Upon your arrival in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, you will be welcomed by your guide and escorted to your hotel.

On the short coach ride from the airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere in this small gem of Europe located in the heart of the continent. Your guide will provide some basic information about the Croatian capital, tips and tricks about the local daily routine and suggest some ideas for your free time.

Overnight: Zagreb.
Standard package: Hotel International 4* | Best Western Premier | Astoria 4* or similar
Superior: Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre 4* superior | Sheraton Zagreb Hotel 5* | The Westin Zagreb Hotel 5* or similar

It’s time to get on your bicycle and start pedalling. An easy and entertaining ride will take you to all the key sites in less than 3 hours, which makes this a perfect tour around Zagreb for a short stay. You will discover the main highlights of the Upper town with its red tile roofs, the quaint cobblestone streets and countless church spires, as well as the Lower town with its architecturally different house facades, the domes and colourful murals made by the street artists.

You’ll pass the magnificent Croatian National Theatre and St. Mark’s Church, feel the energy of Zagreb’s most vibrant greenmarket – the Dolac market, cross the mysterious Grič Tunnel and see the Cathedral from the most beautiful viewing point. The real treat of the tour are the stories about the Bloody Bridge or noontime “big bang”, the story about the magical powers of the Stone Gate and the manual lighting of the street lamps in the Upper Town still present to this day.

The Cycling Zagreb adventure ends just around noon, so use your free time to explore the city on your own. Our recommendation would be Mirogoj – one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe, a stunning park and an open art gallery, all in one. Of course, Zagreb offers countless museums and entertainment options. In the end, the choice is yours.

Overnight: Zagreb.

Standard package: Hotel International 4* | Best Western Premier | Astoria 4* or similar
Superior package: Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre 4* superior | Sheraton Zagreb Hotel 5* | The Westin Zagreb Hotel 5* or similar

Depart from the Croatian capital and in a couple of hours you will reach Plitvice Lakes National Park.
No matter what kind of traveller you are, during your visit to Croatia, Plitvice lakes are not to be missed, not just because of the UNESCO World Heritage Site label, but because of its indescribable nature. Our sightseeing approach will give you deep-insight and an opportunity to meet Plitvice Lakes very thoroughly and off the beaten tracks. The hike through the National Park will show us untouched nature highlighted by the idyllic waterfalls and 16 interconnected cascading lakes. On the old maps, the national park was called “Devil’s Garden” but its dense forests, splashing waterfalls and emerald lakes can only remind you of Heaven. A short boat and a panoramic train ride will help you catch as much of the landscapes as possible, so sit back and admire this wonder of Nature.

You will be in awe with the magnificent nature, so take your time during the ride to the hotel on the Adriatic coast to relax and reflect on your incredible day.

Overnight: Starigrad or Zadar.

Standard package: Hotel Kolovare 4* | Niko 4* | Ilirija 4* Biograd na Moru or similar
Superior package: Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel 4* superior | Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel and Dépendance 4* superior or similar

The rugged peaks of the Velebit massif in the Paklenica National Park are just a stone’s throw from the hotel. Croatia’s largest forest area is weaved by numerous ravines and rivers that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site an excellent area for your next adventure. So, lace up your hiking boots and go through a complex nature full of contrasts, Wild West scenography with sharp karst shapes on one side and the soft greenery on the other. The most attractive points are vertically carved canyons and impressive cliffs decorated with climbers as this is the most known climbing site in Croatia. After the abundance of geomorphological forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature, you can be sure that you will be just as amazed by Tito’s nuclear bunker that is to follow.

Our “return to civilisation” comes with a great reason – to meet Zadar, the oldest, continuously-inhabited Croatian city. This city will show you the glory of the Gothic-Romanesque architecture found in the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, the largest cathedral in the Dalmatia region and St. Donatus, the monumental round construction from the 9th century whose base dates from Roman times. Afterwards, we are drawn to the furthest end of the peninsula to see an extraordinary sight – the Sea Organ, an experimental music instrument whose melodies are created by the breaking waves on the tubes located underneath a set of marble steps. A “Greeting to the Sun” will be the most perfect end to this rich, fulfilled day. Strolling down the city on your own, treat yourself at one of the many cosmopolitan cafes. Drive back to the hotel in just under an hour.
 

Overnight: Starigrad or Zadar.

Standard package: Hotel Kolovare 4* | Niko 4* | Ilirija 4* Biograd na Moru or similar
Superior package: Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel 4* superior | Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel and Dépendance 4* superior or similar

The first part of this day will be dedicated to the sparkling green of the Croatian rivers. The joined waters of the Krka River and its largest tributary, the Čikola River, fall over the 17 cascades of Skradinski buk waterfall and create an absolutely magical place.

This picturesque and most unusual confluence in Croatia is well known by the open vistas and island formations covered in aquatic plants. Hiking along the banks and over Krka River while you feel splashes of the waterfall nearby will be really fun and refreshing, but the full impression of the Krka river mightiness will be visible only by cruising along it all the way to the Skradin town. Once you are there, don’t miss the opportunity to try an awesome local speciality, the Skradin risotto.

In the second part of the day, the city of Šibenik awaits. This medieval Venetian city is famous for its narrow curvy streets, stone-made houses, stairs and remains of the old city walls. It is a home to many significant landmarks, among which is the Cathedral of Saint James (found on the UNESCO World Heritage List). This magnificent building has been constructed by locals for hundreds of years and it certainly deserves a special acknowledgment on this tour. Šibenik is the perfect town to make a short break. Spend your free time to explore Šibenik and its lovely squares on your own.

Overnight: Split or Trogir.

Standard package: Hotel Art 4* | Globo 4*| President 4* or similar
Superior package: Marvie Hotel & Health 4* superior | Luxe 4* superior | Cvita 4* superior or similar

Feeling lucky to start your day in Trogir, a charming little town with medieval walls, magical architecture and a wonderful sea view, you are ready for today’s adventure. Being in this town will seem like you travelled back in time through centuries, all the way to the Trogir’s Golden era, today, still visible in the magnificent Cipiko Palace, the Venetian Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Gothic town hall and mighty walls along the waterfront. Walking through the city centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with cobbled streets and passages, among different architectural styles, listening to the stories about medieval time and feeling the atmosphere of the glorious times past, you will find yourself immersed in the incredible history of Trogir.

A natural unfolding to this fulfilled day is a visit to the city of Split, the successor of Solin, the capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Split was actually the periphery of Solin whose very important citizen – the emperor Diocletian, chose Split’s downtown as a place for his palace. That is how the splendour of Split began and how the heart of the city was shaped. Walking down the Split’s streets is similar to wandering through a historical labyrinth. You will enter the bronze gate in the south, pass by the cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the best preserved buildings of Roman times, reach the golden gate in the north to touch the left toe of the statue of Gregory of Nin. According to the legend, all visitors who touch the toe of the statue will ensure their return to Split someday. Our tour ends on the busy seafront, complete with palms and yachts, colourful shops in Roman passages, and charming bars with creative interiors.

Spend your free time to enjoy the remarkable view of the Split’s historical centre from Marjan Hill and feel the life and energy of the locals.

Overnight: Split or Trogir.

Standard package: Hotel Art 4* | Globo 4*| President 4* or similar
Superior package: Marvie Hotel & Health 4* superior | Luxe 4* superior | Cvita 4* superior or similar

The next three days you will be discovering the incredible Adriatic coast and Dalmatian archipelago.

Your first stop is the island of Brač, with the highest peaks among the Croatian islands. With a smaller number of tourists, but without big crowds and pomp as the glittering islands in its neighbourhood, Brač provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the authentic life of locals, particularly in the inland.

Your sightseeing starts at the Museum of olive oil since olive cultivation here dates back all the way to the Venetian time and there’s over a half-million trees planted. Warmly welcomed by hosts, you will get interesting insights into the production process. Spice up your visit by tasting various local delicacies. Later on, head up to Vidova Gora, the roof of the Croatian islands. From this point, you will go downhill along the rocky trails to the town of Bol. This small place, adorned by lovely old houses, offers great restaurants for lunch or snack by the promenade. Walk a little bit more and spend your well-deserved break at one of the most attractive beaches in the world – the Golden horn (Zlatni Rat).

Later in the afternoon, meet again with your guide at the harbour for your half-hour catamaran ride to the island of Hvar.

Overnight: Hvar Island.

Standard package: Hotel Lavanda by Valamar 3* | Pharia 3* or similar
Superior package: Heritage Hotel Dea 4* superior | Heritage Villa Apolon 4* superior | Amfora Grand Beach Resort 4* superior or similar

After breakfast, the queen of the Croatian islands – Hvar is expecting you. It is so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. The significance of the island dates back from the ancient times. The important strategic and nautical position of Hvar had been the main cause of rich and turbulent times throughout its history. Its separation from the mainland protected the island from some of the modern influences and preserved the harmony between man and nature. This is visible in the white-washed towns and historic cobbled streets, in the fields of lavender and azure waters, as well as the home-style restaurants serving delicious Dalmatian fare. With all this in mind, you will visit one of the households that cultivates lavender and hike through the abandoned ghost-like village Malo Grablje. Somewhere in the middle of the Hvar hiking route, you’ll get to the Milna just in time for refreshment at one of the restaurants with a wide seafood offer. As you continue hiking along the coast, you will be rewarded with marvellous views. You will arrive in the capital of the island – the city of Hvar.

Quite often visitors describe their time spent in the town of Hvar like being a part of a fairy-tale. The scenography features 13th-century walls surrounding beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets. This small bay town will show you its full glory especially through the stories about significant historical events and people, related to the cathedral, monastery or fortress.

Some would say that this incredible island simply has it all: rich history, vibrant nightlife, high-class service, wonderful nature and stunning viewpoints to admire it. Finally, you will have spare time to enjoy the crystal clear waters.

Overnight: Hvar Island.

Standard package: Hotel Lavanda by Valamar 3* | Pharia 3* or similar
Superior package: Heritage Hotel Dea 4* superior | Heritage Villa Apolon 4* superior | Amfora Grand Beach Resort 4* superior or similar

The third island in our itinerary will be sure to astonish you as well. Korčula, the most tranquil island of our adventure, got the name from the Greeks due to its dense pine forest – Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). The Korčula Town is also known as Little Dubrovnik for its mighty city walls, medieval squares, churches, palaces and houses. Locals say it still keeps secrets about the life of one of the most famous explorers in history – Marco Polo. Tip of the day: there is a nice bar in the Zakerjan tower at the far end of the old town where you can enjoy spectacular views of the strait in the distance.

The Mediterranean climate, soil quality and the terrain’s morphology provide the perfect conditions for wine- growing. In Lumbarda village, the heart of Korčula’s wine making, you will have the opportunity to taste various sorts of wine, as well as the most authentic ones, pošip and grk. The perfect ending to your visit to Korčula is tasting some of the most known Croatian wines and snacks at the local family winery. After this wonderful experience, get on the ferry, and head to your next destination, leaving behind old little houses, settled on the edge of the island. Upon your return to continental Croatia, enjoy the ride through the Pelješac peninsula. The largest Croatian peninsula, covered with macchia, is widely known by two trademarks: wine and oyster. This region, Dingač, with its famous symbol – the donkey, is the first protected wine region in Croatia. On your way to Dubrovnik, along the coast of the Adriatic, there will be a short photo stop by the impressive old city walls above the town of Ston.

Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Standard package:Hotel Lapad 4* | Uvala 4* | Grand Hotel Park 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Royal Neptun 4* | Valamar Lacroma 4* | More 5* or similar

Get ready for a lovely walking adventure through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This maze of beautiful white marble streets (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by a 2 km long wall which hides medieval treasures: the city’s baroque churches, magnificent palaces, significant monuments, medieval gates and marble streets. Its numerous art galleries and unique artisanal shops keep the artworks of many artists who found inspiration in this light-coloured-stone city. Walking through the historical centre, you will start and end your visit at the main street Stradun, and in between, you will hear facts, tales and legends about the Pile Gate, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the cathedral, main square Placa and wonderful ornaments of Rector’s and Sponza Palaces. A lunch or refreshment in the city port will complete the story about Dubrovnik.

Even with the spectacular morning, the real highlight of the day is kept for the afternoon – time to meet Dubrovnik from a different perspective. You saddle up on kayaks, row along the coast and admire the view of the pink-grey city walls, which stand out against the azure blue water. Be sure that this experience will boost the impression about the mightiness of the city walls and give you a chance to enjoy both the attractive shore of the Lokrum isle and the cave up close. This beautiful island holds a lot of mysteries and according to the legend it was a shelter to King Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Our guide will tell you the whole story once you arrive there. Lokrum Island has been a set for filming the Game of Thrones, and it is another inevitable destination for the true lovers of the series.

Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Standard package: Hotel Lapad 4* | Uvala 4* | Grand Hotel Park 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Royal Neptun 4* | Valamar Lacroma 4* | More 5* or similar

This day is devoted to the Bay of Kotor with its unique scenery. First stop is at the town of Perast, a little settlement baroque in style, where a relaxing boat ride to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks starts. This artificial islet is home to a church known by mystifying story and valuable artefacts like paintings by local artist, votive silver tablets and a hair-made tapestry. After short boat tour, marvellous Kotor kept in the mediaeval wall-frame is welcoming us. A walking tour shows multicultural richness through churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luka, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and all the glory of this UNESCO site. Use your free time to continue wandering around the stone paved town, or enjoy offer of fish restaurant at one of romantic squares. The break is perfect preparation for more than 1.500-step-hike which reaches the Fortress of St. John, point with mind-blowing panorama of Kotor Bay which for sure will become part of lifelong memories. For the end of this day, one more thing is left – a visit to the Morić Olive Farm, family-owned and operated estate, settled in Luštica Bay. It brings you an exquisite opportunity to feel the spirit and explore the rich heritage of the authentic household, taste the organic extra virgin olive oil of premium quality and simply enjoy the ambience of one of Montenegro’s most famed olive growing areas.

Overnight: Budva or Kotor Bay.

Standard package: Hotel Moskva 4* | Bracera 4* | Adria 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Casa del Mare Amfora 4* | Casa del Mare Mediterraneo 5* | The Chedi Luštica Bay 5* or similar

The Lovćen massif area is considered to be one of the most important places in Montenegrin culture and history. Just getting there is a unique adventure: the stunning view of the Boka Bay will leave you in awe, while driving up the old, Austro-Hungarian 25-serpentine-road. First stop for the day is Njeguši, the village known as the birth place of the royal dynasty Petrović and a ‘guardian’ of the authentic architecture and cuisine in the region. Njeguški sir and pršut (cheese and prosciutto of Njeguši), a real treat for true foodies, are both genuine contributions to Montenegrin cuisine, produced only in this area, following the traditional recipe for smoking and curing meat.

Tasting the most famous specialties of the region makes us ready for one more breath-taking peak. The National Park Lovćen encompasses the central and the highest part of the Lovćen massif, covering an area of 6.400 hectares. On top of one of the mountain’s two imposing peaks, lies a magnificent mausoleum – the tomb of Montenegro’s greatest person in history: II Petrović Njegoš. It takes 461 steps to climb to reach but it is a great adventure. The journey is well worth the effort – you will be rewarded with a spectacular viewpoint from the world’s highest mausoleum. The trip continues to the Lipa Cave, one of the largest caves in Montenegro, for a great underground adventure. One-hour exploration discovers the cave’s beautiful and wild system of 2.5 kilometres long trails and halls, splendid cave ornaments and gives chance to find out some fun facts about the cave and its surrounding. Back on the sunny surface is pleasing and on the way back to the hotel, a short photo-break right above the islet of St. Stefan, an emerald of Montenegro, is reword for invested energy on this day. Once a shelter for the locals during attack of pirates and Turks, today it is luxurious hotel with private access for exclusive guests: even Novak Đoković chose it as the venue of his own wedding.
Use free evening and try out some of the finest Montenegrin wines, made from the authentic red grape variety Vranac, as well as some organic honey, figs, and a homemade spirit called rakija. It is highly recommended to enjoy these delicacies at the konoba, small, traditional restaurants owned by local families and are the true essence of Montenegrin’s warm hospitality and friendship.

Overnight: Budva or Kotor Bay.

Standard package: Hotel Moskva 4* | Bracera 4* | Adria 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Casa del Mare Amfora 4* | Casa del Mare Mediterraneo 5* | The Chedi Luštica Bay 5* or similar

The journey goes through the vivid, old caravan road featuring several lake viewpoints and an incredible opportunity for stunning panoramic photos. A special part of your day will be the visit of the village Poseljani with its movielike houses, mills, and small stone bridges dating back to the 18th century, all authentic scenes and examples of the architecture of this region.
Fishing village of Virpazar is a departure point for boat ride on Skadar Lake. As you glide through the mirroring water, the numerous lake’s attractions reveal: the extraordinary birds, the water lilies in full bloom, and wild, secluded beaches. Skadar Lake has an area ranging from 370 to 530 square kilometres, depending on the water level and it is the biggest lake of the Balkans. The river Bojana creates a connection between Skadar Lake and the Adriatic Sea through a large mountain massive that separates the two. This day, dedicated to the rural and natural area, ends at the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica.

Overnight: Podgorica.

Standard package: Hotel Ramada by Windham 4* | New Star 4* or similar
Superior package: Hotel Hilton 5* | Cue (ex CentreVille) 4* superior or similar

Departure from Podgorica or any non-listed airport.