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Dubrovnik - The Pearl of Adriatic
 

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The Best of Croatia 2012


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Word of Mouth
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Croatia is a dream destination and this tour will show you the best of it. In just eight days, with plenty of elegance, you will discover major highlights of our amazing country. Delicious food, charming hotels, stunning architecture, great nature, friendly people and multitude of history and culture wait for you.

The tour price includes:

  • 8 days
  • 7 overnights - breakfast incl.: Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik
  • 5 and 4 star hotels
  • A/C minivan transportation
  • Experienced English speaking guide/driver
  • Entrance tickets: Krapina Neanderthal Museum, Trakošćan Castle, Plitvice lakes, Šibenik and Trogir Chatedral, The Walls of Dubrovnik
  • Sightseeing: Zagreb, Krapina, Trakošćan, Rastoke, Plitvice lakes, Split, Šibenik, Trogir, Ston, Dubrovnik
  • Dinner in a Zagreb Tavern
  • Traditional Dalmatian dinner in an old household near Šibenik
  • Seafood lunch in Ston
  • Dinner in one of Dubrovnik Taverns
  • Price: from 2190 €
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Departure: on request
  • Group size: 2 - 7 persons
  • Show route on map
  • Activities:
    • Sightseeing

Day 1 ZAGREB - Arrival

Welcome to Zagreb, the biggest town and capital of Croatia. Your guide will meet you at the Zagreb Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After you accommodate, we will take you for a pleasant walk in the city centre where you will get the first impression of Zagreb. We are also going to have a Welcome dinner with specialties of the local cuisine in one of Zagreb taverns. Overnight in Zagreb – 5 star Hotel.

Day 2 ZAGREB - TRAKOŠĆAN CASTLE - KRAPINA NEANDERTHAL MUSEUM - ZAGREB

After breakfast, we head to the green hills of Croatian Zagorje region, where we’ll feel a unique experience of warm welcome. We will first visit one of the most popular and most modern museums in this part of the Europe - The Krapina Neanderthal Museum, where we will discover the interesting story about the life and culture of the Krapina Neanderthal. After meeting the early men, we will jump into the medieval times when respectable gentlemen and nobles built their manors and castles the carefully selected locations in search of beauty and comfort. We will visit the fairytale castle – Trakošćan,  the most beautiful castle in whole Croatia. At the end of the day, we are coming back to Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb – 5 star Hotel.

Day 3 ZAGREB - RASTOKE - PLITVICE LAKES - ZADAR

Today we are continuing our tour and we head towards Plitvice Lakes national park – the unique gem of world natural heritage. On the way to the Lakes, we'll stop at Rastoke - the Millers Village which is a picturesque little village we often like to call the little Plitvice Lakes. Later, we will discover the oldest and the biggest national park in Croatia, a world natural heritage site which is under the UNESCO protection since the 1979. We will hike along the sixteen beautiful and crystal clear lakes with numerous cascades and waterfalls.
In the afternoon we are coming to Zadar, an old Croatian town with a rich Roman history dating back from the 6 century before Christ. Overnight in Zadar – 4 star Hotel.

Day 4 ZADAR - ŠIBENIK - TROGIR - SPLIT

Before we leave Zadar, we’ll spend some of today's morning exploring this old Croatian town with a rich Roman history dating back from the 6 century before Christ.
On our way further south to Split, we will visit old Croatian towns Šibenik and Trogir. In Šibenik, we will see the unique monument of European sacral architecture – St. Jacobs Cathedral, which has been listed as UNESCO's World Cultural Monument. The Šibenik Cathedral, adorned with 72 stone heads, is the most significant architectural creation in Croatia from 15th and 16th century. Trogir, an old Croatian town first inhabited by Greeks and Romans, is famous for its Romanic and gothic old core with famous Cathedral. In the evening we are coming to Split. Overnight in Split – 4 star Hotel. 

Day 5 SPLIT

After breakfast, we’ll take you for a walk through the „most beautiful city in the world“, how Split if often called by its citizens. We’ll visit the Diocletian Palace in the heart of Split, built as a residential palace seventeen hundred years ago by the Roman Emperor Diocletian and also a priceless monument included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. After the city tour you will have the time to spend your leisure afternoon in Split. Enjoy the heart of Split – the famous Split waterfront or Riva where you will feel the friendly and cozy atmosphere of this vibrant city. Overnight in Split – 4 star Hotel.

Day 6 SPLIT - STON - DUBROVNIK

After visiting Split, we are heading towards South part of Dalmatia, to Dubrovnik – the Pearl of Adriatic. On our way to Dubrovnik we will stop at little town Ston on the beginning of the Pelješac peninsula, known for the fortification complex dating from the 14th century and quite unique in its length of 3,5 miles. The Ston area is also known for great seafood especially oysters which are grown in the Little Ston bay. We won’t miss the opportunity to taste those fruits of the sea depths. In the evening, we will arrive to Dubrovnik and check into our Hotel. Overnight in Dubrovnik – 5 star Hotel.

Day 7 DUBROVNIK

This whole day is reserved for exploring and enjoying in our Pearl of Adriatic – the old town Dubrovnik. The great George Bernard Shaw wrote: „Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik" and he was as many others overjoyed by the beauty and rich history of this old town under the UNESCO protection. Its glorious walls, with their fortresses and bastions, offer a unique walk with view of the magical Elafiti islands. From the Onofrio fountain to the City bell tower, along its main street, Stradun and in many other small and quiet cobblestone streets, every step in this town will be an experience par excellence. After our walking tour, we are taking you for a lunch in one of Dubrovnik’s taverns. In the afternoon, we invite you to collect more impressions of Dubrovnik. Overnight in Dubrovnik – 5 star Hotel.

Day 8 DUBROVNIK - Departure

Today is the last day of our tour. Your guide will drive you to Dubrovnik Airport where you are expecting your flight back home. Eight beautiful and richly-filled days came to an end. We wish you a safe journey and we hope that you will always gladly remember Croatia and have great memories of these days spent with us. Goodbye!

  • Price: from 2190 €
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Departure: on request
  • Group size: 2 - 7 persons
  • Show route on map
  • Activities:
    • Sightseeing

Šibenik

Šibenik

Šibenik is Croatian town more than 1000 years old, located in the naturally protected harbor on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea and at the estuary of the Krka River.
It was founded as early Croatian fortress at the bottom of St. Michael castle which still dominates the town. Šibenik was mentioned for the first time in 1066 in the document of King Petar Kresimir IV, the most important Croatian ruler. At the entrance to the sea channel you will see the most important renaissance fortress on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea - St. Nicholas' which during the night looks as an amazing alighted island.
Šibenik St. James cathedral had been build for a hundred years at the turn of 14 to 15th century and in its architecture we can see both gothic and renaissance style.
Šibenik has also a very impressive archipelago among which Kornati are the most famous. The Kornati National Park's 150 islands can provide an unforgettable sailing experience as you anchor at any of the hidden beaches, sandy inlets and tiny ports.

Trogir

Trogir

Trogir is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex not only in the Adriatic, but in all Central Europe. This historical city and port on Adriatic Sea has been included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Trogir has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich cultural heritage was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. Historical city core, with about 10 churches and numerous buildings from 13th century is something you shouldn’t miss. The city gate (17th cent.) and city walls (15th cent.) are pride of Trogir’s citizen and the touristic attractions. Best place, to see spectacular sunsets, is on the cape of small Ciovo Island connected by bridge with Trogir. While sitting on the waterfront enjoy this magic city.

Zagreb

Zagreb

Zagreb has a rich cultural heritage dating from prehistoric ages. The very first findings of human habitants in the area date all the way to the Stone Age, around 35000 B.C. Zagreb arise from two settlements Gradec i Kaptol. Kaptol developed as a spiritual centre, where clergymen were given land to live on, and where they built curies. Somewhat later than the Kaptol settlement, the settlement called Gradec was established on the west side of the Medvescak creek. In 1242 king Bela IV, in order to thank for the shelter and to strengthen the country's defense, gave the habitants of Gradec the Golden Bull. The Golden Bull was the privilege which excludes Gradec from the governor's rule and obliges them only to army duty for the king. Simultaneously, under the influence of the Cistercians, restoration and fortification of Kaptol commenced. The city of Zagreb, with its cultural and historical legacy and significance, is one of the most vital cities in Europe.

NP Plitvice Lakes

NP Plitvice Lakes

National Park Plitvice Lakes is a special geological and hydrological phenomenon. It consists of 16 lakes, which gradually blend into one another in a long series of more than 5000 m. The vast forest areas of exceptional natural beauty, lakes and waterfalls, flora and fauna, mountain air, contrasting colors of autumn or spring, forest trails and wooden bridges are protected by the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. According to legend the Plitvice lakes formed after the terrible long drought. People, animals and plants have yearned and prayed for a drop of water. Then in the valley appeared mysterious Black Queen with her magnificent retinue and mercy to the people. With strong wind and thunder rain came to the ground. It was raining so long and strong, until the water level has not grown enough to create lakes.

Split

Split

Split is the heart of Dalmatia and the second largest city in Croatia. Split is also a big port, third on the Mediterranean by the number of passengers. The city center is the Palace of Diocletian built in the 4th century.This spectacular palace is the largest and best preserved late antique palace in the world. Legend says that Diocletian's Palace was never just a place to rest for the Emperor Diocletian, but also the facility for processing wool. In the 5th century, in the palace was allegedly poisoned last legitimate Western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos (Romulus Augustus) and the street in Split today bears his name.

 

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik (Ragusa) is a city on the south of Croatia and one of the most important historical and tourist centers. As other six Croatian destinations, Dubrovnik was also in 1979 included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. In the middle ages Dubrovnik was independent  Republic of Ragusa, the only city-state on the east coast of the Adriatic rival Venice. The beautiful city walls built from 13 to 17 century are a favorite spot for sightseeing and weddings. Be sure to visit the tower Minceta and Bokar, fortresses St. John and Revelin, Imperial fortress, the Prince's Palace, the Pile gate, the gate of Ploce, the cathedral and the church St. Blaise. Except for its cultural and historical sites, Dubrovnik is inexhaustible source of interesting stories. Tourists love it because it has more than 250 sunny days a year and beautiful preserved beaches.

 

Trakošćan Castle

Trakošćan Castle

Trakošćan is one of the most attractive and most visited castles in Croatia, located on the hills of Croatian Zagorje. It was built in the 13th century and its distinctive architectural feature is Romanesque castles from the 12th and 13 century. In 16th century the castle was taken over by Croatian Ban Juraj Draskovic for his personal use. He and his family remained its hereditary owners, with one brief interruption, until World War II.  Besides amazing faithful reconstruction of the castle which fully corresponds to 19th century, the castle Trakošćan contains valuable examples of baroque furniture, different weapons used from 15th to 19th century and other small items. Moreover, a beautiful romantic gardens, built on the model of English parks, and a large lake in front of the castle is something that should not be missed.

Zadar

Zadar

Zadar is a town in northern Dalmatia and its archipelago protect it from the effects of the high seas. Zadar has remains dating from the early Stone Age, while from the Neolithic it has remains of many human settlements. Sights to see in Zadar are - the Church of St. Donat, a city symbol from the early middle ages, Kalelarga, Cathedral of St. Anastasia and city walls from Roman times and middle ages. There are also several new sights not to miss - Sea Organ, differently shaped coast in a few stairs that descend into the sea; installation The Greeting to the Sun with a view of the harbor, islands and sunset; and the Museum of Ancient Glass in you can see more than 2000 glass objects from ancient times.

Rastoke

Rastoke

Rastoke is a picturesque village situated about 100 km from Zagreb, where the river Slunjcica over travertine rocks flows into river Korana, while through Rastoke creating many small lakes, rapids and waterfalls. Rastoke is often called the lobby of Plitvice Lakes and therefore is often called small Plitvice. In Rastoke we can see the old water mills, traditional wooden houses and lovely nature. River Slunjcica is abundant with wild trout which you can try in the local restaurants, freshly caught and prepared in many different ways.

  • Price: from 2190 €
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Departure: on request
  • Group size: 2 - 7 persons
  • Show route on map
  • Activities:
    • Sightseeing

All prices are expressed in euro and all specified prices are based per person.

If you would like to customize your Croatian tour (eg. add new places, extend your stay), please feel free to contact us at igor@zagrebtours.com so we can make an offer that fits your wishes.

Prices with a private tour guide

Persons Price
2 3290 €
3 - 4 2790 €
5 - 6 2490 €
7 2190 €

Additionally, we also offer transfers from Venice, Budapest and Wien airports.

  • Price: from 2190 €
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Departure: on request
  • Group size: 2 - 7 persons
  • Show route on map
  • Activities:
    • Sightseeing

Write a review

Jack Lam
Hong Kong
09.10.2011

Thank you for bringing us to a wonderful vacation in Croatia and Bosnia.

From day one we walked out the airport we have been taken care of from breakfast to dinner, from hotel to places we visited.
Davor is a professional and wonderful tourist guide. He is also a cautious driver. he made us feel safe and comfortable during our journey.
We also want to thank Davor to order different kind of food for us. No matter lunch or dinner we had great time to enjoy the food. He is friendly. He understands we need and provide most convenient.
We enjoyed this journey very much.

Grace & Jack

 
Alex Leung
Hong Kong
09.10.2011

Dear Davor,

Croatia is a beautiful country and hes good food. We enjoyed the trip very much and thank you for your good service.
I think the tour is good value for money, as you put us in the best hotels and took our small group to all the interesting places.
I will definitely recommend your service to friends back in Hong Kong, if any of them are planning to come to Croatia.

Cheers,

Alexander, Monica and Cosmo Leung

 
Juricich Family
USA
09.10.2011

Several weeks ago our family went on The Best of Croatia tour. We signed up for the tour expecting to see the best sites of Croatia, which I believe we did, but being treated with the Best of Croatian hospitality was above and beyond our expectations. Our tour began with a personal greeting from Davor at the airport and ended with a weeks worth of beautiful sights, new friends, and stories to share for a lifetime. Jakov, our tour guide, was a generous and spirited host, offering informative and personal stories of the locations we toured. He managed our time well while still balancing our varied, and sometimes unexpected needs and desires, creating a truly personal and magical experience. Thank you for a wonderful tour and please visit us in Minnesota!

Mr. Jim, Karyn and Molly

 
Aya & Masafumi
Japan
01.08.2011

Dear Davor

Dobar dan! We hope you are very well.
A week has passed since we returned to Japan ,and we are now back to busy daily routine.
We remember that wonderful trip by watching lots of photos and video together with our relatives.
Thank you very much for your kind hospitality, which enabled us to enjoy the unforgettable trip to Croatia.
We wish to visit Zagreb and Croatia again someday in future.

Thank you again. Please take care of yourself.

Aya & Masafumi

 
Adriana
Brazil
31.03.2011

It was absolutely perfect - we loved this tour. Everything was the best; luxury hotels, fantastic places like Plitvice Lakes, tour guide Igor was really good - helpful, communicative, very knowledgeable and interesting. We enjoyed Bota Sara restaurant with delicious seafood menu . This was our second time in Croatia and this was really the Best of Croatia.

Obrigada Zagrebtours