picturesque and romantic little cities in the area – sweet Samobor. Nick-name “sweet” Samobor didn’t deserve only by its gorgeous parks, streets and squares, but also by the most famous cake, traditionally prepared for many generations – Samobor custard pastries. Beside its prominent tourist and excursion characteristics, from ancient times this town is renowned for its excellent artisans and craftsmen. Here you’ll find products of traditional crafts that are extinct elsewhere, the hand-made products which will become your precious Samobor souvenirs. The Samobor crystal, hand-cut, has spread the name of Samobor throughout the world.
You will also taste traditionally prepared Bermet and Samobor Mustard. Bermet is a red aromatic wine made from selected sorts of grapes, wormwood and southern fruit. Samobor Mustard is a savory sauce which tastes like mustard. These products represent an identity and the Samobor people take pride in it being an unavoidable part of the Samobor gastronomic offer. We are coming back to Zagreb in late afternoon.
Overnight in Zagreb, 4* or 5* hotel in the city center
Day 3 – ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES – SPLIT
On the third day of our tour we are heading to the south, almost facing magnificent Adriatic coast. But before that, we will stop at the majestic Plitvice Lakes. Plitvice Lakes are a world pearl of incalculable value. Its specific beauty is a sanctuary for nature lovers and an inspiration for artists, whereas the uniqueness and richness of its nature is an occupation of scientists.
This pure emerald beauty has deserved to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, as the oldest Croatian National Park (proclaimed in 1949). Today, 60 years after its establishment, Plitvice Park continues to provide inspiration for visitors becoming nowadays one of Croatia’s biggest attractions. Thousands of people from all over the world visit the Park during all year round. They come to find peace and relaxation just to experience something different as a getaway from the city.
The series of 16 bigger and a few smaller lakes, gradually lined up, separated by travertine barriers for which the period of the last ten thousand years was crucial, and which were ruled by ecological relations similar to those of today – suitable for travertine depositing and for the origin of the lakes – are the basic phenomenon of the National Park.
Enjoy the timeless beauty of an impressive 78 meters High waterfall, take a walk through green oasis or take a ride with a train or an electric boat, while breathing fresh air and discovering pure intact nature…
In the afternoon we are coming to the ancient city Split, today cultural, economic and administrative center of Central Dalmatia. Because of its Mediterranean charm, vibrant and magical atmosphere, it’s often called “The most beautiful city in the world”. Among its grandiose buildings, streets and walls, we will visit the most important monument of Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic – The Diocletian’s Palace. The site was first settled when, at the end of the third century AD, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here. These days the palace is known as Diocletian’s Palace and it is under UNESCO’s protection. The importance of Diocletian’s Palace far transcends local significance because of its level of preservation and the buildings of succeeding historical periods built within its walls, which today formed the very heart of old Split. Numerous valuable cultural monuments are also to be found beyond the palace walls. Take your free afternoon for exploring this magnificent city – the pines of the Marjan forest in the western part of the peninsula, the murmur of the sea and the sound of the Dalmatian song in the stone streets of the city. Once you get to know this town and the way of living here you are going to love it.
Overnight in Split, design 4* hotel in The Old town
Day 4 – SPLIT – BRAČ – VIS
In the morning, drifted by the sea and wind, we are sailing-away to our dream journey. First we are going to see Brač island, the highest and third largest island in the Adriatic Sea. The island is well known for its quality stone used to build many palaces. The old Romans have known its quality and used this very stone to build cities, amphitheaters, temples, palaces and graves all over the Dalmatia and the world, even in the White House in Washington. This is the island with the only stone mason school in Croatia. Sailing around the island we will see many charming fisherman villages and. beautiful sandy beaches. The coast with numerous bays and beaches which follows one another is 175 km long; Brač is separated from the mainland by the Brač Channel.
After enjoying Brač beauties, our tour continues sailing to the island Vis, the farthest island off the Croatian coast. Vis is probably the cleanest part of the Adriatic Sea and it has beautiful wild nature. During the 2nd World war, the island was declared as a military zone, meaning it was inaccessible to all foreigners until 1989. Vis isolation has retained the charm and style of life characteristic of the 1950s and which still attracts guests looking for “the Mediterranean as it once was”. Vis has always been an island of fishermen and winegrowers. Komiza on the island of Vis is considered the cradle of fishing in the Adriatic, and in times gone by, the Komiza fishermen where well known in all Mediterranean harbors as experts in their field. It is said that the first grape vine in Dalmatia was planted by the ancient Greeks and that it was planted on a Vis field.
This first night on the sea, we will spend anchored in one of charming and quiet Vis bays.
Day 5 – VIS – HVAR – PAKLENI ISLANDS
Our next destination is island Hvar. Voted one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world and praised by renowned international publications, the island of Hvar, on Croatia’s Mediterranean coast, has been known for the healing qualities of its pure air and crystal clear sea since ancient Greek times. In the heart of Europe, Hvar’s uniquely sunny microclimate, unspoiled landscape, and rich cultural heritage made it one of the first tourist resorts in the Adriatic. Whispered to be the new St. Tropez, Hvar has climbed its way to international recognition without effort. Effortlessly ranked as Croatia’s trendiest summer destination, Hvar became an ultimate must-be spot on every-one’s travel map. Hvar’s natural beauty and year-round sunshine made it one of the first tourist resorts in the Adriatic. In fact, the Austrian Queen Elizabeth sponsored the construction of one of the first hotels on Hvar. One of the remains of Hvar history is Stari Grad Plain, one of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a cultural landscape that has remained practically intact since it was first colonized by Ionian Greeks from Paros in the 4th century BC.
The most popular beaches of the town Hvar are situated on the Pakleni islands. The name of this tiny archipelago (about twenty islets right opposite the town of Hvar) which extends undulating along the south side of Hvar comes from the word “paklina” (melted pine resin for ‘rasping’ boat plating). This archipelago is the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera.
The nicest beach, especially for kids is Palmizana, which is a spacious and island’s the most popular cove with a shallow fine shingle beach Palmizana is surrounded by a thick pine forest, fragrant heather and rosemary shrubs and a number of exotic plants.
Renowned for the absence of cars and with extensive footpaths and trails, kids can run around safely, parents can relax with no worries, and lovers can discover hidden bays and crystal-clear sea. Here nature is still pure and pristine with few reminders of the modern world. You can leave the world behind, snoozing at midday under pine trees edging the waterfront. Here you can find perfect rest, restore your inner peace, strengthen your body and rejuvenate your mind.
We will spend the night in a marina in Hvar
Day 6 – HVAR – KORČULA
In the morning we are leaving Hvar behind us and going to explore another Croatian jewel – island Korčula. Korčula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea. It is also one of the most popular travel destinations in this part of Croatia. Like most of the Croatian islands, the Greeks, who gave it the name Korkyra Melaina or ‘Black Corfu’ for its dark and densely wooded appearance, first settled Korčula. The island itself is rich in art and culture, as well as beautiful nature such as numerous tiny and secluded beaches and bays, small and uninhabited islands and breathtaking views. The main town on the island is also named Korčula. Korčula Town is a typical medieval walled Dalmatian city, with its round defensive towers and cluster of red-roofed houses.
Marco Polo, the famous world-traveler and writer, as well as a Venetian merchant, is reputed to have been born in Korčula, where his supposed house of birth is located, which is now a museum Besides Marco Polo; Korčula has a long art and cultural tradition, including museums, galleries and festivals.
The sword dance Moreška, is world famous folk drama / dance, which used to be played all over Mediterranean.
Korčula has a lot to offer to a visitor to see and learn – its art and history, its culture, traditional crafts and skills of stone masonry and shipbuilding, sword dances, music, writings as well as its most famous inhabitant – Marco Polo and his heritage, besides all the natural beauties, views and beaches.
Overnight in Korčula marina.
Day 7 – KORČULA – MLJET
In the morning, followed by the mild wind, we are sailing away to our next destination, to the intact pure nature – island Mljet. The island of Mljet is the most southerly and easterly of the larger Adriatic islands. It is the most beautiful and most forested island in the Adriatic, is one of the most beautiful pearls of the Mediterranean. Isolated and untouched, the island’s mysticism, olive groves, vineyards and rich forests are ideal places to research the rich flora and fauna, and to peacefully enjoy the pristine beauty of the natural surroundings. Mljet National Park makes up most of the island, and there are several villages, two salt water lakes – Veliko and Malo jezero (Big and Little Lake), and a Benedictine monastery on the island of sv. Marija (St. Mary) in Starigrad. We will find on Mljet some of the best natural anchorages in the Adriatic. The landscape of the island seems to justify the opinion of those who think of it as of the “enchanted island” where Ulysses was captured by charming Calypso. Beautiful scenery, crystal clear sea, lakes, islands, rich cultural heritage make the island truly paradise on earth.
We will spend the night in one of the most beautiful anchorages on Mljet
Day 8 – MLJET – ELAFITI ISLANDS – DUBROVNIK
Today we are leaving Mljet and heading to the Pearl of the Adriatic – Old city Dubrovnik, but before enjoying its magic we will first experience magic of the islands that surrounds it, called Elafiti islands.
is a small archipelago consisting of several islands stretching northwest of Dubrovnik. The Elafiti islands have a total land area of around 30 square kilometers and a population of 850 inhabitants. The islands are covered with characteristic Mediterranean evergreen vegetation and attract large numbers of tourists during the summer tourist season due to their beaches and pristine scenery.
Only three islands are inhabited – Šipan, Lopud and Koločep. The Island of Koločep is the one closest to Dubrovnik. The crystal azure sea abounds with fish and shellfish. The dwellers of Koločep used to be the best-known coral divers in the Mediterranean, but today they seldom dive and only for pleasure. The one standing in the middle is the Island of Lopud, which abounds with beautiful sandy beaches. Nature is not the only one who was generous to Lopud. The island also abounds with forts, little churches, summer residences and monasteries housing valuable works of art. The biggest and most inhabited, the Island of Šipan has a large number of vineyards and olive groves. The inner side of the island abounds with shelters and natural anchorages of immense beauty, where the branches of pine trees reach the surface of the sea.
We will take the overnight in one of Dubrovnik’s marina.
Day 9 – DUBROVNIK
And finally, welcome to Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic. Great George Bernard Shaw, impressed by its magic, once said – “Those who seek paradise on Earth, should come to Dubrovnik and find it”. And he was absolutely right. Dubrovnik’s nickname is a “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979. Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia’s tourist cap, an elite destination and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik used to be an independent republic, surviving mostly on trade. It managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. History is present in the entire city, which is both a museum and a picturesque stage where cultural heritage and contemporary life meet. All houses and monuments have a unique value. The Old City is encompassed by medieval walls, which have been preserved in their original form and opened for visitors as Dubrovnik’s major attraction.
We will enter the old town through the Pile Gate and we will find ourselves on Stradun – biggest street in Dubrovnik. Here we will find the Onofrio Fountain, built in 1438, the Franciscan Monastery, with one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, in operation since 1391. At the other end of the Stradun, we will discover the locals’ favorite meeting place, the Orlando Column, with the nearby Sponza Palace and the baroque church of St. Blaise. Here is also the Rector’s Palace, which is now a city museum packed with valuable and historic exhibits. Opposite the palace through a narrow street is a square, Gunduliceva Poljana, which is the site of the busy morning market. In the same square is the Jesuit Monastery from the early 18th century. From here you can see the little old town port and visit the city walls which encircle the city and which have been remarkably preserved. Whole city is alive monument and rich treasury of history. You will surely find it magical.
Take your free afternoon and evening for more exploring Croatian pearl.
Overnight in Dubrovnik’s marina.
Day 10 – departure from DUBROVNIK
Our magnificent Adriatic adventure has come to the end. We will drive you to Dubrovnik Airport to catch your returning flight. We wish you a safe journey home, together with your memories collected in our small, but so diverse country. Till some next time, CroStory team says good-bye…
Included in the price:
– Organization of the tour
– Accommodation in 5 and 4 star hotels, breakfast included
– 10 days / 9 overnights
– Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle (car or minivan) transfers
– Professional and experience English speaking guide and driver
– Sailing yacht with all costs included – fuel, refreshments, fees etc.
– Professional and experienced English sepaking skipper
– Entrance tickets: Plitvice Lakes, Mljet National Park, Dubrovnik Walls
– Sightseeing service: Zagreb, Samobor, Plitvice lakes, Split, Dubrovnik
– Welcome dinner in Zagreb restaurant
– Wine-tasting in Samobor
– Lunch in one of Dubrovnik taverns
Please note: Prices are not fixed, they are flexible depending on a season period and hotel rates. Therefore we suggest you to send us a request so we could make for you a final offer. The travel arrangement can always be customized to your specific preferences. For more details, please send your request to info@crostory.com
