Upgraded - Highlights of Croatia

Our tour starts today in Zagreb, Croatia's red-roofed capital. Unlike many European capitals, Zagreb doesn't experience the same tourist rush as its counterparts, allowing you to explore its quaint cobblestone streets without the crowds. A hub of art, culture, and history-with a budding restaurant scene to boot-the city is a delightful and somewhat unexpected gem. For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6:00 PM for a welcome meeting. Afterward, we'll step out into the heart of Zagreb to dine at a local restaurant, where you can savour authentic Croatian cuisine. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Franjo Tudman Airport Zagreb (ZAG). As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through us, regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to departure. Should your flight arrive earlier in the day, you might enjoy strolling through the pretty streets of Gornji Grad (Upper Town) or taking the funicular from Ilica Street-it's the shortest cable car in the world!

This morning, we'll drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia's premier tourist attractions. We'll spend the day wandering along the well-marked trails of this sprawling reserve, which follow the course of 16 crystal-clear blue-green lakes as they cascade dramatically over 92 travertine barriers and waterfalls. Over millennia, the waters of these lakes have dissolved the limestone rock, carving out the valley in which they now lie. Through the sedimentation of calcium carbonate and the activity of special algae and moss, travertine has been deposited, forming the natural dams that separate the lakes. This dynamic process is ongoing, with new waterfalls breaking through the travertine barriers, constantly reshaping the iconic landscape of the park. Our tour leader will guide us on a circuit starting at the upper lakes, including a ferry ride across Lake Kozjak, and then follow paths winding between the lower lakes. Every turn reveals awe-inspiring scenery and yet another stunning waterfall. The walk is mostly on wooden promenades and takes around three hours. Please note, the promenades can be uneven and at times slippery; sure-footedness is required and make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

Following scenic backroads, we'll set off today towards the northern Dalmatian Coast and the ancient capital of Dalmatia, Zadar. We aim to arrive around noon, and upon arrival, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and wander the Roman streets. The Church of Saint Donatus, considered the symbol of the city, is well worth a visit, as is the unique Sea Organ, an experimental musical instrument located on the seafront. In the late afternoon, we'll continue to Sibenik, a charming town nestled in a sea inlet that offers a more tranquil and local feel compared to the larger coastal cities. From the waterfront, steps lead up to the World Heritage-listed St. James Cathedral. From here, you can explore the compact town centre with its maze of narrow alleys and passageways. This evening, you might want to sample seafood specialities on the Riva, the town's seaside promenade. Locally caught fish, served with grilled vegetables, is a popular choice. Alternatively, you could try black risotto, a traditional Dalmatian dish coloured with squid ink and featuring other seafood like mussels.

We wouldn't be ticking off the highlights without hopping across the island Croatia is famous for. So, today, we'll explore the pristine nature and cultural heritage of the Sibenik archipelago. Taking the public ferry, our first stop is Zlarin Island, only 6 kilometres/3.7 miles long and 2 kilometres/1.2 miles wide. The picturesque marina, with its crystal-clear water, is occupied by a wide variety of boats and the interior of the island is packed with fruit trees including fig, lime and pomegranate. We'll visit the Croatian Coral Centre and have some free time to walk along the waterfront and enjoy the beaches. Our next stop is the car-free island of Prvic, one of the most beautiful and smallest inhabited islands. We'll have lunch in the charming fishing village of Prvic Luka. After visiting the Faust Vrancic Memorial Centre, we'll take an afternoon walk (lasting around 30 minutes) across the island to see the old Dalmatian stone houses in Prvic Sepurine. We'll head back to Sibenik via ferry in the late afternoon.

After breakfast this morning, we'll drive along the twisting Dalmatian coastal road to the charming medieval harbour town of Trogir. On arrival, we'll have some time free for lunch and sightseeing. Trogir has a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC, with a delightful collection of cobblestone squares and medieval architecture, and a Romanesque cathedral that is considered one of the most exquisite in the entire Adriatic. What makes Trogir such a delight to wander around is its meandering alleyways, filled with cafes and restaurants and its elegant riverfront promenade, which leads up to the Kamerlengo Fortress, a 15th-century edifice with imposing battlements and a huge octagonal tower. Continuing to Split, we'll check in to our hotel and begin our explorations with a guided walking tour to see the Diocletian's Palace and Old Town. Emperor Diocletian built the palace at the turn of the 4th century, and it quickly became the heart of the city. The Roman emperor was buried here, and it later became the world's oldest Roman Catholic cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. We'll wander through the intriguing maze of narrow cobblestone streets, where pre-Romanesque churches nestle alongside Gothic chapels and take in the peristyle (central square), cathedral and subterranean halls, too. This evening, you might like to take the opportunity to stroll along the Riva, Split's seafront promenade, and stop off in one of the restaurants or bustling cafes along the way.

After an early breakfast, we'll transfer to Split Port to catch the ferry to Dubrovnik (a journey of around 4.5 hours). The fast passenger ferry is a comfortable way to travel between Split and Dubrovnik, it's air-conditioned and there are toilets and a bar onboard. The ferry calls at Brac, Hvar, Korcula and Mljet islands before arriving in Dubrovnik, so there's the chance to glimpse different towns along the way. Upon arriving in the walled city of Dubrovnik, we'll take a short transfer to our hotel for check-in and some time to freshen up. As the sun sets and the temperatures cool, we'll have the option to head out on a stunning sunset hike up to Srd hill, which overlooks Dubrovnik's Old Town. Once at the top, there's a restaurant overlooking the Old Town which is a lovely spot for a glass of Croatian sparkling wine, before heading back to town in the cable car. For those not wishing to do the walk, there's also a cable car up to the top. You can head up this way and spend some time exploring the top of Srd hill before meeting the rest of the group. This evening, we'll have free time for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant; our tour leader will recommend some great spots. Today's 3.5km (2 miles) long hike will take between 1.5-2 hours and has an ascent of 275 metres (902 feet).

Taking the public bus from our hotel to the Old Town, we'll begin our guided tour in Pile Square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik. From there, we'll navigate the maze of narrow streets and lively piazzas, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Sponza Palace, which houses the city's archives, and the intricately carved Baroque church of St Blaise. Continuing along the main thoroughfare of Stradun, we'll descend the Jesuit Staircase, famously known as the "Steps of the Great Sept of Baelor" from the Game of Thrones "Walk of Shame" scene. Our tour concludes at the magnificent Rector's Palace, an incredible example of Gothic architecture and another prominent filming location. Like many Croatian cities, Dubrovnik has a rich history shaped by various conquerors and settlers, each leaving their mark on its unique character. Extensive renovations during the 1990s and 2000s have ensured that the city is beautifully preserved. The rest of the day is free for you to discover more of the city at your own pace. If you want to walk along the Dubrovnik City Walls, we suggest you buy a Dubrovnik Card which gives you access to many sights as well as public transport around Dubrovnik. Alternatively, you could take a boat ride to Lokrum Island Nature Reserve. This idyllic island has an ancient Benedictine monastery at its heart, forest walks, and its own mini 'dead sea' to float in. In the evening we'll have farewell dinner together- a great chance for us to reminisce about a wonderful trip!

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Dubrovnik. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Dubrovnik at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements with us, regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to your tour departing.