The Highlights of Croatia
With Colleen Johnson
Sept 25 to Oct 7, 2017

Croatia is known for being one of the most visually stunning countries in the world.
From Zagreb to Dubrovnik, this tour will take you on a visual and sensory exploration of Croatia, one of Europe’s great hidden gems! Discover rich history and culture, great food and wine, and a spectacular coastline with over a thousand islands.
Visit well preserved castles, and explore several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the stunning city of Dubrovnik on the Mediterranean and Plitvice Lakes linked by spectacular cascading waterfalls. This tour has it all!

• Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
• Group Arrival and Departure Transfers*
• Sightseeing by private air conditioned motor coach
• Entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in itinerary
• Expert services of a Local Tour Guide
• Ferry transfer from Sucuraj Port to Drvenik Port
• Wine and oyster tasting in Ston
• Boat excursion to Elaphiti Islands

To book contact:
Phone: (250)590-1161 or Toll free: 1-800-475-3755
Email: admin@departurestravel.com
1889 Oak Bay Ave Victoria BC V8R 1C6
www.departurestravel.com

Itinerary:

Sept 25 - Monday | Arrive Zagreb (D)
Welcome to Croatia. Upon arrival, we are met by our driver and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Sept 26 - Tuesday| Zagreb –Trakoscan–Zagreb (B)
Our morning tour takes us to St. Mark’s Square, City Hall, Parliament, the Stone Gate, and on to the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Zagreb is often referred to as the “small sister of Vienna”. In the afternoon, on the drive to Trakoscan Castle, we pass by romantic castles perched on hills scattered with vineyards. After our tour of the castle there is an opportunity to see a stunning lake before returning to Zagreb.

Sept 27 - Wednesday| Zagreb-Plitvice Lakes - Zadar (B,D)
After breakfast our scenic drive takes us to the Plitvice Lakes area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Included is a guided walking tour to see some of the 16 lakes and 92 gorgeous cascading waterfalls. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive along the Adriatic coast to Zadar.

Sept 28 - Thursday| Zadar (B)
Today’s touring includes a visit to the famous Kalelarga Street and the church of Saint Donat. Zadar is famous for its fish market, and is a wellknown vacation spot for sailing and climbing. Zadar is also famous for its Roman ruins. Enjoy free time to explore the city on our own.

Sept 29 - Friday | Zadar – Sibenik - Split (B)
After breakfast, we drive to Sibenik situated along the mouth of Krka, famous for its picturesque waterfalls. Sibenik is culturally rich and is the oldest Croatian town, first mentioned in 1066 during the reign of Croatian King Kresimir IV. We also visit St. Jacob Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later in the afternoon we continue our scenic drive to Split.

Sept 30 - Saturday | Split (B)
Our morning tour begins with a visit to the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian, built in 295 BC. Outside the palace are many charming piazzas. Our tour ends at Riva where, after a coastal walk under palm trees, we can relax in the sun and enjoy a beautiful view of the port and islands. Our afternoon is free to explore Split. You may enjoy an optional visit to the Mestrovic Gallery featuring works of the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.

Oct 01 - Saturday| Split-Hvar (B)
This morning we ferry to Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia on the island of Hvar. From there we continue to the town of Hvar. You may wish to stroll along the scenic harbour enjoying a delicious gelato in the late afternoon sun.

Oct 2, 3 – Monday and Tuesday| Free days in Havar (B)
After our last tour to Croatia the ladies said a couple free days in Havar was a must so we have included it on this tour! You may wish to join the locals for their daily coffee drinking ritual in the town square. From Hvar harbour take a water taxi to one of the beautiful beaches: Jerolin, Stripanska or Palmizana Beach. If you prefer to stay in town, visit the Hvar Fortress Spanjola on the hill above the town, or the Theatre and Arsenal in town. Shopping is a unique experience through the very narrow streets dating back to 350 BC.

Oct 4 - Wednesday| Hvar – Ston – Dubrovnik (B,D)
This morning we ferry to Drvenik Port and drive to Ston, a medieval village surrounded by a great wall and a famous oyster producing area. Appreciate a glass of wine with our included oyster tasting in a local restaurant. Enjoy free time for lunch and a stroll through the village before we continue on to Dubrovnik.

Oct 5 - Thursday| Dubrovnik (B)
This morning our guide will introduce us to the walled city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. George Bernard Shaw
called Dubrovnik the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. The city is famous for its marble streets, baroque buildings, and Renaissance fountains. After lunch our local guide will lead us on a walking tour of the city walls offering breathtaking views of the sea, Lokrum Island, and the red roof houses in the town.

Oct 6 - Friday| Elaphiti Islands Excursion (B,D)
This morning we depart from Gruz port to explore the Elaphiti Islands by boat. The three largest islands, Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud, are famous for their organic fruit and vegetables, olive groves and wineries. Inhabitants of this area are known for their passion for good food and drink. From our boat, we pass ruins of old patrician holiday villas. This afternoon free time allows for leisure and swimming on the sandy beaches. We return to our hotel in Dubrovnik in time for our farewell dinner.

Oct 7 - Saturday|Departure day (B)
After breakfast, our group transfer to the airport is included return flight home (not included).

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.