Croatia Tours & Trips 2020

• Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik and Montenegro’s Kotor, climbing along their ancient city walls.
• Loose yourself in Tirana, Albania's colourful capital, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.
• Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction; nobody would want to let it go!
• Explore the endemic flora and fauna on an easy hike of Pelister: North Macedonia’s oldest national park.
• Hike the slopes of Mt Olympus, the ancient seat of the 12 Greek gods. According to mythology Zeus unleashed his thunderbolts from one of Olympus' peaks.

Day 1 – Wed – ARRIVAL ZAGREB (D)
• Arrival today in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Transfer to your hotel. The day is at leisure.
Day 2 – Thu – ZAGREB WALKING TOUR (B)
• This morning take a city tour of Zagreb. Walk through the historicUpper Town, where, among other sites, visit the St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the LotrSCak tower. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 3 – Fri – ZAGREB / PLITVICE LAKES – SPLIT (B)
• In the morning depart for the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, consisting of 16 lakes, connected with a series of waterfalls. The National Park was also where Karl May films were made. Take a walk through the park, enjoy a boat ride on the emerald green Kozjak Lake and ride the street train back to the entrance. Walking shoes are essential for our 3 hour walk in this wonderful environment! Later, drive to Split and overnight.
Day 4 – Sat – SPLIT / MAKARSKA (B, L)
• This morning, take a guided tour of Split, a monumental city under UNESCO protection. The city features an abundance of Roman architecture; of special interest is the Diocletian palace. The tour will end in the harbor in front of the ship, where we will check-in for the cruise. Luggage transfer will be arranged from the hotel. The cruise will depart from Split harbor at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast to Makarska whilst enjoying your lunch, and perhaps take an afternoon swim at one of the magnificent beaches. From there, those feeling adventurous can join our optional river rafting or zipline excursion on the Cetina river and meet up with the ship in Makarska in the evening. Overnight in the port of Makarska where strolling along the streets, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sites.
Day 5 – Sun – MAKARSKA / MLJET (B, L)
• Depart early this morning towards Mljet, with a stop on the PeljeSac peninsula for a refreshing swim. This afternoon visit the salt lakes in Mljet National Park and enjoy the sun, sea and tranquility of this peaceful island. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we will visit the monastery and church on St. Mary isle. Overnight in port PolaCa/Pomena.
Day 6 – Mon – MLJET / DUBROVNIK (B, L)
• After breakfast depart for Dubrovnik, the highlight of our cruise. Enjoy the amazing sights of nature along the way towards this “heaven on earth” – according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. Arrive at Dubrovnik in the afternoon, where we will embark on sightseeing and an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Take a walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. We recommend a walk on top of the 1,940 m long city walls! Overnight in the port of this magical town.
Day 7 – Tue – DUBROVNIK / SIPAN/TRSTENIK (B, L, D)
• The morning is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik. Discover the beauty of history through numerous monuments, little streets, churches and more. Around noon we will depart this magnificent town and continue on our cruise towards the Sipan isle or a small town of Trstenik on the PeljeSac peninsula, where we will spend the night. There is a possibility of visiting a local winery and on return, join the Captain’s dinner party on the ship.
Day 8 – Wed – SIPAN/TRSTENIK / KORCULA (B, L)
• After breakfast depart for KorCula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch will be on board at the Lumbarda bay near KorCula. We will arrive in the afternoon and overnight at the port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were built over two centuries ago. Take in the sights of KorCula and an optional wine and appetizers tasting at a local winery, before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or “konobas” on your own.
Day 9 – Thu – KORCULA / HVAR (B, L)
• We’ll depart early this morning towards the Pakleni Islands for lunch and a swim stop. After lunch, see the sights of Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic. The Renaissance cathedral with its original tower as well as the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. Hvar offers abundant entertainment, excellent restaurants and bars and cafes that are open long into the night. Overnight in Hvar.
Day 10 – Fri – HVAR (Bol) / SPLIT (B, L)
• Our next stop is BraC island. Swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn – its gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change in shape). Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination. After lunch we head back to Split. A swim break is planned on route in one of the many bays on Brac island. Enjoy the view of the Split Riviera on as you arrive in the late afternoon.
Day 11 – Sat – SPLIT / Depart (B)
• After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends! Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• INCLUDED 2-DAY/1-NIGHT EXTENSION:
  • Lake Balaton and Varazdin
  • Visit to the Tihany Peninsula
  • One night's accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Balatonfüred
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Kopacki Rit Nature Park and Osijek
  • The medieval city of Ilok
  • The contrasting capitals of Belgrade and Zagreb

• Dine on Continental and Istrian cuisine at a favorite local restaurant in Zagreb.
• Enjoy traditional Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to ancient recipes.
• Experience a Captain’s welcome dinner upon arrival in Dubrovnik.
• Stand before the breathtaking waterfalls in Krka National Park.
• Partake in traditional Croatian entertainment.
• Explore the Old City of Dubrovnik with a local expert.
• Tour Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.
• Visit Korcula Island, the debated birthplace of Marco Polo.
• Relax on the “Golden Cape” of Bol, one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.

• Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik and Montenegro’s Kotor, climbing along their ancient city walls
• Lose yourself in Tirana, Albania's colourful capital, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: coffee-drinking and people-watching
• Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction – nobody would want to let it go
• Sitting alongside its Ottoman past, the North Macedonian capital of Skopje has reinvented its centre with gleaming neo-classical monuments and buildings, adding a new layer to this fascinating city

Day 1 – Wed – ARRIVAL ZAGREB (D)
• Arrival today in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Transfer to your hotel. The day is at leisure.
Day 2 – Thu – ZAGREB WALKING TOUR (B)
• This morning take a city tour of Zagreb. Walk through the historicUpper Town, where, among other sites, visit the St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the LotrSCak tower. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 3 – Fri – ZAGREB / PLITVICE LAKES – SPLIT (B)
• In the morning depart for the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, consisting of 16 lakes, connected with a series of waterfalls. The National Park was also where Karl May films were made. Take a walk through the park, enjoy a boat ride on the emerald green Kozjak Lake and ride the street train back to the entrance. Walking shoes are essential for our 3 hour walk in this wonderful environment! Later, drive to Split and overnight.
Day 4 – Sat – SPLIT / MAKARSKA (B, L)
• This morning, take a guided tour of Split, a monumental city under UNESCO protection. The city features an abundance of Roman architecture; of special interest is the Diocletian palace. The tour will end in the harbor in front of the ship, where we will check-in for the cruise. Luggage transfer will be arranged from the hotel. The cruise will depart from Split harbor at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast to Makarska whilst enjoying your lunch, and perhaps take an afternoon swim at one of the magnificent beaches. From there, those feeling adventurous can join our optional river rafting or zipline excursion on the Cetina river and meet up with the ship in Makarska in the evening. Overnight in the port of Makarska where strolling along the streets, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sites.
Day 5 – Sun – MAKARSKA / MLJET (B, L)
• Depart early this morning towards Mljet, with a stop on the PeljeSac peninsula for a refreshing swim. This afternoon visit the salt lakes in Mljet National Park and enjoy the sun, sea and tranquility of this peaceful island. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we will visit the monastery and church on St. Mary isle. Overnight in port PolaCa/Pomena.
Day 6 – Mon – MLJET / DUBROVNIK (B, L)
• After breakfast depart for Dubrovnik, the highlight of our cruise. Enjoy the amazing sights of nature along the way towards this “heaven on earth” – according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. Arrive at Dubrovnik in the afternoon, where we will embark on sightseeing and an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Take a walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. We recommend a walk on top of the 1,940 m long city walls! Overnight in the port of this magical town.
Day 7 – Tue – DUBROVNIK / SIPAN/TRSTENIK (B, L, D)
• The morning is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik. Discover the beauty of history through numerous monuments, little streets, churches and more. Around noon we will depart this magnificent town and continue on our cruise towards the Sipan isle or a small town of Trstenik on the PeljeSac peninsula, where we will spend the night. There is a possibility of visiting a local winery and on return, join the Captain’s dinner party on the ship.
Day 8 – Wed – SIPAN/TRSTENIK / KORCULA (B, L)
• After breakfast depart for KorCula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch will be on board at the Lumbarda bay near KorCula. We will arrive in the afternoon and overnight at the port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were built over two centuries ago. Take in the sights of KorCula and an optional wine and appetizers tasting at a local winery, before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or “konobas” on your own.
Day 9 – Thu – KORCULA / HVAR (B, L)
• We’ll depart early this morning towards the Pakleni Islands for lunch and a swim stop. After lunch, see the sights of Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic. The Renaissance cathedral with its original tower as well as the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. Hvar offers abundant entertainment, excellent restaurants and bars and cafes that are open long into the night. Overnight in Hvar.
Day 10 – Fri – HVAR (Bol) / SPLIT (B, L)
• Our next stop is BraC island. Swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn – its gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change in shape). Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination. After lunch we head back to Split. A swim break is planned on route in one of the many bays on Brac island. Enjoy the view of the Split Riviera on as you arrive in the late afternoon.
Day 11 – Sat – SPLIT / Depart (B)
• After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends! Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• Taste some sweet and delectable Rab cake with a gin and tonic on Rab Island.
• Enjoy traditional Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to ancient recipes.
• Savor a homemade olive oil tasting in Istria.
• Sail the islands of Northern Croatia aboard a small ship.
• Explore Šibenik and its stunning cathedral during a city tour.
• Local culture comes to life with traditional Croatian entertainment.
• Explore Croatia’s trendiest islands, Cres and Krk.
• Experience Kornati National Park, Croatia’s “nautical paradise.”
• Commune with sound and light at Nikola Bašic’s popular Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun art installations.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • The Danube Delta, the largest and best preserved of all European deltas
  • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital
  • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse
  • Rich cultural and architectural heritage in the Serbian towns of Belgrade and Novi Sad

• Explore Barcelona's Gothic beauty on a walking tour including Las Ramblas
• See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia & the 1992 Olympic Games complex
• Take a traditional Motoscafo across the iconic lagoon to the island of Venice
• See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square
• See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas
• Special Stay Contiki's Austrian Gasthof
• Dinner of traditional Austrian food prepared by Contiki Chefs

• In the small town of Janche, meet with local village women for a cooking class focused on making local flaky pastries – considered a specialty of the region.
• Have a hands-on experience when you meet a local beekeeper for a honey tasting – you’ll be definitely getting the buzz in this master class.
• Discover the wine scene in North Macedonia and how, since ancient times, these fertile lands have produced renowned grapes. You’ll sample the finest drops with a celebrated local expert.
• Learn about a world of hams and cheeses in a centuries-old smokehouse, and discover the ancient processes of making olive oil at a local farm outside of Kotor.
• Throughout your culinary escapade, explore the undulating countryside, stunning landscapes and hidden towns of the Balkans – you’ll gain a true sense of this region with your small group.

• Get an opportunity to Visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Enjoy the amazing river cruising across Amsterdam
• Explore Budapest enjoy innovative, efficient metro.
• Discover Vienna
• Experience a tour of Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• What better way to see the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast than aboard a private yacht? All aboard for a week in paradise
• Explore beautiful Split, where tradition, modernity and a variety of European influences come together. A visit to the Diocletian’s Palace reveals some of the Adriatic Coast’s most important surviving Roman buildings
• Bliss out on Brac’s world famous Zlatni Rat beach, a spit of white sand jutting out into turquoise waters
• Opened to the public only in 1989, the island of Vis boasts coastal scenery and a military history just waiting to be discovered. Also, the local vugava wine is rather nice
• Stari Grad, Hvar’s Old Town, is quite literally one of the oldest towns in Europe, and a charming one at that. It provides a great base from which to explore the island

• Board a traditional vessel and sail up along the spectacular Neretva River, inland from Opuzen
• Explore the beautiful town of Mostar – check out the town’s iconic bridge and take the opportunity to see a coffee demonstration followed by a tasting
• Drop anchor in the middle of port towns like Hvar or Korcula and explore straight off the boat – one of the many benefits of small-ship cruising.
• Visit the stunning Kornati National Park, the biggest and most incredible collection of islands in the entire Adriatic Sea – once described as God's special creation of 'tears, stars and breath'.
• Eat and drink like a Dalmatian king, with a traditional feast in a small village outside Sibenik.

• Learn about the Danube Delta at an onboard lecture

• Explore three fascinating countries by bike
• Cycle through whitewashed villages and marvel at the sublime sapphire waters of the Adriatic Sea
• Visit the largest island of Dalmatia, with its cypress forests, orange and olive trees, and glowing white pebble beaches
• Filled with fragrant lavender, pines, fruit orchards and a towering limestone ridge, Hvar is truly stunning
• Enjoy a gelato or take a refreshing dip in the sea in sunny Korcula
• Traverse to the top of Srd Hil and appreciate the view of Old Dubrovnik, its harbor and the Adriatic Sea
• Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river here for centuries