Croatian Rhapsody Food & Wine Small Group Tour; Zagreb to Dubrovnik 8nts (Fridays)

Itinerary and Inclusions:

Fabulous small group tour. Maximum 25 passengers!

Open-age small group tour. Double/twin rooms available. Solo travellers must book a room for solo use.

A small group sightseeing tour recommended also for food and wine lovers thanks to the rich gastronomic experiences offered day by day. Live a charming Mediterranean experience in a 9 day tour from the capital city Zagreb to the enchanting 'pearl of Adriatic' Dubrovnik. Through the journey you will be surprised by the diversity of landscapes, historical sites, natural beauties that otherwise one would have to seek in larger areas of Europe, and indeed the world.

Ideal to combine with a Cruise from Dubrovnik:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/cruises/?departs=Dubrovnik

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INCLUSIONS AND FULL ITINERARY:
9 days from Zagreb, Opatija, Pula, Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Split, Trogir, Ston and to Dubrovnik

Hotel list:
Zagreb: Hotel Dubrovnik, Academia 4star or similar
Opatija: Hotel Admiral, Imperial 4star or similar
Plitvice: Hotel Degenija, 16 Lakes 4star or similar
Split: Hotel Cornaro, Fermai 4star or similar
Dubrovnik: Hotel Lero, Lapad 4star or similar

INCLUDED:
• 8 nights Accommodation in 4 star hotels
• English-speaking Tour Manager
• Modern vehicle with air-conditioning
• Porterage and hotel taxes
• Shared arrival and departure transfers

Meals Included:
• 8 buffet breakfasts
• 1 lunch in a local restaurant
• 4 dinners in hotel restaurants
• 2 high quality gastronomical experiences: Zigante Truffle tasting / Restaurant Tragos
• 2 wine experiences: Bibich winery / Pelješac winery

Sightseeing Included:
• Guided Walking Tours of Zagreb, Zadar, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik
• Entrances included: Pula Colosseum, Plitvice Lakes NP, Diocletian Palace Split, Franciscan Monastery Dubrovnik

NOT INCLUDED:
• Drinks / Meals not listed
• Tips and gratuities
• Transfers on other days

ITINERARY:
Arrival in Zagreb anytime and transfer to hotel. Check-in to your room from 14.00hrs. Passengers who arrive earlier can leave their bags at Reception until their room is ready. Late arrivals are possible.

Day 1: ZAGREB - Arrival (D)
Transfer anytime from the airport to the tour hotel in Zagreb. Remainder of day at leisure. Meet in Hotel Reception around 7pm for the group Welcome Dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight in Zagreb.
# Included: Welcome Dinner at hotel

DAY 2: to OPATIJA (B, D)
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb with an English-speaking guide. In the fortified, medieval Upper Town, you will see its most prominent sights such as St. Mark’s church with its multicolor tiled roof, Parliament, the government palace, and many fine old buildings. After the sightseeing we proceed to the picturesque Kvarner Bay, more precisely to Opatija, the cradle of Croatian tourism and the city which used to be the favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy including famous personalities such as Mahler, Chekhov and Isadora Duncan. (Driving time 2:30hrs). Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Opatija.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel
# Included: Dinner at hotel
# Included: Walking Tour of Zagreb

DAY 3: ISTRIA Excursion Pula, Rovinj, Motovun; in OPATIJA (B, T)
Today it's time to get to know the Istrian Peninsula. First a visit the 2000-year-old Roman Colosseum located in Pula. Afterwards, we head to Rovinj, which many consider the most beautiful city in Istria and is the inspiration of many artists. Time at leisure to explore Rovinj on your own, then we depart for the famous hilltop town of Motovun for a sample of one the tastiest Istrian treasures, the truffle. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Opatia. There are many restaurants to choose from along the seafront promenade for dinner this evening on your own. Overnight in Opatija.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel
# Included: Truffle tasting
# Included: Excursion: ~approx; departure at 9:00hrs, return around 18:00hrs to Opatija.

DAY 4: to PLITVICE LAKES (B, D)
The most beautiful and the oldest national park in Croatia under UNESCO protection consisting of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. The park is located in the mountainous region of Lika and visited mostly on foot. – however, the entrance includes a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake “Kozjak”. The visit of the park grounds takes approximately 3 hours and reveals a special turquoise magic. (Driving time 3hrs). Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Plitvice area.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel
# Included: Dinner at hotel
# Included: Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes

DAY 5: to Zadar and SPLIT (B, T)
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive via the coast towards the city of Zadar. The historic town of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments. Here you can see The Roman forum dated to the 1st century AD, the church of St. Donatus dated to the 9th century AD. Of special interest is the famous Zadar Sea Organ, one of a kind in the world. From Zadar we continue to a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland. We will taste the authentic Dalmatian wines and international Cuvees accompanied with delicious Croatian style Tapas. Departure towards Split for late afternoon arrival. (Driving time 4-5hrs). Overnight in Split.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel
# Included: Wine tasting
# Included: Walking Tour of Zadar

DAY 6: In SPLIT - Trogir Excursion (B, L)
Today’s Split is the handiwork of seventeen centuries of men and women building and remodelling, adding, tearing down and touching up, so that 18th century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls, and fourth century chambers now house the twentieth century apartments. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace the emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the fourth century. Today's lunch will be a traditional Dalmatian dish prepared for us at the Tragos restaurant in Trogir. The town of Trogir, a UNESCO site, has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. With the high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortresses on a small island, Trogir is sometimes referred to as the 'floating museum town'. Return to Split in the afternoon. Overnight in Split.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel
# Included: Lunch at restaurant
# Included: Walking Tour of Split
# Included: Walking Tour of Trogir

DAY 7: to Ston, and DUBROVNIK (B, T, D)
On our way to Dubrovnik, we will stop near the town of Ston to visit a local winery and taste the famous “Plavac Mali“ wine, a very close relative to the Zinfandel. In this winery the traditional wine making business has been passed on for generations, offering a unique story everyone wants to hear. The wine tasting includes a wine presentation on all the specifics of the wine-making process, wine tasting and a snack. Afternoon arrival to Dubrovnik. (Driving time 5hrs). Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel
# Included: Dinner at hotel
# Included: Wine tasting

DAY 8: in DUBROVNIK (B)
Completed in the thirteenth century; the old city Dubrovnik has remained basically unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the Old Town which can be entered through one of the two gates. Once you cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron Saint Blaise (Vlaho), you will find yourself joining the walk down the broad, stone- paved promenade known as 'Stradun'. After the sightseeing tour, you have free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel
# Included: Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

DAY 9: DUBROVNIK (B) - Departure
After breakfast, the land tour ends with everlasting memories of Croatian highlights. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport or Port included.
# Included: Breakfast at hotel

B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner; T-Tasting
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