Incredible Croatia

Welcome to Croatia!

Croatia's coastline is the Riviera of Slavic Europe with its extensive seafront and more than a thousand islands. Travelers love its pebbly beaches, balmy summer temps, dramatic mountains, and rich history. Here you'll find ruined Roman arenas, Byzantine mosaics, Venetian bell towers, Habsburg villas, and even Yugoslav concrete. The Dalmatian Coast features dramatic cliffs that rise from the deep with islands scattered just offshore, contrasting with the Venetian-esque Kvarner Gulf and Istrian Peninsula, the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, and Zagreb, the nation's buzzy capital.

Upon the arrival of your flight at Split airport, you will be welcomed by your driver for a private transfer to Split to check into Piazza Heritage Hotel (or similar).

Located in the heart of Split and only feet away from the UNESCO-protected Diocletian's Palace, your hotel provides air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi access. Settle in and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant (on your own account); recommendations will be provided.

Stories of Split

This morning you'll meet up with your local guide and transfer to the city center where you will enjoy pleasant walk through the Diocletian Palace. Diocletian, the Roman Emperor’s Palace, is the ancient heart and foundation of present day Split. One of the best preserved examples of a Roman royal residence in the world it was originally the summer palace of the Emperor. Split became a city after Salona, the Roman capital of Dalmatia was invaded. The remarkable ensemble of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and other architectural remains are all still here—and so are more than 3,000 people still living inside these ancient walls. A living ruin - Split is more than its walled palace, it’s a city with modern-day inhabitants who enjoy the local Dalmatian way of life. Your guide will lead you through history and time, sharing interesting anecdotes from the history and culture of the wonderful city.

Dalmatian Delicacies Tasting

After the Old Town tour, your guide will escort you to the premium bar Uje where you will enjoy Dalmatian delicacies and wine tasting. The Uje Oil Bar encourages visitors to go "pomalo" (slowly) style to soak in the smell, taste and feel of the food, olive oil and wine you might sample.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

About Split

Split, like an ancient coin, is a seductive relic – the polished bits shimmering in the Dalmatian sun. A buzzing, Mediterranean city thriving within the remains of the 1700-year-old palace of the Roman emperor, Diocletian. Explore these living ruins –easily dropping in and out of centuries past via the four palace gates. Narrow streets echo with chatter from a piazza and the Peristyle from which Diocletian greeted the masses. Explore the subterranean network of cellars and re-emerge up to the Riva- a grand palm-lined seaside promenade and do as locals do - idyll over a coffee and watch life march by. Throw in some Egyptian sphinxes, the giant, lucky toe of Gregorius of Nin and the elegant roughness of ruins housing everyday life.

Vendors hawk sports jerseys and sunglasses next to grannies gossiping over produce stands at Pazar (Green Market) and fishermen shout out the daily catch at the Peškarija (Fish Market). Escape the hustle to pine-scented trails and panoramic views from Marjan Park, the museum/villa of sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, or find yourself amidst the true Split beach experience - head to Bacvice to catch a game of picigin played in the sandy bay. One must cap it off with a quintessential Dalmatian feast of fresh fish and wines that taste blissfully of the sun and sea.

Dalmatian Truffle Hunt & Wild Table Picnic

In the morning after breakfast you'll meet your driver at the hotel’s front desk for a transfer to the Dalmatian Hinterland.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by father and daughter duo–Tonči and Ivana Najev. They are true nature lovers, passionate about exploring its wonders and treasures to the greatest extent. Dalmatia truffle is truly one of a kind, since its existence is still relatively unknown to most people. They are present all year round, but it depends on the season of your visit which sort you will be able to find. This is where our truffle devotees Tonči and Ivana come onto the scene. Accompanied by a truffle expert and well-trained truffle dogs of the breed Lagotto Romagnolo, they will guide you through a 3-hour long hunt during which you will learn everything about the special delicacy. Afterwards, enjoy exquisite truffle early dinner and tasting, such as hard homemade truffle cheese and truffle sausage, accompanied by crispy bruschetta and truffle rakija – an alcoholic beverage, the unique aroma of which gives this liquor a special and sophisticated taste.

After your early dinner, you'll be transferred back to the hotel.

After breakfast and check out, you'll meet your luggage assistant for a short walk to Split ferry port, where you will board the public fast ferry (about a 1 hour journey) to Hvar Isand.

Upon arrival to Hvar you'll meet your luggage assistant and check into your hotel.

With so much to see and explore, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Dinner

Dinner tonight will be on your own account; restaurant recommendations will be provided.

About Hvar

Hvar is both flashy and fantastically rustic. As a cocktail, Hvar town is a chic martini, infused with lavender - enjoyed by a Bond girl, or alternately, a simple glass of rich red Plavac wine in the hands of a salty haired fisherman in a striped shirt. Find the Hvar you wish it to be. Beyond the show stopping, Venetian splendor of Hvar town’s elegant main square, steps lead to art galleries, quirky shops, and hole in the wall wine bars. The further you stroll the reaches of the promenade, more choices of a spot to spread your towel will appear-though the music and stylish loungers of Hula Hula may nab you first. Take something of Hvar with you: from lavender and lacesoap to chocolate, the lavender grown across the hills of the island is crafted into everything nice. Giant agave plants line the beaches, and Benedictine nuns handcraft lace - recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Be beckoned to the small green islands just outside the harbor – the Pakleni islands where again you can find everything from the beat of an ultra chic lounge bar to the au natural nudist beach Jerolim. Work up an appetite via the easy path to lofty views from Spanjolska fort, commanding over the glorious Hvar harbor, or get historically inspired for indulgence - Episcopal museum holds a golden chalice, and the Franciscan monastery; its striking 26 foot long Last Supper masterpiece. Find your ideal spot for sundown and seafood. Perhaps a gregada (fish stew), and a "chalice" full of your liking before you dance the night away.

Sea Kayaking Adventure

Today you'll meet your expert kayaking guide in Hvar Port and start a sea kayak adventure through the incredible Pakleni archipelago: a collection of idyllic islands indented with hidden coves and wonderful beaches located just outside the bay of Hvar Town.

The name of the island is derived from the tar-like resin used in shipbuilding and harvested from the pine forests that cover these islands in a technicolor green. Explore and find your ideal swimming spots, or seek shade under the green pines that line the shores. The serene beauty of these islands is intoxicating, and it's only a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of Hvar town. A perfect blend of adventure and activity in the true beauty of Dalmatian nature, where the sounds of your laughter, paddles swishing in the clear sea, and the hum of crickets from the pine trees will serve as your soundtrack for the day.

Enjoy this day at leisure, exploring Hvar Island on your own, or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel.

After breakfast and check out, you'll meet up with your luggage assitant for a short walk to Hvar ferry port. Here you'll embark on a fast ferry to Dubrovnik (approximately 3 hours).

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, you'll meet up with your driver for a private transfer to Hotel Stari Grad (or similar), a charming boutique hotel set in the heart of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Surrounded by centuries-old stone walls, lively squares, and hidden alleyways, it offers an authentic and intimate experience of the city's rich history and culture. Check in and enjoy some time at leisure.

Dubrovnik Old Town Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas in a Secret Garden

In the afternoon you will be met by your chauffeur and depart to the city center to meet up with your guide.

Dubrovnik is truly a stunning city with its incredible historic center, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. A magnificent curtain of walls surrounds the marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearl-like glow under the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a blend of cafes and shops with prominent monuments at each end.

Following the tour of the city, your guide will take you to a hidden Mediterranean oasis, M'arden Wine Bar, in heart of Dubrovnik for a wine and tapas tasting. Rooted in a rich family tradition of hospitality, Ana Bitanga, an enthusiastic sommelier with 20 years of hospitality experience, turned her dream into reality by opening her family garden to everybody who appreciates fine wines complemented by exceptional bites, all within ancient city walls. Unveil the view of bustling old town and enjoy a stone-laden tale of the past, aromatic gardens, and flavors that await in this unique savory story.

Enjoy this day at leisure, exploring the city on your own.

Perhaps do as the Dubrovnik nobility did and go beyond the walls to enjoy the stunning surroundings easily accessible from your hotel. The quick hop to Lokrum Island has a wonderful escapist feel to it—the view of the towering walls soon to be upstaged by the island locals call the "Emerald of Dubrovnik." Peacocks strut about, mingling with rabbits as you wind your way along trails to the romantic ruins of the Benedictine monastery, olive groves, and your ideal swim spot. The hum of crickets will be the soundtrack of the day. Also reachable by a cruise along the coast, Cavtat has the laid-back feel of a Mediterranean seaside village. Palm trees, cafes, and crowd-free restaurants line the calm bay flanked by pine-covered peninsulas. If remaining shoreside suits you, stroll up from Ploče gate past cliff-hugging villas and gardens of bougainvillea, lemon and fig trees, to the pebbled beach, Sv. Jakov (St. Jacob). Another great view of Dubrovnik as you bob in the sea. For a chic "designer cocktail" beach experience, Coral Bay beach (Babin Kuk), or More Cave bar/ terrace (Lapad) will float your boat. To the heights, panoramic vistas are abundant in Croatia, but the view from the ridges of Srđ takes top prize–particularly rewarding if you bypass the cable car and trek up! For a local secret, and a romantic view likely to yourself - a moderate hike to the ruins of a small chapel (St. Orsula). Top your day off perfectly at one of the Buza bars perched on the cliffs under the towering walls – pretty fabulous as the sun dips down, the swallows and seagulls playing in the breeze and boats trolling by below.

Today you'll check out after breakfast and meet your driver for a private transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your departing flight to the United States.

"Dovidjenja," until we meet again!