| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart Home / Zagreb, Croatia
You’re about to find out why Croatia has been so highly praised as a travel destination in, among others, the New York Times, the Sunday Times of London, and National Geographic Adventure, which called it “paradise on earth!” After you arrive in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, you’ll be met at the airport for transfer to your Five-Star hotel, located in the downtown area near the Botanical Gardens. This evening, join your Vantage Program Manager for a trip briefing, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. (You may choose to begin with our 3-night optional extension in Slovenia).
Regent Esplanade Zagreb
Regent Esplanade Zagreb  (D) |
3
[top] |
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital is a pleasant city where the residents relax at cafés
along streets lined with handsome buildings. During your visit, enjoy a
panoramic city tour that takes in such landmarks as the National
Theater, the Stone Gate, and the city’s Art Nouveau architecture. Make
sure to take note of Zagreb’s most photographed site, St. Mark’s Church
on St. Mark’s Square. It sports a multicolored tile roof constructed in
1880.
Cultural Connection: You’ll also visit Petra’s Knitters, a famous
workshop of artisans who produce traditional Croatian knitwear. Your
visit includes a demonstration showing how yarn is made, and then knit
into colorf patterns. You’ll have the afternoon and evening free.
Regent Esplanade Zagreb (B) |
4
[top] |
Zagreb / Budva, Republic of Montenegro
After breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer to the airport to fly to
Dubrovnik at the southern tip of Croatia. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer
by motorcoach to Budva in the Republic of Montenegro. This small
republic, once part of Yugoslavia, has some of the most dramatic
scenery in southern Europe. You’ll stay in a modern resort hotel right
on the beach just outside of Budva, a seaside resort town surrounding
an ancient walled city center. Enjoy an included dinner at your hotel
this evening.
Hotel Montenegro (B,D) |
5
[top] |
Budva
Today you’ll visit several of Montenegro’s treasures, beginning with
Kotor, a medieval walled city that has been designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. On your panoramic tour of the Old Town, you’ll discover
a maze of streets and alleyways set off by elegant squares. Your tour
includes two of Kotor’s most significant landmarks — the Cathedral of
St. Tripun, a magnificent example of Roman architecture, and the
Orthodox Church of St. Nicola, which contains a valuable collection of
icons.
From Kotor, you’ll set out on a spectacular scenic drive over the
Montenegro Mountains, stopping to sample some delicious local products,
including cheese, ham, brandy, and wine. Our destination is Cetinje,
the old royal capital of Montenegro, which occupies a high plateau
overlooking the Adriatic. In Cetinje you’ll visit the Royal Court, the
palace occupied by the last king of Montenegro. Lunch is included in a
local restaurant in Cetinje. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon and
evening at leisure — an opportunity to enjoy your resort hotel and its
surroundings. Take a stroll among the well arranged shops, picturesque
cafés, and restaurants.
Hotel Montenegro (B,L) |
6
[top] |
Budva
Montenegro’s dramatic coastline is revealed today as you motorcoach
along the shoreline to Sveti Stefan, where a medieval village on a
peninsula has been transformed into an upscale resort. Returning to
Budva, enjoy a walking tour of the walled medieval old town, followed
by time to explore on your own. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Hotel Montenegro (B) |
7
[top] |
Budva / Dubrovnik, Croatia
You’ll have the morning at leisure in Budva, then transfer by
motorcoach to Dubrovnik. This medieval and magical Adriatic city, the
second UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll visit, is spectacularly
beautiful, and the Old Town has a wonderful car-free ambiance. After
you check in to your hotel, which features guaranteed sea-view rooms,
you’ll have the afternoon free to begin exploring. Dinner is included
at the hotel this evening.
Excelsior Hotel  (B,D) |
8
[top] |
Dubrovnik
This morning, enjoy a tour of Dubrovnik’s fortified walls and Minceta
Tower. Your sightseeing continues with a walking tour of the lovely Old
Town, with its churches, fountains, and handsome houses with marble
facades. Notable attractions include the Pile Gate with its drawbridge
that was once raised every night; the Onofrio Fountain, built in the
15th century and sporting 16 carved masks; the Franciscan Monastery and
Museum, which houses a treasure trove of sacred art and artifacts; and
the 16th century St. Saviour’s Church, one of the few Renaissance
structures to survive the earthquake of 1667.
Cultural Connection: Your evening is capped off by a
home-hosted dinner with a local family — a wonderful opportunity for
you to connect with the people and culture of this fascinating region —
and a true highlight of your trip!
Excelsior Hotel (B,D) |
9
[top] |
Dubrovnik
You’ll have today free to enjoy Dubrovnik on your own. Or, you can join
a Vantage optional morning tour to follow the coast along the Dubrovnik
Riviera to the seaside resort of Cavtat, a charming town on the
Adriatic that is a treasure trove of history, art and culture. During
your optional tour, you’ll also visit a traditional water mill, and
enjoy a light lunch with the afternoon at leisure.
Cultural Connection: Then, early in the evening, we’ve planned a
Vantage-exclusive classical music concert at the 16th-century St.
Saviour’s Church. The concert features the works of Sorkocevic, a
native of Dubrovnik who is one of Croatia’s greatest composers.
Excelsior Hotel (B) |
10
[top] |
Dubrovnik / Sibenik
As we head north from Dubrovnik this morning, we’ll pass through the
short stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina, another part of the former
Yugoslavia, that touches the Adriatic. We’ll stop in Neum, the
country’s only seaside town. It has the distinction among Adriatic
towns for enjoying the most sunny days per year.
Next, you’ll visit the ancient coastal city of Split, where you’ll
explore the sprawling palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian — a UNESCO
World Heritage Site — including Peristyle Square, and the Temple of
Jupiter. Then, you’ll have free time to stroll around the city and
along the sea front. We’ll then continue to Sibenik, where you’ll check
in to your hotel, followed by dinner.
Hotel Ivan (B,D) |
11
[top] |
Sibenik
Today you’ll explore some of the Adriatic’s most stunning landscapes.
First stop is Krka National Park, where waterfalls tumble through
dramatic gorges. Your visit includes views of magnificent Krka Falls
and a visit to a nearby village where traditional crafts are made.
Cultural Connection: In Jurlinovi Dvori, an unspoiled Dalmatian
village, visit a home museum and enjoy lunch. You’ll also enjoy an
included panoramic visit to the red-roofed seaside town of Primosten on
the Adriatic coast. The stone houses on narrow streets, the crystal
clear sea, shady pine forests, and gorgeous beaches make Primosten the
very essence of Mediterranean charm.
Back in Sibenik, you’ll go on a walking tour among the ancient
streets. A highlight of your Sibenik tour is the Cathedral of St.
James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this
evening.
Hotel Ivan (B,L,D) |
12
[top] |
Sibenik / Opatija
The day begins with a drive up the spectacular Dalmatian Coast, one of
the world’s most dramatic and scenic coastal stretches. Your first stop
is Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia, a bustling town with a
compact historic center that was heavily damaged in World War II by
Allied bombing. Today it displays an interesting blend of architectural
styles, with lone Corinthian columns standing alongside rectangular
1950’s blocks, and Romanesque churches competing for space with glassy
cafés.
You’ll enjoy a walking tour of Zadar, during which you’ll explore
the Old Town, including the historic Treasury building. Enjoy free time
in Zadar, followed by an included lunch in a local restaurant.
After leaving Zadar, you’ll continue to Opatija, a classic resort
town on the Adriatic Riviera. You’re sure to love the views from your
guaranteed sea-view room, where you’ll stay for three nights. After a
day of sightseeing, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to relax over dinner
at the hotel’s restaurant.
Hotel Milenij (B,L,D) |
13
[top] |
Opatija
Get set for a day packed with scenic splendor! First, you’ll depart for
an included tour of the Istrian region, named for the Istrian
Peninsula. We’ll visit the coastal town of Pula, where the highlight of
your sightseeing tour is Pula’s immense, perfectly preserved Roman
amphitheater.
Next, stop for lunch and sightseeing in Rovinj, a gorgeous old town
with Venetian-style houses, that juts into the sea on a small
peninsula. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of
Opatija, at the center of the Adriatic Riviera.
Cultural Connection: Then, enjoy a lecture on “Everyday Life in Croatia” at the hotel.
Hotel Milenij (B,L) |
14
[top] |
Opatija
Today you’re free to explore Opatija on your own. Or, join one of two
optional tours (or both). Your first optional tour choice is a morning
“Riviera Boat Trip” that travels along the beautiful Adriatic coast.
Your second choice is an optional afternoon tour to the spectacular
Postojna Caves in Slovenia. Tonight, gather with your fellow Vantage
travellers for a Farewell Dinner. This is an opportunity to reminisce
with new friends about wonderful places you’ve visited in the beautiful
Adriatic region.
Hotel Milenij (B,D) |
15
[top] |
Opatija / Zagreb
Midmorning today, you’ll depart by motorcoach for Zagreb, returning once again to the hotel where you began your trip.
You’ll enjoy free time in Zagreb on your last full day in Croatia, a
chance to pick up last-minute gifts.
Regent Esplanade Zagreb (B) |
16
[top] |
Zagreb / Return Home
Transfer to the Zagreb airport for return flight home.
(B) |
| |
|