Jewels of Dalmatia

Itinerary

Day 1. Depart Australia

Day 2. Arrive Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Boasting an incredible coastline, stunning azure seas, well-preserved old towns and a fascinating history, our journey through Dalmatia will begin here in the city of Zagreb.

The beautiful capital of Zagreb is also Croatia's largest city, situated between the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountains and the northern bank of the Sava River. The city dates back to 1094 and architecturally is a mix of Austro-Hungarian and Socialist structures. Zagreb's colourful and historic old town is surrounded by parks and has a vibrant shopping centre, as well as numerous restaurants and cafes to enjoy for lunch and dinner.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to get your bearings, before meeting your fellow travellers and Tour Director over a welcome drink this evening.

We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 6.00pm.

Day 3. Zagreb

We commence our journey today on a city tour of Zagreb. During our tour we’ll see St Mark's Church, dating back to the 13th century; the beautiful baroque St Catherine's Church; one of the tallest buildings in Croatia, the Cathedral of Zagreb; the Parliament and Government Palace.

The afternoon is at leisure to further explore on your own before tonight’s group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. You may wish to climb to the top of Lotrščak Tower and enjoy a panoramic view of Zagreb as the sun sets on the city.

Day 4. Zagreb - Sarajevo

Sarajevo has been the meeting point between east and west for hundreds of years, the place where time seems to have frozen. A symbol of hospitality for centuries, Sarajevo has had many civilisations and empires pass through the city, each of them leaving their mark. Within just a few hundred metres of one another, Catholic and Orthodox churches, Mosques, and Jewish synagogues proudly stand side by side, standing the test of time and welcoming travellers. Unsurprisingly, Sarajevo has also been called the 'Jerusalem of Europe'.

We’ll start early today and cross the border to enter the country of Bosnia & Herzegovina, also known as the heart-shaped land. The drive through the mountains to Sarajevo is one of the most scenic in the region.

On our travels we make a stop at the Tunnel of Hope, a museum dedicated to a fascinating 800-metre-long tunnel. Running underneath an airport runway, the Tunnel of Hope served as the link to the outside world during the 1992-95 siege where Bosnian Serb forces surrounded Sarajevo. During our visit we will learn more about the intriguing history of how the tunnel aided the survival of those under siege.

On arrival in Sarajevo we’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Sarajevo Olympic Stadium, which hosted the Winter Olympic Games back in 1984, before enjoying the evening at leisure.

Day 5. Sarajevo

After breakfast we tour the city, viewing the vibrant Turkish-style bazaar, Baščaršija, with a wonderful array of pottery, metalwork and jewellery on offer. We’ll also explore the Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques, believed to have been targeted heavily during the Bosnian War. We’ll then visit the historical Gavrilo Princip Museum where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place and is thought to have set off a chain of events that led to the start of the First World War.

Special Experience

Discover the culinary delights of Sarajevo on a gourmet walking tour. Enjoy a degustation of traditional foods, relax in a typical tavern and try two types of homemade rakija.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to further explore this wonderful city at your own pace.

Day 6. Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is in our sights today, set against a backdrop of the shimmering Adriatic Sea. Built on a strong tradition of maritime trade, Dubrovnik was one of the centres developing the Croatian language and literature, and was home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, physicists, mathematicians, and other scholars.

Before arriving in Dubrovnik, we bid farewell to Sarajevo and travel through the spectacular gorge valley of the Neretva River to the historic town of Mostar.

Mostar is the second largest city in Bosnia & Herzegovina and home to the famed Stari Most (old bridge). Built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, the bridge was the longest single arch constructed bridge in the world for centuries. The original bridge stood for over 400 years, before it was destroyed in the 1990s during the conflicts in the region. It was rebuilt by the European Union using most of the original stones, to its original specifications and style. It has become a rite of passage for young men from Mostar to jump from the bridge into the fast flowing and icy waters below.

Whilst in Mostar we’ll also see the remains of the Turkish quarter and have some leisure time for lunch.

We’ll then cross back into Croatia and make our way to Dubrovnik.

Day 7. Dubrovnik

This morning we'll enjoy a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik including a visit to the Rector's Palace. This palace owes its present shape to many additions and reconstructions throughout its turbulent history. It underwent various restorations and repairs due to damage by fires, explosions and earthquakes. Each architect who worked on the repairs had their own view of how the building should look. Today, this allows us to enjoy the unique mix of styles that have been blended perfectly across this monumental structure.

Our tour will also take us past the Bell Tower Clock and Orlando's Column. We will also see Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery and the Franciscan Monastery, the latter boasting one of the world's oldest pharmacies.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. For lunch why not try the local seafood, such as stewed muscles or fresh oysters. As the most popular delicacy, the seafood in Dubrovnik is always caught nearby and served fresh.

Day 8. Dubrovnik - Montenegro - Dubrovnik

Today we enjoy a day trip to the tiny country of Montenegro and the historic town of Kotor.

We’ll drive along the beautiful and rugged Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in southern Europe. Enjoy a boat ride from the town of Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the two islets off the coast, home to a church and museum. The bay is also dotted with many charming little villages and towns such as Risan and Kotor, which are well-preserved towns typical of The Middle Ages.

Kotor’s medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made the town part of UNESCO’s ‘World Natural and Cultural-Historical Region of Kotor’. We’ll discover some of the Old Town with a local guide and then have some free time for lunch and to explore further before returning to Dubrovnik.

Day 9. Dubrovnik - Hvar

This morning we head north along the spectacular coast to Hvar Island. Home to beguiling beaches and rich with cultural and historic heritage, Hvar has plenty on offer.

All along the coast, small villages occupy the thin strip of land between towering mountains and cliffs and the bright turquoise waters of the Adriatic. We’ll make a few stops in some of the picturesque towns along the way, including Baćinska Jezera.

Our journey to Hvar will include a ferry ride, then we take in the views from the panoramic road on the island as we travel to Hvar town. Lined with 13th-century walls that surround ornate Gothic palaces, Hvar is a small but busy town which can host up to 20,000 people a day in peak periods.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Why not stroll the marble-clad and traffic-free streets to take in the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 10. Hvar

This morning we see some of the highlights of the beautiful island of Hvar on a walking tour. On our walk we’ll enjoy scenic views from the Hvar Fortress, a medieval castle dating back to before 500 BC. We then make our way to the village of Vrisnik where we enjoy a shared group lunch.

Special Experience

Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and taste the regional cuisine at a special home-hosted lunch at a local family restaurant.

This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 11. Hvar - Split

This morning we’ll board a ferry and continue to Split, one of the jewels of Croatia’s glittering Adriatic Coast. The largest and most important city of the Dalmatia region, Split was first settled back in 639.

Today we’ll explore the historic inner city of Split, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Immerse yourself in Roman history as we see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral.

The rest of the afternoon is then yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to spend time at one of the city’s stunning beaches before exploring some of the excellent dining options and buzzing nightlife in town. Your Tour Director will be able to help with some recommendations.

Day 12. Split - Trogir - Ličko Petrovo Selo

We’ll make our way towards Ličko Petrovo Selo, a small village with rich history and stunning natural surroundings only a short distance away from the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

First, we’ll continue north along the coast to the artists' town of Trogir, where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. Here, we’ll explore the Old Town and see the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St Lawrence.

Enjoy some free time for lunch before we make our way to Ličko Petrovo Selo, via both the Krka Bridge and the Mascelina Bridge. After checking in to our hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Day 13. Ličko Petrovo Selo

After breakfast we’ll head to Plitvice Lakes to explore this stunning national park. Plitvice Lakes National Park comprises 16 terraced lakes surrounded by densely wooded hills. Found in the Lika region of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park covers a total area of 300-square-kilometres, including the beguiling string of lakes that link together over a distance of 8-kilometres.

Today we’ll enjoy a morning walk around some of the lower lakes. Make sure you wear good, comfortable shoes!

The afternoon is free for you to explore further at your own pace or to relax and enjoy the tranquillity.

Why not discover more of this incredible natural phenomenon on an extended walk with your guide this afternoon?

Day 14. Ličko Petrovo Selo - Opatija

This morning we make our way to the former imperial resort town of Opatija, located on the beautiful Gulf of Kvarner. Opatija is still a popular resort destination for locals and visitors from surrounding European countries due to its perpetual warm climate.

Along the way we stop to visit the beautiful watermill village in Rastoke. Here the bright, turquoise water of the Slunjčica flows into the Korana River, which over time has created a series of picturesque waterfalls.

After some free time for lunch, we continue to Opatija. We’ll take an orientation tour of the town on arrival, and the remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore on your own.

Day 15. Opatija - Istrian Peninsula - Opatija

We have an early start this morning ahead of an exciting full day excursion to the Istrian Peninsula.

The drive will take us through many tourist resorts on our way to the town of Poreč, where we’ll visit the Euphrasian Basilica dating from the sixth century and famous for its Byzantine mosaics.

We then continue to the village of Rovinj, renowned for its colourful, narrow streets, small squares and old palaces built in Venetian style. We’ll enjoy free time here for lunch and to explore the old town.

Our last stop for the day is Pula, a strategic port dating back to ancient Roman times. During our time here we’ll visit the Roman Amphitheatre, the sixth largest of its kind to be preserved in the world today.

Day 16. Opatija - Postojna - Ljubljana

Today we’ll journey to the picturesque Slovenian city of Ljubljana. Charming and romantic, the country’s capital is an idyllic city full of elegant buildings, tree-lined boulevards and welcoming locals.

As we make our way to Ljubljana, we cross the border into Slovenia and stop at the incredible Postojna Caves, a network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers and the largest and the most-visited show cave in Europe. This massive cave has its own distinct ecosystem and is home to the unique amphibian, the olm, also known as the human-fish.

After some free time for lunch, our journey continues, stopping at Predjama for a photo opportunity of the impressive Predjama Castle, built into the mouth of a cavern.

Upon arrival into Ljubljana, we’ll take a short sightseeing tour, seeing the intricate baroque buildings of the Old Town, Town Hall, Robba's Fountain, Three Bridges, Parliament and Congress Square.

Day 17. Ljubljana - Bled

In the heart of the Julian Alps lies the delightful city of Bled. The region around Bled is beautiful, set amongst stunning mountain peaks and brimming with forests and greenery, waterfalls and streams.

After a morning at leisure in Ljubljana, we’ll make our way to charming Bled where we have the option to relax and soak up the local atmosphere or to explore the lush greenery and tranquil waters of the spectacular Vintgar Gorge on a walking tour. Don’t forget your camera, the scenery will take your breath away!

Special Experience

Visit the traditional Gingerbread Museum to learn the history of this honey-bread and decorate your very own gingerbread heart, a symbol of love and passion.

We continue to be immersed in history as we savour traditional Slovenian fare for dinner at the museum’s adjoining restaurant.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Day 18. Bled

Bled is ours to enjoy today during a sightseeing tour, including the town, the lakeshore and the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. Bled Castle was first mentioned in 1011 when the German emperor Henrik II gave it to the Bishops of Brixen. The castle is now a fascinating museum and exhibition space.

Next, we travel to the lake valley of Bohinj, beautifully set amidst dense woods and spectacular mountains. The journey will take us through some very old, typical Slovenian villages with gorgeous landscapes.

Special Experience

Visit the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum, learning about the life of herdsmen in an authentic environment and tasting the locally produced cheeses.

We ride a cable car to the top of Mt. Vogel where we admire the breath-taking views over Lake Bohinj and the surrounding southern Julian Alps. Enjoy some free time for lunch here amongst this Alpine wonderland.

After making our way back to Bled, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this picture-perfect location. Whilst exploring the Lake Bled area, make sure you stop and try a local Slovenian dish, known as the Bled Cream Cake. Made with layers of puff pastry, custard and whipped cream it’ll be hard not to go back for seconds. Many cafes offer chocolate or fruit versions of the cream cake too!

Day 19. Bled - Novo Mesto - Zagreb

Today we make our way back to where we started – Zagreb.

After breakfast this morning, we’ll depart for the picturesque town of Novo Mesto, on the bend of the Krka River.

Special Experience

Take a relaxing cruise aboard Rudolf’s Raft as we meander past the adorable houses and buildings dotted along the riverbanks, all while enjoying local wine paired with delicious snacks and light music.

Stopping along the way for a photo opportunity at Otocec Castle, we return to Zagreb in the evening, where we’ll enjoy a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Day 20. Depart Zagreb

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, marking the completion of our adventure across the Jewels of Dalmatia. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Day 21. Arrive Australia