Discover Croatia Booklet

Discover

CROATIA, SLOVENIA AND THE ADRIATIC COAST

2019 - 2020 DUBROVNIK – SPLIT – PLITVICE – OPATIJA – LJIBLJANA – ZAGREB 11 DAYS • FROM $2,999PP* 10 Breakfasts • 6 Dinners

Life

ON THE EDGE OF THE ADRIATIC

Medieval architecture, tranquil lakes, local villages and Croatian charm will delight you on this tour featuring Dubrovnik, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and the pearls of the stunning Dalmatian coast. Begin your exploration with two nights in Opatija, the “Riviera of Croatia” and an Istrian gem. Explore Plitvice National Park by foot and by boat, a place where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs connecting sixteen pristine lakes. Enjoy a visit and dinner with a local family outside Dubrovnik. Explore the white stone buildings, winding alleys, and massive city walls of the ancient harbour town, Dubrovnik. Step back into Roman times in Diocletian’s Palace, which comprises Split’s Old Town. Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia’s quaint capital city, and float on a “pletna” boat on serene Lake Bled.

Plitvice

Dubrovnik

Istrian Peninsula

Croatian food

Lake Bled

DISCOVER CROATIA, SLOVENIA AND THE ADRIATIC COAST collette • • •

EXPERIENCES

Visit Europe’s oldest pharmacy at Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery.

Stroll through Split and see the famous Diocletian’s Palace.

Take a Pletna boat ride to the picturesque island in the center of Lake Bled.

must-see • • •

INCLUSIONS

Spend three nights in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Explore Opatija, “Croatia’s Riviera,” a retreat for Habsburg Monarchs.

Experience the wonder of 16 cascading lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park.

culinary • •

INCLUSIONS

Visit a local family for dinner in the Konavle region outside Dubrovnik.

Sample farm-to-table delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula at a local restaurant.

DISCOVER CROATIA

ITINERARY

Day 1: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Tour Begins Join us and explore Croatia and the countries of the Adriatic. This is a “must-see” region filled with ancient cities, medieval architecture, intriguing cultures, rolling hills and stunning coastal scenery. Your tour begins in the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 2: Dubrovnik Join a local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy resides, and see Dubrovnik’s many historical sites, from Rector’s Palace to the City Walls. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Join a local expert in Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbour for a private cruise with magnificent views of the medieval city walls before visiting nearby Lokrum Island where you can swim, marvel at exotic plants or take a walk with peacocks -OR- receive

a ticket to access the walls that contain the old city of Dubrovnik and gain a different perspective on this remarkable place (this choice gives you more leisure time to explore the city). This evening, travel to Cilipi in the culturally-rich Konavle region, where you’ll be welcomed for dinner at a family-owned local restaurant.

Visit with the family and learn about life in the Croatian heartland as you sample regional wines. At dinner, servers introduce you to a culinary feast, prepared in the way of their ancestors.

Day 3: Dubrovnik Spend today at leisure. Relax or independently explore the marble streets and beautiful baroque buildings of Dubrovnik’s breathtaking Old Town. Or, you may choose to purchase our optional excursion to Montenegro; if so, leave in the morning to cross the border to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, or “the Boka.” Once known as Europe’s southernmost fjord, it is actually a ria (a long, narrow inlet). Your guide will introduce you to the history of the region and share stories of the many cultures and empires that have left their mark here.

Day 4: Dubrovnik – Split Savour stunning sea views as you travel up the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the aquamarine of the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a stop in a quaint village in the Croatian countryside, where you’ll have time to taste some of the local specialities and perhaps take a walk through the village square. Upon arrival in Split, set out on a walking tour featuring the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter.

Day 5: Split – Plitvice Lakes Enjoy a morning at leisure in Split. This afternoon, travel to Plitvice Lakes, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Inspiring

Rome

scenery is one of the wonders you’ll experience at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6: Plitvice Lakes – Opatija Travel among the park’s dense forests and 16 terraced lakes, where waterfalls and free-flowing cascades connect one lake to the other. Enjoy a short cruise that takes you into the heart of this natural wonder that extends over 73,000 acres. From the forest landscapes of Plitvice Lakes, travel this afternoon to the seaside resort of Opatija, known as “Croatia’s Riviera.” This fashionable region was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Habsburg Monarchs.

Day 7: Opatija – Istrian Peninsula – Opatija Known as “Croatia’s Riviera,” Opatija was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Habsburg Monarchs. Discover the richness of the Istrian Peninsula with its Italian and Croatian influences.

Pay a visit to a local distillery, where the owners use regional plants, fruits, and herbs to produce brandies, snacks and other treats. Discover a picture-perfect example of a rural Croatian town. In the late afternoon, a delightful farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant lets you sample the regional wines and culinary delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula.

Day 8: Ljubljana, Slovenia Travel into picturesque Slovenia, to Ljubljana, a capital city in the midst of a cultural renaissance. Take in the spectacular scenery on the drive, and upon your arrival, an afternoon at leisure lets you relax and explore the city.

Day 9: Ljubljana – Lake Bled – Ljubljana This morning, meet a local expert who introduces you to this lovely town nestled along the banks of the river.

Your tour includes the impressive City Hall and a visit

to the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas. After free time for lunch, drive a short distance to tranquil Lake Bled, and experience the old-world charm that comes with taking a Pletna boat to the picturesque island in the centre. Spend time exploring the 17thcentury cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing bell.” Enjoy some time to stroll the quiet paths of this lakeside community at your own pace.

Day 10: Ljubljana – Zagreb, Croatia Today we travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

Embark on a tour of this fascinating city that has marked the intersection of Eastern and Central Europe for over 1000 years. After free time this afternoon for independent exploration, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day 11: Zagreb - Tour Ends Your tour comes to a close this morning in Zagreb.

HOTELS Days 1 – 3 | Valamar Lacroma Resort or Hotel Lapad, Dubrovnik

Day 4 | Atrium Hotel, Split Day 5 | Jezero Hotel, Plitvice Days 6, 7 | Hotel Bristol, Opatija Days 8, 9 | Hotel Lev, Ljubljana Day 10 | Sheraton Hotel, Zagreb

Please Note: Rates are per person twin share. Single accommodation is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilise your time on tour. Each guest is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. International airfare not included. Price on application. We include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour.

can’t-miss

EXPERIENCES IN CROATIA DUBROVNIK’S OLD TOWN, CROATIA This southern Croatian city, resting on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, looks like it has been ripped from the pages of history and brought to modern day. Its fantastic Old Town is enclosed with a massive, 16th-century stone wall, hearkening back to a time when Dubrovnik was an important port.

Limestone-paved plazas, baroque churches, and historic buildings fill this charming and impressive quarter.

BLED ISLAND, SLOVENIA “Picturesque” can’t even begin to describe this stunning lake, surrounded by soaring mountains. Sitting among its gleaming blue waters is a tiny island, seemingly out of a fairy tale. Bled Island is home to a pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Saint Mary, constructed with both gothic and baroque influences in the architecture. Journey to the island on a traditional wooden Pletna boat, climb the stone steps, and ring the mythic “wishing bell” there.

PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK, CROATIA One of the oldest, largest, and most beloved parks in all of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are a natural wonder. Deep in the mountainous karst area of Croatia, the lakes here fall into one another in a number of dramatic cascades, flowing from the mountains down into one another between natural dams of vibrant green flora. Twisting among this dramatic landscape are a series of boardwalks, so that travellers can experience these beautiful natural wonders up close.

OPATIJA, CROATIA Once the luxurious summer retreat for Roman emperors and Hapsburg royalty, the fantastic “Croatian Rivieria” is the perfect place to relax and take in the atmosphere. It’s dotted with villas from the early 19th century, hearkening back to a time when it was the chic place to take a vacation and mingle with the upper classes of society. This seaside resort town is also home to a number of engrossing museums, beautifully tended gardens, and the famous Maiden with a Seagull statue.

relax, we’re on it...

UNPACK LESS, ENJOY MORE PERFECTED TOUR PACING Most of our tours feature zero one-night hotel stays. It means you’ll spend the right amount of time in each destination and less time packing and unpacking.

GUARANTEED TO GO BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Choose from many guaranteed departure dates.

Reserve with complete confidence as these selected departures are guaranteed to operate.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PEACE OF MIND Our industry-leading, worry-free travel protection plan offers you a full refund unlike many plans that only offer a voucher. Cancel for any reason right up to the day prior to departure.

PRIVATE CHAUFFEUR SERVICE INCLUDED PERSONAL TOUCHES Leave the hassle of getting to the airport behind. Enjoy round-trip home to airport chauffeur service with the purchase of air. It’s the perfect way to begin (and end) your journey.

THE

Collette Passport CLUB

RECOGNISING OUR LOYAL GUESTS Travel with Collette to become members of Collette’s loyalty program, the Collette Passport Club (formerly Travel Loyalty by Collette or TLC). Members automatically earn a $150 credit every time they travel along with various other benefits. Former TLC members with existing credits will have them automatically applied to their account.

always

included...

• Expertly crafted itineraries • 4-star+ accommodation • Skilled and engaging tour managers • Expert local guides with insider knowledge • Attraction entrance fees with preferential access • Many meals full of local flavour • Unparalleled sightseeing • Enriching cultural experiences • Comfortable on-tour transportation • Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling • Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

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