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Day 1 Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik’s old town is the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its tiled roofs and white stone buildings, the old town remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. If you do arrive early, why not head out to one of the Elafiti Islands? There's Lopud, a quiet island with lovely hikes, clean beaches and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave that boasts walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the isles and reputedly has the most hospitable inhabitants. Alternatively, you might choose to simply laze about on one of Dubrovnik's beaches and people-watch for hours.

Day 2 Dubrovnik

Start the day by beating the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik's famous 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the old town. Enjoy views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.

Day 3 Peljesac Peninsula / Korcula Island

Journey to Korcula today, along the narrow and scenic Peljesac Peninsula to its very tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be done by car ferry. For the next two nights, stay with generous hosts – locals who rent out their rooms in the summer season. The rooms, while simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. When you arrive, head out for a sunset hike to Zrnovo village. Wind through old villages next to olive trees and soak up the view over Peljesac Channel. End your hike when you arrive at a family-owned restaurant in Zrnovo village and sit down for an included dinner of local ingredients, including traditional Dalmatian meat loaf or pasticada (traditional stewed beef) and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses (and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together). Return back to Korcula via private vehicle and use the evening to relax.

Day 4 Mljet Island National Park / Korcula Island

Today, head on a day trip to the stunning Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island, with a large section of the north western shores part of a national park. The island is well known for its two salt lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) – that are located at the north end of the island. With some of the clearest waters in the world, any of the Adriatic islands shimmer in the sunlight, but Mljet is extra special. Start Mljet's exploration with a short hike into the island's interior, followed by a ferry ride to St Mary's Benedictine Monastery, located on an island in one of the lakes. Spend the day discovering its tiny towns dotted around the island, the weaving and winding coastline full of nature walks and scenic lookouts and, of course, the sandy beaches, tranquil inlets and turquoise blue shores calling out to be explored. Mljet is a little further away and less visited than the tourist hotspots of Brac and Hvar, so you’ll be able to stray away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise to yourself. Head back to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, hopefully full of delicious food and some great local wine.

Day 5 Hvar Island

A hydrofoil ferry takes you to the neighbouring island of Hvar this morning. . Beautiful Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. When you arrive, get to know the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades on an orientation walk. Later, you can enjoy your included hop on hop off taxi boat pass that departs every half hour to the nearby Pakleni islands – largely uninhabited and often described as being among the most beautiful in the world. All three islands have gorgeous beaches and walking trails to explore and also boast plenty of bars and restaurants, so you'll have no shortage of lunch, aperitif and dinner spots to choose from!

Day 6 Hvar Island

Today is a free day to explore this island at your leisure. Maybe take a bus to the interior of Hvar Island where you can take a leisurely hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending all the way down to the sea at Milna Bay. On the way you can witness what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Cool down in the shimmering waters upon arrival into the little town of Milna where the hike ends. Alternatively there are plenty of other options for exciting activities in town. If you’re not feeling super energetic today, spend the day lounging at one of the island's many quiet beaches and enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour promenade.

Day 7 Split

Catch a boat to Split this morning. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of this stunning seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace – Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old and there’s ample time to walk around. Split grew out from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but Split is a dynamic and vibrant place, and now the palace houses many businesses and homes. If your feet get tired, why not grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while? Be sure get your group together for a harbourside dinner – it’s time for more of a relax!

Day 8 Split

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Split and the surrounding area, such as Salona, Trogir or Sibenik, you may want to consider extending your time in Split. Just speak to your booking agent.

• Day 1: Welcome to Croatia! Start your tour by getting to know Zagreb. Enjoy a relaxing city walk with your guide and explore its rich history from medieval times to the present. Stop for a coffee and cake break in the afternoon, a must for the locals! Zagreb is characterised by a Central European architectural appearance, mixed with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. It boasts a rich history, which your guide will introduce you to as you are taken to all the hidden gems just out of reach of tourists.  
• Day 2: Today, you'll explore Croatia’s UNESCO heritage site of the Zagorje region, north of Zagreb.  With an English-speaking guide, visit the small town of Lepoglava. Here you will join a lace-making workshop, and discover how this ancient and unique tradition creates wonderful patterns you can take home with you. Continue on to the colourful town of Marija Bistrica, and learn about the art of old craft from the 13th century, making lovely gingerbread hearts. In the afternoon, enjoy some down-time and dine in the countryside savouring a fresh, home-cooked meal. The region is well-know for good cuisine and fine wine! 
• Day 3: Untouched nature, beautiful waterfalls, and 16 lakes await you at Croatia’s most famous National Park, Plitvice Lakes.  Explore this UNESCO protected wonder that attracts millions of nature lovers from all over the world. Then, continue south to Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in the small village of Smiljan, near Gospić.  An interactive exhibition will answer all your questions about Tesla’s life and inventions. In the evening, you'll arrive at Solaris village resort to relax in the peaceful atmosphere.
• Day 4: In the morning, head to the Adriatic on a cruise that will take you to a breathtaking, day-long visit of Kornati Islands. A UNESCO protected site of 147 mostly uninhabited islands, islets and reefs covering 69 sq. km, Kornati Islands are the largest and densest archipelago in the Adriatic. Lunch and refreshments included in the cruise. In the afternoon, get to know Šibenik, a town of stone labyrinth streets and steep back-streets and alleys.  Get your cameras ready - it is here that you will witness the beauty of St. James Cathedral, a true renaissance jewel and a UNESCO site. Return to Solaris village for overnight stay.
• Day 5: Spend the day relaxing in Solaris village! Visit the Etno village of Solaris and enjoy some great dining close to your hotel.
• Day 6: In the morning head to Trogir, a UNESCO listed city, from where you can sit back and enjoy a drink in one of the local terraces overlooking the city’s historical centre. After a short break, continue to Split, a historical town in the heart of Dalmatia where your guide will take you on a stroll to lead you through the history of Split from Roman times to modern day. Lunch in Split, and in the afternoon the ferry will take you across the channel to the stunning island of Hvar.
• Day 7: Welcome to the sunniest island in the Adriatic!  Your guide will walk you through some great stories of the Island, and its UNESCO protected sites. Hvar is situated in a bay, where 13th-century walls surround beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets.  Today it is the most popular yacht port, with yachts and sail boats flocking from all over the world. The city has a long and distinguished history as a centre for trade and culture in the Adriatic. Put your feet up in what is considered to be one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world.
• Day 8: Today, continue further south to Dubrovnik.  Drive down the old road of Croatian coastline, passing many little towns en-route. Stop off for oyster tasting, to stretch your legs along the amazing stone walls, and learn about value of the salt in ancient times by visiting salt plains in Stone.  In the evening, relax and simply enjoy Dubrovnik.
• Day 9: There are many reasons why Dubrovnik is known as the pearl of the Adriatic, linked to its well preserved renaissance historical city centre and its great importance in trade and diplomacy. For centuries, it was the centre of the Republic of Dubrovnik, and the great rival of the Ottoman Empire and the powerful Venetian Empire. Listen to the legends while walking the city walls and take the funicular to enjoy the view of the historical city from the Srđ hill. Enjoy your evening meal and excellent Mediterranean cuisine in a local restaurant recommended by your local guide.
• Day 10: Visit the city of Mostar, a city on the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this day trip from Dubrovnik, you'll head to the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House, and historical mosques. You'll also have time to visit the old craft shops or sit back to a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Dubrovnik for overnight.
• Day 11: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. See you soon!