CROATIA: Boutique Small Group Cultural & Foodie Tour - 16 days

Destination: CROATIA:   Dubrovnik | (Montenegro) (Ston) | Korčula | Hvar (Split) | Trogir | Pag | Zadar | Plitvice Opatija | Rovinj (Groznjan) (Vodnjan) | Venice

Tour Commences In: Dubrovnik

Tour Concludes In:  Venice

Number of Days:  20 days / 19 nights

Tour Style:  Luxury / Deluxe Private Escorted Small Group Tour  (groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation:  Luxury & Boutique Hotels

Meals:  Breakfasts; 19: Lunches; 10: Dinners; 7:

Leaders:  Professional private guide

Transportation:  Luxury private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles & boats

Tour Grading:  MODERATE: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility

• Be in awe at the amazing 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hvar

• Wander through the Historical Complex of Split and the ancient Palace of Diocletian. An UNESCO World heritage Site

• Swim in the beautiful water of the Pakleni Islands

• Visit the quaint medieval town of Trogir is a mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque buildings. An UNESCO World heritage Site

• Discover another islands of Croatia

• View some amazing world recognized lace work in Pag

• Tour local produce and vineyard foodie specialists

• Stop for a day and enjoy local life on a Croatia

• Taste fabulous local cheeses at a cheese factory

• Be captivated with the incredible ‘sea organ & Sun Salutation

• Experience Sunset in Zadar – ‘the best in the world’ according to Alfred Hitchcock.

• Visit the Episcopal complex which is on the UNESCO Tentative List

• A private sunset cruise in Zadar

• Visit the very scenic oldest national park in Croatia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Explore the Plitvice lakes and waterfalls

• Walk around the 3,000 year old ancient city of Senj

• Stroll the magical promenade ‘Lungomare’, discover its history and its hidden coves

• Wander the smallest town in the world

• Visit a church that has beautifully preserved frescoes

• Discover a charming fishing village on a peninsula in the Adriatic sea

• Explore a Venetian town now famous for its arts, with painters, sculptors and musicians calling it home

• Venture to a historical town and taste some of the best olive oil – ever

• Journey to Venice and be fascinated by this beautiful lagoon city

• Arrive into Venice on a private speed boat

• Enjoy wonderful cuisine and regional delicacies as you indulge in a delicious Mediterranean foodie experience

• A true Small Group Tour - Maximum group size of 12 guests

• A specially curated itinerary for Croatia

Day 1: Tuesday : Arrive Dubrovnik: (D)
A very warm welcome to Croatia. You will be met by our guide at the airport, train station or port and have a private transfer to our hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to explore Dubrovnik. Your tour guide is able to offer you a number of options including sightseeing and shopping. Later this afternoon we will rendezvous in our hotel Lobby and meet fellow travellers before departing on our tour of the Old City and concluding at a local Dubrovnik winery followed by a welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant.

You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with the exciting city.

Day 2: Wednesday: Dubrovnik: (B)
After breakfast we meet with our local guide in the hotel lobby to explore the labyrinthine streets of Dubrovnik's walled old town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is rich with hidden gems to discover. We tour the Pile gates, Franciscan Monastery, D’Onofrio’s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, Stradun, the cathedral and Rector’s Palace. Along the way we hear about its history, the city’s impressive economic, social, and cultural achievements over the centuries, including the classical period of the Republic of Ragusa. Later there is free time for you to enjoy the old city at your leisure. Perhaps ride the cable car for wonderful view or walk the city wall.

Day 3: Thursday: Dubrovnik – Elaphiti islands: (B/L) We depart our hotel and board a private boat cruise destined for the Elaphiti islands. This archipelago, located to the northwest of Dubrovnik, comprises of a total of 13 islands. However, among these, only three are inhabited: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. Once favoured by the aristocracy of the Dubrovnik Republic as their exclusive summer retreats. While cruising the serene waters, we'll encounter charming coves and petite small beaches, tempting you to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. We will stop for a leisurely and delicious lunch at one of these islands. We eventually return to our hotel allowing you to enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Friday: Dubrovnik – Ston – Korčula (B/Tastings)
Today we leave the city and drive towards the peljesac peninsula. We stop and walk in the serene Trsteno Arboretum, a garden erected buy a noble family in the 16th century. It’s a beautiful oasis and the views over the bay is stunning.

The Dubrovnik Republic built the town of Ston in the 14th century in the form of a two-fold fortification system (Large and Small Ston), aiming to protect the salt plants, one of its major economic resources. A 12 kilometre long wall (the world’s second longest wall after the Wall of China) connects two fortified cities. The Ston Bay is the cradle of farming of mussels and oysters and the Peljesac peninsula is a famous wine growing area.

Our next stop at charming Ston where we'll take a moment for a coffee. Following this, we'll have the privilege of meeting a local oyster farmer. Aboard his boat, we'll delve into the world of oyster farming, gaining insights into the intricate process while savouring the exquisite oysters and mussels cultivated by his family. We continue onto to a winery, offering us the chance to indulge in a wine tasting session coupled with the sampling of local delicacies. We continue driving to Orebic, where we'll embark on a ferry bound for Korcular. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel. This evening is at your leisure.

Day 5: Saturday: Korčula: (B)
This morning, we embark on a guided tour through the enchanting cobblestone streets and quaint alleyways of Korčula's ancient town. As we explore, we'll uncover the rich history of this city, including the fascinating fact that it proudly holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the renowned Marco Polo. Following the tour, you'll have some leisure time to meander and explore at your own pace. You might consider a visit to the 15th century Cathedral, ascent of the adjacent Bell Tower, or visit intriguing history museum. Additionally, there's an array of artisan shops and a plethora of restaurants awaiting with a variety of cuisine. There’s also the option to laze on the beach; if the weather permits.

Day 6: Sunday: Korčula – Hvar: (B/L)
After breakfast, we'll take a local catamaran from Korčula to Hvar island. Hvar Town is a hot spot for wealthy yachties and therefore swanky hotels and restaurants. After checking into our hotel, the marina (excellent people-watching opportunities), we'll embark on an afternoon excursion via the scenic "old road" to see some of Hvar's famous lavender fields and enjoy lunch in the countryside. Spend this afternoon at leisure.

Day 7: Monday: Hvar: (B/L)
Mid-morning, we'll embark on a cruise to the Pakleni Islands, a group of tiny islands lying just off the coast of Hvar, that look like a string of pearls in the Adriatic. We'll have a chance to swim before a seafood lunch at a famous restaurant.

Day 8: Tuesday: Hvar – Split: (B/D)
After breakfast, check out from hotel and free morning in Hvar. Enjoy the coffee time on your beautiful terrace with a breathtaking view on Pakleni islands in front of you.
Later, leave your belongings at reception and take a walk to Hvar town and nearby port to catch fast catamaran for Split; departs several time per day. We will take the one around noon. Arrival in Split port and meet & greet by hotel staff ( electric cart ) short drive to your hotel, located a few steps from Diocletian's Palace. Check in and free time in the afternoon to wander around aimlessly in small alleys and look for wine bars, delicatessen shops, cool boutiques and beautiful backyards with colourful laundry lines. You’ll find all of this and much more while walking around Split’s Old Town. Don’t forget to look for the four gates of the Palace:The Brass Gate, Golden, Silver and Iron Gate. Suggestion for a delicious dinner at Bokeria restaurant.

Day 9: Wednesday: Split: (B/L/D)
Just after breakfast it is time to meet your lady guide who will take us on a walking tour through this fascinating old town and the remains of Diocletian's Palace. An imperial Roman palace that was taken over by the plebs and turned into a thronging city, central Split is an attraction for itself. There's no single must see attraction here; it is really a question of taking time to wander the narrow, tunnel-like streets, where Roman, medieval and Renaissance buildings bland together to form a unique urban jumble. Split is a special city that leaves no one indifferent. Stone houses and narrow streets are a perfect blend of the glorious past and the challenging present. The charm of this city is hard to resist.
After some time to enjoy the city on your own, we'll make the short drive to the medieval town of Trogir ; Trogir is harmonious stone town on a small island that is connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges. The old town, under UNESCO protection, is a treasure trove for lovers of art, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, Romanesque churches. It is called the town-museum which is visible in the famous portal of Trogir cathedral by the craftsman Radovan in 1240, a Renaissance city lodge, the thousand-year-old Monastery of St. Nicholas, which has the ancient famous relief of Kairos preserved in it from the 4th century BC. On the way you will have stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Salona date back 2000 years and climb the ramparts of the medieval Klis Fortress, which has been seen on-screen in Game of Thrones; Suggestion for lunch and return to Split in the afternoon; free time at leisure and recommendation for dinner in Dvor restaurant.

Day 10: Thursday: Split – Zadar: (B)
We depart Split and drive towards Zadar, another historical jewel on our way towards Plitvice lakes and Istria.
I suggest to make a stop in Skradin town and visit beautiful river Krka and its waterfalls. Arriving at the starting point meet your private guide who will take you to a private tour of the park to enjoy the waterfalls and the extraordinary countryside. After a 2 hours pleasant walk through the forest and waterfalls you will embark a boat for a nice 15 minutes ride through the canyon of Krka River that flows into the Adriatic sea. Upon arrival in the town of Skradin your private driver will wait for you and help you reach a nice, authentic restaurant called Cantinetta to taste the richness and specificity of Skradin cuisine like black cuttlefish risotto called Risotto of Skradin, famous Skradin cake and enjoy the authentic wines. After lunch and nice walk through this beautiful, ancient town known from Roman times as Skardona you will have a short drive to Zadar, a cosmopolitan city with an historic old town. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Zadar. Perhaps later this evening you can visit the incredible Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, two wacky creations designed by local architects to enhance the city.

Day 11: Friday: Zadar: (B/D)
A local guide will take us on a walking tour of Zadar this morning. Alfred Hitchcock once stated that Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world! A city of monuments surrounded by walls, a city of archaeological treasures, medieval and Renaissance periods as well as many contemporary architectural achievements. The City Walls of Zadar, together with the other five components of the Venetian Works of Defense of the 16th and 17th century, located in today's Croatia, Italy and Montenegro, joined UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2017 as an outstanding monument of the modern maritime fortification scheme. 1,5h drive to Split. The Church of St Donat in Zadar has long been desacralized, meaning no liturgies are held here, and from the end of the 19th century until 1954 it housed the Zadar Archaeological Museum. As St Donat has exceptional acoustic characteristics, it has been the venue for Renaissance music festivals for decades.

Day 12: Saturday: Zadar – Opatija: (B/L)
Today we'll see the landscape change completely as we leave the coast and drive to the Plitvice National Park, – one of the greatest natural wonders and phenomena in the world. Connected to each other by a series of foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls, the lakes are fed by many rivers and streams. We'll embark on a 2 – 3 hour walk through the park, stopping along the way for a picnic lunch.
Heading back towards the coast we'll first stop in Senj, at the foot of the Velebit mountains. The 16th century fortress is the symbol of the town, and as well as being an excellent museum, its position on top of a hill provides excellent views of the region. We'll continue on up the coast to Opatija, a seaside resort town with the longest tradition of tourism in Croatia. Opatija was the most fashionable holiday destination for the Viennese elite during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This afternoon we'll visit the small tourism museum housed in a grandiose 19th century villa. Perhaps you can also take a stroll along the Lungomare, the seaside promenade lined with majestic villas.

Day 13: Sunday: Opatija – Rovinj: (B/L)
This morning, we depart with a local guide, we'll first stop at Hum, the smallest town in the world, with a population of 30. We'll the continue on to Beram to visit their tiny church with beautiful frescoes and enjoy a delicious lunch. We'll then proceed to Rovinj, a charming Istrian town.

Day 14: Monday: Rovinj – Groznjan – Rovinj: (B/L)
With a local guide, we'll embark on a day of exploring the Istria region. Our first stop is the charming hilltop village of Groznjan, which has developed into an artistic hotspot. We’ll then settle into an exquisite truffle lunch at Zigante estate.

Day 15: Tuesday: Rovinj – Vodnjan – Rovinj: (B)
This morning we'll visit the family-run Chiavalon olive grove for a tour and olive oil tasting. You’ll never look at olive oil the same way again! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in gorgeous Rovinj.

Day 16: Wednesday: Rovinj – Venice: (B/D)
This morning we sadly say goodbye to Croatia. Our small group tour concludes after breakfast. It is time to say farewell to acquaintances and new-found friends.

At your leisure before departing on your onward or homebound journey.

Departure Options include:

Catch a ferry to Venice, or, transfer by private car or local bus to Venice or the Marco Polo Airport. We would be delighted to assist you with your departure arrangements.

At your leisure before transferring to the airport or train station for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.

Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing country. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.

Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out and we often can find some wonderful surprises. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for this spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned occurrences that can be the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.

Flexibility

The itinerary can be flexible, sometimes due to weather or on-going events which guests may want to see. If there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please contact us and we’ll try our best to ensure it can be done.

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours

• Small Group Tour (6-12 Guests)

• Exclusive Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers for all arriving guests

• Hand selected Luxury Modern & Boutique hotel accommodation

• Internet Access where possible

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L = Lunch: D = Dinner

• Private services of a professional bilingual tour guide

• 24 hour on call support service 

• Luxury private air-conditioned vehicles as per itinerary

• Boat transfers as per itinerary

• Entrance fees, taxes to all sightseeing & shows

• Room Sharing option for single/solo travellers
  

Not included:

• International airfares

• Departure Transfers to Airports or train Station (Request as required)

• Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges

• Passport & Visa Fees

• City Taxes for hotels if required

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services

• Late check-out at hotels

• Porterage and gratuities on your arrival at airport and hotel and in free time

• Gratuities to tour guides and drivers and others.

• Meals and Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary

• Expenditure of personal nature

• Optional activities not included in tour