Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the Hotel Esplanade. Situated in an elegant 1925 landmark building originally constructed to accommodate passengers on the storied Orient-Express Train, our deluxe hotel offers a sophisticated welcome in the heart of this vibrant city.

After a leisurely breakfast, join your private guide for a narrated walking tour through this cultured city. Begin with the important architectural landmarks of Kaptol Square and the nearby Zagreb Cathedral, easily recognized by its twin Gothic spires. Then mingle with local residents at the bustling Dolac Market for a glimpse into daily life. See the medieval Stone Gate, once the main entrance to the city, and admire the beautifully tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church, one of Zagreb’s architectural crown jewels! Then hop aboard the funicular that connects Upper to Lower Tower, finishing your tour at the Flower Market and Ban Jelacic Square, the lively hub of the capital. Return to your hotel by chauffeured vehicle and enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B
 

This morning’s chauffeured journey brings you to Zadar for a guided walking tour. Set along the Dalmatian coast, Zadar’s intriguing Old Town is set on a peninsula and renowned for its ancient landmarks including the remains of the 2,000-year-old Roman Forum, the 9th-century St. Donatus Church and the Land Gate—the old main entrance to the city, designed by a Venetian architect in 1543. After sightseeing in Zadar, continue to Split and board the catamaran ferry bound for Hvar. Upon arrival on the island, you’ll be escorted to the Hotel Adriana. Settle in to your superior sea-view room and enjoy a relaxing evening. Meals B

Meet your guide this morning for a private walking tour through the historic coastal town of Hvar, an important harbor for Venice’s mighty Adriatic fleet from the 12th through 18th centuries. See the imposing walled fortress overlooking the harbor and take in the grandeur of Hvar Square as you learn about its impressive landmarks including the Cathedral of St. Stephen, built in the early 1600’s on the site of an earlier 9th-century church! From the old town, a chauffeured vehicle will bring you and your guide up in to the hills above Hvar to visit the Fortica Fortress. Dating back to the 16th century when Hvar was ruled by the Venetians, its commanding location offers breathtaking views of the port, the Adriatic Sea and Pakleni Islands. Returning to your hotel in town, the balance of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Meals B

In addition to Hvar Square and the town’s historic landmarks that you learned about yesterday, this inviting port is filled with cobblestone streets that lead to inviting cafes, boutiques and waterfront vistas. Take this day to explore and enjoy more of Hvar at your own pace. Meals B

If you prefer additional privately guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of excursions by land and sea, including a speedboat adventure that will take you to the wondrous Blue Cave!. CLICK HERE to see our available Privately Guided Excursions on Hvar.

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the pier to board the catamaran back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Split, you’ll enjoy a privately guided tour beginning inside the remarkably well-preserved cellars of Emperor Diocletian’s magnificent palace . A startling portion of this 4th-century palatial complex is remarkably well preserved, and it is widely regarded as the most valuable example of ancient Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. Your tour also includes the Cathedral of St. Domnius, an octagonal landmark that was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Diocletian but converted to a church about 100 years after his death.

Just up the coast along the Split Riviera, you’ll explore Trogir . Situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, this well-preserved old town boasts a wonderful ensemble of Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance landmarks – most of them constructed of stone. Enjoy a narrated walking tour and visit St. Lawrence Cathedral, an architectural treasure that dates back nearly 1,000 years. After sightseeing, return to Split and settle in to your room at the Hotel Cornaro.  Meals B

With its inviting waterfront promenade and charming piazzas filled with restaurants and cafes, Split is a delightful town to explore at your leisure. And with our hotel’s prime location close to the old town center and waterfront, it’s easy to enjoy Split’s myriad charms on your own. Meals B
 
If you prefer additional privately guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of excursions and cultural activities. CLICK HERE to see our available Privately Guided Excursions in and around Split.

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to Dubrovnik, a scenic journey of about 3 hours, you’ll be escorted to you deluxe hotel, wonderfully located close to the historic Pile Gate and Old Town Dubrovnik.

If you prefer additional privately guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of excursions by land and sea, including a speedboat adventure that will take you to the wondrous Blue Cave! CLICK HERE to see our available Privately Guided Excursions on Hvar.

Hailed as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik was an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onward. Although heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1667 and again during the 1990’s by armed conflict, the city has been meticulously restored. Today it is one of Europe’s best preserved, walled cities and it boasts a wealth of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. End your sightseeing on a high note as you ride the cable car to the top of Mt. Srd for breathtaking views over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea beyond.  Meals B

With a prime location near the medieval city gate, our hotel makes it easy to step out and further explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. In addition to returning to some of the places you saw on yesterday’s guided walking tour, you can explore new, hidden corners of the walled city at your own pace. Of course, you’ll probably want to take time to also enjoy Dubrovnik’s many galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Meals B
 
If you prefer, we do offer additional privately guided sightseeing by land and sea. CLICK HERE to see our available Privately Guided Tours from Dubrovnik, including a full-day excursion to Montenegro.

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the airport for your onward journey.  Meals B