Duration: 14 Days
What’ll it be? Black risotto made with squid ink? Grilled sardines with garlic and lemon? Lamb and potatoes “under the bell”? This introductory tour of Croatia allows you to sample its local delicacies as well get a taste of the country’s greatest attributes. Modern coastal cities, magnificent medieval towns, and breathtaking natural wonders await at every turn. Get your fill of the lively cobblestone squares in the capital city of Zagreb, the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in the seaside city of Split, the walled beauty of baroque Dubrovnik, and the magical waterfalls of Krka National Park. Enjoy a walking tours of Ston, famous for its oyster farms, and discover Konavle, known for its lush vineyards. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Split!
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Cruise ship from Dubrovnik to Split.
- Services of the Tour Director end on day 7.
Welcome to Zagreb!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Landmarks & Legends
ZAGREB Guided sightseeing includes sights of the Parliament and Stone Gate. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Explore the ancient city of Zagreb where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe meet with a magnetic culture amid medieval architecture and offbeat cafes and bars to enjoy. See the historic Croatian Parliament building - its first session recorded in 1273. In the Upper Town of Zagreb, admire the historic Croatian Parliament building and see the Stone Gate, the only fortification entrance that is still standing, and now home to the city's most important shrine.
Sea Sounds & Sunsets
ZADAR A guided walking tour includes the main square and Nikola Basic's amazing Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun installations. (B,D) 177 mi/ 285 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Designed by architect Nikola Basic and opened in April 2005, the Sea Organ captures the movement of the waves and transforms it into music--or something like it. Next to it the Greeting to the Sun was built. a 22-meter diameter circle with photovoltaic solar modules underneath. The solar-powered cells under the glass start generating electricity around dawn, which allows the disc to glow and light the shoreline.
Waterfalls & Royal Walks
KRKA [LF] Take In breathtaking views of the lake and waterfalls In Krka National Park, followed by a light lunch of local specialties.
SPLIT Follow your Local Guide for a walk through the labyrinth of medieval streets within the walls of Emperor Diocletian's Palace. (B,L) 143 mi / 230 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
NATURAL WONDERS Discover the magic beauty of Krka National Park whose natural wonders span from the Adriatic to the mountains of the Croatian interior. Here, the Krka River provides spectacular waterfalls and gorges as it gushes through a karstic canyon 200m deep.
Ston Walls & Salty History
STON [LF] Guided walking tour includes the walls and the salt pans. Free time before continuing to Dubrovnik. (B) 149 mi / 240 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
HISTORIC SPOT Explore the 900m fortress walls encircling the city of Ston - the second largest in the world after the Great Wall of China. You'll also see the Ston salt pans - the oldest in Europe and the largest preserved in Mediterranean history. Here, the tradition of salt harvesting continues in the same way it has for over 4000 years from the resources of the sea, sun, and wind.
A King's Landing
DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.
KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 37 mi / 60 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE It isn't hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector's Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.
Above the Gates
DUBROVNIK Embark on your coastal cruise. Transfer to the city gate and take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. Return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Built back in 1969 the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who wants to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect - its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon.
Safe Harbour
Cruise around Dubrovnik city walls then continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop.
SLANO Explore the town's long medieval ramparts, then learn more about oysters which made this village famous for and taste this delicacy. Free time before returning to the vessel. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera, situated in a gentle bay 2 km long, a fine beach, with thick pine and olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing a reliable protection against the elements for many centuries.
Myths & Marvels
MIJET Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mijet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent 7 years on the island of Mijet when the nymph Calypso charmed him which led to a shipwreck and him having to seek shelter in the cave for seven years before the Gods released him.
The Marco Polo Found
KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days.
On the Waterfront
VIS Free time to explore the island. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FREE TIME TIP In the 4th-century B.C., the island of Vis was one of the main Greek colonies and ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island. Spend some time tasting some exquisite local wines or visiting the remains of the Roman thermal place, City Museum or simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront.
Island Beauties
BISEV Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting)
HVAR Guided tour of the island includes visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theatre in Europe (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbour for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands.
Blue Heaven
BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni Rat.
SPLIT Guided tour of the city. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Zlatni rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the wind, tide, and the current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
