ITINERARY

 

Day 1: 

Overnight flight to Croatia.
 
Day 2:  

Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, distinguished by its 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. At its center is the site of the Gothic, twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral, and 13th-century St. Mark’s Church, with a colorfully tiled roof. Our nearby hotel is on pedestrian-friendly Tkalčićeva Street, lined with outdoor cafes. Overnight Zagreb.

Day 3:  

We will board our private motorcoach this morning to begin a leisurely walking tour of Zagreb.  We will stop at one of the many coffee houses and of course at local shops. After lunch we will board our coach for the scenic drive to Plitvice Lakes. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel and have some free time to absorb the beauty and serenity of this place. Dinner provided tonight.  Overnight Plitvice Lakes

Day 4:  

This morning we will begin our exploration of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a magnificent natural preserve.  With some luck we might see a Eurasian brown bear. The park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 due to its outstanding and picturesque series of lakes and caves.  The lakes are most noted for how they are connected by a series of cascading waterfalls. Plitvice Lakes welcomes over a million visitors a year, mostly during the spring and summer tourist seasons. After we leave Plitvice National Park we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant and then relax as we drive to Split.  Overnight Split.
 
Day 5: 

We will awaken this morning to the blue skies, and warm sea breeze of this beautiful coastal city. There is so much to do and see in Split and the surrounding area, including a visit to an island, that we will spend 5 nights here.  This morning we will begin with a leisurely walking-tour in Split within the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace.  Following our tour, we will enjoy a provided, typical Croatian lunch called a Peka: slow cooked veal & lamb with potatoes under a metal cover.  Also on the menu will be Pasticada,  a slow-cooked beef cooked with wine and plums served with homemade breads,  prosciutto and cheeses, with wine and juices.  After lunch the rest of the day is yours to enjoy anyway you want: strolling through town, walking on the Riva, sitting and enjoying the peaceful view, or taking a nap. Our guide will be available with recommendations to help you decide.
 
Day 6: 
Today we will depart a little earlier than usual, 8 AM. We will first drive to Krka National Park where we will again see amazing, cascading waterfalls surrounded by the unspoiled landscape.  Believe me, you won’t feel like this is just a repeat of Plitvice National Park.  We will take a short boat ride from the waterfalls to the town of Skradin, where once again, we will enjoy a provided lunch in a family owned restaurant.  The menu features roast pork, roosters on a spit, local vegetables, risotto, potatoes and salad.  After lunch we will take a casual stroll through Sibenik with a little free time to shop. We will return to Split via the stunning coastal road with short stops for panoramic views. Overnight Split.

Day 7:  

This morning we will be off to visit Stella Croatica, a family owned factory that produces products made from fresh, organic, local ingredients.  We’ll watch as they prepare a variety of homemade delicacies.  After taking time for lunch, we will drive over the hills and along the coast road to Trogir, an old town, with  parts of its medieval walls still standing.  It  is best known for its mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings. The 13th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence  offers a breath-taking view from its bell tower.
 Overnight Split.

Day 8: 

This morning we will take the ferry from Split to the Island of Brač. Our coach will carry us over a small mountain range to the village of Skrip, the oldest village on the island. After exploring this quaint village allowing time for shopping, we will be treated to another provided lunch prepared at a local family owned restaurant. After lunch we will drive to Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the island for a beautiful panoramic view. Overnight Split.
 
Day 9: 

This morning we will check out of the hotel that has been our home for 5 days and head east to Bosnia and Herzegovina.  There will be a border check so you will need to have your passports with you.  I’ll remind you before leaving Split.   We will take a short break along the way to enjoy a stunning view of Počitelj, an historic village in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Shortly after this break we will arrive in Mostar where we will enjoy a short sightseeing tour from our coach. Mostar is a city long known for its old Turkish houses and the Old Bridge – Stari Most, an extraordinary technological achievement of bridge construction. The nearby alleys are full of shops and market stalls, and the Old Bridge Museum explores the bridge’s long history. A narrow staircase leads up to the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque’s minaret for panoramic city views. Overnight Mostar.
 
Day 10: 

Today we say goodbye to Mostar, this very significant city in the Balkan Peninsula, as our motorcoach takes us to Dubrovnik. Along the way we will stop at a family farm where we will pick tangerines, take a boat ride through the delta and yes, enjoy another provided Peka.  This time the Peka is a Brudet, a fish stew.  Served along with the Brudet will be frogs and other special local delicacies. Before reaching Dubrovnik, we will visit Ston for a short break and to see the salt fields. Overnight Dubrovnik.
 
Day 11:  

Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its Old Town, enclosed by its16th century fortress walls.  Known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik was an important sea power from the 13th century forward and has carefully preserved its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings throughout this period.  Damaged in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration program. Our day will begin with a coach and walking tour of the Old Town and will include a panoramic view over the old town and a visit to the war museum.  Nearby our hotel you may stroll the Stradun, or Placa, a pedestrian avenue, paved with limestone and lined with shops and restaurants.
 Overnight Dubrovni.
 
Day 12:

This last day of our amazing tour will include a visit to neighboring Montenegro. The drive is almost like a fairy tale as we pass through rugged mountains and medieval villages it seems time has forgotten. The focus of our visit will be Kotor, a town along the Adriatic coast. This medieval old town boasts several Romanesque churches, featuring Kotor Cathedral.
 Overnight Dubrovnik.

Day 13:  

Today we will end our incredible journey and head home.  To make our long trip home easier, about 25 hours in transit,  we will fly to Dublin, spend the night in a nearby hotel and take a late morning flight back home.

Day 14:

Depart Dublin, arrive home.

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