Discover Croatia
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Destination: Croatia • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: May 13-25, 2024 • Destination: Croatia • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: May 13-25, 2024 • Destination: Croatia • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: May 13-25, 2024
Destination: Croatia
Dates: May 13 - 25, 2024
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Upon arrival to Zagreb airport, meet your driver and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city, Settle in and relax, recuperate from your flights. In the early evening hours meet with Alida at the lobby for a welcome drink. Get to know your fellow travelers and your host! Then head out for an amazing welcome dinner at one of the iconic restaurants in Zagreb, serving traditional Croatian cuisine. It will be a fun night and a wonderful introduction into the Croatan life, culture and cuisine.
Hotel: Manda Heritage hotel 4*
Arrive in Zagreb
MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024
DAY 1
In the morning, explore the city of Zagreb with your host and a licensed local guide. Enjoy discovering the upper and lower old towns, explore the unique open-air market and have fun riding the shortest funicular in the world that connects the mentioned lower and upper town. Admire the St Mark’s Church popular for its colorful roof and view the Croatian Parliament, the old Stone Wall, the cathedral and much more. After the tour sit with your host at one of the local cafes in Zagreb to enjoy a truly authentic experience, sit, enjoy your coffee and people watch – which is a typical morning activity of any true Zagreb resident! The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. You may want to visit one of the fun museums such as the Museum of Broken relationships, or the Museum of Hangover! Head for some good shopping in the many shops along the main shopping street in Zagreb, Ilica or have fun exploring the city beautiful parks and squares. Tonight, join me for a casual stroll in the city (this is optional). We can grab a bite and drinks at one of the nicest areas and explore a bit of the rich city nightlife.
Hotel: Manda Heritage hotel 4*
Zagreb
DAY 2
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
DAY 4
Our exploration of Croatia continues today as we bid farewell to the green Plitvice Lakes and head south, toward the coast. Our first stop today will be the city of Zadar. We’ll stroll the historic town with The Roman Forum and visit the Church of St. Donatus, before listening to the music from the famous Sea Organs, an instrument played by the sea waves! It’s one of a kind in the world. Following, we will enjoy a visit to a family estate where we will discover their rich Mediterranean garden and explore their fascinating olive oil museum. Of course, we will enjoy tasting an array of fresh cheeses and cured meats together with olive oil and other specialties. Then, we will proceed toward Split, a 1700-year-old city. We will get settled in our hotel with time at leisure. If you’d like, join Alida for a stroll in town to grab a bite and enjoy a drink at the Riva, with one of the nicest sea views you’ll ever see!
Hotel: Hotel Luxe 4*
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
Zadar and Split
DAY 5
It’s time to discover this amazing city! In the morning, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Split old town, built on the mighty walls of the ancient villa built by the Roman emperor Diocletian, entirely protected by UNESCO as World Heritage. Today’s Split is the handwork of centuries of men and women building, remodeling, tearing down and touching up. Here, the 18th century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls, and fourth century chambers now house modern apartments. During this tour we will visit the amazing cellars of the palace of the emperor Diocletian, and the amazing Temple of Jupiter, we’ll walk the ancient streets and alleys lined with Romanesque and Gothic buildings. After the tour, you will have the time to enjoy the city at your own pace. Keep in mind people of Split love to live life at a slow pace, sit down, enjoy your coffee or drink, as many locals would say “at the most beautiful place in the world”.
Hotel: Hotel Luxe 4*
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
Split
DAY 6
Today we’ll sail to one of the most beautiful islands of Croatia! In the morning we’ll board the ferry and enjoy the scenic sail between the island of Solta and Brac. We’ll see the small island called Marduja and enjoy the sight of the Split Archipelago. Then, we’ll arrive to Stari Grad, one of the oldest settlements in the Adriatic Sea. Our driver will take us to our hotel to settle in. Then, we’ll head out to meet our local guide and enjoy a walk through the stone streets of this colorful town, founded by the Ancient Greeks during the 4th century BC. As part of our city tour, we’ll visit also the picture perfect Hektorovic’s summer house with its famous fish pond, and the Dominican Monastery. We’ll view the ruins of Ancient Greek Pharos, and the Church of St. John, dating back to 5th century. Then, we’ll enjoy time at leisure! Enjoy the hotel amenities, or head to the beach.. Tonight, we’ll have a typical dalmatian dinner at a very special restaurant, located at a very unique spot!
Hotels: Hotel Luxe 4* in Split; Hvar Places Hotel by Valamar or Hotel Antica or similar
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
Split - Stari Grad (Hvar Island)
DAY 7
Today we’ll explore the island! First, we will drive through the UNESCO protected ancient HORA all the way to the picturesque town of Vrboska, often called “little Venice” for its many bridges and picturesque streets. Here, we’ll enjoy a walk to see the fantastic fortress and the town’s church, then, we’ll be on our way to Jelsa, another picturesque town where we’ll enjoy a tour through the cobbled stone streets and the best gelato of the island. In Jelsa, you will also have some free time to sit, relax, enjoy. We’ll meet again and head toward Pitve, a small town in the island hills. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local “konoba” to try some of the most authentic dishes of the island paired with local, organic wines. To get back to Stari Grad, we will drive through the villages of Vrisnik, Svice and Vrbanj, and we can stop for you to take some pictures. The rest of the day and evening is free for you to relax and enjoy Stari Grad at your own pace.
Hotel: Hvar Places Hotel by Valamar or Hotel Antica or similar
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Full Day Tour "Towns And Villages Of Hvar"
DAY 8
Enjoy the free morning in Stari Grad, in the later morning hours we’ll head to Hvar town, the main attraction at the island. Hvar Town is a true Gem, beautiful and full of history, which made it famous all over the world. A visit to the island would not be complete without visiting Hvar town! Enjoy the drive along the sea, Upon arrival to Hvar town, we will head to visit the fortress, on the top of the hill, overlooking the town. Here, we’ll enjoy the visit and the views, then, we’ll head to our hotel. Settle in, freshen up. We’ll meet our guide in the afternoon and enjoy a walking tour of the town, learning all of its history. Then, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore and enjoy this popular place. I suggest we meet up tonight and head to explore the rich nightlife together!
Hotel: Hvar Places Hotel by Valamar or Hotel Antica or similar
MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Stari Grad - Hvar
DAY 9
Today will be one of the most amazing days of our trip! We will meet our skipper and board our speedboat. We’ll enjoy a full day at sea, sailing all the way to the island of Vis to visit the amazing Blue Cave and all around the gorgeous archipelago Pakleni Islands. We’ll have fun swimming and exploring some of the most beautiful areas of the Adriatic Sea with a glass of wine in hand and snacks on board. We will have the chance to have lunch at one of the restaurants on Pakleni Islands (optional). The return to Hvar is planed for the late afternoon, and your evening is free, enjoy Hvar and have fun!
Hotel: Hotel Park OR Hotel Pharos or similar
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Boat Trip To Vis and Pakleni Islands
DAY 10
After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the island of Hvar as we board our fast ferry to Dubrovnik. The sail is very scenic! Enjoy the views of the southern coast of Hvar, while sailing to Korcula, the birthplace of the famous Explorer Marco Polo. Admire the walls of Korcula town from the sea, view the island of Mljet, and peninsula Peljjesac. Upon arrival to Dubrovnik, we’ll transfer to our hotel and get settled. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Dubrovnik, a mesmerizing walled city completed in the 13th century. The old town of Dubrovnik has remained practically unchanged ever since. Enter the old town through one of the city gates and start the walking tour featuring the Old Town with its stone-paved promenade called Stradun, Enjoy learning of the amazing history viewing the Franciscan Monastery with the old pharmacy. Then, we’ll climb up the stairs to reach the famous city walls! Here, we’ll walk all around the city, enjoying the most marvelous views! Our tour will end in town again. From here, you can return to our hotel with the transfer, or stay in town to explore on own, sit down for dinner and / or drinks.
Hotels: Hotel Park OR Hotel Pharos or similar in Hvar; Hotel More 5* in Dubrovnik
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024
Hvar - Dubrovnik
DAY 11
This morning we’ll meet our captain and board the traditional wooden boat for a day trip of the Elaphiti islands. Admire the scenery of the Adriatic Coast, as we spend the day sailing to the three gems: the island of Lopud, Sipan and Kolocep. Relax and soak up the seascapes, and at each island enjoy time to explore stone villages, beaches, and historical landmarks. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or soaking up the sun. Lunch and drinks will be provided for us on board. Return to your hotel in the afternoon, and the evening is free.
Hotel: Hotel More 5*
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024
Dubrovnik
DAY 12
Today is our last day, enjoy the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ at your own pace! Explore more or relax at the beach or at the hotel. In the late afternoon hours, we will meet one last time. We will board our cable car to the top of the Srd Mountain where we will enjoy our farewell dinner with the most mesmerizing view that you can imagine, at sunset!
Hotel: Hotel More 5*
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2024
Dubrovnik
DAY 13
Transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your homebound flight.
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2024
Depart Dubrovnik
Request To Book
DAY 3
Today it’s time to explore more of Croatia and head toward the central area of the country. Our destination today will be the Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world! The park consists of 16 lakes, connected by magnificent waterfalls. Our visit of the National Park includes a boat ride across the emerald lake Kozjak, an easy hike alongside the beautiful lower lakes and an electric bus ride back to our hotel. We will enjoy the sight of waterfalls and the pristine environment. The National Park is also protected by UNESCO as a Natural Site, so it is kept in its most natural way. The tour will take approximately 3 hours, so make sure your battery is full to take pictures and have a bottle of water with you! Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together at our lodge and have a relaxing and restful night.
Hotel: Hotel Jezero 3* or similar
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024
Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes NP
What's Included
Accommodation at listed hotels with breakfast daily, based on double occupancy rooms, with the option for single use at a supplement
Customized arrival and departure airport transfers, according to your individual arrival and departure flight times
All transfers as per program with comfortable air-conditioned small bus
Tour is hosted by Alida Paljevic, your travel specialist for Croatia
Welcome drink at the hotel
Welcome dinner at a traditional Croatian restaurant (3 course meal with drinks)
Morning walking tour of lower and upper Zagreb with a licensed local guide,
Traditional dinner in the countryside restaurant on the island of Hvar, incl. drinks
Full day tour of towns and villages of the island of Hvar, including wine tasting and lunch at the local “konoba”
Guided tour of Hvar Town with entrance to the Fortress “Fortica”
Full day boat tour to Vis island and Pakleni islands with drinks and snacks on board
Afternoon guided tour of Dubrovnik old town, including entrance to the city walls
Full day boat trip to Elaphiti island, incl fish picnic lunch and drinks
Cable car tickets
Farewell dinner inclusive of 3 courses, incl. drinks.
Guided visit of Plitvice Lakes National Park (lower lakes), including entrance fee
Dinner at a local restaurant in Plitvice, including drinks
Guided visit of Zadar, including entrance to St. Donatus Church
Visit of the family estate with tasting of the local products
Morning guided tour of Split with licensed local guide, including inside visit of the Diocletian’s Palace and The Temple of Jupiter
Ferry tickets Split – Stari Grad and Hvar – Dubrovnik as per itinerary
Guided tour of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, including visit of lovely Hektorovic Summer House
Visas, passport, and/or departure taxes
Airfare
Any items not listed above
Expenses of personal nature, including tips to guides and drivers, telephone calls, table drinks, internet, laundry, etc.
Travel insurance – highly recommended! Check out World Nomads.
Not Included
- The Coscia-Mancuso Family, White Plains, NY
We cannot thank Vagabonda Travel enough for custom-designing our family trip to Italy. Memories to last a lifetime. Every detail of our trip was perfectly curated and exceptional. We would have never been able to plan this adventure on our own. Communication with the staff is excellent and we felt secure knowing we had contact number while we were traveling. Cannot wait to book our next trip with you soon!
Trip of a lifetime.
Happy Clients
- Megan and Jerry, Los Angeles, California
We have never used a travel service before, and Vagabonda absolutely blew us away! From their hotel bookings, to the day-by-day itinerary, to hidden gems we definitely would have never found on our own, we can't thank their team enough! Highly recommend for anyone who wants an authentic experience in Europe!
BEST TRIP EVER! We'll remember this for the rest of our lives!
Happy Clients
- Pete and Paula, Lindenhurst, New York
When my husband and I started planning our 30th Anniversary trip to Italy we had no idea where to even begin. That’s when I stumbled across Alida’s TikTok videos. I absolutely LOVED her content. To be honest, at first I was skeptical about planning a trip like this off of someone I saw in a TikTok video, but after meeting with her we knew we picked the right travel agency. Our 17-day trip was absolutely incredible. Alida and Vagabonda Travel made our lifetime dream of touring Italy one we will never forget!
Happy 30th Anniversary to Us! A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
Happy Clients
Pricing
Price Per Person In
Double Occupancy Rooms
$1630
Single Supplement
$5200
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