Footpaths of Croatia: Old & New

Upon your arrival at Zagreb airport, you will be met and transferred to our hotel. We then have some leisure time before dinner. Alternatively for those traveling from Slovenia, you will meet those who have just flown in at the hotel in Zagreb. D

Accommodation: Hotel Esplanade (1 night)
The Hotel Esplanade is located in the centre of Zagreb. Originally opened in 1925 where it was used by passengers of the Orient Express. The hotel mixes the Art Deco glamor with the architectural history, together with the convenience of being close to many of Zagreb’s key attractions.

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet with a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Zagreb. On this half-day tour of the Croatian capital city, you will get to see the Croatian National Theatre, Mimara Museum, Museum of Arts and Crafts, and Zrinjevac Park. We’ll walk the Upper town, Gradec and Kaptol, which is considered the most charming and beautiful part of the city. Other highlights include St Mark’s Church, City Hall, Parliament, St. Stephens Cathedral and Josip Jelacic Square.

Later we travel from Zagreb to Plitvice. BD

Accomodation: Hotel Jezera (2 nights)
Located in the heart of the Plitvace Lakes National Park, the Hotel Jezro is only 300m from the largest lake. This hotel is similar in nature to the national park hotels located in the US. The accommodations are noted more for their location than outstanding amenities.

In the National Park Plitvice Lakes you will discover the unique magic of water and woods. Lying in the valley situated between high forested mountains, one below another, we will find a string of sixteen beautiful lakes of crystal blue-green color. They are fed by many small streams and brooks and spill into each other in foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls. Due to their unique evolution and beauty the Plitvice Lakes were entered in the UNESCO Register of World Natural Heritage and it was the first park to be proclaimed as a National park. BLD

We’ll start our visit to Split with a guided city walk and after that you will have the remainder of the day free for you to explore.

This eternally young city has stood for 1700 years. With Diocletian’s Palace at its heart, which is also the historical centre of the city and a UNESCO world heritage site – The Cathedral of sv. Dujam [St. Domnius], the patron saint of Split, is located in the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian, and its sumptuous interior is a gathering place for many of the faithful and tourists. Many valuable monuments of culture are located outside the walls of Diocletian’s Palace such as the Renaissance Prokurative Square, other parks and museums. BL

Accommodation: Hotel Atrium (1 night)
Hotel Atrium is located in the centre of the city. The hotel was built next to the location where the Roman emperor Diocletian had his summerhouse. The décor is modern in both the public areas and rooms.

This morning we embark on our journey to Hvar, which will include a ferry ride to the port of Stari Grand. We will arrive in Hvar where we will take a guided walk and then leave you plenty of time to explore on your own. B

Accommodation: Hotel Amfora (2 nights)
Located in a private bay the Hotel Amfora is Hvar’s premier beach resort. The hotel is in a tranquil area and surrounded by pine grove, yet only short walk to the historic centre if Hvar.

Hiking on Hvar – Our 1/2 day hike focuses on Hvar village life where you will see the beauties of traditional architecture and way of living; learn about medical herbs and much more. There is the possibility to try home made vine, prosek, grapa prepared in traditional way.

After lunch, Wine tasting in Jelsa: Enjoy in wine tasting of famous Hvar winemaker Tomić in a wine boutique in centre of Jelsa.

The Winery is situated in Jelsa, a small coastal town with a long winemaking tradition. This family run winery produces between 130,000 and 150,000 bottles a year. They pay particular attention to the production of Prošek – the original Dalmatian desert wine made from selected and dried grapes of the highest quality local varieties. BL

Our journey to Dubrovnik will take us via Ston. The town of Ston can be found on the second-largest peninsula in the Adriatic, Pelješac, and is a destination for those looking for a quiet, clean sea and a true Mediterranean atmosphere. Thanks to its location right on the strip of land that connects the Pelješac peninsula with the mainland and its exceptional natural resources, this area has been inhabited since ancient times as is visible by the numerous first-class cultural and historical monuments.

We then continue to Dubrovnik, where the rest of the day is at leisure. BL

Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (2 nights)
Uniquely locate on a cliffside, the Hotel Excelsior was opened in 1913. The hotel offers magnificent views of the island of Lokrum in one direction and the old city in another. The setting is spectacular – tranquil gardens in which to stroll; four fine-dining restaurants, all offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea; a private beach, and the back-drop of the UNESCO-protected Old Town.

The over a thousand-year-old history of Dubrovnik is visible in every part of this city. The city is a living museum and a live stage and has an ideal connection between its historical past and the modern-day. It is surrounded by medieval walls that are 1940 metres long and are preserved in their original form. They are open to visitors and are the city’s greatest attraction. Since 1979 the town has been under UNESCO protection. BLD

Today we transfer to the airport for our flights. B