Duration: 9 days, 8 nights

Investment: $2950 per person double (will pair same gender roommates) Solo supplement $690.00.

If your Mediterranean fantasies feature balmy days by sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns, Croatia is the place to turn these dreams into reality.

Let’s get off the beaten path in Croatia to explore the amazing villages, experience local life, and still have time to enjoy the hot spots. 

Itinerary – October 9-17, 2021

Day 1 – 10/9/21 – Arrive Venice and travel to Rovinj, Croatia

Arrival in Venice airport and private transfer to Rovinj, Croatia with some stops along the way.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Rovinj’s old town is a little gem waiting to be explored. Full of narrow cobbled streets, Venetian- style houses, interesting courtyards, art galleries, cozy restaurants, and buzzing bars. In the evening, you will enjoy welcome dinner.

Overnight in Rovinj.

Day 2 – 10/10/21 – Rovinj Tour

Today is reserved for exploring Rovinj with your local guide.

Rovinj is coastal Istria’s star attraction. The jewel is the 1736 Church of St Euphemia modeled on St Mark’s in Venice. In the Old Town, you’ll find the town hall clock. The clock is from the mid-19th century and has a Venetian lion, a symbol of Serenissima, on the side. You’ll find it at the square, surrounded by lots of restaurants and cafes – perfect for enjoying while you grab a glass of wine.

After you finish your tour, you will roll up your sleeves and learn to prepare local dishes in Konoba “Kod Luce”. Of course, later you will enjoy the dinner you have prepared.

Overnight in Rovinj.

Day 3 – 10/11/21 – Poreč and Motovun

Today explore Poreč and the amazing Motovun forest.

Given the Poreč long history, a visit to the old town is a must due to its numerous historical sites. In particular, the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica, wonderfully preserved and well known for its beautiful gold mosaics. The Basilica is really a collection of various buildings, including a baptistery and the Bishop’s Palace. The Basilica was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

Next, you can see for yourself that the search for truffles is demanding work, but at the same time it can be fun…especially when a workday is finished with pockets filled with truffles. You will learn about the basics of truffle hunting and the procedure of searching for truffles. The truffle hunters sometimes reveal some of the secret locations abundant with truffles. This experience also includes a truffle based brunch.

After a great day full of new experiences we will depart back to Rovinj.

Overnight in Rovinj.

Day 4 – 10/12/21 – Šibenik

After breakfast, we will depart for Šibenik.

On our way to Šibenik, you will explore Plitvice Lakes National Park with our local guide.

The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. Take a walk through this heaven on earth. Enjoy scenery of beautiful waterfalls and untouched nature. And don’t forget to make a wish under the largest waterfall as it will supposedly make your wishes come true.

Talk to your driver who will arrange a lunch in a local restaurant, our recommendation is definitely Licka Kuca –  a unique place with an ambience of a traditional house in Lika, in which authentic dishes are prepared and presented to guests. At the restaurant, visitors can see a number of traditional items, characteristic of the former life of families in Lika. (Lunch at own expense)

Overnight in Šibenik.

Day 5 – 10/13/21 – Šibenik and the Kornati Islands

Šibenik, a gem in the Croatian Adriatic, situated along the mouth of Krka on the most picturesque part of the eastern Adriatic coast. As the oldest Croatian autochthonous town it was first mentioned in 1066 during the reign of the Croatian King Kresimir IV. The rich cultural and historical heritage of the city is visible in the impressive Cathedral of sv. Jakov [St. Jacob], built by the famous architect Juraj Dalmatinac and is under UNESCO protection. Numerous churches, monasteries, palaces and four fortresses ‘frame’ the city, and also testify to the perseverance, renunciation and faith of generations of people of Šibenik. Explore the city with the local guide.

Next you will discover the sailor’s paradise – National Park Kornati Islands. This archipelago consists of 140 islands covering an area of 114 square miles (300 square km), with most of it declared a National Park – and with its natural beauty, numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters, it’s easy to see why. Embark on a private boat and start your sea adventure! Lunch will be organized on one of the Islands near Kornati.

Overnight in Šibenik.

Day 6 – 10/14/21 – Paklenica National Park Hiking Experience

Today, you will enjoy hiking in National Park Paklenica.

The greatest natural jewel of the Zadar area is Paklenica National Park, which covers the most attractive parts of the southern Velebit, concentrated in a mere 96 km. Its most striking features are two forbidding gorges – Velika and Mala Paklenica. The park abounds with peculiar karstic forms, caves and other natural features, while due to its climate conditions, lush variety of flora and fauna have been preserved. Despite its wild nature, Paklenica is easily accessible due to its proximity to the Adriatic highway and the motorway. The vistas of Velebit rising above the resort of Starigrad-Paklenica, which are at once intimidating and alluring, beckon those seeking light-hearted adventure. Movement through the park is aided by numerous signs in several foreign languages. Through the wild ruggedness of Velika Paklenica, where highland women once carried salt on their backs from the coast and brought wheat from the fertile hinterland of Lika, today runs a comfortable hiking trail.

After hiking you can visit “Konoba Marasovic” in Starigrad for an optional lunch at your own cost.

Overnight in Šibenik.

Day 7 – 10/15/21 – Split and Dubrovnik

After breakfast, we will departure to Dubrovnik.

On your way to Dubrovnik, you will explore Split. Travel back in time on our walking tour of Split, and discover the largest city of the Dalmatia region with a local guide. During our Split tour we will walk around the walls and throughout the narrow streets of Diocletian’s palace and the old town of Split.

After your tour, you will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, on your own. We recommend “Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar”.

After lunch we will head to Dubrovnik.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 8 – 10/16/21 – Tour Dubrovnik

Explore the wonders of Dubrovnik’s Old City Centre, a UNESCO heritage site and one of the most important living historical monuments in this part of Europe. Your expert guide will take you around this magical medieval town full of legends and give you a glimpse of the incredible history that makes Dubrovnik such a unique city. Explore Dubrovnik City Walls and enjoy a unique view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik including its narrow streets and small squares.

Later in the afternoon see, smell and taste Dubrovnik countryside. You will be able to taste home-made products and hear and see the family story. Savor homemade liqueurs, dry figs, homemade sweets, wine and juice or lemonade and olive oils. After our tasting tour we will continue for our amazing farewell dinner.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 9 – 10/17/21 – Depart for home

Private transfer to Dubrovnik airport.

Fly home from Croatia.

What’s Included:

 All standard transfers as per itinerary and ground transportation throughout the tour
 8 night hotel accommodation in hand selected 4* properties
 Daily breakfast included
 Tour Leader during your stay and local English speaking guides
 Welcome dinner in Rovinj
 Rovinj sightseeing private tour
 Private cooking class in Konoba “Kod Luce”
 Istria tour with truffle hunt experience with brunch
 Entrance fee to Euphrasius Basilica
 National Park Plitvice Lakes sightseeing private tour
 Entrance fee to National Parks
 Šibenik sightseeing private tour
 NP Kornati Islands private boat tour with San Luca Magno or similar, including Lunch
 NP Paklenica private hiking tour
 Split sightseeing private tour
 Lunch in a local restaurant
 Dubrovnik sightseeing private tour
 Entrance fee to City Walls
 Tasting of homemade products in Konavle region, wine and olive oil tasting with light traditional snack
 Traditional farewell dinner in Konavle region
 All local taxes

Not Included

 International flights into Venice home from Dubrovnik
 Gratuities for hosts, guides, driver
 Meals not listed in the itinerary or listed as “on own”
 Personal expenses

Pricing

Pricing is $2950 per person based on double occupancy. If you are traveling solo, we will match you with a same gender roommate. (Please call for pricing if you want your own room)

20% non refundable deposit will be due once we know Covid restrictions are lifted. Until then, your credit card will be held to reserve your space, but not charged.

Final payment will be on July 15, 2021.

Your tour includes all of the accommodations, tours, transportation and meals as mentioned in the itinerary.

Your tour does not include international flights, meals not listed in the itinerary or listed as “on own,” gratuities and any personal expenses.

Your investment will be refundable until 65 days prior to arrival in case of any Covid disturbances. After 65 days to arrival, if the trip needs to be cancelled, rebooking options will be offered.

Cancellation Policies

• Deposit is nonrefundable however, if there are COVID 19 travel bans or issues that prevent travel within the 65 days prior to the final payment date, your deposit is refundable.
• After 65 days, terms and conditions are as follows:
• Should there be a Covid related travel ban or issues preventing travel after the final payment date, the trip will be postponed and your payment carried forward to the new date.

Travel insurance is highly recommended!