Rated “Excellent”
captivating CROATIA 2024/25
THE DEDICATED EXPERTS IN GUIDED HOLIDAYS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
“My seventh Just You holiday. As usual superbly organised and with an 11 out of 10 Holiday Director. I expect high standards from Just You and am never disappointed.”
Christopher
We want you to feel completely confident when travelling with us. All Just You holidays are financially protected via ABTA and ATOL (flightinclusive holidays) and financial failure insurance (non-flight packages).
Additionally, any money paid to Just You is held in a trust until you return from your holiday. The trust is governed by an independent third party, so you are 100% protected no matter what.
CROATIA Captivating
Solo adventures to surprise and delight
Enduringly popular with solo travellers, Croatia seems to have that little bit of everything. There’s its fascinating historical stories and age-old cultural traditions, the glorious great outdoors from city sights to island discoveries, delicious food encounters, and so many more iconic sights and hidden delights. For a solo holiday that ticks all the boxes, read on for four sensational solo adventures in the land of a thousand islands…
ISLAND EXPLORER
8 DAYS FROM £3199
It’s all in the name and this tour is the ultimate opportunity to uncover some of Croatia’s idyllic islands as you set sail on the MV Paradis – exclusively chartered by Just You. There’s time to explore the rushing waterfalls of Krka National Park, a vineyard experience, beach time in Brac, and a walking tour of chic Hvar, as part of a laidback coastal cruise. With sailing days passing olive groves and fragrant lavender fields, plus a refreshing wine and olive oil tasting on board an unforgettable voyage awaits!
CROATIA
TRAVEL STYLE
Coastal Cruising
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
Return flights from London or Manchester
7 nights on-board MV Paradis
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners including a welcome 'Paradis' cocktail & farewell dinner
Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour of Trogir & visit to a Croatian tailor • Krka National Park • Vineyard wine-tasting • Discover historical Sibenik • Tour of Zadar • Explore the sophisticated island of Hvar • Visit the island of Brac • Enjoy a glass of wine at the top of Vidova Gora – the highest peak of the Adriatic islands
• Tour of Split & the fascinating Diocletian’s Palace • Wine/olive oil tasting, Captain's dinner and farewell dinner onboard
YOUR EXCLUSIVE SHIP
MV PARADIS PREMIUM SUPERIOR
You will stay on board the MV Paradis. Facilities include complimentary water, afternoon tea or coffee with biscuits, free wi-fi, air-conditioned dining room with bar area, lounging sundeck with deck-beds. Fully equipped cabins (air-conditioning, safe deposit box, hairdryer, cupboard & wardrobe cabinet and daily cabin cleaning).
Cabin Upgrade
Standard cabins are below deck. You can choose to upgrade to the following options, subject to availability: Middle deck – from £200 per cruise, upper deck – from £200 per cruise Call to speak to one of our Holiday Advisors about a cabin upgrade.
DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES
Return flights from London
2024 2025
Hvar
Krka National Park
ISTRIAN COAST
8 DAYS FROM £1849
Get ready to uncover the intriguing history and beauty of the Istrian coast. Starting in stylish Opatija and its mix of splendid architecture, beautiful gardens and sea views, the highlights keep on rolling across this 8-day tour. The lakes of Plitvice National Park await you, there’s plenty of time to discover the historic sights of Lovran at your own pace, while the Roman ruins of Pula and Rovinj’s bustling and vibrant harbour complete this tour of the north.
TRAVEL STYLE
Relax & Discover
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
Return flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham
7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners including a welcome drink
Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• Opatija tour & chocolate-tasting
• Visit Plitvice Lakes
• Discover Pula & Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula
• Winery tour and tasting with light lunch
FREE TIME - OPTIONALS
Relax or join an optional activity
• Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia
• Boat trip to the island of Cres
CROATIA
SLOVENIA
Opatija
Rovinj
YOUR HOTEL HOTEL EXCELSIOR, LOVRAN
Your seafront hotel is located in Lovran, a charming town on the beautiful Istrian coast. Facilities include a restaurant, pizzeria, bar, indoor pool, outdoor swimming pool (typically open May-Sept), spa and wellness centre, entertainment on some days, stone-paved beach, bicycles and accessories. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, hairdryer, safe and mini-bar.
Room Upgrade
Call to speak to one of our Holiday Advisors about a room upgrade.
DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES
Pula
Plitvice National Park
5
PLACES YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS…
captivating
Although Croatia is considerably smaller than the UK (about 4.3 times to be a little more exact), what it lacks in land mass, it more than makes up for in unique adventures. Here’s our top memorable encounters you won’t want to miss out on…
FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS...
Krka National Park and Plitvice National Park
One of Croatia’s most famous sights, Krka draws visitors to its mighty waterfalls, including the most impressive of all, Skradinski Buk Falls - an incredible amalgamation of 17 cascades! The park is also home to over 800 species of plants and over 200 bird species so keep your eyes and ears peeled as you revel in the beautiful, unspoilt landscapes that surround you. Another jaw-dropping national park you can visit is Plitvice – Croatia’s oldest and largest national park – which is nestled between two mountain ranges. The park is so big in fact that the 16 lakes here cover just 1% of the park, which certainly puts things in perspective! With forests, grasslands, four walking trails and a wide variety of flora and fauna, it’s a nature lover’s dream.
2 1
FOR ARTISAN FOOD AND CRAFTS... Pag Island
Pag Island is a little more eclectic and unusual for a Croatian Island owing to its more rocky, lunar-esque landscapes. Voted by Visit Croatia as one of the top 11 islands to visit, Pag is most known for its salt, lace-making and cheese production. The island’s highly-prized sheep’s cheese, Paški sir, is notorious for its natural herb flavours. The island’s 35,000 sheep graze on the likes of sage, and the wild herbs growing here are infused with salt spray carried by the winds. The result? A natural, perfectly seasoned cheese! During a visit to a cheese factory you’ll learn more about the island’s fascinating production process.
ADRIATIC SEA
4 PAG ISLAND 2
ZADAR
CROATIA
SLOVENIA
Krka National Park
3
FOR A TOUCH OF THE UNDISCOVERED... Zlarin
Blessed with untouched nature, rich history and friendly locals, Zlarin translates as the ‘island of gold’, an apt name for its precious attractions. With crystal clear waters and beaches backed by an abundance of pine forests, your visit will truly feel like the island has been discovered for the first time, especially seeing as vehicles are banned on the island. As the sunniest island in the whole of the Adriatic with 2,700 hours of sun a year, it’s a little slice of pure holiday heaven!
ZAGREB SPLIT
PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK 1
KRKA NATIONAL PARK 1
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN 5 ZLARIN 3
5
4 FOR HISTORICAL FINDS...
Dubrovnik Old Town
FOR SOMETHING QUIRKY...
Zadar
With cliffs, coves, ancient Roman streets and stunning sunsets, you’ll find yourself a world away from the tourist crowds in Zadar. It also offers the chance to take a walk on the unusual side, from learning more about the ancient art of glass blowing to the island’s very own sea organ, which is best enjoyed at sunset. Created by the architect Nikola Bašić, the soothing sounds of the organ are generated by the tide, creating ‘nature’s instrument’. Stick around after the sun dips into the sea to witness another one of Bašić’s creations, the solar-powered waterfront light show, The Greeting to the Sun.
It’s no wonder that one of the world’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities should feature high up on the list of Croatia’s must-see sights. With the walls still guarding the city, you can walk along them and enjoy glorious views of the Adriatic and its islands. Within the historic centre itself you can expect a thrilling mix of Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, Renaissance fountains, plus cobbled streets converging with marble-paved squares. A very much lived-in and treasured city, you’ll want to soak up every moment!
Korcula
Dubrovnik
The Greeting to the Sun light show, Zadar
Zlarin
MONTENEGRO
DUBROVNIK & THE DALMATIAN COAST Deluxe
8 DAYS FROM £2649
Join us to unravel the rich and varied history of Dubrovnik and its surrounding coastline. The UNESCO World Heritage Site certainly has that movie-style quality, used as a backdrop for many iconic TV and film shows. Put yourself in the picture and tour the walls and historic centre, as well as ticking off other treasured historical finds along the Dalmatian Coast including medieval Ston. There’s also time to get a different perspective of the coast, with a delightful island cruise onboard a 16th century replica ship.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
Return flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham
7 nights half-board in a 5-star hotel
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners including a welcome drink
Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• Dubrovnik tour & cable car ride
• Montenegro’s Kotor & Perast
• Elafiti Islands cruise and Dalmatian style lunch
FREE TIME - OPTIONALS
Relax or join an optional activity
• Medieval Ston with winery visit and lunch
• Experience traditional Croatian village life & the Heritage Museum, with vineyard tour & wine-tasting
Dubrovnik Šipan
YOUR HOTEL
HOTEL CROATIA CAVTAT, CAVTAT
Rising above a pine-forested peninsula overlooking unspoilt Cavtat Bay, Hotel Croatia Cavtat is the leading five-star resort in the South Adriatic. The hotel combines a stunning waterfront location with easy access to medieval Dubrovnik across the bay – a relaxing 45-minute boat ride away. Facilities include two private beaches, outdoor and indoor pools, a selection of restaurants, piano bar and spa. All rooms have a sea view and private facilities, air-conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, safety deposit box and hairdryers.
DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES
Return flights from London Ref: SECRD 2024 2025
DEPARTS FROM DEPARTS FROM 7 & 21 Sep £2999 10 May £2649 07 & 14 Jun £2899 06 & 20 Sep
Kotor
Dubrovnik
HOW TO MAKE CROATIAN
PEKA
Traditionally cooked in an outdoor oven in Croatia, this hearty dish has been adapted into a delicious one-pot wonder which will serve four people. Feel free to experiment and switch out meat or vegetables for alternatives - it's a great way to use up any leftovers.
YOU WILL NEED
850g diced lamb (or other meat/fish)
1 tbsp garlic puree (or finely chopped fresh garlic)
1 tbsp sundried tomato puree
80ml olive oil + extra 2tbsp
Black pepper & salt to season
600g potatoes
1 large carrot, chopped
1 courgette, chopped into chunks
1 green pepper, chopped into chunks
1 small aubergine, chopped into chunks
1 large onion, chopped into chunks
250ml white wine
Thyme, rosemary and sage (plus any other fresh herbs)
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 200°C fan / 220°C / Gas Mark 7.
2. Dice the meat.
3. Make the marinade: Combine 80ml of olive oil in a bowl with garlic puree, sundried tomato puree, black pepper and salt.
4. Add potatoes and vegetables into a large-lidded casserole dish.
5. Place diced meat on top of the vegetables, pour the marinade and wine over the top.
6. Add the rosemary, thyme and sage, trying to keep the herbs on top for easy removal later.
7. Place the lid on the casserole dish and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes.
8. Remove the lid, take out any thick herb stems and stir in 2 tbsp of olive oil. Cook for another 20 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and serve with fresh bread to soak up the juices.
WONDERFUL WORLD OF
wines
During your Croatian solo adventures you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sip and savour some of the local wines. From a visit to a vineyard to a wine tasting out at sea, there’s a lot to love about Croatian wines. And with 64 distinct grape types, over 800 wineries and approaching 20,000 registered wine-makers, Croatia clearly knows a thing or two about wine!
Here are some to look out for on your travels:
Babić, Sibenik - a fruity and full bodied red, goes well with hearty dishes.
Bogdanuša, Hvar - a popular and light white wine, with floral notes, pair with fish, lamb or beef.
Debit, Promina and Drniš - citrus and herbal, pairs well with fish and seafood.
Dingač, Pelješac Peninsula - premium and robust red wine, goes well with steak, cheese and wild mushrooms.
Malvazija, Istria - a dry white with intense flavours, pairs with a wide variety of foods. Plavac, Dalmatia & Pelješac - popular red, with cherry, spice and pepper notes, goes well with stews.
Pošip, Hvar and Dalmatia - popular and refreshing white wine, pairs well with fish and salads.
& the makarska riviera
8 DAYS FROM £1899
The bustle of ancient cities contrast beautifully with serene island adventures on this tour of two halves. We’ll head out on the history trail in Zadar to unearth some fascinating tales, delve into gastronomy on Pag Island to learn about (and sample!) its award-winning sheep’s cheese, and enjoy nature at its finest at Krka National Park with its spectacular waterfalls and wildlife encounters. They say variety is the spice of life, and this tour exemplifies it in every way!
TRAVEL STYLE
Relax & Discover
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
Return flights from London or Manchester
7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotels
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners including a welcome drink
Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• Walking tour of Zadar • Hvar & Brac with lunch
• Visit to Pag Island including cheese tasting
• Krka National Park & wine-tasting
FREE TIME - OPTIONALS
Relax or join an optional activity
• Tour of medieval Dubrovnik
• Historic Split and Diocletian's Palace
YOUR HOTELS
HOTEL PINIJA, PETRCANE
Boasting a charming village location, just a minute’s stroll from the pebble beach, your hotel features a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
BLUE SUN RESORT, TUČEPI
Your hotel is just steps away from a pebble beach and facilities include a choice of restaurants and bars, swimming pool and spa. Swimming pools are typically open May to September.
DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES
Pucisca
Zadar
