BEAUTY OF CROATIA AND
DALMATIAN COAST
With an Optional Dubrovnik Extension
Air and Land 10 Days, 9 Nights Including Hotels, Meals, Day Trips. Airfare available from various gateways
Discover the hidden gem of the Mediterranean and see why Croatia is fast becoming Europe’s top destination! Begin your journey in Opatija, the glamorous seaside town that once drew the Austro-Hungarian elite. Use it as your gateway to explore Croatia’s stunning Western Coast and the Istrian Peninsula. Step back in time with a visit to Pula’s ancient Roman amphitheater and wander the charming streets of Rovinj, a Venetian-influenced fishing village that feels like a step into the past. Explore the stunning “Golden Island” of Krk and take a day trip to Italy’s Venice. Experience the Dalmatian Coast’s rugged beauty, marvel at Plitvice National Park’s natural wonder, and explore Split’s impressive 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace. Indulge in the local food scene, and for those seeking even more, extend your adventure to Dubrovnik’s perfectly preserved medieval city and the breathtaking fjords of Montenegro. This is the trip that brings you Croatia’s most captivating sites and secret treasures!
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
Relaxed paced program • Croatia’s culture, arts, music, architecture, history, and cuisine • Austro-Hungarian Opatija • Roman History • Austro-Hungarian, and Art Nouveau architecture • Rovinj • Pula Roman Amphitheater • The Istrian Peninsula • Venice “City of Canals” or “City of Bridges” • St. Mark’s Basilica • Island of Krk • Italian inspired food and wine • The mild Mediterranean climate • Split • The Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most inspiring Roman monuments) • Trogir • Plitvice Lakes National Park • Ancient Ottoman city of Mostar • UNESCO protected Old Bridge • Spectacular natural landscapes • UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Dubrovnik, one of the best preserved medieval walled cities in the world • Dominican Monastery • Gorgeous historical towns of Montenegro • Magnificent Bay of Kotor • Game of Thrones movie stages • Zagreb and much, much more.
MAIN PROGRAM INCLUDED FEATURES
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AIR TRANSPORTATION Air transportation from various gateways and intra-Croatia flight from Split to Zagreb
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS First Class hotel accommodations for 5 night in Opatija, 2 nights in Split , and 1 night in Zagreb
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MEALS 11 included meals consisting of 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees city tour of Opatija and Moscenice, tour of the Island of Krk, a Plitvice National Park tour, a Split city tour, a Trogir city tour and a tour of Zagreb. Optional tours are available
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JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning on the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals such as visitation to a 300-year-old working olive oil press, and homemade prosciutto, cheese, and wine in a local tavern or vineyard
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour upon arrival in Zagreb
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FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO DUBROVNIK
INCLUDED FEATURES
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS First-class hotels for 3 nights in Dubrovnik and 1 night in Zagreb
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AIR Intra-Croatia flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb
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MEALS 4 included meals consisting of 4 breakfasts
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide, and all entrance fees, are as follows: a tour of Mostar and the Turkish house, and a walking tour of Dubrovnik with entrance to the Dominican Monastery and Pharmacy
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour
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FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHE Touring by private first-class airconditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
Day 1 Leave the USA Set off on your overnight international trip to Zagreb, Croatia. Meals and beverages are served on board.
Day 2 Arrive in Zagreb – Opatija Welcome to Croatia! This stunning Mediterranean country offers a captivating blend of picturesque coastlines, crystal-clear waters, charming villages, magnificent national parks, and ancient fortified towns. Upon arrival in Zagreb, your tour director will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to Opatija, your home, for an extended five-night stay. Situated on the slopes of Mount Ucka, overlooking the mesmerizing Kvarner Bay, Opatija has been a sought-after destination for over 160 years, attracting both the affluent and famous. Once a renowned health resort for Austro-Hungarian royalty in the 19th century, Opatija remains a true hidden gem. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3 Opatija - Moscenice Tour – Opatija Today embark on a tour of Opatija and the medieval hilltop town of Moscenice. Be taken in by the captivating charm of Opatija with its rich history and culture, striking architecture, and exquisite Austro- Hungarian villas. View the Croatian Walk of Fame and stroll along the Lungomare coastal promenade. Then proceed to Moscenice, a fortified hilltop town on the list of Croatian cultural heritage sites. Walk through the cobblestone streets, take in the old-world culture, and visit the 300-year-old working olive oil press before returning to Opatija. (B, D)
Day 4 Opatija Enjoy a day of leisure in Opatija, where you can tailor your activities to your preferences. Take a water taxi to a nearby village, take a coastal stroll to view local shops, or relax and unwind. Alternatively, opt for an exhilarating full-day optional tour to Pula and Rovinj. The tour includes breathtaking panoramic views of Kvarner Bay from Plomin, a visit to the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater in Pula, and a event at a family-run olive oil farm. Continue to Rovinj, a picturesque fishing village with Venetian influences, where you’ll explore its charming streets and admire its idyllic coastal setting. Discover the allure of this Istrian gem, designated a cultural monument in 1963, on a guided walking tour. (B)
Day 5 Opatija Today spend the day at leisure or take an optional tour to Venice. Here the romantic “City of Canals” will reveal its charm to you! Participate in this tour to experience the one-of-a-kind atmosphere and architecture of this magical city. Be entranced by its winding canals, picturesque bridges, and stunningly beautiful palaces as you cruise via vaporetto. See the sights of St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace. After the tour, shop for handmade keepsakes, such as the renowned Murano glass or fancy Venetian masks. Afterward, you return to your motorcoach, taking in the postcard-perfect vistas, Venetian palaces, lively waterfront, and historical sights. (B)
Day 6 Opatija - Island of Krk – Opatija After breakfast, head to the enchanting Island of Krk. As you drive south, passing through the city of Rijeka, you’ll reach the largest island in Croatia. Known as the Golden Island for its mild climate, stunning natural landscapes, and rich historical sites. Begin your tour with a visit to the idyllic Košljun, accessible by a short boat ride. Explore the monastery, which is home to Franciscan friars and offers a glimpse into their secluded lifestyle. Next, venture to the city of Krk itself. Wander through the old town, marveling at its ramparts, cobblestone streets, and the striking Krk Cathedral. Then continue to Vrbnik, a quaint town with a remarkable 900-year history. This religious cen- ter, protected by Saint John the Baptist, is the birthplace of the Glagolitic alphabet. Here, indulge in tasting the region’s renowned white wine made from Zlahtina grapes, complemented by flavorsome prosciutto and cheese, in a local tavern or vineyard. (B, D)
Day 7 Opatija - Plitvice National Park Tour – Split Today depart Opatija for the old Roman City of Split. On the way, you stop to capture the wonders of Plitvice Lakes. This tranquil site is Croatia’s first, oldest, and largest National Park. In 1979, the Lakes were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a “natural wonder of rare and unique beauty.” After this visit, you will continue to Split and check into your hotel. Welcome to Split, home of Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. It is the second-largest city in Croatia. This evening, explore the lively bars, restaurants, and shops where Split has been bustling for thousands of years. (B)
Day 8 Split - City Tour - Trogir Tour – Split After breakfast, you explore Split on a tour of the historic city center. Discover the Roman emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then wander through the remnants of Split’s past, including its Renaissance and Gothic structures: the Peristyle, Cathedral, and Jupiter’s Temple. Early this afternoon, head to Trogir, a harmonious stone town on a small island connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges. Here visit the old town, a UNESCO world heritage site, and a treasure trove for art and architecture enthusiasts with its Renaissance and Baroque buildings and Romanesque churches. The narrow streets, small village squares, numerous restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and galleries give this town a splendid Mediterranean atmosphere. (B)
Day 9 Split - Zagreb After breakfast, you will be transferred to Split airport for a short flight to Zagreb. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic city tour of the capital before checking into your hotel (B)
Day 10 Zagreb to the USA After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home (B)
OPTIONAL DUBROVNIK EXTENSION
Day 9 Split – Mostar City Tour Dubrovnik Today drive through the lush Dalmatian countryside, arriving in Mostar. On your walking tour, you will visit the 16th-century stone bridge, explore the remnants of its Turkish quarter, and explore the old city center and the Turkish House. This exquisitely preserved House is one of Mostar’s best examples of Ottoman architecture. After the tour, you will have free time to wander and shop for distinctive gifts. Next, head south through the Gorge of Neretva River, arriving at the Medieval City of Dubrovnik. Here you will check into your hotel and relax. (B)
Day 10 Dubrovnik City Tour Today experience a breathtaking walking tour of old Dubrovnik, renowned for being one of the world’s most well-preserved medieval walled cities. Highlights of the tour will include the Rector’s Palace, Orlando’s Column, Bell Tower Clock, Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery, which boasts one of the old- est pharmacies in the world. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this enchanting place, where you can traverse the city’s walls, appreciate its rich cultural background, savor the unique flavors of the Mediterranean, and sample the regional cuisine and wines. (B)
Day 11 Dubrovnik Today, enjoy Dubrovnik independently or join an optional tour to Montenegro. This Republic showcases one of Southern Europe’s longest and deepest fjords, the Bay of Kotor. It is a submerged river canyon comprised of four small gulfs surrounded by mountains that meet the Adriatic Sea. Here, you will be part of a boating excursion at Our Lady of the Rocks Church before heading to Perast, situated at the foot of St. Elijah Hill. Kotor is the next stop on the thrilling journey, where you can wander through the medieval pedestrian streets and its vibrant market. (B)
Day 12 Dubrovnik – Zagreb After breakfast, you will be transferred to Dubrovnik airport for a short flight to Zagreb. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic city tour of the capital before checking into your hotel (B)
Day 13 Zagreb to the USA This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home, and you will have many memories of your travels to treasure and share. (B)
(B) - Breakfast, (L) - Lunch, (D) - Dinner.
Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. Quest Voyager reserves the right to make corrections or adjustments to the travel program as necessary.