An Ideal Croatia Journey

13/14D TREASURES OF CROATIA A land of diversity offering the traveller a plethora of experiences: •

Diverse Landscapes: Rolling hilly green countryside of the north, the famous Plitvice Lakes, dry arid landscape of Pag, blue waters and Mediterranean weather of Split & Dubrovnik and rugged mountains

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Medieval History: Explore the various old towns, castle of Trakošćan & the famous Dubrovnik fort

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Modern History: The socialist past of Zagreb to the Balkan War of Dubrovnik

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Wine & Gourmet: Taste wines of different region, especially the Zinfandel’s place of origin, alongside fresh seafood

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A Touch of Adventure: Some kayaking & perhaps cycling, along with mountain ATV and buggy trail

ZAGREB

Weather: 10°C to 22°C

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Sun: 0635 to 1840

SPLIT

Weather: 16°C to 26°C

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Sun: 0640 to 1850

DUBROVNIK

Weather: 13°C to 24°C

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Sun: 0640 to 1840

Day 00

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15 Sep (Tue)

Depart Changi Airport on LX 179 at 2255hrs.

Day 01

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16 Sep

Arrive in Zurich at 0610hrs and connect to LX 2262 at 1010hrs, landing in Zagreb at 1130hrs.

On arrival, collect rental car and drive to Best Western (free parking). Have lunch and check in before a Zagreb Socialist guided tour: Did you know Zagreb was the second largest city in former Yugoslavia, capital of one of the six socialist republics of the Yugoslav federation (SFRJ)?

On this tour we’ll take you to the past of our city! During the plunge (sic) we’ll look behind the curtain of modernity and visit several “secret” places that still keep survivals (sic) from the decades the country spent in the Eastern Bloc. Brace for unexpected views! http://www.hellozagreb.com/tour/red-tour Rest of the evening free at leisure.

Sleep: Best Western Astoria BB – Cancellation 14 Sep

Day 02

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17 Sep

After breakfast, drive 1+hr out to Trakošćan Castle (audio guided).

Castle Trakošćan's cultural heritage, is protected as a historical entity, which consists of the castle, the building next to the castle, park and forest park with a lake.

Open: 0900-1800hrs Continue to Varazdin (population 47,000) in the afternoon for self-guided tour and overnight stay.

Within the relatively small area of the Old Town are preserved palaces, important public buildings, Baroque, Rococo, Classicist and Secessionist houses and villas and one of the oldest City Halls in Europe.

Sleep: Pansion Maltar Varazdin BB (?) – Cancellation 10 Sep

Day 03

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18 Sep (Fri)

After breakfast, depart to Plitvice Lakes National Park (230km, 2.5hr).

Ticket includes electric boat rides on Lake Kozjak and panoramic train rides, visitor insurance and VAT. The strategy to tour this park is to grasp the timing of the boat ride & panoramic train!

Open 0800-1600hrs; Parking (Car): 7kn/hour Proceed towards Zadar (120km, 1.5hr), arriving before sunset to enjoy the famous Sea Organ + Greeting to the Sun. Sleep: Apartment Donat Zadar– Cancellation 14 Sep

Day 04

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19 Sep

Drive over to Pag, where we can spend the full day hiking, cycling and chilling on the island. Lonely Planet describes Pag as “barren, rocky, and sepia coloured, with vast empty landscapes stretching across the horizon… Its karstic rock forms a moonscape defined by two mountain ridges, patches of shrubs and a dozen or so villages and hamlets.” http://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/pag-island#ixzz3UKWonegG Sleep: Apartment Donat Zadar

Day 05

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20 Sep

Spend the morning on a Zadar Old Town guided walking tour.

If you'd like to feel the pulse of Zadar and hear an interesting story or two about the city, then you're in the right place. We will give you an unforgettable tour of Zadar and step back with you into ancient times, silently witnessed by Zadar's Roman forum. We will tell you the story of St. Donatus, whose church is a symbol of the city, and take a walk along the popular Kalelarga street. Let's unlock the secrets of the city where classical antiquity, Romanesque, the Venetian spirit, and contemporary architecture harmoniously intertwine. http://www.mondenatravel.hr/en/city_break.html Continue our journey towards Split (2hr) with a stop in Sibenik, one of the oldest Croatian towns on the Adriatic coast still relatively untouched by tourist hordes. Have short self exploration of the compact old town, perhaps see the UNESCO heritage site of St James Cathedral. Arrive in Split and return the car before check into hotel.

Sleep: Kaleta Apartments Studio – Cancellation 13 Sep Day 06

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21 Sep

Dedicate the day to exploring Split – meeting point at North Gate.

10:30 - 12:00 Unique Split Walking Tour In a small, personalized groups you will travel through time and admire Split must–see art, architecture and unlock Splits many secrets.

13:30 - 15:00 Dalmatian Culinary Experience Experience the taste of one of the oldest Croatian dishes prepared in original, old Croatian style.

17:00 Split Sunset Kayaking Tour There is no better way to end a day! Escape the crowds and enjoy peace of sea kayak http://www.splitwalkingtour.com/index.php/daily-tours/your-a-perfect-day-in-split.html Sleep: Kaleta Apartments Studio

Day 07

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22 Sep (Tue)

Join in a full day speedboat tour out to the coast off Split and Hvar.

Witness the originality and magnificence of the Blue Cave on Biševo Island. Swim inside the Green Cave and visit Palmižana Bay. Enjoy Stiniva Cove surrounded by impressive rock cliffs and relax at the exotic scenery of Budikovac Island. Feel the spirit of Hvar's narrow streets, charming buildings and its cultural heritage.

08:30 Departure from Split Riva 10:30 Sightseeing of Blue Cave on the island of Biševo, part of the Vis archipelago 11:30 Panoramic cruise of Stiniva Cove 12:10 Swimming break at the Green Cave

13:00 Swimming break at Island Budikovac 13:45 Free time in Palmižana bay 16:30 Free time in Hvar 19:00 Arrival to Split Capacity: 10 per speedboat Included: Safety equipment, snorkeling gear, water/windproof jacket, entrance fee to the Blue Cave, insurance Excluded: Lunch, private expenses, gratuities (optional) http://www.daytripsfromsplit.com/product/hvar-and-pakleni-islands-croatias-sunniest-islands/ Sleep: Kaleta Apartments Studio Day 08

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23 Sep

In the morning, check out before a historical and gourmet morning to Trogir with wine tasting at Kaštela.

The charming center of Trogir is a unique monument of culture which is included on UNESCO World Heritage List. With your tour guide you will enjoy a walk through its narrow streets, taking you back in history as you pass stone houses, Romanesque churches, Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period. After time spent in Trogir, your tour continues with a drive to one of seven neighbouring towns of Kaštela, also known for grape vineyards.

Duration: 4-5 hrs Includes: Pick up and Drop off, Air-conditioned transport, Official tour guide http://www.split-excursions.com/private-tours-en/food-and-wine-tours--en/trogir-and-wine-tasting-tour/

Returning to Split, collect the rental car and head out to Sinj/Hrvace this afternoon for an exciting ATV adventure.

This safari drive will give you the chance to get in touch with your “wild side”. Our ATV safari is adapted to all age groups, you do not need any previous knowledge. For true lovers of nature and sports extremes we offer over 40 km of trails adapted for a variety of safari ride, where you take things into their own hands through local roads, gravel roads, rivers, uplands and canyons with stops at some of the many stunning locations in (the) Dalmatian hinterland.

General condition: Driving license (B category) Date and time: by agreement, morning tour – 0900, afternoon tour – 1500 Place of departure: Hrvace (football field “Hrvace”) Duration: approx 4 h Includes: •

1 ATV 300 cc vehicle (Automatic), load capacity 150 kg 40 km ride

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Fuel Helmets

Guided tour

Homemade lunch/dinner (barbecue) •

Traditional drink

http://www.splitoutdooradventure.com/en/atv-safari/ Continue onto the town of Trilij for the night.

Sleep: Marija Latinac Trilj – Cancellation 13 Sep

Day 09

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24 Sep

Set off for Dubrovnik after breakfast (2.5-3hr drive). On arrival, be orientated around Dubrovnik Old Town (1330hr; 1hr).

Witness Dubrovnik's rich history and discover its magnificent buildings, palaces and treasures. Accompanied by our experienced guide, who will entertain you with interesting details and stories, you will be given a tour which covers all the major sights of Dubrovnik’s Old City. http://www.dubrovnik-walking-tours.com/?pid=40&tip=1&tid=34#ad-image-0 Continue to explore the old town or have lunch before Walls & War tour (1530hr; 2hr).

Do you know that Dubrovnik was protected by both defensive fortifications and the diplomatic skills of its leaders? This historic walk will focus on the defensive and political challenges faced by Dubrovnik in its struggle to survive as a tiny (yet prosperous) independent republic facing serious threats from powerful and dangerous enemies. http://www.dubrovnikwalks.com/combo-walk.html Optional (depends on quality of earlier tour): Go on another tour of the Old Town (1800hr; 1.5hr) - Did you know that Dubrovnik was one of the most prosperous and advanced maritime republics of all time? On this historic walk, you'll travel through the heart of the old town and witness the impressive economic, social, and cultural achievements of Dubrovnik over the centuries.

Sleep: Rooms Raic – Cancellation 10 Sep

Day 10

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25 Sep (Fri)

Take a full day excursion out to Ston & Korcula (0730hrs; 11.5hrs).

Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Croatia on a day trip to Ston and Korcula Island from Dubrovnik. First visit the 14th-century town of Ston, where you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour and have free time to explore on your own. You’ll then board a boat in Orebić for a ride to beautiful

Korcula Island, where you’ll have another guided walking tour and visit St Marco Cathedral and the supposed birthplace of Marco Polo. A wine tasting (included) at a Croatian winery is the perfect end to this small-group tour. http://www.viator.com/tours/Dubrovnik/Small-Group-Tour-Ston-and-Korcula-Island-Day-Trip-from-Dubrovnik-with-Wine-Tasting/d9045562PELKORCULA Inclusions: Local guide

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Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport by air-conditioned minivan • •

Boat trip

3 wine and liquor tastings Sleep: Rooms Raic

Day 11

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26 Sep

Spend the morning chilling in Dubrovnik (check out at 10am).

After lunch (around 1400hrs), ascend Mount Srđ by cable car to tour the Imperial Fortress and Museum of Croatian War of Independence

Embark on a 1700 buggy safari (1hr) from the cable car station.

Prepare to be amazed by spectacular views and wilderness 5 minutes from the Old town of Dubrovnik. After the tour introduction, start your engines and get off the beaten track in our 2-seater buggies. You will have the opportunity to see parts of Dubrovnik’s surroundings rarely seen by visitors. http://www.buggydubrovnik.com/ After dinner, return to the apartments to collect luggage and proceed to the airport for flight to Zagreb on OU 669 at 2120hrs, arriving at 2215hrs.

Sleep: Zig Zag – Cancellation 21 Sep

Day 12

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27 Sep

After breakfast, it is time for a guided tour of the Old City: Each city nowadays has got its classic tour, acquainting the guests with its outstanding architectural sights, buzzing markets, history, museums and monuments. We’ll visit the biggest church in Zagreb, a traditional market, the only surviving medieval gate – the Stone Gate, we’ll study the insignia

on St Mark’s Church and then descend the south slopes of the Upper Town and go from the Lotrščak tower to the main square, the most popular meeting place of the locals. Let’s have a lively history lesson! http://www.hellozagreb.com/tour/blue-tour The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Zagreb city.

Sleep: Zig Zag Day 13

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28 Sep

Depart Zagreb on LX 2263 at 1205hrs, arriving Zurich at 1335hrs. Or LH 1415 at 1430, arriving Frankfurt at 1600hrs and connect to LH 778 at 2145hrs.

What am I supposed to do in Zurich for 9hrs? Or have a beer in Frankfurt?

Depart Zurich on LX 178 at 2245hrs.

Day 14

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29 Sep

Arrive SIN at 1720hrs. Or 1610hrs for LH option.