COUNTRY ROADS OF CROATIA (CLASSIC GROUP)

• Your Croatian adventure begins in the Capital, Zagreb.
• Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views over the city.
• Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.

Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 11:30, 14:00

Welcome Dinner: Meet your Travel Director at 17:30

• Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia.
• Take a walk and see the art Pavillion, the academy of Sciences and Art and pass Zrinjevac Park.
• We then board the city’s funicular to St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrščak Tower, take a walk back down through the Stone gate and back to the Square.
• The afternoon is at leisure.
• Relax and enjoy your hotel’s amenities or perhaps take an Optional Experience.

• Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves.
• Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains.
• Marvel at the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave’s most beautiful stalagmite.
• Return to Croatia in your hotel in Opatija.

• Cross the heart-shaped peninsula to explore the Jewels of Istria with your Local Expert.
• Visit the well-preserved first-century arena at Pula, scene of brutal gladiatorial battles in Roman times.
• Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, rising directly from the sea.
• Wander through the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-coloured bars and sidewalk cafes.

• Enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coast in the morning – journey past sparkling deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands, before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders.
• Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice.
• Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species.
• Alternatively meet one of the woman behind the Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.

• The green forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters.
• Walk through the Roman Ruins and market to see the sea organ of Zadar.
• Witness the dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in 3rd century B.C.
• Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before continuing to the historic city of Solin.
• In the evening, don’t miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.

• The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split.
• With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars and learn the story of the infamous emperor.
• Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje’s- originally Diocletian’s Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate.
• Your island-hopping adventure begins here.
• Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, famed for being the sunniest island in the country and boasting an interior dotted with lofty mountain peaks and aromatic fields of lavender.

• Enjoy a full day at leisure, as you explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches, old monasteries and villages of Hvar.
• Perhaps stroll around seaside Stari Grad, known for being one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
• Maybe visit the local museum with its impressive collection of archeological finds dating back to Greek antiquity or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant?
• You could even see the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town with its yacht-lined marinas, famous for being the trendy playground of the rich and famous.

• In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of the Old Town.
• Marvel at spectacular views of the mainland as you stroll towards the main square of Korčula where the Cathedral of St. Mark dominates the ancient skyline.
• Hear about local legends and history from your Local Expert, stopping by the Town Museum, the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury collection and the Town Hall.
• Visit the ruins of the house where according to local legend Marco Polo was born.
• The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town.

• Make the most of a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic.
• Relax by the pool, shop in the markets or perhaps take the opportunity to visit Cavtat, one of the most enchanting seaside resorts in Croatia.
• This evening, should weather permit, you’re invited to embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik.
• Start your Celebration Dinner with the national favourite drink, a glass of grappa.
• Savour authentic flavours of local specialities washed down with locally produced wine.

• Your travels draw to a close after breakfast.