Croatia - islands, UNESCO sites, and city life

Dobro došli — welcome to Zagreb. The large city is quite relaxed for being the country’s capital. Unlike other big cities, you rarely encounter the hectic hustle and bustle, so it’s the perfect starting destination for your vacation.

After landing, pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to the first hotel. The drive is half an hour and will take you directly into the city center and attractions. Enjoy the rest of the day at the hotel or stroll the streets and quaint alleys.

2 nights incl. breakfast in Zagreb

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before heading into the city for a tour. Did you know that it divides into the upper and lower parts? Between these parts is the central 17th-century Ban Jelacic Square. Start the tour in the upper town and discover its historic buildings and center.

St. Mark’s Church is the city’s symbol because of its colorful roof decorated in national colors. The Zagreb Cathedral is also a majestic building with two towers that you can see from afar!

Use the rest of the day to explore Ilica, Zagreb’s most extensive shopping street. You can also stroll through more of the upper town’s numerous sights.

In the morning, drive to the country’s most impressive national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes. The humid climate gives the hidden lakes colorful, lush surroundings that you can discover on a hike. The winding trails will show you 16 lakes and 92 waterfalls, which interconnect with wooden promenades that offer breathtaking viewpoints. The dense forest surrounds the Plitvice Lakes, a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty.

Continue the rental car journey toward the sea. Can you see the water shimmering on the horizon? Soon you’ll reach Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cathedral St. Lawrence is in the city center and is known for its west portal, a work of art by the builder Radovan. It represents the Roman-Gothic style in Croatia.

The last leg of the day takes you to the coastal town of Split, where you’ll also spend the night.

Driving time: approx. 400 km / approx. 5 hours

1 night incl. breakfast in Split

After breakfast at the hotel, another discovery tour awaits! Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and is known as the capital of Dalmatia. History meets modernity when you see the Dalmatian life up close. The sublime mountains and turquoise water create stunning contrasts of the Croatian coastline. Experience the numerous archaeological, historical, and cultural sights, such as Diocletian’s Palace and the old town. The palace and the city center are also included in multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Afterward, drive to the harbor, where you will return your rental car and take the ferry or a catamaran to the island of Hvar. Enjoy the magnificent views of the city and discover the scenery from a new perspective.

Hvar is the second largest island in Dalmatia and the fourth largest island in Croatia. Thanks to the pleasant temperatures, the island is popular with locals and vacationers all year round.

Travel time: Ferry trip Split – Hvar: approx. 1.5 hours

2 nights with breakfast in Hvar

The day begins with a delicious breakfast before setting out on a guided tour of Hvar. Its pleasant climate, sun, natural beauty, many restaurants, and sports activities make this a popular destination for locals and vacationers. A must-see is the Hvar fortress on a hill above the old town. Plunge into the 16th-century history and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the Pakleni Islands. You can also visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral on the east side of the main square, where it used to be home to a 6th-century church.

After breakfast in the hotel and a relaxed morning in Hvar, it’s time to pack your bags again in the afternoon. Head back to the island’s port and board the ferry. This ferry will take you further south to the island of Korcula. In the evening, you will reach your hotel, where you can end the day in peace.

Travel time: Ferry trip Hvar – Korcula: approx. 1.5 hours

1 night with breakfast in Korcula, Croatia

After many impressions the past few days, you can start the day relaxed before discovering Korcula’s old town. Did you know that the city is the birthplace of world-renowned explorer Marco Polo? Stroll through the narrow streets, find the picturesque churches and squares, and soak in one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Mediterranean. Relish the Mediterranean flair thanks to its numerous palm, almond, fig, and pomegranate trees, plus its hidden bays and dreamy beaches.

In the early afternoon, say good as you embark on your last leg to Dubrovnik.

Driving time: approx. 150 km / 3 hours

3 nights incl. breakfast in Dubrovnik

With your guide, set off on another city tour of this famous old town. Its marble streets, baroque buildings, and ancient walls will take your breath away.

Attention film fans: the city is also popular with the international film industry because of its old-fashioned inner town. Did you know that significant productions such as the eighth Star Wars film and scenes from the hit series Game of Thrones were filmed here?

Since the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is car-free, making it particularly pleasant to discover the city in peace. The dazzling history reflects the cityscape and surprises you with a colorful mix of Baroque, Renaissance, and Middle Ages. The city is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean and attracts lots of tours worldwide.

Enjoy the last breakfast in your hotel while reminiscence your memories and beautiful photos captured. A transfer will take you to the airport, where you will start your journey home.

Would you like to spend more time here or in another city? Talk to us! We are happy to adapt your itinerary according to your wishes.

Hotel Astoria****, Zagreb, Croatia

The elegant hotel is in a quiet area right in the center of Zagreb, only 300 meters from the central train station. The rooms come with all standard amenities, such as a cable TV, air conditioning, a personal safe, free WiFi, a hairdryer, and toiletries. In the morning, enjoy a coffee at the cozy Glama Bar, or unwind after a busy day with an afternoon tea or evening cocktail. Ragusa serves local and international cuisine and regional wines.

Art Hotel****, Split, Croatia

Art Hotel is near the old town of Split, just a 10-minute walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace. All rooms have an LCD TV and free WiFi. At the wellness center, unwind in the sauna after an eventful day. The hotel is close to cafes, restaurants, major shopping malls, and other tourist attractions, ideal for exploring the city.

Hotel Amfora****, Hvar, Croatia

Located on a secluded bay, this luxury hotel welcomes you near a beach. Enjoy a large pool spread over different levels and incomparable sea views. In the rooms, guests can enjoy air conditioning, cable TV, views of the Pakleni Islands or lush gardens, and free WiFi throughout the hotel. Enjoy exotic cocktails in the stylish lounge area or the poolside restaurant Cascades, where you can relish unforgettable views from the split-level terrace. The Windows on Hvar restaurant is on the hotel’s roof and offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the Hvar archipelago and Amfora Bay.

Hotel Marko Polo****, Korcula, Croatia

This accommodation is just a short walk from the center of Korcula. Hotel amenities include an air-conditioned à la carte restaurant, a café, an on-site souvenir shop, a wellness center, a beauty salon, a fitness area, two pools, and a children’s play area here. In the air-conditioned rooms and suites, guests can look forward to a satellite TV, a telephone, a safe, a minibar, a private bathroom with a bath or shower, and a hairdryer. You can enjoy fine cuisine and evening cocktails at the aperitif bar in the hotel restaurant.

Hotel Park****, Dubrovnik, Croatia

When staying at this hotel, you are only a two-minute walk from the beach and in the center of the Lapad peninsula in Dubrovnik. Guests can look forward to a large outdoor pool and a modern spa area with an indoor pool. The main building and two historic villas offer WiFi throughout the property, satellite TV, and a minibar in all of its air-conditioned rooms. Guests have access to the wellness area, fitness area, sauna, jacuzzi, tropical experience showers, and Kneipp water therapies free of charge. The wellness area even offers a place for children. You can enjoy Croatian and international cuisine in the Grand Hotel Park’s restaurant, on the terrace, or in the à la carte Taverna restaurant. Next to the outdoor pool, you will find a bar.

Duration of the trip: 10 days / 9 nights

Included

• 9 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels as mentioned above
• 9x breakfasts
• Rental cars in the VW Polo category for days 1-4
• ferry tickets
• Collective transfers on Hvar, Korcula, and in Dubrovnik
• Group based city tours in Zagreb, Hvar, Split, and Dubrovnik
• Entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rental car

• Unlimited kilometers
• Reimbursement of the accident handling fee
• Comprehensive coverage with no excess
• Tire, glass, underbody, and roof damage
• Vehicle theft protection without excess
• Liability insurance
• Additional liability insurance over 7.5 million EUR
• Local taxes
• Airport tax fees
• Additional driver
• Minimum age: 21 years (The driver(s) must have held a valid driving license for at least one year)

Excluded

• International flights

• Insurances

• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips

• Meals and drinks not specified in the scope of services

• Optional excursions not mentioned in the program

Notes

• Please note that all hotels mentioned are subject to availability and may be changed to an equivalent hotel.

• You can adapt this trip according to your wishes. Contact us about your modification requests.

• A German-speaking tour guide is available on request and at an additional cost.

• Please note that there are no departures between January and April as the ferry trips are dependent on weather conditions and the sea is still choppy.