Highlights of Croatia

Arrive in Zagreb, a city rich in art, culture and gastronomy, but for a capital city it doesn't experience the huge rush of tourists that most other European capitals do.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 9pm for the welcome meeting. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Zagreb at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Franjo Tudman Airport Zagreb (ZAG) which is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to stroll along the cobbled streets of Gornji Grad (Upper Town), you could take the funicular up from the main street (Illica), it's the shortest cable car in the world! Stay: Hotel International Zagreb (Comfortable)

Today begins with an exploration of Zagreb on foot. Famously called a city of museums as there are more museums per square foot than any other city in the world it also has many other architectural structures to boast of. Zagreb has a unique blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and more hard edged socialist buildings. The city's centrepieces are the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and 13th century Saint Mark's Church.

After lunch we drive to the magnificent beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, a sumptuous setting of forested hills and beautifully clear lakes that are, with good reason, Croatia's premier tourist attraction. Travertine terraces cascade down through the lush landscapes, presenting the visitor with a series of plunging waterfalls and turquoise, calcium rich lakes that are one of Europe's natural marvels. Little wonder then that this remarkable park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.

Spend the day wandering along the well-marked trails in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which follow the course of 16 crystal blue-green lakes on their dramatic and cascading descent over 92 travertine barriers and waterfalls. Over the millennia, the waters of these lakes have dissolved the limestone rock and carved out the valley in which they now lie. Through the sedimentation of calcium carbonate and the work of special kinds of algae and moss, travertine has been deposited to form the natural dams that separate the lakes. This dynamic process continues with new falls breaking through the travertine barriers and constantly changing the look of this icon national park.

The tour leader will guide you on a circuit which leads from the Upper Lakes, taking a ferry across Lake Kozjak and then follows the path twisting between the Lower Lakes. Every turn leads to new scenery and yet another stunning waterfall. The walk is mostly on wooden promenades and takes around three hours. Stay: Plitvice Resort Jelena (Comfortable) (B)

Following scenic backroads, we make for the northern Dalmatian Coast towards the ancient capital of Dalmatia, Zadar, arriving around noon. Here you'll have free time for lunch and to wander the Roman streets, the Church of Saint Donatus, which is considered to be the symbol of the city is worth a visit along with the unique experimental musical instrument on the sea front, known as the Sea Organ.

Continue to Sibinek late afternoon, this charming town nestled in a sea inlet has a more tranquil and local feel than the bigger coastal cities. From the waterfront, steps sweep up the World Heritage Site of St James Cathedral and from here can explore the compact centre of thin alleys and passageways. Sample some Croatian seafood specialities this evening on the Riva, a seaside promenade. Fish is a popular choice, as it is caught locally and often served alongside grilled vegetables. Black Risotto, a tasty traditional Dalmatian dish, is coloured with squid ink and has other seafood in it such as mussels. Stay: Bellevue Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

It wouldn't be a highlights trip of Croatia without visiting the islands the country is so famed for, so today we explore the pristine nature and cultural heritage of the Sibenik archipelago.

Taking the public ferry our first stop is Zlarin island, only six kilometres long and two kilometres wide. The picturesque marina with crystal clear water is occupied by a wide variety of boats and the interior of the island is packed with fruit trees including fig, lime and pomegranate. We'll visit the Croatian Coral Centre and have some free time to walk along the waterfront and enjoy the beaches.

Next stop is the car free island of Prvic, one of the most beautiful and smallest inhabited island. We'll have lunch in the charming fishing village of Prvic Luka. After visiting the Faust Vrancic Memorial Centre we'll take an afternoon walk (30 mins) across the island to see the old Dalmatian stone houses in Prvic Sepurine. The ferry this evening back to Sibenik is due to depart at 18:20. Stay: Bellevue Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast we'll we drive along the twisting and picturesque Dalmatian coastal road to the charming medieval harbour town of Trogir. Once here we'll have some time free for lunch and sightseeing. Trogir has a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC, with a delightful collection of cobble stoned squares and medieval architecture, and a Romanesque cathedral that is considered one of the most exquisite in the entire Adriatic. What makes Trogir such a delight to wander around though are its meandering alleyways, filled with cafes and restaurants and its elegant riverfront promenade, which leads up to the Kamerlengo Fortress, a 15th century edifice with imposing battlements and a huge octagonal tower.

Continuing to vibrant Split, we'll check-in to our hotel, which is only about 10 minutes' walk from the gates to the beautiful Old Town. We begin our explorations with a guided walking tour to see the Diocletian's Palace and old town. Emperor Diocletian built the palace at the turn of the 4th century and it quickly became the heart of the city. The Roman emperor was buried here, and it later become the world's oldest Roman Catholic cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Walking in the palace is like taking a step back in time, as we wander through the intriguing maze of narrow cobblestone streets where pre-Romanesque churches nestle alongside Gothic chapels. We'll see the peristyle (central square), cathedral and subterranean halls.

This evening you may like to take the opportunity to stroll along the Riva, Split's seafront promenade and stop off in one of the restaurants or bustling cafes along the way. Stay: Corner Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After an early breakfast we transfer to Split port to catch the fast ferry to Dubrovnik (circa 4.5hr duration of the journey). The fast passenger ferry is nice way to travel between Split and Dubrovnik, it is air conditioned, there are comfortable seats, you can walk around and there are toilets and a bar onboard. Additionally the ferry calls at Brac, Hvar, Korcula and Mljet islands before arriving to Dubrovnik, so you'll get to see these sights along the way.

Upon arriving to spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, its a short transfer to the hotel for check-in and free afternoon. Like many Croatian cities, Dubrovnik has seen its share of conquerors and settlers, each adding their own contributions to the city we see today. Extensive renovations during the 1990's and into 2000's has meant that the city is excellently preserved, its old walls housing tiled roofs and white-washed buildings in all their splendour that give the illusion of stepping back in time. There is the option to take a sunset hike with the tour leader to Srd- hill overlooking Dubrovnik Old Town, returning by cable car (self-pay) or walking down. This optional 3.5 kilometre/7.4 miles walk is expected to take around one-and-a-half hours.

Our hotel is located in the sought after Lapad peninsula with its beautiful promenade by the sea lined with trees and where you can find plenty of local restaurants and bars. If you prefer to go and have dinner in the Old Town, you can easily reach it by bus or taxi. (B)

The best way to get a feel for the wealth of monasteries, museums and historic buildings in Dubrovnik is on foot so this morning we take a short taxi transfer to the Old Town for a walking tour led by a historian. Starting from Pile Square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik, we snake our way through the maze of narrow streets and lively piazzas to take in the Sponza Palace, housing the city's archives, and the intricately carved baroque church of St Blaise. Continuing through the main thoroughfare of Stradun we walk down the Jesuit Staircase, perhaps better known as the 'Steps of the Great Sept of Bailor' used for the 'Walk of Shame' scene in Game of Thrones. Finally, we end at the magnificent Rector's Palace, another filming location but an incredible example of Gothic architecture in its own right.

This afternoon is free for you to discover more and to make your own way back to our hotel at a time of your choosing. There is so much to see and do in this charming city. Particular other highlights include walking the Dubrovnik City Walls (full or half loop) or taking the cable car to Mount Srd to get a view above the Old Town. For something a bit different you might like to take a kayaking tour along the scenic coastline or take a boat ride to Lokrum Island Nature Reserve. This idyllic island has an ancient Benedictine monastery at its heart, forest walks, and its own mini 'dead sea' to float in. (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at out hotel in Dubrovnik.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Dubrovnik at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is a 25 kilometre, 35 minute drive from Dubrovnik. (B)