Croatia Tours & Trips 2020

• Zagreb: At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.
• Dubrovnik: Toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian Coast Celebration Dinner, accompanied with wine and grappa.
• Ston: Meet a local oyster farmer and learn about the cultivation of oysters, before enjoying a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of fresh shellfish and local wine.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience.  This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities & Communities.  Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience.  The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities & Communities.  Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
• Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral.
• Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower.
• Postojna Cave: Enter by mini-train into these world-famous cave systems, before walking through an illuminated fairyland of stalactites and stalagmites.
• Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.
• Split: Cruise to the sunniest island of the country, Hvar, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy beautiful views and crystal waters on this one hour ferry crossing.
• Split: Sightseeing with your Local Expert continues through the old town. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to reach Narodni Trg, the centre of Old Split. Continue to Trg Brace Radic, translated as the Square of the Radic brothers, but better known to the locals as Vocni Trg, or the Fruit Square.
• Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.
• Hvar: Explore the coves and hidden beaches and ascend the lofty peaks from where there are magnificent views over this beautiful island.
• Hvar: Cruise back to the mainland to continue your journey.
• Korčula: Walk the herringbone maze of streets and flagstone plazas with your Local Expert. Learn why the locals claim this is where Marco Polo was born.
• Ston: Cruise to this quaint coastal village by private boat.
• Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
• Dubrovnik: As the sun descends and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik.

• Zagreb: Join your Local Expert on an orientation city tour showcasing the charming atmosphere of the lower town then travel to the medieval upper town by funicular to see the colourful Church of St. Mark and Lotrščak Tower.
• Pula: Truly magnificent, the colossal Pula Arena was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, around the same time as the Colosseum of Rome. As you stroll its vast interior, picture the fierce gladiator battles that once took place here in front of 20,000 spectators.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Visit this scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes, flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you follow your Local Expert across zig-zagging timber footbridges and learn about the Park’s invaluable research work and conservation of its native species.
• Split: Join your Local Expert for a city tour of Split. Visit Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the winding streets and see the Roman-era buildings. Continue your highlight tour with stops at St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter and the Golden Gate.
• Kornati National Park: Sail through the maze of the 89 rocky islands in the Kornati National Park and take time to relax and recharge as you cruise past ruins of the ancient Illyrian fortress, Roman villas, and medieval settlements.
• Discover the natural wonders of Telašćica Bay, one of the most beautiful locations on the Adriatic, with an expert guide. Learn about the formation of the Salt Lake following the last Ice Age. Located inland in a karst depression, the intriguing lake is filled through underground cracks and limestone channels fed by the sea, from which it is separated by only a narrow strip of rock. And admire the iconic white cliffs. Towering 162 metres tall and gleaming out over the deep blue ocean, these are some of the steepest cliffs to rise out over the Adriatic.
• Zadar: Join your Local Expert to see the remains of the 1st century Roman Forum, admire the 9th century St Donatus Basilica, and walk through the 16th century Venetian city walls.
• Zadar: Visit the modern Sea Organ and take a moment to enjoy the symphony of sounds generated by the waves.
• Krka National Park: Admire the beauty and power of nature as you stroll shaded paths with cascades all around you. The spectacular waterfalls of Krka National Park are formed from the Krka and Čikola Rivers. Formed like a series of terraces, they spill over 17 travertine steps in a series of cascades, creating the mighty Skradinski Buk waterfall, which towers 45 meters high. Despite the power of the rushing waters, the pool below remains so tranquil it is possible to swim right up to the base of the falls.
• Šibenik: With an Local Expert, explore this charming city of sun, sea and stone. Built on rocks and constructed with rocks, Šibenik is filled with incredible historical sites, beautiful seaside hangouts, and quaint alleys and squares. Meander through the maze of streets and admire 15th century architecture, including City Hall and the Cathedral of St. James.
• Dubrovnik: Once the sun has lowered and the crowds have disappeared join your Local Expert for a memorable evening sightseeing walk through the marble streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and see the Rector’s Palace, St. Blaise’s Cathedral and the Dominican Monastery.
• Optional - Dubrovnik:
• Optional - Dubrovnik: With your included Dubrovnik Pass hike around the impressive City Walls and take in the mesmerising views of the myriad of red roofs and the dazzling Adriatic.
• Mali Losinj: Embark on an exclusive and immersive exploration of the Museum of Apoxymenos. Get to know the story of the 2000-year-old Greek bronze statue, perfectly preserved in the nearby seabed, and housed in the thoughtfully designed museum.

• 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.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital
  • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse

• Zagreb: Join your Local Expert on an orientation city tour showcasing the charming atmosphere of the lower town then travel to the medieval upper town by funicular to see the colourful Church of St. Mark and Lotrščak Tower.
• Pula: Truly magnificent, the colossal Pula Arena was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, around the same time as the Colosseum of Rome. As you stroll its vast interior, picture the fierce gladiator battles that once took place here in front of 20,000 spectators.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Visit this scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes, flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you follow your Local Expert across zig-zagging timber footbridges and learn about the Park’s invaluable research work and conservation of its native species.
• Split: Join your Local Expert for a city tour of Split. Visit Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the winding streets and see the Roman-era buildings. Continue your highlight tour with stops at St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter and the Golden Gate.
• Kornati National Park: Sail through the maze of the 89 rocky islands in the Kornati National Park and take time to relax and recharge as you cruise past ruins of the ancient Illyrian fortress, Roman villas, and medieval settlements.
• Discover the natural wonders of Telašćica Bay, one of the most beautiful locations on the Adriatic, with an expert guide. Learn about the formation of the Salt Lake following the last Ice Age. Located inland in a karst depression, the intriguing lake is filled through underground cracks and limestone channels fed by the sea, from which it is separated by only a narrow strip of rock. And admire the iconic white cliffs. Towering 162 metres tall and gleaming out over the deep blue ocean, these are some of the steepest cliffs to rise out over the Adriatic.
• Zadar: Join your Local Expert to see the remains of the 1st century Roman Forum, admire the 9th century St Donatus Basilica, and walk through the 16th century Venetian city walls.
• Zadar: Visit the modern Sea Organ and take a moment to enjoy the symphony of sounds generated by the waves.
• Krka National Park: Admire the beauty and power of nature as you stroll shaded paths with cascades all around you. The spectacular waterfalls of Krka National Park are formed from the Krka and Čikola Rivers. Formed like a series of terraces, they spill over 17 travertine steps in a series of cascades, creating the mighty Skradinski Buk waterfall, which towers 45 meters high. Despite the power of the rushing waters, the pool below remains so tranquil it is possible to swim right up to the base of the falls.
• Šibenik: With an Local Expert, explore this charming city of sun, sea and stone. Built on rocks and constructed with rocks, Šibenik is filled with incredible historical sites, beautiful seaside hangouts, and quaint alleys and squares. Meander through the maze of streets and admire 15th century architecture, including City Hall and the Cathedral of St. James.
• Dubrovnik: Once the sun has lowered and the crowds have disappeared join your Local Expert for a memorable evening sightseeing walk through the marble streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and see the Rector’s Palace, St. Blaise’s Cathedral and the Dominican Monastery.
• Optional - Dubrovnik:
• Optional - Dubrovnik: With your included Dubrovnik Pass hike around the impressive City Walls and take in the mesmerising views of the myriad of red roofs and the dazzling Adriatic.
• Mali Losinj: Embark on an exclusive and immersive exploration of the Museum of Apoxymenos. Get to know the story of the 2000-year-old Greek bronze statue, perfectly preserved in the nearby seabed, and housed in the thoughtfully designed museum.

• 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.
• Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
• Enjoy a traditional Balkan dinner, featuring dishes like stuffed peppers, cheese and spinach pies, hearty meat dishes, plenty of grilled and fresh veggies, and perhaps a glass or two of raki.
• Lose yourself in Tirana, Albania's colourful capital, and explore the wonders of Berat on walking tours with expert local guides.
• Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River, and explore this beautiful natural area on foot or by boat.

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

Day 1 - Wed - DUBROVNIK
• Arrive in Dubrovnik - transfer to hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 2 - Thu - DUBROVNIK - MONTENEGRO (B)
• After early breakfast join a bus excursion

• 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.

• Experience an authentic taste of the Balkans and a look at local life when you dine in family homes in Ljuta, Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dihovo.
• Get hands on with local village women in Janche for a cooking class focused on making local flaky pastries, and enjoy a cooking demonstration in Dolno Dupeni.
• See behind the scenes of local produce when you visit a centuries-old smokehouse, an olive mill, an apple farm, and meet a local beekeeper for a honey tasting.
• Throughout your culinary escapade, explore the stunning landscapes of the region, discovering the Painted Mosque, Matka Canyon, Mavrovo National Park and Lake Prespa.
• Try the most iconic foods of Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, including smoked and barbecued meats, cheese, gjomleze and locally produced wine.

• 9 night’s hotel accommodation
• Private transfers between cities
• Comprehensive sightseeing with English speaking guide
• Discover the vibrant and green capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana
• Visit magnificent Bled Castle
• Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Tour the hilltop village of Motovun
• Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the blue Adriatic Sea
• Soak in the unspoiled coastlines of Dubrovnik

• Onboard welcome reception
• Canal cruise
• Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
• Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim
• Guided walk
• Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz
• Choice of walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour in Roth, or hike with your Adventure Host, or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard lecture
• Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host
• Guided tour in Passau; free time in Linz
• Guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; free time in Vienna
• Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host
• Scenic cruising into Budapest; choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
• Day at leisure
• Choice of guided tour in Pécs, visit the underground tombs, or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill or walk with your Adventure Host
• Ilok guided tour; choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
• Visit to Golubač fortress; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge
• Choice of guided tour in Vidin, excursion to Belogradchik, see the rock formations or walk with your Adventure Host
• Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or walk in the park with your Adventure Host
• Guided sightseeing in Bucharest
• Brasov guided tour; visit Bran Castle
• Visit Peles Castle
• From Holland to Romania, with a host of exciting stops along the way, this river cruise vacation across Europe is truly an adventure! Amsterdam, Holland’s lively capital, is set amongst sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals with countless museums, cafés, shops, and restaurants to explore
• See the treasures of this 700-year-old city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten

• Dubrovnik's charms reach far beyond the famed beautiful city walls. Discover the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, and perhaps cruise to Lokrum Island where a botanical garden, Benedictine monastery, and excellent swimming spots await.
• Indulge in specialty foods, local wine and some tranquil swimming spots on the island of Korcula – a quiet escape full of vineyards, olive groves and sleepy villages.
• Explore the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages and largely untouched environment, and the Renaissance architecture and beautiful beaches of Hvar.
• We’ve partnered with non-profit organisation MEET to bring you an ecotourism experience on the little known Kornati Islands where you’ll hike through stunning scenery and enjoy lunch with a welcoming local family.
• Traverse the fairy tale landscapes of Krka National Park, passing beautiful woodlands and roman ruins as tiered waterfalls tumble overhead.

• Welcome to Prague
• Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
• Travel by motorcoach to Regensburg, guided sightseeing; transfer to Vilshofen; onboard welcome reception
• Choice of guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host; Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising
• Guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column
• Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or guided tour in Ybbs with Artstetten Castle visit; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided walk or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein
• Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
• Scenic cruising into Budapest; choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
• Free time
• Choice of guided tour in Pécs, visit the underground tombs, or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill or walk with your Adventure Host
• Ilok guided tour; choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host
• Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
• Visit to Golubač fortress; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge
• Choice of guided tour in Vidin, excursion to Belogradchik, see the rock formations or walk with your Adventure Host
• Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or a guided sightseeing in Rousse, or a walk in the park with your Adventure Host
• Transfer to Bucharest, guided sightseeing
• Brasov guided tour; visit Bran Castle
• Visit Peles Castle
• Embark on a 20-day journey from Czech Republic to Romania, beginning with two nights in dazzling Prague
• Explore the “Golden City” of Prague before your cruise

• 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.
• Set sail out of beautiful Dubrovnik. The World Heritage-listed walled city plays host to film crews every year.
• Wander the length of car-free Lopud in the idyllic Elafiti Islands.
• Discover the lush forests of Mljet, which are yet to be spoilt by mainstream tourism.
• Visit Odysseus Cave where, according to legend, the king of Ithaca once found refuge after surviving a shipwreck.
• Cross the water from the island of Vis to Cave Bisevo’s blue grotto in a rowing boat.