Classic Croatia - Star of the Adriatic

Day 1 London - Venice - Opatija Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport for your direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Venice. On arrival you will be transferred to the Hotel Bristol (4T) or Design Astoria (4T), in Opatija, which takes approximately 3.5 hours by coach. There will be a stop in picturesque Trieste, time permitting. Day 2 Opatija Opatija is a fashionable holiday resort, which, since 1844, has seen many famous personalities, including central European aristocracy, Puccini, Chekhov and James Joyce. You are free to enjoy the facilities of your hotel today, take a dip in the picturesque bays or make your own exploration of Opatija and neighbouring Volosko, a pretty fishing village just a short walk along the 12 kilometre promenade with stunning mountain views across the Adriatic. Day 3 Zagreb After a leisurely breakfast, we depart this morning and travel to Zagreb, the country’s capital. This afternoon we have included a guided walking tour to introduce you to this magnificent city. In the heart of the city is Bana Josip Jelacica Square, named after the 19th century governor, which divides Donji Grad (Lower Town) and Gornji Grad (Upper Town). With streets made for strolling, there are numerous museums and parks to aim for and Dolac Market will give you a true taste of Zagreb. We stay at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel (5T). Day 4 Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar We travel south to one of the treasures of the Balkan Peninsula today and wend our way along boardwalks that criss-cross through the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Park is an extraordinary complex of sixteen emerald-green lakes and pools, which, fed by the Korana River and other smaller streams, allow the waters to flow from one lake to the next forming a spectacular display of waterfalls and cascades. Later, after a journey through dramatic mountain ranges, we arrive at the central Dalmatian town of Zadar, situated on a sheltered peninsula with a picturesque harbour. In the centre of the old Roman Forum, the 12th century late Romanesque cathedral can be found, and, next to the cathedral, St Donat Church, the largest Byzantine building in Croatia, both of which bear testimony to Zadar’s colourful past. We stay tonight near to the centre of Zadar at the Hotel Kolovare (3T). Day 5 Zadar - Šibenik - Solin Leaving Zadar, we continue our journey south this morning for a visit to the characteristic town of Šibenik, which was built by the Croatian Kings. We delve into its maze of winding streets and enter the cathedral on a guided tour. Built in the 15th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is an elaborate mix of styles, including its dome that was inspired by Brunelleschi’s in Florence. We arrive at our hotel - the Hotel President Solin (5T) - late this afternoon, with time to explore the ruins of the Roman theme and amphitheatre nearby. Day 6 Split A guided sightseeing tour awaits this morning when we will have the opportunity to discover Split’s heart, located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. As its name suggests, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who was born in Solin, built the Palace in the 3rd century AD, a combination of an Imperial Villa and Roman stronghold that forms one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments. Through the centuries and under various rulers, including the Byzantines, Venetians and Austro-Hungarians, a city flowered within the grounds of this World Heritage Site. You are free for the rest of the afternoon. Day 7 Solin - Ston - Babin Kuk We make a stop in medieval Ston, encapsulated by impressive defensive walls, and arrive late this afternoon in Babin Kuk, a suburb of Dubrovnik on a peaceful peninsula. Our hotel, the Valamar Lacroma (4T) or Valamar President (4T), is a short drive from the Old Town. We stay in sea-view rooms. Day 8 Dubrovnik After an early start, we travel to the centre of Dubrovnik. Your guided walk will include a visit to the 15th century Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, famous for its pharmacy dating back to 1317, providing an example of how sophisticated this independent republic was in its heyday. You will then have free time to explore the pedestrianised Old Town, which has earned Dubrovnik not only the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site but an exclusive Mediterranean destination. Day 9 Babin Kuk You are at leisure today. Perhaps return to the Old Town to walk along the wall for fantastic views and access to its four fortresses, take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd, or take an optional excursion to Kotor in Montenegro, a labyrinth of old alleyways surrounded by incredible scenery. Day 10 Babin Kuk - Dubrovnik - London Today we are transferred to Dubrovnik Airport for your direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Gatwick Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.