-Visit Croatia's historic cities
?Combine our highlights of Croatia with a relaxing cruise
?A comprehensive look at one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful countries
Discovering Old Dubrovnik
Our first couple of days are spent in Dubrovnik, Croatia's cultural jewel. The 2000m long city walls encircle the remarkably well-preserved medieval centre. A guided tour is the best way to appreciate the wealth of monasteries, museums and cathedral in the old centre. There's also time to boat to the pretty fishing village of Cavtat or visit the island reserve of Lokrum. Next, we travel through the vineyards of Peljesac and along the Cetina River on our journey to Split.
Split to the Plitvice Lakes
A walk around the cellars and courtyards of Diocletian's Roman Palace is a must. Then, leaving Split, we head deep into the mountainous hinterland of Croatia to the Plitvice Lakes, the first and most beautiful National Park in the country. We'll walk well-marked trails, following the 16 crystal-clear lakes on their dramatic descent over 92 travertine barriers and waterfalls. Then, following scenic country back roads, we'll make for the northern Dalmatian coast and Trogir.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Dubrovnik. 2 Guided tour of Old City; optional city wall walk. 3 Free day; optional boat to Cavtat or Lokrum Island Nature Reserve. 4 Drive to Split via Peljesac peninsula & Cetina Gorge. 5 Guided tour of Diocletian's Palace & Old Split; drive Plitvice Lakes N. Park via Klis Fortress. 6 In Plitvice Lakes N. Park; walk upper to lower lakes. 7 Drive to Trogir via Zadar. 8 Free in Trogir; board oldtimer; 9 Cruise Hvar; visit Hvar Town; overnight Hvar Town or Scedro island. 10 Cruise Korcula Island; explore Korcula Town. 11 Cruise to Mljet island; optional walk in Mljet National Park. 12 Cruise to small bay near Vela Luka for swim or walks on shore; optional visit to olive groves for dinner & music. 13 Cruise Vis island; visit "Blue Cave" by small boat; visit Vis Town. 14 Cruise to Solta Island and on to Milna on Brac Island, then finally Split. 15 Tour ends. Note: Itinerary may vary according to local weather conditions.
Accommodation: 7nts hotel staying at standard hotels throughout including a stay at a hotel with antique 19th Century furniture within a historic building complex, 7nts shared cabin on Oldtimer; 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 1 dinner included.
Transport: Charter Bus/Taxi/Ferry/On foot/Taxi/Small Boat/Motorised Croatian "Oldtimer", built in traditional wooden-style with simple twin-bedded cabins and three separate shower/toilet cabins, dinning area and sundeck.
Comment: Old Dubrovnik & Dalmatia: A comfortable, varied and thorough exploration of some of the world class attractions of inland Croatia, its stunning Dalmatian coast, old towns and islands.
Dalmatian Island Cruise: Itinerary is quite flexible. Plenty of time to explore the main cultural attractions of the islands, take short walks or just relax and swim. Sea breezes help temper the summer heat.
Group: Approx. 14 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), Captain and boat crew.
Trip Reference: DDC