Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group

Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group

tourhub | Insight Vacations | Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group | SE962ZM20
tourhub | Insight Vacations | Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group | SE962ZM20 | Map
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14 Days From

$6825

$5750

Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group

14 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Visiting: Zagreb, Postojna, Istria, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE962ZM20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, Island Hopping

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $6825 $5750 Operator discount: -$1075 -16%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Croatia and Slovenia with the "Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group" tour. This cultural adventure begins in the vibrant capital of Zagreb, where you'll explore its historic streets and enjoy a welcome dinner. Discover the stunning natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, with options to learn about local conservation efforts or engage with the Tara Community Center. Marvel at the subterranean wonders of Postojna Cave in Slovenia and the Roman heritage of Pula. Cruise the azure waters to the sun-drenched island of Hvar, and wander the medieval streets of Korcula, rumored to be Marco Polo's birthplace. Conclude your journey in the enchanting city of Dubrovnik, exploring its ancient walls and savoring local delicacies. Travel in style aboard a luxurious coach, stay in comfortable accommodations, and enjoy authentic dining experiences throughout this captivating tour.

Highlights

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    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • 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. 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 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.

  • content:

    Top Rated Highlights

    • 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 Lotršcak 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 two 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.
    • Korcula: 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.

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter

    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. 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 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.

  • content:

    Authentic Dining

    Zagreb: At 17:30, join your Travel Director for dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.

    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.

    Dubrovnik: Toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian dinner.

Itinerary

tourhub | Insight Vacations | Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group | SE962ZM20 | Route Map

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Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb

Location: Zagreb

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb

Meals Included: Dinner

Your Croatian adventure begins in the Capital, Zagreb. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views over the city. Join your Travel Director for dinner, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.

Day 2: Zagreb’S Twin Towns Relaxed Start

Location: Zagreb

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk and see the art Pavillion, the academy of Sciences and Art and pass Zrinjevac Park. We then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, take a walk back down through the Stone gate and back to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure. Relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities or perhaps take an Optional Experience.

Day 3: Postojna Caves And On To Opatija

Location: Postojna

Accommodation: Hotel Icici., Hotel Admiral

Accommodation Name: Heritage Imperial, Opatija, Hotel Admiral, Palace Bellevue, Optatija

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Return to Croatia in your hotel in Opatija.

Day 4: Discover The Jewels Of Istria

Location: Istria

Accommodation: Hotel Icici., Hotel Admiral

Accommodation Name: Heritage Imperial, Opatija, Hotel Admiral, Palace Bellevue, Optatija

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the heart-shaped peninsula to explore the Jewels of Istria with your Local Expert. Visit the well-preserved first-century arena at Pula, scene of brutal gladiatorial battles in Roman times. Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, rising directly from the sea. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-coloured bars and sidewalk cafes.

Day 5: Pristine Plitvice Lakes National Park

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Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Accommodation: Hotel Lyra, Licko Petrovo Selo.

Accommodation Name: Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coast in the morning, journey past sparkling deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands, before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet one of the women behind the Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.

Day 6: The Dalmatian Coast To Split

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Location: Split

Accommodation: Hotel President Solin, Split.

Accommodation Name: President Solin, Split

Meals Included: Breakfast

The green forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters. Walk through the Roman Ruins and market to see the sea organ of Zadar. Witness the dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in 3rd century B.C. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before continuing to the historic city of Solin. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.

Day 7: Island Hopping To Hvar Relaxed Start

Location: Hvar

Accommodation: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.

Accommodation Name: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your island-hopping adventure begins here. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, famed for being the sunniest island in the country and boasting an interior dotted with lofty mountain peaks and aromatic fields of lavender.

Day 8: Exploring The Island Of Hvar Relaxed Start

Location: Hvar

Accommodation: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.

Accommodation Name: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure, as you explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches, old monasteries and villages of Hvar. Perhaps stroll around seaside Stari Grad, known for being one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Maybe visit the local museum with its impressive collection of archeological finds dating back to Greek antiquity or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant? You could even see the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town with its yacht-lined marinas, famous for being the trendy playground of the rich and famous.

Day 9: On The Trail Of Marco Polo To Korčula

Location: Korčula

Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula.

Accommodation Name: Liburna, Korcula

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cruise back to the mainland and continue your journey to the island of Korčula, known for its grace, history and rich culture. The perfect place for relaxing, the island is filled with quiet coves and small beaches that dot the south coastline. This evening, dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 10: Captivating Korčula Relaxed Start

Location: Korčula

Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula.

Accommodation Name: Liburna, Korcula

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of the Old Town. Marvel at spectacular views of the mainland as you stroll towards the main square of Korčula where the Cathedral of St. Mark dominates the ancient skyline. Hear about local legends and history from your Local Expert, stopping by the Town Museum, the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury collection and the Town Hall. Visit the ruins of the house where according to local legend Marco Polo was born. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town.

Day 11: Dubrovnik, Pearl Of The Adriatic

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Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

Accommodation Name: Dubrovnik Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey to the beautiful southern slopes of the Pelješac Peninsula. Weather permitting, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston and admire the surrounding untouched natural beauty, as you enjoy a glass of traditional Croatian brandy. Stop at a shellfish farm and meet a local oyster farmer, to learn about the cultivation and harvest of oysters. Enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of the fresh shellfish, accompanied by a glass of wine. Continue to the walled town of Dubrovnik, 'paradise on Earth' according to George Bernard Shaw. Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see the Old Jewish Quarter and the synagogue, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoy the luxuries of the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, your home for the next three nights.

Day 12: Optional Montenegro Experience Relaxed Start

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Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

Accommodation Name: Dubrovnik Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the day at your leisure or enjoy an optional visit to Montenegro, travelling along the coast to the pretty port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A photographer's dream, capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay and learn about some of the compelling history of this area. Return to Dubrovnik and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Perhaps start at a trendy wine bar, followed by dinner at a romantic sidewalk cafe?

Day 13: Dubrovnik At Leisure Relaxed Start

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Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

Accommodation Name: Dubrovnik Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Make the most of a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Relax by the pool, shop in the markets or perhaps take the opportunity to visit Cavtat, one of the most enchanting seaside resorts in Croatia. This evening, should weather permit, you're invited to embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Savour authentic flavours of local specialities over dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik

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Location: Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Heritage Imperial in Opatija, Hotel Lyra in Licko Petrovo Selo, President Solin in Split, Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort, Hotel Liburna in Korcula, and the luxurious Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

  • Luxurious Coach Travel

    Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Enjoy complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi during your tour.

  • Airport Transfers

    Benefit from included airport transfers at scheduled times.

  • Dining

    Enjoy 4 Dinners with Wine, 13 Breakfasts, and 2 Dinners.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.

  • Baggage Handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Well-being Measures

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences and activities are not included in the tour price.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, and benefit from included airport transfers at scheduled times.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are offered at Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    At Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can choose between two unique experiences. You can join a Local Expert to explore the park and learn about the ongoing research to monitor and protect the natural habitat, or you can meet the women of the Tara Community Center who produce handicrafts, providing them with financial and psychological support.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Postojna Cave?

    During the visit to Postojna Cave, you will enter the world-famous cave systems by mini-train and walk through an illuminated fairyland of stalactites and stalagmites, including the impressive five-metre tall stalagmite known as the Brilliant.

  • What activities are available on the island of Hvar?

    On the island of Hvar, you can explore hidden coves and secluded beaches, visit old monasteries and villages, stroll around the seaside town of Stari Grad, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Hvar Town with its yacht-lined marinas.

  • What is included in the Dubrovnik experience?

    In Dubrovnik, you will explore the Old Town with a Local Expert, walking the stone-paved streets to see Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace, and the medieval city walls. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing cruise around the bay of Dubrovnik, weather permitting.

  • What dining experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several authentic dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner in Zagreb, a Sea-to-Table tasting of fresh shellfish in Ston, and a typical Dalmatian dinner in Dubrovnik.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Operator discount: -$1075

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Operator discount: -$60

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.