Croatia Adventure Holiday

Arrive Dubrovnik and check into hotel. UNESCO have granted Dubrovnik World Cultural Heritage status as one of the world’s finest examples of a fortified medieval town. ‘Those who seek paradise on earth’, George Bernard Shaw once wrote, ‘should come to Dubrovnik.’

Overnight Standard Hotel

We have two wonderful days available to enjoy the extensive attractions of Dubrovnik and its surrounding villages or even venture further afield. Now essentially fully restored following damage from shelling in the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991-92, the old medieval town of Dubrovnik still retains its unique atmosphere and charm. The best way to get a feel of the layout of the old town and its wealth of monasteries, museums and old buildings is on our guided tour of the main places of interest. Starting from Pile Gate we will visit the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, the cathedral and the Rector’s Palace on our first morning here. There will also be time for you to walk the entire circumference of the city wall (1940m) for great views over the twisting alleyways and out over the Adriatic (optional). A day is left free for you to follow your own interests. You could choose to take a boat to the pretty fishing village of Cavtat or possibly visit the nature reserve on the island of Lokrum, just off the coast of Dubrovnik. It is also possible to do a full-day excursion to nearby Montenegro, or take a ferry to the Elaphite Islands.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we first drive through the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula to Trpanj, then take a ferry back onto the Croatian mainland to Ploce. Continuing towards Split we arrive at Omis at the head of the Cetina River, where you can take a boat trip to visit Cetina Gorge before heading back to the road to Split. The centre of the city is located close to the riva (seafront) and the old town. Take the opportunity to join the glamorous locals on an evening korzo (promenade) past aromatic restaurants and bustling cafés.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we take a guided morning walking tour of Split. Today’s Split is the product of 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodelling. A visit to the remains of the Diocletian’s Palace is a particular highlight. The palace that Emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century became the heart of the city. The mausoleum of the pagan Roman emperor evolved with time into the world’s oldest Roman Catholic church. A tour of the Palace is a step back in time. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing maze of narrow cobble-stone streets where pre- Romanesque churches nestle alongside Gothic chapels. We’ll visit the Peristyle, cathedral, crypt and basement halls. In the afternoon we head inland into the mountainous hinterland of Croatia. A brief stop at the fortress at Klis affords an impressive view of Split and the Dalmatian Coast. Later, we arrive at Plitvice Lakes, located in a valley between high forested mountains. Plitvice was the first and is the most beautiful National Park in the country. It is also one of the natural wonders of Europe.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We plan to spend a full day walking the wellmarked trails in the National Park, following the 16 crystal blue-green lakes on their dramatic and cascading descent over 92 travertine barriers and waterfalls. Over the millennia, the waters of these lakes have dissolved the limestone rock and carved out the valley in which they now lie. Through the sedimentation of calcium carbonate and the work of special kinds of algae and moss, tufa or travertine has been deposited to form the natural dams that separate the lakes. This dynamic process still continues, creating new falls as water breaks through the travertine barriers. A popular circuit leads from the Upper Lakes, involves a ferry across Lake Kozjak, then twists between the Lower Lakes, walking mostly on wooden promenades. Every turn leads to breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Shorter walks are possible for those wanting less activity.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Following scenic backroads initially through rolling farmland, we make for the northern Dalmatian Coast towards the ancient capital of Dalmatia, Zadar. You will have some free time to explore the old the Old Town. You may choose to see the influence of Romanesque art in the round church of St. Donat, one of the largest 19th century churches in Europe. Also of interest are the ruins of the Roman Forum, which date from the 2nd century BC. We then continue our journey along the twisting and extremely scenic Dalmatian Coast road to Trogir. This evening we will enjoy this seductive medieval town and to reflect on our journey though one of Europes most beautiful countries.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Trogir at your leisure. Luggage can be left at the hotel until we join our traditional wooden boat in the afternoon, docked on the old town waterfront. Old Trogir is a pretty, walled town of ancient palaces and jutting belfries. Tonight we shall meet the crew, settle into our cabins and have a light supper on board.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

South and west of Vis is the small islet of Bisevo. This afternoon we will arrive at Vis Town on the island of the same name. With both Greek and Roman ruins, a very pretty church built out on a spit, a small fort and museum. Tonight we may opt to moor in the harbour where you can dine in a waterfront restaurant. We may alternatively move round the headland to a quiet bay where a deep tunnel into the cliffs was constructed by the Yugoslavs to hide their ships from the German air raids during the Second World War A section of the tunnel has been converted into a family run wine cellar where we can stop and sample local wine produce (optional). In splendid isolation, away from the harbour lights, we can dine on board (optional) and spend time gazing up at the stars.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

If the weather is fair we will de-camp into smaller boats to investigate the ‘Blue Cave’ - a grotto that, only if there is direct sunshine overhead, displays the most wondrous turquoise waters. Then we will head to Korcula. Korcula is the most obviously historical of all of the Dalmatian Islands and is believed to be the birth place of Marco Polo, as well as being well known for its high quality white wine production. On leaving Pomena, we will stop for a swim and a snorkel, then heading towards the most westerly part of the island - Vela Luka - our mooring for tonight. From here, we can offer the option of climbing into the olive groves for an evening of traditional Croatian hospitality and entertainment (optional) with spectacular views over the bay. Alternatively, you can eat in Vela Luka, which again has many restaurants to offer.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continuing east, following Korcula’s coastline, after a stop or two for a swim and a snorkel, our destination is Korcula Town itself. Korcula is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. Take a self-guided walking tour of this wonderfully compact walled town whose history, like most of Croatia, spans the centuries. Start your walk at the Rector’s Place, with its admirable 15th Century turrets, and continue to the City Museum housed in a 16th Century mansion. Here you can witness an impressive array of artefacts and Byzantine icons that bring Korcula’s history to life. Korcula is a photographers dream, with its red terracotta roofs, stone cathedrals and winding roads. You may choose to take dinner at a typical Mediterranean restaurant with fresh seafood prepared and served as a local speciality.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we head eastwards to the tiny island of Scedro, south of Hvar. We stop at this secluded bay to enjoy lunch on board and to take a swim, or maybe visit a small harbour. We then make for Hvar, where 7000 years of history are encapsulated in this small island town. Sparkling amid green hills, rocky terrain and a see of cobalt blue, Hvar is a producer of olive oil, lavender oil and local wine. The town is filled with sophisticated shops, cafes and restaurants. There is a main square around which most of the activity revolves. Walk through the narrow streets to visit the 15th Century Franciscan Monastery; the renaissance cloister, the old rectory that today houses a collection of lace, manuscripts and books; and the church with its remarkable collection of paintings. Wander to the main square to see St. Stephen’s cathedral with its treasury and bell tower, all of which bear the mark of Venetian rule. You can climb up the fortress and enjoy the sunset tonight, followed by dinner in one of the numerous restaurants on offer.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Having explored the town of Hvar, we shall head north to the Island of Brac to enjoy the quiet port and village of Milna. From here we can explore the local Monastery and spend the night on board in this peaceful little port.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we make the short journey to Solta Island, we will enjoy our lunch in a tranquil bay and after this there is the opportunity (optional) to visit an Olive oil factory and taste the local produce.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

With just an hour or two’s sailing time along the coast to Trogir, our final destination, where the tour ends. There is plenty of time on arrival to explore the narrow streets and old buildings of this pretty walled town.

Included meals: Breakfast