Charming Croatia
12 Day Tour
Charming Croatia
Explore, Engage, Enrich
September 10 – 21, 2024
Explore, Engage, and Enrich in the history, culture, and natural wonders of Croatia with our 12-day women’s journey next fall. Begin the adventure in Croatia’s vibrant capital and architecturally rich Zagreb with time to explore before discovering the stunning and picturesque Istrian Peninsula. Embark on a truffle hunting adventure, unique to this region, and have a chance to savour the flavours of the freshly unearthed truffles. Have your cameras ready for the mesmerizing Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) with its cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. Continue to the Dalmatian coast where ancient Roman ruins blend seamlessly with modern waterfront promenades. Meander through cobblestone streets of Split, visit the beautiful island of Hvar, enjoy farm to table dining and regional tastings, explore the enchanting Elaphiti Islands, bask in the Mediterranean sun, or simply sit back and relax in an outdoor café with your favourite beverage. There’s no better place for our final stop than the UNESCO appointed city of Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” the well-preserved Old Town will be our home for the final 3 nights. Wind through the narrow streets, marvel at the iconic city walls, savour the cuisine, and be mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. All this and more on our enriching adventure next fall.
But hurry, space is limited to 16 on this intimate journey!
This trip is appropriate for travellers who are in good health and are comfortable with full-day excursions. Participants with basic good balance, mobility, and moderate fitness level should not require physical preparation to enjoy the various activities of this tour. Walking on uneven terrain, sometimes uphill, walking and standing for long periods of time during guided tours, easy physical activities, stairways sometimes without handles, absence of elevators, and getting on and off various modes of transportation unassisted can be expected.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Private group arrival/departure transfers (transfers based on group air arrival/departure times)
- Private transportation on air-conditioned bus as per itinerary
- 11 nights superior accommodation – 1 night Zagreb, 2 nights Istria, 3 nights Palostane, 2 nights Split, 3 nights Dubrovnik
- Daily breakfast, 3 tastings, 3 lunches including 1 picnic lunch, 9 dinners including one cooking class
- Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary
- Highlights include Zagreb, Istria, truffle hunting, Plitvice Lakes, Adriatic Coast, Krka National Park, Split, Island of Hvar, wine tasting, oyster farm, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Elaphiti Island hoping and more!
- Services of an English-speaking local guide
- Services of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager
- Includes all applicable taxes and service charges
- 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours emergency contact number while on tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Insurance has not been included as part of your tour package. Broad Escapes strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, COVID-19 Travel Plan, Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact us for rates and complete details.
- International airfare
- Passport, visas, government processing fees, vaccinations, COVID tests, if required at time of travel
- Luggage handling
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned
- Items of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers
- European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) fee (effective in 2024 for visa-free non-EU citizens to visit the European Union Zone https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/)
OPTIONS
- International Flights – A designated flight from Toronto will be assigned. We would be pleased to book your flights from Toronto or any other departure gateway.
- Arrival and departure transfers – for those not arriving & departing on group flights
Day 1 | Tuesday, September 10 (D)
ZAGREB
*Independent arrival at the Zagreb Airport
Welcome to Zagreb! Upon arrival meet our private group transfer and local representative who will accompany the group for the duration of the tour. Transfer to our centrally located hotel for check-in. This afternoon, enjoy an orientation stroll to get acquainted and explore the heritage of Zagreb. Gather in the evening for a welcome dinner with fellow BE travellers to commence the beginning of this incredible trip.
Overnight Hotel Le Premier (or similar) – 1 night
Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will suggest a designated flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.
Day 2 | Wednesday, September 11 (B/D)
ZAGREB – MOTOVUN
Rise and shine for a morning guided walking tour of Zagreb. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, see St. Mark’s Church, with its multicoloured tiled roof, the lavishly baroque St. Catherine’s Church, Parliament, the government palace, and many fine old buildings. The lower city is presided over by a statue of a mounted Ban Jelacic in the main square. A very mystical place is also Zagreb’s Stone Gate, the most significant shrine in Zagreb, where a tragic fire burnt everything but the unharmed image of the virgin Mary. This afternoon, depart for Istria and prepare for a cooking class, for an opportunity to make fresh pasta and taste the local cuisine.
Overnight Hotel Kastel (or similar) – 2 nights
Day 3 | Thursday, September 12 (B/T/D)
TRUFFLE HUNTING & MOTOVUN
After breakfast, experience truffle hunting in the Istrian countryside, it’s an authentic and enjoyable experience that allows you to connect with the region’s rich culinary traditions and natural beauty. Afterward, a tasting lunch will be served accompanied by local wine. Afternoon visit to Motovun, a charming hilltop town known for its medieval architecture and stunning views. Dinner on an agrotourism estate near Motovun.
Day 4 | Friday, September, 13 (B/L/D)
MOTOVUN- NATIONAL PARK PLITVICE – PAKOŠTANE
Grab your cameras for our visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Under UNESCO protection this natural beauty is home to a cascading series of crystal-clear lakes and magnificent waterfalls. Located in the Lika Mountain region, the park is visited mostly on foot, including a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake “Kozjak”. Enjoy a picnic lunch prior to continuing to the coastal town of Pakostance, our home for the next 3 nights.
Overnight Maskovica Han Heritage Hotel (or similar) – 3 nights
Day 5 | Saturday, September 14 (B/D)
ZADAR – NIN
Today we visit Nin, a small historic town located on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian coast. Despite its small size, Nin hold great significance as one of the oldest towns in Croatia and a place of historical and cultural importance. Explore narrow streets of the Church of St. Nicholas – one of the prominent landmarks in Nin, salt pans and ancient ruins. After the visit travel to Zadar, the oldest university town in Croatia, famous for its rich Roman and Venetian heritage. Highlights include the Sea Organ, a unique musical installation powered by the sea, and the Sun Salutation, an artistic solar-powered light display on the waterfront. Rich in culture, history, and stunning Adriatic views, we’ll enjoy time here before returning to Pakostane for dinner.
Day 6 | Sunday, September 15 (B/L)
NATIONAL PARK KRKA
National Park Krka is a stunning natural treasure located in central Dalmatia. The park was established in 1985, covers an area of 109 square kilometers and is known for its outstanding natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance. The parks most famous feature is its series of waterfalls, with Skradinski Buk being its most spectacular. After the visit, enjoy an agrotourism lunch of local products and wine before returning to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 7 | Monday, September 16 (B/D)
PAKOŠTANE – TROGIR & SPLIT
Depart this morning towards Trogir, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the St. Lawrence Cathedral and Kamerlengo Fortress. In the afternoon continue to Split, one of Croatia’s most captivating cities, boasting a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal beauty. As the second-largest city in Croatia, Spit offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to explore. Check in to our centrally located hotel and regroup for dinner this evening.
Overnight – Hotel Jupiter (or similar) – 2 nights
Day 8 | Tuesday, September 17 (B/T/D)
ISLAND OF HVAR
Spend the day exploring the Mediterranean’s most celebrated island, Hvar. We’ll start by taking a public speed boat to the Island followed by a guided tour of Hvar’s old town, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Savour the flavours with a wine tasting and light lunch followed by free time to explore the city, enjoy the stunning views, and relax before returning to Split.
Day 9 | Wednesday, September 18 (B/T/D)
SPLIT – STON – DUBROVNIK
After breakfast, departure towards Dubrovnik. Stop first in Ston, famous for it’s defensive walls and oyster farms. Sail though the tranquil calm waters of Mali Ston Bay to our floating “oyster bar” to learn about the history of cultivating oysters and why it is so important to this region. Taste the fresh oysters and local wine before continuing to Dubrovnik, our home for the next 3 nights.
Overnight Hotel Lero (or similar) – 3 nights
Day 10 | Thursday, September 19 (B)
DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities and today it’s our day to explore its nooks and crannies on a guided walking tour. Enclosed by ancient stone walls, it’s renowned for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, boasting historic architecture, narrow streets, breathtaking sea views and impressive fortifications. Take the cable car from the Old Town to Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the walls and the Elaphiti islands. Once back to sea level, the remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. Meander the narrow streets and explore the gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture or enjoy a picturesque stroll along Dubrovnik’s City Walls offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
Day 11 | Friday, September 20 (B/L/D)
ELAPHITI ISLANDS
Today we have a private boat excursion to the nearby Elaphiti Islands. Explore the lush unspoiled landscapes, beaches and charming villages of these tranquil islands, a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Lunch will be served on the Island of Lopud before returning to Dubrovnik for a farewell dinner, a time to reminisce with fellow BE travellers about the memories shared on this wonderful journey through Croatia.
Day 12 | Saturday, September 21 (B)
DEPARTURE
It’s time to bid farewell to Croatia, with a private group transfer to the Dubrovnik Airport. Thank you for joining us!
B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / T – Tasting / D – Dinner
Note: **While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**
$6995CAD
twin occupancy
Maximum 16 passengers
Single Supplement $1500 CAD
Deposit $700 & insurance due: at time of booking
Balance due: June 10, 2024