UNESCO Sites And Ancient Heritage

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!