JEWELS OF CROATIA

Our walking tour includes the highlights of Old Dubrovnik. We see the Rector's Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, the  Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. We visit a local artisan to learn about the traditional craftsmanship that still thrives today. (B) 

Optional tour: Home-Hosted Dinner

We travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to Split. A sightseeing tour features the historic inner city, built around the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and the beautiful Cathedral of St. Duje. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

We board the ferry in Split and set sail for Hvar. The town of Hvar has a unique cultural and historical heritage, plus a centuries-old tradition in tourism. A walking tour includes views of the 17th century theatre, the 13th century Arsenal, and the central town square with the Cathedral. We visit the Franciscan Monastery, famous for its collection of old art masters, including Ingoli’s ‘Last Supper’. Afterward, we travel to Stari Grand for some wine tasting. A ferry returns us to Split. (B)

We continue our journey to Zadar. There, a walking tour shows us Zadar’s historical center with the defensive walls built in the 16th century, the ancient Port Gate where the Venetian lion still stands guard, the Square of the Five Wells, the Church of St. Donat, the Roman Forum (1st century BC) and the largest cathedral in Dalmatia: St. Anastasia. We conclude our tour with a tasting of Maraschino liquor. Later, we turn inland and travel to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dinner is served at our hotel. (B, D)

Have your camera ready while we walk several of the lower Plitvice lakes. Here, we enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by dense forests, mountains and lush vegetation. After our visit, we continue to Zagreb. (B)

Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament, and the Government Palace. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)

Optional tour: Gastronomy tour

You are transferred to Zagreb’s airport or, you can continue on to join Kompas’ “Discovery of 3 Adriatic Gems” tour. (B)