10D Croatia - Secrets of Dalmatia

10 Days Croatia - Secrets of Dalmatia (Specially Prepared for Andrew & Karen)

From war torn country to the best-kept secret in Europe to fast becoming Europe’s hottest new destination

within slightly more than a decade! There is indeed good reason as Croatia is indeed “the Mediterranean as it

used to be”. Geographically, there are the rocky coves, islands and pine-fringed beaches along the Adriatic

Coast; lush mountains, pristine lakes in the rugged interior; and pretty town and villages set amidst vineyards

and olive orchards. The history and culture of Croatia is no less stunning. The Roman, Venetian, Slavs, and

Habsburg all left them mark in architecture, cultures, food and music. It has strong Central European flavor,

Mediterranean setting and Slav’s soul.

Flights At A Glance:

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)

[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Fly 09Jun Singapore / Munich SQ 328 2310/0535+1 (12h 25m) – Daily

Fly 10Jun Munich / Zagreb OU 4437 0855/1005 (1h 10m) – Daily

Fly 16Jun Dubrovnik / Zagreb OU 667 1235/1340 (1h 05m) – Daily

Fly 18Jun Zagreb / Frankfurt OU 414 1755/1930 (1h 35m) – Daily

Fly 18Jun Frankfurt / Singapore SQ 325 2200/1620+1 (12h 20m) – Daily

DAY 01 09th

JUN (MON) SINGAPORE / MUNICH

This evening, make your way to Singapore Changi Airport for your international flight to Munich.

DAY 02 10th

JUN (TUE) MUNICH / ZAGREB / ZADAR / SIBENIK

On arrival at Zagreb Pleso Intl Airport, be met and transfer to Zadar, a waterfront city adorned with ancient Roman ruins and a vibrant modern lifestyle. Spend time at leisure for lunch on own expense before we continue our journey to Sibenik – a lively and historic medieval town with a picturesque waterfront. You will be introduced to the town’s historical sights – the City Hall and the UNESCO Heritage listed Sibenik Cathedral of

St Jacob. Thereafter, spend the rest of the day relaxing in the evening in this charming Mediterranean town.

Overnight: Solaris Hotel Ivan, Sibenik

Meals: NIL

DAY 03 11th

JUN (WED) SIBENIK / TROGIR / SOLIN / SPLIT

Wake up to a leisure morning and after breakfast, we drive along the scenic Adriatic coast to reach the UNESCO Heritage-listed city of Trogir, a historic and beautiful medieval town built with Roman and Hellenistic principles. Begin a city tour to explore the “Island of Goats” founded in the 3rd Century BC by the Greeks. Walk on the main square of Narodni trg and visit the Cathedral of St Lawrence, known for its Romanesque door carved in the 13th Century by Mater Radovan, and the elegant bell tower. We then continue on to ancient Salona, also known as Solin. Solin was an ancient Illyrian Delmati city in the first millennium BC. After conquest by the Romans, Solin became the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. When the Roman Emperor Diocletian retired, he erected a massive structure, known as Diocletian's Palace which fell before the onslaught of the Avars and Slavs around the year AD 641. Finally, we end our day in Split for check in.

Overnight: Palace Augubio, Split

Meals: Breakfast



Fly 09Jun Singapore / Munich SQ 328 2310/0535+1 (12h 25m) – Daily

Fly 10Jun Munich / Zagreb OU 4437 0855/1005 (1h 10m) – Daily

DAY 04 12th

JUN (THU) SPLIT (EXCURSION TO HVAR)

A beautiful day beckons! This morning, be escorted on to the fast ferry departing at 0930hrs where you will sail to the island of Hvar – considered to be the sunniest island in Croatia with an annual average of 2726 hours of sun. The Name of the island comes from the Greek colony called "Pharos", however it is important to know that traces of life on the island of Hvar goes back to Neolithic period. In Roman times on the island were built villas and agricultural estates, which resulted in a long tradition of viticulture, but also the high culture of residence. Hvar is called the island of lavender since that plant grows here in abundance, as well as rosemary and sage. On arrival at Hvar at 1020hrs, be met by a local guide where we will drive to the abandoned village of Malo

Grablje to explore this picturesque 16th Century village. Continue on to Velo Grablje where you will be treated to superb views of the deepest bay on the island before continuing to St Nicholas peak with unobstructed views of the island and across to the islands of Brac, Korcula and Vis. We then descend to the hillside village of Sveta

Nedija, a village with steep vineyards where you will see vineyard covered hills, olive, rosemary and lavender plantations. We enjoy an INCLUDED LUNCH in a local tavern in the abandoned village of Humac with organic ingredients and traditional cuisine. After lunch, we continue our visit to the North coast to Vrboska to stop and relax at the beautiful Soline beach. Finally, drive to Stari Grad where you will take the return ferry at 1730hrs for your return to Split.


Meals: Breakfast & Lunch



DAY 05 13th

JUN (FRI) SPLIT / KORCULA

After breakfast, be met by your local guide for a half day walking tour of Split – second-largest city in Croatia and an important economic, administrative and educational hub in Middle Dalmatia recognized as early as the third Century AD from which Roman emperor, Diocletian built his iconic palace here – today a UNESCO World Heritage site. We take a walk down memory lane to explore charming Split with spectacular architecture, a vibrant seascape and fabulous culture.


Meals: Breakfast

DAY 06 14

th JUN (SAT) SPLIT / DUBROVNIK

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Dubrovnik. En-route, we make a stop at the 500 year-old Bartulovic wine cellar where you will sample exquisite wine and learn about the Bartulovic’s family tradition of vine-growing. Continue thereafter to Dubrovnik – the crown jewel of Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage site for its impeccable beauty and its distinctive Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture! Meet your local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town starting at the East Gate, walking down the steps to view the magnificent harbor front overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. We continue to the main square of Loggia Loza on the eastern side of the Stradun where we will see the Church of Blaise, Rector’s

Palace and the Dubrovnik Cathedral. Spend some time at leisure exploring Dubrovnik’s vibrant precinct and thereafter transfer to your hotel for check in.

Overnight: Grand Villa Argentina, Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 07 15th

JUN (SUN) DUBROVNIK

Today is a full free day at leisure. Walk around exploring vibrant Dubrovnik or join an OPTIONAL “Game of Thrones” tour. OPTIONAL GAME OF THRONES TOUR:

With an expert guide at your side, you will get to know the fictional city of King's Landing while exploring Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Climb the city walls, picturing the bloody battles from the TV series, and visit Lovrijenac Fortress to learn about the evil exploits of King Joffrey. Follow in the footsteps of Ayra Stark and hear insider gossip galore about the popular series. Overnight: Grand Villa Argentina, Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909

Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) [email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 08 16th

JUN (MON) DUBROVNIK / ZAGREB

Spend some last moments in Dubrovnik before transferring to Dubrovnik Cilipi Airport for a short domestic flight to Zagreb.

on arrival, you will be met by a local guide who will show you the capital city of Croatia as you learn the city’s rich history and culture on a walking tour. Starting at Jelacic Square, see the gleaming white façade of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and then wander along the central Zagreb streets that are lined with elegant 19th and 20th Century buildings. Pose for photos by Lotrščak Tower, a fortified monument from which a cannon is fired each day, and learn about the city’s affinity with the arts as you pass Galerija

Klovićevi Dvori, an art museum housed within an old Jesuit monastery. Then head into Zagreb's upper town and walk along Kravi Most, a street that's unofficially (and confusingly) known as the 'bloody bridge.' Most definitely a street and not a bridge, Kravi Most's nickname attests to the medieval battles that once took place on it between the warring neighborhoods of Gradec and Kaptol. Transfer to your hotel thereafter for check in.

Overnight: Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 09 17th

JUN (TUE) ZAGREB (PLITVICE LAKES EXCURSION)

After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to the Plitvice Lakes National Park (2hrs drive). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, discover sprawling limestones and dolomite chalk landscape of blue-green lakes, mossy caves, trickling streams and spectacular waterfalls. This geological wonder formed at the confluence of two rivers dates back as far as the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Most of the 16 lakes within the park are rimmed with curvilinear boardwalks that wend alongside the most scenic waterfall areas, allowing you to get a closer look at the craggy travertine formations created by the constant rushing of water over mineral-rich rocks. Surrounded by a pristine forest of beech, spruce and fir and carpets of lush ferns, the park is home to brown bears, wolves and rare eagle owls, as well as over a hundred endemic species of both birds and flowers. For fans of orchids, this is a floral mecca: botanists have so far identified 55 species within the park.

Overnight: Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb

Meals: Breakfast

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909

Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) [email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Fly 16Jun Dubrovnik / Zagreb OU 667 1235/1340 (1h 05m) – Daily

DAY 10 18th

JUN (WED) ZAGREB / FRANKFURT / SINGAPORE

Spend the day free in Zagreb before transferring to Zagreb Pleso Intl Airport for your flight to Frankfurt before connecting to your next flight return to Singapore.

Meals: Breakfast

END OF TOUR

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON:

- The following prices are based on 2 persons travelling together; - The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we have your date of

travel, the exact number of people in your groups and other specific requirements. Package: BEST Price Per Person

1N in Solaris Hotel Ivan, Sibenik 3N in Palace Augubio, Split 2N in Grand Villa Argentina, Dubrovnik 2N in Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb

TO BE ADVISED

SQ Airport & Fuel Taxes

TO BE ADVISED

GRAND TOTAL (2 PERSONS)

TO BE ADVISED

Cost includes: - Return economy airfare on Singapore Airlines (SIN-Munich/Frankfurt-SIN); - Return economy airfare on Croatia Airlines (Munich-Zagreb-Frankfurt); - Services of Professional English-Speaking Local Guides; - Transfers, tours and visits as stated in itinerary; - Other meals as stated in itinerary; - All accommodations with daily breakfast as stated in itinerary;

Cost excludes:

- Visas if any; - Personal and other expenses not stated; - Travel Insurance; - Any other meals other than specified; - Gratuities to Guides and drivers; - Any expenses incurred beyond our control due to natural disaster, weather conditions, etc.



Fly 18Jun Zagreb / Frankfurt OU 414 1755/1930 (1h 35m) – Daily

Fly 18Jun Frankfurt / Singapore SQ 325 2200/1620+1 (12h 20m) – Daily

HOTELS

Sibenik: Solaris Hotel Ivan - Surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, Hotel Ivan is part of the Solaris Hotels Resort, 100 metres from the beach and 6 km from the centre of Šibenik. Featuring tennis courts and a spa & wellness centre with pools, it offers a bar, a restaurant with Dalmatian specialities and modern rooms. All rooms comprise air conditioning, a TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a safe. Each unit has a private bathroom with a shower. The spa & wellness centre is a complex of indoor pools, with sea and fresh water and numerous underwater effects. It offers various massages, facial and body treatments, hamam rituals, sauna, healing mud and fitness opportunities. The main entrance features a replica of the unique Primošten vineyards. The Ivan Hotel also offers a night club and congress facilities. Solaris Resort provides various snack bars, Lounge Restaurant Sibinium and Dalmatian Ethno Village creating an atmosphere of a Dalmatian village with traditional taverns. http://www.solarishotelsresort.com/solaris-hotel-ivan/

Split: Palace Augubio - Set right in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, Palace Augubio offers elegant rooms housed in the Renaissance palace. Free Wi-Fi is provided. The Cathedral and Peristil Square are just steps away. Located on the 2nd floor of a building with no elevator, the rooms are decorated with stone wall elements and furnished with solid wood furniture. Each room is air-conditioned and features a TV with cable and satellite channels, a minibar and a safe. The breakfast is served in the common dining room. In the vicinity guests can enjoy numerous bars and restaurants serving local cuisine. Green market can be found 50 metres away. Marmontova shopping street and the well-known Riva Promenade can also be reached in a few steps. The nearest beach is 700 metres away. http://palaceaugubio-luxuryrooms.com/index.html



Dubrovnik:

Grand Villa Argentina - Featuring a private beach area and an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, Grand Villa Argentina offers an a la carte restaurant boasting a terrace with panoramic sea views. The UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik Old Town is just a 5-minute walk away. Free Wi-Fi is provided. Combining the old and the new, the property comprises a historic villa and a modern building surrounded by gardens with Mediterranean vegetation. Classic-style rooms are fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen TV and a minibar. Breakfast is served daily. Grand Villa Argentina provides wellness and spa centre, sauna and a gym. Grand Villa Argentina's restaurants and bars offer a diverse culinary selection. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining. The vivid Stradun Promenade, monumental Dubrovnik Walls and various historic sights can be explored within easy walking distance. http://www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com/en/grand-villa-argentina/

Zagreb: Esplanade Hotel - Situated in the centre of Zagreb, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a well-known hotel offering spacious and beautifully furnished rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access. Mediterranean and California-style dishes are served at Zinfandel's Restaurant. Esplanade 1925 is perfect for cocktails and light snacks, while Le Bistro stands for authentic regional cuisine. You can also admire the views of the city from the Oleander Terrace, where mouth-watering Latin American food is provided. Take a walk through the old town of Zagreb with its typical cafés and restaurants, go on a short trip to the Adriatic Coast, or just enjoy your stay in the town. http://www.esplanade.hr/



10D Croatia - Secrets of Dalmatia

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