Best Croatia Itineraries

2014

When in Dubrovnik

The Jewels of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Driving Through Croatia

Cruising The Adriatic

Italy & Croatia Private Style Cruising

Vacation Side Travel | 110 E Cedar St | Goodlettsville | Tennessee | 37072 Phone:.

6 Days / 5 Nights

WHEN IN DUBROVNIKDubrovnik

Boasting one of Europe's sunniest coastlines, Dubrovnik's treasures await for you to explore. From thePile Gate entrance and the Franciscan Monastery with its beautifully restored Pieta sculpture, to theRenaissance Sponza Palace and the Church of St. Blaise, amazing architecture and cultural heritagesurrounds you. Discover Dubrovnik's pedestrian Old Town and take-in the spectacular views over the townand sea as you walk along the city's ancient walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries.Mediterranean climate, cobblestone streets, medieval city walls, baroque buildings, fresh local seafooddishes, and the sparkling Adriatic Sea set the scene for your storybook vacation in Croatia.

Day 1

Day 2

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Day 5

Day 6

Included Features:

TRAVEL IN SIMPLICITY ... FROM $659Tourist class hotel accommodation for 5 nightsDaily buffet breakfastRound trip cable car ticket to Dubrovnik's Old CityCity walking tourFull day excursion to MedjugorjeTravel bag, one per personDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service charges

TRAVEL IN STYLE ... FROM $1,210First class hotel accommodation for 5 nightsDaily buffet breakfastRound trip cable car ticket to Dubrovnik's Old CityPrivate city walking tourPrivate full day excursion to MontenegroTravel bag, one per personDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service charges

TRAVEL IN LUXURY ... FROM $2,118Deluxe class hotel accommodation for 5 nightsDaily buffet breakfastRound trip cable car ticket to Dubrovnik's Old CityPrivate city walking tourPrivate full day excursion to MontenegroPrivate full day excursion to Korcula IslandDinner at a local restaurant


Travel bag, one per personDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service charges

Best Price starting at $659(Based on per person in Double Occupancy)


9 Days / 8 Nights

THE JEWELS OF CROATIA'S DALMATIANCOAST

Dubrovnik - Split - Plitvice - Zagreb

You're invited to explore a land of fairy-tale medieval towns, stunning natural beauty of mountains andcoastal splendors, diverse cultural heritage, and spectacular sapphire seas as far as the eye can see...it'sall yours for the taking on this Dalmatian Coast exploration in Croatia. Delve into the Old City of Dubrovnikand journey along to the terraced-lakes of Plitvice. Tour the subterranean caves in Postojna and ascendthe imposing Bled Castle. Embark on a private city tour of Split, and shop open-air markets with Croatiantreasures. Adventure awaits as the gems of the Dalmatian Coast reveal themselves around every corner.

Day 1 - Dubrovnik

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik's Airport, you will be met and transferred to yourhotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 2 - Dubrovnik

Morning walking tour of ''Old Dubrovnik''. See the Rector's Palace, BellTower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monasteryand the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in theworld. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B)

Day 3 - Dubrovnik/Split

This morning we depart Dubrovnik and travel north along the spectacularAdriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to Split. Enjoy a citytour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. See the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures,Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Overnight in Split. (B)

Day 4 - Split/Trogir/Plitvice

After breakfast, we head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities where scholars from around the worldgather to study and paint here. Then, turn inland and travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival,have your camera ready and take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtakingscenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lushvegetation. Overnight in Plitvice. (B)

Day 5 - Plitvice/Opatija/Postojna/Bled

Today we return to the coast and travel along the beautiful Bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija.After some free time, we journey north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour thefantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterwards, we continue to Bled, beautifully setamidst the Julian Alps. Overnight in Bled. (B)

Day 6 - Bled

This morning, a sightseeing tour of Bled features the charming town with the lakeshore, and imposingBled Castle perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Bled.(B)

Day 7 - Bled/Ljubljana/Zagreb


Start your day with a transfer to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, where you will enjoy a walking tour. Visit themost significant sights of the old city center: the picturesque open-air Market and the Three Bridges, bothdesigned by famous architect Joze Plecnik, Baroque Town Hall and Robba's Fountain. Then, continue toZagreb, the capital city of Croatia. Overnight in Zagreb. (B)

Day 8 - Zagreb

This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark's Church, St. Catherine'sChurch, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure.Overnight in Zagreb. (B)

Day 9 - Zagreb to USA (or extend your stay)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

Included Features:

Hotel accommodation for 8 nightsDaily buffet breakfastAssistance of an English speaking professional driver/ escort for the entire length of the programTransportation by private sedanPrivate guided tour of Dubrovnik, including entrance fee for Franciscan Monastery with its PharmacyPrivate guided tour of Split, including entrance fee for Diocletian's PalacePrivate guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, including entrance feeVisit of the caves in Postojna, including entrance feePrivate guided tour of Bled, including entrance fee for the CastlePrivate guided walking tour of LjubljanaPrivate guided tour of ZagrebArrival and departure airport transfersTravel bag, one per personDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service charges



8 Days / 7 Nights

DRIVING THROUGH CROATIADubrovnik - Split - Zagreb - Zadar - Opatija

Travel Croatia on an 8 day driving adventure. Driving Through Croatia takes the road less traveled throughthe major cities and bucolic countryside that speckle Croatia's glittery Adriatic coast. Pick up your car inDubrovnik. Then take a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik's "Old Town" to admire the Rector's Palace, BellTower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery,home to one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Head out for a 148 mile drive along the gorgeous coastto Split. A guided tour of the historic inner city reveals examples of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissancearchitecture like Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. 90 miles away is iconic Zadar (butdon't overlook the quaint island town of Trogir on the way!). Zadar brims with more than 3,000 years ofhistory and culture. About 100 miles to the northeast is Opatija, best known for its beautiful Kvarner Bay.Your final stop is Zagreb, where you'll take a guided walking tour through the historical center to see itsfamous cathedral, Saint Marco Church, Saint Catherine Church, the Parliament, and the GovernmentPalace.

Day 1 - Dubrovnik

Pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel in Dubrovnik, the ''Pearl ofthe Adriatic''.

Day 2 - Dubrovnik

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik's ''Old Town''. Seethe Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace,Dominican Monastery and the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy,one of the oldest in the world. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploringDubrovnik on your own. (B)

Day 3 - Dubrovnik/Split

Drive to Split (approx. 148 miles). Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tourof Split to discover the historic inner city built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. See the remains of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures,Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Overnight in Split. (B)

Day 4 - Split/Trogir/Zadar

Drive to Trogir (approx. 20 miles). Visit, on your own, this picturesque town built on a small island andconnected to the continent with a stone bridge. Drive to Zadar (approx. 96 miles). Enjoy a guided walkingtour of Zadar, a city brimming with more than 3,000 years of history and culture, before settling into yourhotel for the night. (B)

Day 5 - Zadar/Plitvice/Opatija

After breakfast, drive to the National Park of Plitvice (approx. 92 miles). Upon arrival, walk on your ownaround several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terracedlakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. In the afternoon, continue to Opatija(approx. 110 miles) known for its beautiful Kvarner Bay. (B)

Day 6 - Opatija/Zagreb

Drive from Opatija to Zagreb (approx. 106 miles). Overnight in Zagreb. (B)

Day 7 - ZagrebVacation Side Travel | 110 E Cedar St | Goodlettsville | Tennessee | 37072 Phone:.

Start your day with a guided walking tour through the historical center of ''Gornji Grad''. See its famousCathedral, Saint Marco Church, Saint Catherine Church, the Parliament and the Government Palace. Therest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 8 - Zagreb to USA (or extend your stay)

Drop off your car before boarding your departure flight back home. (B)

Included Features:

Hotel accommodation for 7 nightsDaily buffet breakfastPrivate guided walking tour of DubrovnikPrivate guided walking tour of SplitPrivate guided walking tour of ZadarPrivate guided walking tour of Zagreb8-day car rental -Category C. Car Rental includes unlimited mileage, CDW (Collision DamageWaiver), TP (Theft Protection), Third Party Liability (including passengers), airport surcharge, 24hour-a-day road assistance and VAT (Value Added Tax)Travel bag, one per personDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service charges



8 Days / 7 Nights

CRUISING THE ADRIATICDubrovnik - Split - Mljet - Pucisca - Hvar - Korcula

Cruising the Adriatic with Central Holidays brings you the best of land and sea that Croatia has to offer.Begin your 8 day adventure with a walking tour of Dubrovnik, the ''Pearl of the Adriatic'' and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Explore the beautiful islands of verdant Mljet, rustic Pucisca, and Omis--once pirateterritory! Back on land, discover Split on a guided walking tour of the historic inner city built around theRoman Emperor Diocletian's palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the historic site includesexamples of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture like Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and theCathedral. Return to the sea for a cruise to the sunniest island in Croatia that is famed for luxuriousMediterranean nature, rich culture and historical heritage-- the island of Hvar. Next, sail to Korcula, thelegendary birthplace of Marco Polo. Before leaving this Adriatic dream behind, return to Dubrovnik for aswimming break in one of the many beautiful bays and a wine tasting session from the Grgich VineyardsEstate.

Day 1 - Dubrovnik

Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport or hotel to the harbor. Boarding starts atnoon. Time to unpack and settle in before your Welcome Reception hostedby your tour guide.

Day 2 - Dubrovnik/Mljet

Morning walking tour of Dubrovnik, the ''Pearl of the Adriatic'', and aUNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch on board before sailing to MljetIsland. Here, we visit the Mljet National Park. The park covers the westernpart of the island, which many regard as the most alluring in the Adriatic,full of lush and varied Mediterranean vegetation. The park also includes twodeep bays: the Great Lake and the Small Lake. Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Mljet/Pucisca

After breakfast we sail to the island of Korcula, a unique example of harmony between magnificent nature,cultural tradition, rich history and modern tourism. Lunch will be served on board as we resume our sailingtowards Pucisca, the biggest village of the island of Brac. Here, authentic Mediterranean architecture,rustic ambiance, shiny white stone facades rising amphitheatrically uphill the hummocks, make this placeso unique and worth seeing. Stop for a refreshing swim in one of the bays. The rest of the evening is atleisure to enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants. (B,L)

Day 4 - Pucisca/Omis/Split

On our way to Split today, weather permitting, we will anchor in Omis for a swim break. Omis was knownas a settlement from the Roman times, but the heyday came much later. As excellent seamen, Omiscitizens, during the 13th to the beginning of the 15th century, controlled the navigation on the Adriatic Sea.Extremely dangerous, at the peak of their power, they were one of the most powerful and fearsome pirateson the whole Mediterranean Sea. Lunch on board before arriving in Split. Enjoy a guided walking tour ofSplit to discover the historic inner city built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. See the remains of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures,Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Evening at leisure. (B,L)

Day 5 - Split/Bol/Hvar

Today we resume sailing after breakfast. Stop in Bol for a swim break. After lunch we continue sailing


towards the sunniest island in Croatia - the island of Hvar. Hvar is a unique fusion of luxuriousMediterranean nature, rich culture and historical heritage. The island gained glory and power during theMiddle Ages by being an important port within the Venetian naval empire. Today, it is the center of theisland's tourism and one of the favorite destinations in the Dalmatian Riviera. Upon your arrival, a localguide will walk you through the city and introduce you to the history, culture and way of life of this island.The evening in Hvar is free to explore and dine at one of the many local family owned restaurants. (B,L)

Day 6 - Hvar/Korcula

After breakfast we sail to Korcula. Lunch on board. A local legend says that a great merchant traveler -Marco Polo - was born in Korcula. Upon arrival in the afternoon, a local guide will introduce you to thishistorical town, its architecture and stories. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of thelocal restaurants of your choice. (B,L)

Day 7 - Korcula/Dubrovnik

Today we sail to Dubrovnik. Weather permitting, we will stop in one of the many beautiful bays for a swimbreak. Lunch on board. This afternoon we enjoy a visit, followed by a wine tasting session, of the GrgichVineyards Estate. Arrive in Dubrovnik and rest of the evening at leisure. (B,L)

Day 8 - Dubrovnik

Disembarkation starts after breakfast. Transfer back to Dubrovnik Airport or hotel. (B)

Included Features:

8 days/7 nights cruise on M/S ''Princess Aloha'' or M/S ''Vita''14 included meals consisting of:- 7 breakfasts- 6 lunches- 1 dinnerWine, beer, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinnerWelcome Reception on boardAll tours as per itineraryAssistance of a professional Cruise DirectorLuggage handling - one piece per personArrival and departure transfersTaxes and service charges



8 Days / 7 Nights

ITALY & CROATIA PRIVATE STYLE CRUISINGVenice - Dubrovnik - Split

Board the elegant 50-suite Corinthian ship for your 8-day cruising adventure with Central Holidays on thethe Italy and Croatia Private Style Cruising vacation. A welcome cocktail reception sets the mood for yourvacation as you depart Venice and head for the first stop on the island of Rab, off the coast of Croatia. Themedieval town named after the island boasts charming character with its narrow streets lined with statelymansions. Here you will enjoy a walking tour and then board the ship to cruise by the Kornati Archipelagoof 100 smaller, uninhabited islands. Your cruise continues with stops in Split, an ancient city built aroundthe Palace of Diocletian and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Hvar, you will find a lush island withVenetian architecture and a 16th century fortress set atop a hill overlooking the red-roof homes andharbor. Sail on to Ploce for an excursion to Mostar, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring theethereal Old Bridge built in 1566 as well as a renowned bazaar boasting a variety of local arts and crafts.Your sailing continues to Korcula Island with a remarkable medieval town with palaces, museums,wineries, vineyards and hidden beaches. Your next ports of call are through the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, tothe cities of Kotor and Dubrovnik along the Adriatic Coast. Magnificent palaces and medieval cities set onrocky peninsulas await your exploration with Baroque cathedrals and paintings by famed Renaissance-eraart to uncover. This is a cruise you'll cherish for a lifetime!

Day 1 - Venice

Welcome aboard the elegant 50-suite Corinthian. Tonight a welcomecocktail reception hosted by the Captain will be held before dinner is servedon board. The ship leaves Venice in the course of the evening. (D)

Day 2 - Rab Island/Kornati Archipelago

Perched on a sloping peninsula overlooking a spacious bay, Rab, the onlytown on the small island by the same name, is one of the most beautifultowns along Croatia's coast. Four graceful belfries pointing to the skydominate the unspoiled Medieval town, with its narrow streets that are linedwith stately mansions and other buildings. The Cathedral of Sveta MarijaVelika (Saint Mary the Great), consecrated in 1177, is an excellent exampleof a Romanesque basilica, while its magnificent Bell Tower is amasterpiece of 12th Century architecture. Our walking tour of this lovely town will include all its landmarksites. In the afternoon, the ship will cruise by the Kornati Archipelago, a national park of about 100uninhabited islands. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Split

Originally a Greco-Illyrian settlement, Split is an ancient city, centered around the formidable Palace ofDiocletian built in A.D. 295-305. Today it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. An extensivestructure, much of which is well preserved, the palace contains within its walls Split's Medieval town,making it the only palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Our tour of thisextensive structure includes a visit to its underground cellars, the Mausoleum, Jupiter's Temple, thePeristyle, and the Northern Gate. Conclude the city tour with a visit to the gallery of famous Croatiansculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Hvar/Vis Islands

Discover Hvar, a fertile island of pale stone houses surrounded by rosemary, lavender, and laurel. Thearchitecture is unmistakably Venetian, and there are fine fortifications. Our tour of the island's principal


town includes a visit to the 17th Century Municipal Theater, the Franciscan Monastery and its smallgallery, the city's Loggia, and St. Stephen's Square. Continue by bus to the 16th Century fortress, at thetop of the hill, for spectacular views of Hvar Town's red-tiled rooftops and harbor. Later today, continue toVis, one of Croatia's most beautiful and unspoiled islands. At Vis Town, set on a splendid bay, drive acrossthe small island to the quaint town of Komiza, which has retained its Medieval character and architecture.Stately homes and other buildings face the palm-lined harbor, while the terraced hillside provides a lovelybackground to this idyllic setting. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Ploce/Mostar

Sail to Ploce for an excursion to Mostar, which in the 15th Century under the Ottoman Turks became athriving center on the banks of the emerald Neretva River. Damaged by the military conflict in the 1990s,the town has been carefully restored by UNESCO and declared a World Heritage Site. Admire theethereally graceful Stari Most (''The Old Bridge''), originally built in 1566, the nearby Tabacica Mosque,and an old Turkish house, among other sites. After lunch at a local restaurant there will be free time toexplore the old bazaar, a haven for the city's artists and craftsmen. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Korcula Island

We arrive at Korcula Island and dock at the town of the same name. Steps away from our ship stands theMedieval city with its walls and guard towers still intact. Note the Medieval town's unique layout: westernstreets run straight to funnel refreshing maestral breezes; eastern streets slightly curve to minimize burawinds. Visit St. Mark's Cathedral and its Treasury, the Bishop's Palace, the Church of All Saints, the IconMuseum, and Marco Polo's home. Continue by bus and drive to the eastern end of the island, abundant inquaint old villages, vineyards, wineries, and out-of-the-way beaches. In the village of Blato, visit theEthnographical Museum and enjoy wine sampling at a local tavern. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Kotor/Dubrovnik

Sail the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the port town of the same name, located at the head of thebay beneath towering mountains. One of the most striking and best-preserved towns along the Adriaticcoast, Kotor is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of this delightful town reveals itsmagnificent walls, palaces, and churches, including the Drago Palace, with its elegant Renaissancewindows, the 12th Century St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the baroque Lipovac Palace. Over lunch aboard,sail to Dubrovnik. Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of Europe's bestpreserved Medieval cities and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city contains within itsramparts the Rector's Palace; the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a 13th Century pharmacy (theoldest in Europe); and the baroque Cathedral, with works by Renaissance painters Titian and Andrea delSarto. Overnight aboard ship docked in Dubrovnik. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Dubrovnik

Disembarkation in Dubrovnik after breakfast. End of the cruise. (B)

Included Features:

8 days/7 nights cruise on Corinthian20 included meals consisting of:- 7 buffet breakfasts- 6 lunches- 7 dinnersWine, beer, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinnerWelcome and farewell cocktail receptions on boardComplimentary bottled water in each suite's refrigeratorAll tours as per itineraryEnrichment program of lectures presented by guest expertsPerformance by a local a cappella singing group on boardComplimentary bicycles, kayaks and snorkeling equipment on boardAssistance of a professional Cruise Director


Best Price starting at $(Based on per person in Double Occupancy)

Contact:Name: StevenEmail: [email protected] Phone: 855-822-8747Fax: 615-800-8069

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Best Croatia Itineraries

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Transcript of Best Croatia Itineraries