Day 1:  Zagreb for 2 nights

Pick up car in Zagreb VW Sharan 6 Pax or similar Full Size Class – Manual Transmission  unlimited mileage CDW & theft included

1 superior double room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Esplanade*****

Situated in the centre of Zagreb, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a well-known hotel offering spacious and beautifully furnished rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access.

Mediterranean and California-style dishes are served at Zinfandel’s Restaurant. Esplanade 1925 is perfect for cocktails and light snacks, while Le Bistro stands for authentic regional cuisine.

You can also admire the views of the city from the Oleander Terrace, where mouth-watering Latin American food is provided.

http://www.esplanade.hr/

3 hour private guided tour of Zagreb

In this 4-5 hours tour we will see Zagreb’s main attraction and will also move outside of the city centre to get to know this city better.
We start this tour from your hotel, and then continue towards the Upper town, which is the oldest part of the city, seeing its main attractions such as Cathedral, Dolac market, Stone gate, Saint Marko square, Lotrscak tower, first gymnasium, and many others.
Then we take a tram ride, like locals do, to the New Zagreb part of the city. There we will visit the farmer’s market and walk through two neigborhoods. We will see the center of New Zagreb and Museum of Contemporary arts, which was built fairly recently. There we are catching a bus along the Holjevac avenue that will take us back downtown.

Day 3:  Lake Bled for 2 nights

This morning, travel through pristine Alpine scenery to reach charming Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

Explore the city and its Old Town. Explore the Baroque Town Hall, and the adjacent beautifully ornate Robba Fountain, the lively produce markets, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.
Walk across Dragon Bridge, an Art Nouveau masterpiece adorned with dragons (the symbol of Ljubljana), and meander beside the Ljubljana River to the centrally located Presernov Trg Square.
Mid-afternoon, continue on to Bled, one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.

1 double lake view, breakfast & taxes included at Grand Hotel Toplice*****

Located on the shore of Bled Lake with a panoramic view of the lake’s island, a medieval castle and the surrounding Alps, Grand Hotel Toplice provides thermal pools and a wellness centre with saunas, massages and a solarium. Free WiFi access is available.

Traditionally and individually decorated air-conditioned rooms here come with a TV, a safe and a minibar. Each room has a private balcony, some with a lake view. The private bathrooms are fitted with a bath or a shower.

Toplice Grand Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides a sun terrace and sun loungers next to the swimming pools. The hotel restaurant offers a selection of local and international cuisine, as well as Slovenian wines. A bar is available on site.

http://www.slh.com/hotels/grand-hotel-toplice/

Day 4:

Day at leisure

Explore Bled Castle. Perched on a cliff above the lake, it is the oldest castle in Slovenia, with a Romanesque tower built in the early 11th century. Take a cruise aboard a traditional “pletna” boat to St. Mary’s Island, a tiny island in the center of Lake Bled. Scale the 99 steps up to the island’s high point, or take the cable car ride up for some spectacular views. See the famous church built into a rock – ring the church’s “wishing bell” for good luck.

You could also drive to Bohinj Lake, nestled in a glaciated valley. Ride the cable car to the viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the lake and its magnificent surroundings.

Day 5: Rovinj for 2 nights

This morning on your way to Croatia visit the caves at Postojna.

A splendid natural wonder filled with limestone stalactites and stalagmites. From the very beginning the cave was a challenge for the bold explorers of the underworld who, with patience and perseverance, penetrated ever deeper underground.

I suggest that you have lunch in Postojna and head to the charming Mediterranean town of Rovinj, Istria’s cultural mecca.

1 superior double room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Eden****

Surrounded by lush vegetation and overlooking the bay and beach, Hotel Eden enjoys a peaceful location on the edge of the 100-year-old Zlatni Rt park forest in Rovinj. It offers outdoor and indoor pools and free beach chairs and parasols in its own bay.

The completely renovated Wellness & Spa area has 4 treatment rooms and 1 spa suite for couple treatments, as well as a relax zone, modern fitness area and a Vital bar. The thermal zone features a Finnish and infrared sauna, Turkish bath and a salt room.

All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a balcony and a satellite TV. Tasty Croatian and international food is served in the various restaurants.

Hotel Eden provides diverse entertainment facilities such as hobby workshops, a Croatian language school and various land or water sports like water polo, basketball, tennis, badminton and boccie.

There is an outdoor terrace with a stage and a mini club with entertainment for children. You can enjoy live music, various shows, folklore performances and the a-capella vocal ensembles called Klape.

http://www.maistra.com/eden_rovinj

Afternoon at leisure to explore the city

A walk through labyrinths of cobbled streets of « Venice in a small », will lead you through some of the most picturesque streets in Istria and numerous galleries of unique art pieces. At the the hilltop, l visit the dominating Basilica of St. Euphemia and enjoy the stunning panorama views.

Day 6:

Day at leisure to explore the Istria peninsula, the “Croatian Tuscany.”

Visit Bale – a hidden pearl of Istria inland. A magical town of exquisite beauty, it is made all of stone, and is said to be the home of the famed great 18th century lover, Casanova. The agricultural land around the town of Bale, called “stancije”, is known for the good quality olive oil and wine.

The small town of Sisan to visit the Trapan Family Winery. The Trapan family has been running ecologically clean vineyards for over ten years. Here you can enjoy a wine tasting followed by a homemade snack.

Pula:  beautiful, 3000 year old Roman town. Pula is the largest town on the Istrian peninsula and steeped in history and culture. Every step you take through the old town presents another landmark. The highlight is the Roman amphitheater, popularly called the Arena of Pula. Built in the 1st century A.D., at the same time as the magnificent Coliseum in Rome, it was once the site of gladiator fights. In the Middle Ages, it was the site of knights tournaments and fairs, and today it is the venue for summer performances. Strolling through Pula, view numerous other monuments of Roman architecture such as the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century B.C., the Temple of Augustus, and the Small Roman Theatre in the town center.

Day 7:  Plitvice National Park for 1 night

Travel from Croatia’s biggest peninsula,  pass Gorski Kotar Region and arrive to a picturesque little place Fuzine to enjoy the boat ride on Lake Bajer.

Through the lush green scenery the trip continues to water empire of Plitvice Lakes.

1 double room, breakfast & taxes included at Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo****

Located in the heart of Plitvička Jezera National Park, about 1,313 feet from the highest waterfall, Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo features air-conditioned rooms with LCD satellite TV in an authentic wooden ambiance. The property is just off State Road 1.

Made of dark wood, all rooms are elegantly decorated and fitted with a king-size bed, a desk and a seating area. Each unit has a private bathroom with shower.

Guests can play table tennis and rent bikes on site. Restaurants and souvenir shops are part of the national park, all within walking distance. An adrenalin park is located opposite the complex.

http://ethnoplitvice.com/?lang=en

Day at leisure to explore the park

More than 4,000 years old, the park features 16 beautiful lakes connected by 32 spectacular cascades and waterfalls flowing over limestone and chalk, creating natural dams. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. Your local naturalist guide leads you on a walking tour along the system of wooden walkways to the park’s best lookouts and hidden wonders. Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the grand collection of waterfalls, lakes, forests and animal life. And relish the mesmerizing ever-changing landscape of this unique park.

 

Day 8:  Trojir for 1 night

Dive south to the coast and the ancient city of Trogir.

Explore Trogir’s 13th century Cathedral of St. Lovro (St. Lawrence Cathedral) – it towers over the city and is one of the most important architectural monuments in Dalmatia. Visit the Romanesque style 15th century Ćipiko Palace. Its facade has two rows of decorated Venetian Gothic three-light windows, and in the atrium is a large carved wooden rooster, the figurehead of a Turkish navy ship taken after the Turks were defeated in the battle of Lepanto in 1571.

1 double city view, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Villa Tudor***

This charming ancient stone house is located right at the waterfront opposite the Old Town of Trogir. Tastefully combining old and new, all rooms feature air-conditioning and flat-screen satellite TVs.

Panoramic views of Trogir, exposed stone walls and hand-made oakwood beds provide for an exclusive atmosphere in each of the Villa Tudor’s rooms. Free Wi-fi is available in all of them.

Within a 2-minute walk from the Villa Tudor you can reach Trogir’s historic centre, which is connected to the island of Ciovo by a 150 metre-long stone bridge.

Breakfast is served in the rustic-style restaurant featuring an inviting street-side terrace.

http://hotel-tudor.com/

Day 9: Split for 1 night

Drop off car anytime during the day

1 double room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Marmont****

Marmont Hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town of Split, only one minute away from Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free Wi-Fi is available, as well as an on-site restaurant serving fresh and local cuisine.

The elegant rooms all feature individually adjustable air conditioning, dark walnut furniture, oak wood floors, flat-screen cable TV, a large work space and a minibar. The spacious bathroom comes with a hairdryer.

A daily breakfast with fresh fruit is served in the hotel restaurant, which features authentic 15th-century walls. The Marmont Hotel’s lounge bar has an open-air terrace overlooking the Old Town’s rooftops. Guests can relax at the hotel lobby.

The staff is available 24 hours a day and laundry services as well ironing facilities are available. Luggage transportation is available in hotel’s golf carts.

http://www.marmonthotel.com/

2 hour private guided tour in Split

A unique, private Palace Tour that takes you behind closed doors that most tourists never see; intimate views and hands on experiences of the nooks and crannies of a 1, 700 year old treasure! On your discovery maybe we’ll also meet a local artist or the owner of the city’s best bakery and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at an authentic local café.  Includes professionally guided private walk, admissions to the Cathedral and Jupiter’s Temple and visits to enjoy amazing home made ice cream (fig and rosemary are just the beginning!)

 

Day 10:  Cruise Split to Split

A on deck

MAKARSKA – MLJET – DUBROVNIK – TRSTENIK – KORČULA – HVAR – (Bol) SPLIT

7 nights/ 8 days with breakfast

ALL CABINS WITH OWN BATHROOMS

Price also includes Captain’s dinner daily cabin service

Departure from Split harbour towards Makarska at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast whilst enjoying your lunch. Afternoon swim at one of the wonderful beaches. From there, those feeling adventurous can join our optional river rafting excursion or zipline on the Cetina river and meet up with the ship in Makarska in the evening. Overnight in the port of Makarska where strolling along the streets, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sites.

Day 11:

Early morning departure towards Mljet with a stop on the Pelješac peninsula for a refreshing swim. Afternoon visit to salt lakes in Mljet National Park to enjoy the sun, sea and tranquility of this peaceful island. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we visit the monastery and church on St. Mary isle. Overnight in port Polača/Pomena.

Day 12:

After breakfast depart for Dubrovnik, the highlight of this cruise. Enjoy the nature along the way towards “the heaven on earth” – according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. Arrive to Dubrovnik in the afternoon when you can explore on your own or join our guided tour of the city followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Take a walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. We also recommend a walk on top of the 1,940 m long city walls! Overnight in the port of this magical town.

Day 13:

Morning is free to explore Dubrovnik. Discover the beauty of history through numerous monuments, little streets, churches… Around noon we leave this magnificent town and continue our cruise towards Šipan isle or small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula, where we will swim in the afternoon and spend the night. Possibility of visiting a local winery.

Day 14:

After breakfast depart for island Korčula, the birthplace of famous explorer MARCO POLO. Lunch on board in bay near the town of Korčula. Afternoon arrival where we overnight in port. Surrounded by ancient walls and fortified bastions Korčula’s old town is very well preserved with its layout and structure dating back to 13th century. Sightseeing of Korčula and optional wine and appetizers tasting at a local winery before dinning in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas on your own.

Day 15:

Early departure towards the Pakleni Islands for lunch and a swim stop followed by afternoon sightseeing of Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic. Here we can find the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower as well as the oldest community theatre in Europe founded here in 1612. Hvar offers abundant entertainment, excellent restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the night. Overnight in Hvar.

Day 16:  Hvar for 2 nights

Disembark in Hvar

1 superior double sea view, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Amfora****

Situated on a secluded bay, this luxury hotel offers a private beach and a multi-level pool. Sea views are the highlight here and Hvar’s centre is only a 10-minute walk away.

Air conditioning and cable TV are standard room facilities at Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort. All rooms enjoy views of Paklinski Islands or the well groomed gardens. WiFi service is provided throughout the hotel free of charge.

On the nearby exclusive Bonj les bains Beach, guests can rent a private seaside cabin and enjoy a soothing massage.

Cocktails are served on the stylish lounge area or the poolside Cascades Restaurant, with its two-level terrace. The Amfora Hvar’s pool is filled with freshwater.

The rooftop restaurant Windows on Hvar offers panoramic views of the Hvar Archipelago and the Amfora Bay and serves a rich breakfast and dinner buffet with traditional, local and international dishes. At the beachside Maestral restaurant, guests can enjoy the views under the shade of a cool white tent and enjoy authentic barbecue specialties.

http://www.suncanihvar.com/amfora-hvar-grand-beach-resort.html

 

Day 17:

Days at leisure

Hvar is an island blessed with it all – beaches, sunshine, heritage, history, gastronomy and nature.

SPANJOLA FORTRESS:  At sunset, walk up to the 16th-century Spanjola Fortress for atmospheric views of the town and Adriatic.

Day 18:  Kolassin for 1 night

Take the ferry from Hvar to Split.  Tickets must be paid locally

Pick up car in VW Sharan 6 Pax or similar Full Size Class – Manual Transmission  unlimited mileage CDW & theft included

Drive to Kolasin on mountain Bjelasica.

1 superior double room, breakfast, dinner & taxes included at Hotel Bianca Resort & Spa****

Bianca Resort & Spa in Kolasin is surrounded by magnificent pine forests and enjoys breathtaking views of the Bjelasica Mountain.

All guest rooms and public areas, some of them with a complete wooden interior, overlook the snow-capped mountain ranges and pine forests. The luxurious and comfortable rooms are fully equipped with high standard amenities. The Resort’s architecture is based on the idea of a hunting lodge in the mountains, and it dominates Kolasin with this unique exterior.

Bianca Resort & Spa offers an international à la carte restaurant – Chives, while the Bianca Restaurant serves national cuisine. There is also a lobby bar, a café with sandwiches, cakes and ice-cream, a night club and a wellness bar, as well as 24-hour room service.

Kolasin is located at 3,130 feet above sea level and offers excellent vacation both in winter and summer, the climate making it a true aerial spa. A special attraction for tourists is Biogradsko Lake located within the National park Biogradska Gora, one of 3 preserved, unspoilt forests of Europe – Bianca is a 30-minute drive from the park.

http://www.biancaresort.com/bianca/

Day 19:  Kotor for 2 nights

Drive to Kotor

1 double executive sea view, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Forza Mare*****

The luxuriously decorated 5-star boutique hotel Forza Mare is located in Dobrota, at a private beach, on the shore of the Bay of Kotor 1.9 miles from the city centre.

It offers interestingly decorated rooms, which have different themes and varying interior: Africa, India, Dubai, Japan and China. You can completely unwind and enjoy the warm and friendly ambience of the property.

A wellness and spa centre is at the guests’ disposal, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.

The superb, modern à la carte restaurant serves national, Mediterranean and international cuisine. Only fresh, local products are used to prepare the meals.

Kotor’s old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are numerous cultural events being held in the summertime.

http://forzamare.com/

2 hour private guided tour of Kotor

During this two hours tour you will see all highlights of the Old town like St. Tryphon Cathedral, Maritime museum, St. Lucas’s church, medieval palaces. . . but besides that I will show you other things that makes Kotor so unique such as small streets of the beaten path, great places to eat and much much more.

Day 20:

Day at leisure to drive to

Boka Kotorska Bay, the only fiord in Mediterranean, to Perast, a sleepy baroque place on the seashore. The most beautiful buildings of this small town were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, when seafaring was growing and captains built magnificent villas. Perast abounds in sacred monuments, such as the Church Sveti Nikola and Our Lady of the Rocks, built on the artificial island just opposite of Perast.
coastal town of Budva, which dates back to 5th century B.C. and considered to be one of the oldest settlements in the Balkans. A walking tour leads you around the 15th century ramparts and medieval fortifications. Inside the defense walls, meander the narrow streets and cozy squares, filled with superb monuments of the different Mediterranean cultures that resided here.

Day 21

Drive back to Dubrovnik

Drop off car at the  airport and fly home