Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
Guided tour of Dubrovnik, with its medieval and baroque centre almost untouched by the 21st century - ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’
Visit to Krka National Park and its series of stunning waterfalls and lakes
Visit to Mostar, with its iconic bridge, once Europe’s border with the Ottoman Empire
Visit a traditional watermill in the fertile Konavle valley and taste its regional specialities, then spend time in the ancient town of Cavtat
Guided walking tour of Split including Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace one of the greatest ancient Roman structures
Visit to medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most seductive old ports
Tour the Dalmatian coastline, one of Europe’s most dramatic, studded with Venetian influenced, perfectly preserved villages
Seven nights' four-star hotel accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner
The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
Start your holiday in style with an aperitif and canapés at your hotel
Enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd overlooking Dubrovnik and gaze in wonder at the breathtaking views of the old city and the remarkable Dalmatian coastline
Experience a slice of rural life on a traditional family farm and dine on seasonal Croatian dishes prepared by your welcoming hosts with fresh ingredients grown on the farm
1
Take your arranged flight to Croatia, where you will be met at the airport by your tour manager. We then transfer to our hotel for the next three night with breakfast and dinner.
2
After breakfast we drive inland to the Krka Valley, home to an immensely impressive sequence of lakes, where water cascades dramatically from one to the next via vertiginous interlocking waterfalls. Minerals dissolved in the water trigger stunning colour changes, from turquoise to azure-blue and from vibrant green to steely grey. With reflections of the majestic surrounding peaks and luxuriant forests rippling on lake surfaces, it’s impossible not to be awestruck. You’ll witness one of the most dramatic stretches of the river as you walk past several tiers of waterfalls tumbling magnificently into a broad, shallow pool, before we take a boat trip along the river. There’s ample time to absorb the surroundings before we return to our hotel during the afternoon.
Signature Experience:
After a day of truly spectacular discoveries share your experiences over an aperitif and local canapés in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel.
3
Morning
We drive along stunning Dalmatian coastline on our way to Split. Croatia’s second-largest city is most famous for a single building, the colossal palace of Emperor Diocletian, which makes up much of the city’s Old Town. It’s one of the great structures of the Roman Empire and has survived in amazing condition since it was built at the turn of the 4th century. A guided walking tour this morning of the fascinating complex will bring its storied history to life.
Afternoon
We visit the nearby medieval citadel of Trogir, one of the most beguiling little ports in Dalmatia. The Old Town is actually an island. A wealth of Renaissance and Romanesque buildings line a veritable maze of charmingly chaotic lanes. At the centre is the exquisite Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, whose long cycle of construction is reflected in its contrasting architectural features. Wander where your feet take you, cast an eye over one of the many antique shops or just enjoy a coffee in a pavement café – the choice is yours, before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.
4
Morning
This morning we say goodbye to our hotel in Omis or Vodice, and travel across the border to Mostar. Please note that for the border-crossing you will need passports in your hand luggage with you. The ancient town of Mostar is nestled in cliffs, overlooking the Neretva river. It was once a provincial capital of the Ottoman Empire, was later annexed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Much of its renown rests with Stari Most, the bridge linking the two halves of the Old Town. Originally built in the 16th century, it was left in ruins in 1993 but rose again the following decade, painstakingly rebuilt to the original Balkan Islamic design as a symbol of reconciliation and as the visual focus of the city.
Afternoon
Once you’ve experienced the marvels of the city, we continue to Dubrovnik, where we stay for four nights with breakfast and dinner.
5
Morning
Dubrovnik, an independent city-state for much of its history, has evolved differently to the rest of Croatia. This morning, we take a tour with an expert local guide explaining the city’s landmarks and intriguing history. Dubrovnik threw off its Venetian masters in medieval times and founded a commercial empire, trading with the eastern Mediterranean, France, Spain and, later, the Ottoman Empire. The economic boom that resulted in the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ found beautiful expression in the likes of the Rector’s Palace, now a museum, and Sponza Palace, currently housing centuries of historical city documents. The main avenue, lined by enticing shops and cafés, is completely paved with marble, which strikingly reflects the midday sun. Add in a wonderful array of monasteries and monumental ramparts and you’ll find this is a wonderful city, nestling in a location of outstanding natural beauty.
Afternoon
You are free to explore before we return to the hotel for dinner.
6
You have the day to yourselves, so what is it to be? Watching the world go by as you have a leisurely lunch in the main square? Enjoying a cruise around the harbour? A stroll around the city walls that once protected the city’s inhabitants, but now offer unbeatable views? The options are many and the choice is yours.
Signature Experience:
For an alternative view of Dubrovnik take the cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd. You can enjoy this experience at any time to suit you, although watching the sun set into the sea from this spectacular vista must be a highlight. As you ride high above the rooftops of Dubrovnik the views of the old town and the Dalmatian coastline beyond will take your breath away. At the summit you may choose to relax with a drink and a bite to eat or perhaps visit the Homeland War Museum, a poignant reminder of the 1991-1995 war.
7
This morning we drive south away from the rugged coast around Dubrovnik and through the lush fields and immaculate vineyards of Konavle, Croatia’s southernmost region nestled between the mesmerisingly blue Adriatic Sea and the dramatic mountains. This fertile land became the main granary of the Dubrovnik Republic and has produced grapes, olives and even silk for hundreds of years. Dotting the landscape are villages with centuries-old stone houses, where traditional farming methods and crafts are still very much a part of modern life.
The rivers that flow through the valley encouraged the construction of mills for agricultural development over the centuries, but today only three remain operational. We visit one of these faithfully restored watermills to learn how woollen cloth was produced here – the traditional processes of spinning, weaving and stamping are fascinating. Afterwards we enjoy a welcome drink made with homemade liqueurs, figs, sugared orange, lemon peels and candied almonds, as well as a selection of local cheeses, prosciutto, bread and wine for which Konavle is renowned.
We then visit Cavat, a picturesque town on the Adriatic Coast set amidst an evergreen forest of pine and cypress trees. The charming harbour, lined with palm trees has been compared to St Tropez, it is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by from one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Signature Experience:
For a taste of typical rural life travel into the heart of the lush countryside of Konavle where your welcoming hosts, the Novaković family, will show you around the farm and their wonderful garden. You’ll be served with a selection of delicious seasonal dishes, created with fresh, home cultivated ingredients, cooked over fire from traditional recipes passed down through the family for generations. You’ll also have time to discover the wine cellar and explore the small museum which provides an insight into the history and tradition of this fascinating region.
8
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
4* Hotel Plaza - Omiš
About the hotel
The Hotel Plaza is located in Omiš, a lovely little village dominated by two medieval fortresses, with remnants of the old city walls still intact. This comfortable hotel is shaded by aromatic pine forests and is set in a cove on a stretch of beautiful coastline. The sea is invitingly crystal-clear and there is a welcome lack of development. It has a peaceful wellness centre featuring a jacuzzi, steam room, Finnish sauna and massage treatment area plus an indoor gym.
The modern rooms are well appointed with an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, a minibar, safe and hairdryer.
The hotel’s Buffet i Andante restaurant, decorated with rich wood and leafy green plants, offers a wide selection of local and international dishes, enjoyed in a buffet style. A rich, continental buffet of hot and cold items is offered for breakfast. There’s a great bar too, with a delightful terrace overlooking the beach and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Location
The hotel is approximately a 10-minute stroll from the centre of Omiš and also has direct access to the beach.
