Croatia

Croatia: Treasure of the Adriatic Coast

Program No. 16636RJ
Croatia’s seaside villages, stunning coast and ancient history make it the perfect destination for exploring traditional Mediterranean life.

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At a Glance

From cliffside fortresses overlooking the turquoise Adriatic Sea to the sweet scent of gardens bursting with blooms of lemon trees, Croatia is a paradise for lovers of history, culture and the sublime beauty of nature. Journey along the breathtaking Adriatic Coast, discovering the marbled streets of medieval towns, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites steeped in ancient history and taking in the unparalleled rugged beauty of the exquisite Dalmatian Coast.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
The Activity Level for this program is "Keep the Pace". Participants on this program must be able to climb many flights of stairs, walk on city streets with steep inclines and rough terrain for up to two miles, and use public transportation.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Witness one of the finest examples of Byzantine art from the fifth century at the Euphrasian Basilica in historic Porec.
  • Marvel at the waterfalls, cascades, and crystal lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, as you explore the park on foot, and on a short boat ride.
  • Discover the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio Fountain and St. Blaise’s Church on expert-led excursions through Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Take pleasure in the sounds of folk music, a special treat during your farewell dinner at local family.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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14 days
13 nights
28 meals
12 B 7 L 9 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Zagreb
D
Hotel Academia

Activity note: Check-in available from 3:00 PM.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Dinners on this program are typically a buffet or a three-course set menu. Please note that water, coffee or tea is included in the program cost at all meals.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Zagreb, Free time
Zagreb
B,D
Hotel Academia

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking on busy city streets, including several periods of standing.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, our breakfast buffet offers a daily selection of breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: We will begin our day with an expert-led lecture about Croatia, its position and relationships in Europe. Then we will continue the day with a field trip in Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia. During the excursion, which will be in part by bus and part on foot, we will explore both the “upper town” and “lower town” of the city. The Upper Town encompasses the oldest historic center of Zagreb, which was first settled in the 11th century. Located between the hills of Gradec and Kaptol, the two distinct cores of medieval Zagreb, the Upper Town is mostly known for its small, winding streets and its 17th and 18th century buildings. Contrastingly, the Lower Town is the more modern portion of Zagreb, which holds wider and airier streets and layout. One of the best ways to explore the lower town is to take a walk through the city’s famous “Green Horseshoe”, a u-shaped network of public parks, squares and monuments in the area.

Lunch: On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Opatija
Lovran
B,L,D
Hotel Park Lovran

Activity note: Today’s activities will include up to 1 hour of walking. The drive from Zagreb to Rijeka is approximately 2.5 hours, it is then another 45 minutes to Opatija, and another 10 minutes to Lovran.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: This morning we will check out from the hotel after breakfast to drive to the nearby Nikola Tesla technical Museum Zagreb, for a visit and a presentation. Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia in the 19th century and was one of the greatest inventors and scientist in technological development of his time. He is best known for invention of the alternating current electricity supply system. We’ll also discover many more inventions by this engineer, scientist, futurist, and physicist as we explore on site. In the museum we will see the models of some of his researches and we hear the lecture on his work. Today his name is associated mainly with Tesla cars but we will learn much more. After our museum visit, we will drive towards our next destination, Lovran. We will first drive for a panoramic visit of Rijeka. Rijeka is the most important transportation hub in the region and the third largest city in Croatia. It is administrative and cultural center with rich history and very important strategic point for Croatia.

Lunch: En route, at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we will head towards Opatija and enjoy a walk of the city. Located on the Adriatic coast surrounded by woods of bay laurel, Optaija is mostly known as a seaside and winter resort town. This history dates back to the 19th century, as Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I used to spend several winter months living in Opatija and hosting royal guests from other kingdoms and empires of Europe. Because of this, Opatija is a treasure trove of 19th century luxury architecture and villas. After our visit, we will transfer via motorcoach to neighboring Lovran, where we will check-in to our new hotel. Lovran got its name after plant laurel that is common to find in the area. It was one of the first settlements on the Eastern slopes of Istrian peninsula and has a long urban history.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Rovinj, Porec
Lovran
B,L
Hotel Park Lovran

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 4 hours of walking during the day on cobblestone streets, including long periods of standing. The walk up to Saint Euphemia Church in Rovinj is steep and the stone ground can be slippery, Porec is flat but still has a lot of stone ground that can be slippery. The drive from Lovran to Rovinj is approximately 1.5 hours, it is then another 1 hour to Porec, and another 1.5 hours back to Lovran.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Today we will explore the Istrian Peninsula. The Istrian Peninsula was part of Italy until World War II, which is why there is still a strong Italian influence in the region and it is sometimes referred to as “little Tuscany”. Here we will explore the charming town of Rovinj, also called Rovigno in Italian, we will experience its amazing atmosphere during a walking excursion. Originally a settlement of Venetian tribes, the town is a maze of narrow streets and local markets, and is crowned with a large Baroque church dedicated to Saint Euphemia.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will depart Rovinj by coach and make our way to Porec, a small town with a proud Roman heritage. Led by a local-expert, we will explore the town on foot, including its famous Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Monument and one of the finest examples of Byzantine Art from the 5th century. After our field trip, we will transfer back to Lovran.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
B,D
Hotel Jezero

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park, along slippery, inclined terrain with lots of stairs and railings. There is a narrow boardwalk over water in several places. Good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended. The drive from Lovran to Plitvice is approximately 3 hours.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will check-out of our hotel and make our way to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia’s first national park, Plitvice Lakes was established in 1949 and encompasses 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) of breathtaking natural splendor. The park features a grand collection of waterfalls, lakes, forests and diverse wildlife. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, which change based on the minerals and organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. This park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 due to its outstanding series of tufa lakes, caves and waterfalls. Upon our arrival to Plitvice, we will enjoy a lecture about this historic park by a local expert.

Lunch: At the park, on your own

Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Plitvice National Park. Later in the afternoon, we will transfer by bus and check-in to our hotel. Take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Plitvice, Transfer to Solin
Solin
B,L,D
Hotel President Solin

Activity note: Today we will have up to 1 hour of walking on mainly flat terrain. The drive from Plitvice to Solin is approximately 3 hours with stops.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel on our way to Solin, we will drive to Poljica, small village close to the shore where we are going to visit a family run compound and learn about their village life. They work in agriculture and also have a little manufacture of fig products. They will prepare and join us for family lunch in their home. After lunch we will head towards Solin that will be our home for next three days.

Lunch: At family compound.

Afternoon: Upon our arrival to Solin, we will check-in to our new hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax and settle into your rooms before dinner.

Dinner: At hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Split, Free Time
Solin
B,L
Hotel President Solin

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 2.5 hours of walking on busy city streets, including several periods of standing.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: After breakfast, we will board the bus for a short drive to Split. Upon arrival, we will start with an expert-led walking exploration of the city of Split. We will begin at Diocletian’s Palace, a palace and fortress built by Roman Emperor Diocletian shortly after abdicating his throne at the turn of the 4th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this palace is considered one of the most significant monuments of the Roman Era. It’s remains lie on what is considered the old town of Split, after our visit, we will continue our exploration of the old town by visiting the Peristyle, the Cathedral, and some of the majestic statues of Ivan Mestrovic – the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 20th century.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Split on your own. We have organized transfer back to the hotel. You are free to stay in Split longer on your own and explore local transportation back to the hotel.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Trogir, Mestrovic Gallery
Solin
B,L
Hotel President Solin

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking, some standing at the museum. There are over 60 steps from the entrance to the house of the Mestrovic Gallery, with more stairs to the upper floors of the museum. The drive from Split to Trogir is approximately 1 hour, it is then another hour back to Split.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: After breakfast, we will board the bus for a short drive to Trogir. Upon arrival, we will start with an expert-led walking excursion in the World Heritage Site and charming medieval town of Trogir. This city is situated on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a bridge, and is full of rich Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. During our field trip, we will explore the Saint Lawrence Cathedral, the Duke’s Palace, and pass by the city walls and gates.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will drive to Split from Trogir and visit the Mestrovic Gallery, situated in the villa where sculptor Ivan Mestrovic used to live overlooking the blue Adriatic Sea. Known as the greatest 20th century sculptor in Croatia, Mestrovic's works can be found all around the world. On display at the gallery are bronze, marble, and wood sculptures, along with drawings, architectural plans, and family furniture.After visit, transfer back to your hotel in Solin.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Mostar, Free Time
Dubrovnik
B,D
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik

Activity note: Today’s activities will include up to 2 hours of walking during the day. Be cautious when crossing the bridge of Mostar, as the stone work is smooth and can be slippery. The drive from Split to Mostar is approximately 2.5 hours, it is then another 3 hours to Dubrovnik. Please note that this day includes a border crossing, so be sure to have your passports ready.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will check-out of our hotel and travel along the coast towards Mostar, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is located on the Neretva River and is named after the bridge keepers, or “mostari”, who guarded the old bridge, or “stari most”, from invaders during medieval times. The Old Bridge was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, and is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture in the Balkans. Unfortunately, the original bridge collapsed due to shelling during the Bosnian War in 1993, but was reconstructed to its original design in 2004 and deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mostar is known for its multicultural architectural features, including examples of pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and western European architecture styles.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore more of Mostar. Afterwards, we will board the coach once again and make our way to Dubrovnik, where we will check-in to our new hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Dubrovnik, Free Time
Dubrovnik
B,D
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking on busy city streets, including several periods of standing.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will begin our morning with a lecture about present-day Croatia presented by a local expert. We will then head to the Old Town of Dubrovnik for a walking field trip. Surrounded by its famous city walls, Dubrovnik is a city where culture and history thrive harmoniously with modern life. Originally known as Ragusa, the city dates back to the 7th century when it was founded by refugees from Epidaurum (modern day Cavtat). During its long history, the town has been under the control or influence of multiple empires, and even ruled itself as a free state between the 14th and 19th centuries. The city has always been associated to prosperity and affluence due to its role in maritime trade, and is also considered a cradle of diplomacy and Croatian literature. During our field trip, we will visit sites such as the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio Fountain and St. Blaise’s Church.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Dubrovnik on your own.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Walls of Ston, Mljet Island National Park
Dubrovnik
B,L,D
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 4 hours of walking. The drive from Dubrovnik to Ston is approximately 1 hour. The boat ride to Miljet is 50 minutes each way. Please note that in the case of bad weather, we will explore other parts of the Peljasac Peninsula instead of sailing to Miljet Island National Park.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: This morning we will drive toward Ston to visit the famous Walls of Ston, which have protected the Peljesac Peninsula since the 15th century. When originally constructed, the Great Wall of Ston was 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long and one of the longest defense walls in Europe – however, centuries of battles and several earthquakes has left only 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) standing. The walls were of great importance because they protected the city as well as the prosperous salt pans of Ston, which provided over a third of all income to the Dubrovnik Republic. As part of a walking excursion of the town, our group leader will teach us about the longstanding legacy of harvesting salt that exists in this region to this day. After our visit, we will take a small boat to the island of Miljet.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Hike and boat through Mljet Island National Park. The park is located in the northwestern region of the island of Mljet, known as the greenest and most tranquil island in Croatia. Explore the lush vegetation, pine forests, and two saltwater lakes in the park. Take a boat back to Peljasac Peninsula, and then drive to a local winery.

Dinner: At a local winery on the Peljasac Peninsula, enjoy dinner with wine tasting.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Konavle Region
Dubrovnik
B,L,D
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to 1 hour of walking, including several periods of standing. The drive from Dubrovnik to Ljuta is approximately 1 hour, it is then 20 minutes to Cavtat, and another 40 minutes back to Dubrovnik.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.

Morning: Enjoy some free time this morning to sleep in, relax, or pack. On our way to lunch, enjoy a visit to the River Ljuta where we will see a reconstructed watermill and stamp mill and learn about the production of wool and fabric.

Lunch: At a local family restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the town of Cavtat, once known as Epidaurus, and the administrative center of Konavle. The town is situated in a beautiful bay. Those who are ready for a short climb will visit the cemetery of the town, home to the Mausoleum of the Racic family. The Mausoleum was designed by the best known Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. In the late afternoon, we will visit Cilipi, a village famous for its folk traditions. We enjoy a visit to the garden of a local family who owns the restaurant where we will enjoy our farewell dinner.

Dinner: At a local family restaurant, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
14
Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Check-out by 12:00 PM.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room.






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