Adriatic Holiday Tour Coverage: Group Size: Length: Croatia & Slovenia Minimum 10 PAX & Maximum 12 PAX 17 nights / 18 days Day 01 05-Jul-19 [FRIDAY] DEPARTURE DAY AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Flight EK449 from Auckland by at 08.30pm to Dubai 3 hours of transit at Dubai Flight EK129 from Dubai to Zagreb Day 02 06-Jul-19 [SATURDAY] ARRIVAL DAY ZAGREB AIRPORT Arrival on 12.35 pm to Zagreb Airport Enjoy a 1.5-hour walking tour discovering the past & present of Croatia's capital o o o the colourful St. Mark's square the impressive Zagreb Cathedral the mysterious atmosphere of Stone gate (Kamenita Vrata) & much more After a nice introduction to Croatia & Zagreb, enjoy the dinner at your hotel Overnight in Zagreb Local guide at Zagreb, dinner, stay at Hotel Sheraton or similar
Day 03 07-Jul-19 [SUNDAY] ZAGREB OR OPTIONAL NATIONAL PARK PLITVICE EXCURSION After breakfast, we head to Croatia's most famous national park & UNESCO natural heritage site On Plitvice lakes we will visit the most remarkable sections of the 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and cascades Enjoy a boat ride on the biggest lake and get mesmerized by the green blue magic After the visit of the park you will taste typical dishes of the area in a restaurant close by Drive back to Zagreb If you are not opting for this excursion, you can explore Zagreb on your own. Guide sheet will be provided Local guide Zagreb, Overnight in Hotel Sheraton or similar COMMENTS Guest who will stay in Zagreb will be given an information sheet Zagreb on your own
Day 04 08-Jul-19 [MONDAY] ZAGREB LJUBLJANA Breakfast Check-out Short drive to the border crossing with Slovenia En-route, stop at Castle Otočec Upon arrival to Slovenian capital, we will start with a sightseeing tour of Ljubljana s city symbols & architectural masterpieces of Slovenian well-known architect Joze Plecnik Three Bridges, Shoemaker s Bridge and the National Library are just a few of them We will visit the main food market and get to know the Old Town with its many boutique shops, some of them selling typical Slovenian artefacts We will walk along the riverbank of Ljubljanica which on a hot summer day becomes a place to be with many cafes and restaurants. Whether you sample some tasty ice-cream during the day or enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, you can always soak in the city s vibrant atmosphere During summer holidays Ljubljana becomes an open stage with many outdoor concerts, film projections, open-air theatres all part of a very successful Ljubljana Festival. The evening will be dedicated to Slovenian folklore with dance & music combined with an authentic Slovenian dinner Overnight at hotel in Ljubljana Local guide Ljubljana, Slovenian dinner with dancing, Overnight in Hotel Antiq Lesar in Ljubljana or similar
Day 05 09-Jul-19 [TUESDAY] LJUBLJANA BLED LJUBLJANA After breakfast we will head northwest to the region called Upper Carniola to visit Lake Bled. It is a popular destination and a real jewel of the Julian Alps. After boarding a traditional boat called pletna, we will be taken by an oarsman to Slovenia s only island. There is a beautiful church and it is a custom to make a wish at the Church Bell. Tasting and baking tour of potica the most distinctly Slovenian specialty. We will take a pleasant walk through a beautiful gorge called Vintgar. Above the lake on a high cliff proudly stands the Bled Castle, which dates back to 11th Century. We will visit the Bled Castle Museum and its restaurant for lunch while enjoying the amazing views from the terrace over the lake and the surrounding mountains. Overnight at Ljubljana Entrance to Vintgar gorge, Boat ride to the island, entrance to the church on the island, light coffee break on the island with Potica tasting, lunch and entrance to the castle of Bled, Overnight in Hotel Antiq Lesar in Ljubljana or similar
Day 06 10-Jul-19 [WEDNESDAY] LJUBLJANA - POSTOJNA CAVE PREDJAMA CASTLE GORIŠKA BRDA Breakfast and check out from hotel. Caves, underground rivers and lakes are only a few of numerous features of Slovenian karstic land. So far, Speleologists discovered more than 8000 caves in Slovenia, but only few of them are show caves. The largest and most visited cave in Europe is Postojna Cave, the home of the rare human fish. It is the only karst cave with a railway, which was built more than 140 years ago. With the unique tourist train, you will take a tour of underground network of karst corridors, galleries and halls, and even the oldest underground post office in the world. Only a short drive away stands a fascinating Predjama Castle, the world s largest cave castle. You will hear a legend of a rebellious and brave knight Erazem After lunch options Slovenian heritage: o o Capuchin Monastery in Vipavski Kriz having a precious library of 25,000 books, of which 2,000 were printed from 1510 to 1800 The jewel in the crown is the Manuscript Codex a 15th century prayer book written in Gothic minuscule We will proceed to Vipava valley & Goriška Brda Day will end perfectly with the wine glass in our hand & beautiful views over the vineyards. Enjoy wine tasting & dinner Entrance to Postojna Cave, entrance to Postojna Castle, lunch, wine tasting and dinner at the homestead in Goriška Brda. Overnight in homestead Belica or similar. https://www.belica.si/
Day 07 11-Jul-19 [THURSDAY] MEDANA (GORIŠKA BRDA) - KOBARID MEDANA Enjoy local breakfast and get ready to visit one of the most beautiful valleys in the world We will drive along the River Soča towards Kobarid and Bovec and stop along the way The Soča Valley is famous for its Emerald River Soča, popular for outdoor activities and its grim history as one of WWI s bloodiest frontlines We will visit the WWI Museum in Kobarid. Ernest Hemingway writes about WWI in Kobarid in his novel A Farewell to Arms Lunch along the way UNESCO declared the Julian Alps as the first biosphere reserve of international importance in Slovenia. Locals use innovative approaches to connect people with nature and thus preserve natural heritage, the biotic diversity, as well as take care of the continual development. The unique beauty of nature was also recognized by the filmmakers of The Chronicles of Narnia, who filmed some of the most exciting scenes of that famous movie by the River Soča. We will return to Goriška Brda for dinner and maybe another wine tasting Overnight in Medana Entrance to I World War museum, lunch, dinner at the homestead in Goriška Brda
Day 08 12-Jul-19 [FRIDAY] GORIŠKA BRDA LIPICA STUD FARM CROATIA ISTRA OPATIJA Breakfast Check-out Our first stop today will be the cradle of noble white Lipizzaner horses. The Lipica Stud Farm has been there for over 400 years. It is a cultural and historical monument. These distinguished horses are famous for their eagerness to learn, particularly in the art of Dressage. Lunch on the way Before heading to Croatia, we will drive to the nice rural farm, were family who runs it, will introduce you to the wine making. Tasting of homemade ham and wine will be followed by a nice Slovenian lunch. We will continue towards heart of Slovenian Istria Visit the Church of Holy Trinity from the 13 th century at Hrastovlje village. Its interiors reflect late medieval to Renaissance frescoes. Drive to fist Croatian city of Opatija. It is a harbour town, famous for its summer holiday resorts at the foot of Mt. Učka in the eastern coast of Istria in the Rijeka Bay. Opatija, often called the Nice of the Adriatic, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia. The name Opatija is taken from a 15 th century Benedictine abbey, around which the village was built. Free time for dinner and overnight in Opatija Entrance to Stud farm Lipica, Lunch and wine tasting at family winery, entrance to Hrastovlje church, dinner and overnight in Astoria Design Hotel Opatija or similar
Day 09 13-Jul-19 [SATURDAY] OPATIJA ISTRA TOUR ROVINJ POREČ - OPATIJA After breakfast we will visit the tourist capital of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia Rovinj is a city with deep Venetian influence, not only in its architecture, but also its local dialect. Because of the picturesque church of St Euphemia, the narrow streets it has been an eternal inspiration to many artists. Later we will continue our exploration by boat along the west coast of the Peninsula and reach Lim fjord (Optional). Actually, it is not a real fjord, but resemble a lot to Norwegian landscapes. Because of unusual freshwater sources in the sea, the area is renowned for mussels cultivation. After nice lunch closer to the Lim Canal, we will continue our visit of Istrian town find out more about Porec, known because of the Basilica Eufrasiana from the 6th century, the most famous heritage of Byzant. It is under UNESCO protection especially because of the unique golden mosaics on the apsyd. Free time till departure to Opatija Dinner on your own City tour with local guide of Poreč and Rovinj, lunch, entrance to Basilica Eufrasiana, overnight in Opatija COMMENTS Optional: (Boat ride + mussels and oyster tasting optional approx. 50 euro per person)
Day 10 14-Jul-19 [SUNDAY] OPATIJA ZADAR Breakfast and check out from hotel Drive toward central Dalmatia and its towns In the afternoon, after a 2.5 hours drive, we will reach the Dalmatian coast and visit Zadar, a city famous for two unique monuments: The Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun Sea Organ is a blend of human ideas and skills and the energy of the sea, waves, tide and flood, a place for relaxation, contemplation and conversation while listening to an endless concert of mystic harmonies of the "Orchestra of Nature". Upon arrival, we will go on a city orientation tour. During the city tour, you will see 16th century fortifications that still guard parts of the city and Zadar's ancient Roman Forum. You will learn about Zadar's long and tumultuous history as your guide walks with you through the narrow traffic-free streets in the heart of Old Town. You will also see the famous roman square FORUM and the beautiful Byzantine churches of St Donat, St Francis and St Simon. Lunch at a local restaurant Dinner on your own Overnight in Zadar SERVICES INCLUDED City tour with local guide of Zadar, lunch, overnight in Heritage Bastion Hotel www.hotel-bastion.hr
Day 11 15-Jul-19 [MONDAY] ZADAR OPTIONAL EXCURSION After breakfast in hotel you can take an excursion to NP KRKA (half day trip) OR BOAT EXCURSION TO BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS SURROUNDING ZADAR (full day excursion) - Optional EXCURSION TO NP KRKA WITH BOAT RIDE In the morning will take a bus to the National Park Krka. Named after river Krka. In national park you will have a full insight into the one of most beautiful parks of Croatia. Sightseeing will include boat ride from Skradinski buk and nice walk along the walking trails passing the cascades, viewing the watermills, columns and weaver's loom...visit will be about 3 hours long. Overnight in Zadar overnight in Heritage Bastion Hotel, www.hotel-bastion.hr
Day 12 16-Jul-19 [TUESDAY] ZADAR PAKOVO SELO ŠIBENIK SPLIT During our drive to the traditional village Pakovo Selo you will enjoy the breath-taking landscapes of the Dalmatian hinterland where you will enjoy the introduction to the Ethno village called Pakovo selo and taste smoked ham called Drniški pršut. In the meantime, traditional peka, will be prepared for your lunch. Pakovo selo After a formal Dalmatians sacred ceremony, you'll be welcomed into the village. Listen to Dalmatian stories of their ancestors and history, customs and traditions. See Dalmatian stone houses, traditional tools and utensils, learn how households were run, experience traditional Dalmatia and their gastronomic specialties. After lunch, we continue our trip to the seaside historic town of Šibenik, another UNESCO World Heritage site. We head southwards along the Jadranska magistrala, the main coastal road winding along bays and offering a unique sequence of picturesque postcard moments. Eventually we reach Split, the biggest city of Dalmatia and free time in charming Split Overnight in Hotel in Split Entrance and lunch in Museum of Pakovo selo, City tour with local guide of Šibenik, overnight in Hotel LUXE or similar in Split.
Day 13 17-Jul-19 [WEDNESDAY] SPLIT TROGIR Breakfast in hotel Your first morning in Split begins with a journey through ancient history. Your guide will lead you through the magnificent, 1700 year old palace of Roman emperor Diocletian and its ancient cellars, the Cathedral of St Domnius (former Diocletian mausoleum), impressive Peristyle, Roman temples (today Christian ones), the famous Golden Gate and the big statue of Grgur Ninski. We will take you for lunch at a local restaurant in Trogir Trogir is another Dalmatian jewel on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Let your guide take you back in history as you pass stone houses, churches, palaces, monasteries and city walls. You will admire the main attraction of Trogir - St. Lawrence Cathedral. It is widely considered to be one of the finest architectural achievements in Croatia with its magnificent Romanesque Portal created by the local artist Radovan. Enjoy some free time on your own. Short drive back to hotel in Split. Overnight in Hotel in Split City tour with local guide of Split and Trogir, entrance to substructures of Diocletian Palace, lunch, overnight in Hotel LUXE or similar in Split.
Day 14 18-Jul-19 [THURSDAY] SPLIT DELTA OF RIVER NERETVA STON DUBROVNIK Breakfast in hotel Departure towards Dubrovnik, which is the last highlight on the tour! But before reaching Dubrovnik you will enjoy several places along the majestic Adriatic Sea We start our southward descent and enjoy the views of steep white mountain ranges dotted by green oasis, red peaks and the blue Adriatic islands This barren landscape interspersed with the fertile delta of the Neretva, one of the biggest rivers in Dalmatia, born in the bowels of neighbouring Bosnia We will enjoy a boat ride in the maze of channels between land plots where mandarins are grown. Regional specialty here is the stew made from eels and frogs! Let s see if this will be on our menu today. We continue our trip and take an advantage of a short break in Ston known worldwide for its famous fresh oysters. We will see its great defensive stone walls, salt works and oyster farms followed by an oyster tasting. We'll end our day with a scenic one-hour drive along the Adriatic coastal road to Dubrovnik. Overnight in Hotel in Dubrovnik. Boat ride and lunch at Neretva, Oyster Tasting in Ston, overnight in Hotel Lapad in Dubrovnik or similar
Day 15 19-Jul-19 [FRIDAY] DUBROVNIK Breakfast in hotel Short transfer to the Old city of Dubrovnik Strolling the streets of the Pearl of the Adriatic, we will marvel at the town s famed sights. We will see these highlights - Pile Gate, Onofrio s Fountain - a large circular structure with faucets, Franciscan Monastery that houses a recently restored Pieta sculpture and one of the oldest still functioning pharmacies in Europe, Stradun the main, limestone-clad pedestrian street, Sponza Palace, a pretty Renaissance - era palace, which houses today the vast state archives, Rector s Palace, Orlando s Column, the city cathedral and the Church of St Blaise, a sanctuary dedicated to Dubrovnik s beloved patron saint. Enjoy some free time for yourself and have the lunch on your own Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Dubrovnik City tour with local guide of Dubrovnik, entrance to Franciscan Monastery oldest pharmacy in the world, overnight in Hotel Lapad in Dubrovnik or similar
Day 16 20-Jul-19 [SATURDAY] DEPARTURE DAY DUBROVNIK AIRPORT Breakfast in hotel After relaxing morning, we will transfer you to Dubrovnik Airport for flight OU418 to Frankfurt Frankfurt to Dubai by EK48 Day 17 21-Jul-19 [SUNDAY] TRANSIT FRANKFURT - DUBAI Breakfast in hotel After relaxing morning, we will drive to another beautiful coastal town Cavtat. Walk along the promenade Dubai to Auckland by EK448 Day 18 22-Jul-19 [MONDAY] ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND EK448, arriving at Auckland at 9.50am Cost $12,750 per person on Twin Sharing & Single Supplement: $1,410 Payment 1. Acceptance of our proposal and confirmation of booking is by email, accompanied by 30% of the invoice value as advance. 2. $3,100 before flight tickets are issued (approximately by March 2019) 3. The balance must be paid latest by 05/05/2019 Cancellation Policy 1. Until 40 days prior to travel date, full refund minus an administrative fee of NZ$200. 2. Within 40 days prior to travel date, there is no refund.
Inclusions 1. Flights: Return economy ex-auckland 2. Accommodations: As outlined in the itinerary ZAGREB HOTEL SHERATON or similar LJUBLJANA ANTIQ HOTEL IN OLD TOWN or similar GORIŠKA BRDA HOMESTEAD BELICA or similar OPATIJA HOTEL ASTORIA DESIGN or similar ZADAR BASTION HERITAGE HOTEL or similar SPLIT HOTEL LUXE SPLIT or similar DUBROVNIK HOTEL LAPAD or similar 3. Activities & Tour as outlined in the itinerary, including entrance fee 4. Land Transport: 19-seater Mercedes Sprinter Van 5. Meal Plan: Breakfasts on all days at the hotel 12 Main Meals Lunches / Dinners as outlined in the itinerary 6. Tour Leader from start to finish ex-auckland 7. Local Guides during sightseeing 8. All applicable taxes Exclusions 1. Domestic flight tickets 2. Visa formalities and fees, if you hold a passport other than New Zealand and visa is required for your nationality 3. Travel / medical insurance will be quoted separately 4. Hotel mini-bar, snacks, beverages, laundry, telephone calls and all other similar incidentals 5. Tipping for services & Shopping expenses Terms & Conditions For our full terms & conditions, please click here.