Croatia has long been on my bucket list of tours so I am delighted to bring you this itinerary starting August 31st 2020.
We will miss the peak summer crowds but still have some welcome heat on leaving the New Zealand winter behind.
Our local guide will be with us every day and we also have transport and most meals taken care of.
You just have to sit back, relax and have fun!
Our hotels at this stage are indicative, depending on number and currency conversions we may be able to upgrade a little but these will be confirmed later.
Remember that this is your holiday so you do as little or as much as you like.
Questions? Email me and I will get back to you straight away [email protected]
Day 1. Zagreb August 31st
Arrival Zagreb, transfer to the hotel for check in and some free time (depending on flight). In the afternoon we will take a walk to the fortified, medieval Upper Town, you will visit St. Mark’s church, with its multicolor tiled roof, Parliament, the government palace, and many fine old buildings. Another highlight is the Lotrščak tower, where they fire a canon every day at noon. A very mystical place is also Zagreb’s Stone gate, the most significant shrine in Zagreb. Feel free to stop by, light a candle and pray for health, happiness, good luck and love.
Welcome dinner at Vinadol or something similar. (D)
overnight Hotel Jägerhorn or similar.
Day 2. Zagreb – September 1st, Istrian peninsula (Motovun)
After breakfast we will board our van and head to Istria with a stop at Natura Tartufi where we get to see a truffle hunt and we will also have truffle tasting and lunch.
Next we travel on to Roxanich Hotel with some free time to relax followed by a wine tasting and gourmet dinner at the hotel.
(B,Tasting lunch,D)
Overnight Hotel Roxanich Motovun or similar
Day 3. Motvun – September 2nd, Poreč – Rovinj – Motovun
Today you can have sleep in and free morning to perhaps enjoy the Spa and pool at the Roxanich hotel.
We then head to the Pino olive oil farm, for a light lunch. Afterwards visit the town of Poreč famous for its 6th century basilica under UNESCO protection and finally arrive to Rovinj for the sightseeing and free time.
Here you will hear the legend of St Euphemia, a young Christian girl from Constantinople, which refused to give up Christianity, and was thrown to the lions. People say that her marble sarcophagus came floating in the sea to the coast of Rovinj after a big storm at dawn of July 13, 800. A small boy with two little cows managed to haul the sarcophagus up the hill. The people of Rovinj considered it a miracle, and they proclaimed St. Euphemia the patron-saint . Dinner at Da Baston restaurant or similar. Return to Motovun.
(B,L,D)
Overnight Hotel Roxanich Motovun or similar
Day 4. Motvun September 3rd
After brekafst visit of Motovun, the most beautiful small hilltop town in Istria and afterwards go to an agrotourismo for lunch with local products of the family. After lunch return to the hotel.
(B,L)
Overnight Hotel Roxanich Motovun or similar
Day 5. Motovun September 4th,- Plitvice lakes
Today we leave the Istrian peninsula and drive to the Plitvice lakes. Stop on route at the Rastoke village, a small village with very few houses. Most of these were mills in the past, and water still runs through the village. It is very picturesque and relaxing.
There is also a possibility to visit one of the still operating mills.
Lunch in a restaurant near the lakes.
Dinner at our accommodation
(B,L, D)
Overnight Fenomen Plitvice or similar
Day 6. Plitvice lakes, September 5th, – Zadar – Split
After breakfast, we drive to the city of Zadar. The historic town of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments. Here you can see the Roman forum dated to the 1st century AD, the church of St. Donatus dated to the 9th century AD. Of special interest are the famous Zadar Sea Organs, one of a kind in the world. From Zadar we continue to the Bibich winery in the Dalmatian hinterland. Traditional Croatian produce in Tapas style will served, accompanied with their award winning wines.
After lunch we continue to Split.
(B,Wine tasting, L)
Overnight Hotel Briig Split or similar
Day 7. Hvar September 6th,
Walking tour of Split, the Diocletian’s Palace on the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage, with the Peristyle. We will also have a food tour with tastings.
Next is a gorgeous ferry ride to Sari Grad on the island Hvar.
Once we arrive in Stari Grad, we drive through the fields of Hvar towards the main town – Hvar. Expect stunning views while we drive the Panoramic road above the city of Hvar. Dinner in one agritourismo or traditional restaurant on the island.
(B,Foodie tour,D)
Overnight Grand Hotel Amfora or similar
Day 8. September 7th,
Hvar In the morning walking tour through the historical old town of Hvar, where you will see the piazza, the Arsenal, the first public theatre in Europe, cathedral.
After lunch we will hike up to the town fort overlooking the harbour to get some lovely scenic views of the Pakleni islands.
(B, L, D)
Overnight Grand Hotel Amfora or similar
Day 9.Hvar September 8th,
Today is for you to enjoy as you wish. For those interested we have the option of an excursion to the island Vis (The Mamma Mia! movie was filmed here) & the Blue cave on Biševo island.
(B).
Overnight Grand Hotel Amfora or similar
Day 10. Dubrovnik September 9th,
Departure from Hvar to Dubrovnik. We will go to the south tip of the island, town of Sućuraj and have some 20min ferry to the coast. On route to Dubrovnik we will stop in Ston and the winery Vukas on the Pelješac peninsula where we will taste the wine and fresh oysters and mussels from the winemakers own farm. Arrival in Dubrovnik.
(B,L,Wine tasting, D).
Overnight Hotel Kazbek Dubrovnik or similar
Day 11.Dubrovnik September 10th, Dubrovnik city tour. Meanwhile the old city of Dubrovnik was recently made famous due to Game of Thrones series which was filmed in the old town and the surroundings. Completed in the thirteen century, the old city has remained basically unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the city which pedestrians can enter through one of two gates – either way, you cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron Saint Blaise (Vlaho), to find yourself joining the evening promenade down the broad, stone-paved avenue known as Stradun. During the walking tour we will visit the Franciscan monastery. The Monastery complex includes the third oldest pharmacy in Europe which has been active uninterruptedly since 1317. After the sightseeing free time to explore the city on your own and fans may want to discover the Game of Throne filming location..
Dinner tasting menu at Restaurant 360.
(B,D)
Overnight Hotel Kazbek
Day 12. September 11th Departure Transfer to Dubrovnik airport (B)
Included
11 nights in 4* hotels
10 breakfasts
8 lunches
8 dinners
city taxes
Local tour guide
Mini bus for all land transfers
ferry to Hvar island
Local site seeing costs as per itinerary e.g Plitvice Lakes, Franciscan monastery Dubrovnik
Truffle tasting and hunt
Bibich wine tasting
Food tour in Split
gratuities for driver and guides
Price $7350 NZ for 11 nights twin share.
Single supplement available on request.
“Helen is well organised and very obliging to accomodate everyone on her tours. Because of her friendly nature she has a good relationship with the guides in the countries being visited which in turn makes the trips more enjoyable. I now consider her a very good friend.”
Kate (3 x traveller with Helen)
“The itineraries that Helen comes up with always have a lovely balance between sightseeing/cultural/ culinary activities and periods of relaxation coupled with some free time for shopping etc. Helen also tries to get away from the usual tourist traps and seeks out more authentic experiences.”
Shelley (4x traveller with Helen)
Keen to come with me? Email now for a booking form.
Numbers are strictly limited.
