Small Group │ Escorted Tour │ 8 Days │ From $1,899

Experience the amazing beauty of Croatia on the Essence of Croatia, exclusive small group tour reserved for only up to twelve like-minded fellow travelers. Choose any of the guaranteed departure dates on this ideal, pre-arranged itinerary designed by our Croatia travel experts. Enjoy the local flavor of Croatia through local dining, visits to farmers markets, unique culinary experiences, special events, entertainment and the comprehensive fully escorted sightseeing of Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Korčula provided by our seasoned local guides. And of course, all of us at Jauntee, as well as our attentive tour director and the staff from our branch offices in Croatia, will make sure around-the-clock that every part of your tour flows smoothly.

You will love experiencing and discovering so much more than we state on this itinerary. Your knowledgeable and personable tour director from Croatia and the experienced driver will take you on unforgettable trips to the hidden towns and villages, best authentic restaurants, local’s homes and estates, small wineries, unique olive oil productions, and so much more that we’d like to leave only for you to find out and enjoy.

Our past clients loved Jauntee’s Essence of Croatia tour:

”Filip – I’m sorry that it has taken this long for me to contact you regarding my trip to Croatia. Perhaps it is because I lack words to properly express how truly exceptional it was. It was such a personal journey for me to visit the place where my Grandparents were born and all I can say is that I wish my Mother could have been there in person, however, I did take pictures of her and her brother with me. Having a small group of people on the tour gave us the opportunity to get to know our driver and the tour director and have great discussions about the history of the country as well as knowing that we were in capable hands. I became very fond of both of them and cannot say enough good things about them each in a different way. He is a very patient and excellent driver and we felt so safe with him at the wheel and Mari was so good natured and helpful. Together they make a great team and we enjoyed them thoroughly. I have done some traveling but this trip was clearly very special in so many ways. I just simply do not have words to describe the feeling that I came away with. I think Croatia is now in my heart. It is a small country with so many natural resources. Great beauty, culture, food, and people.

I am so glad I made this trip.

Sincerely,

Denise Swan”

“Greetings, Filip: I was pleased to see the comments of Denise Swan (with whom we traveled)posted on your website. She expresses our experience quite well, and I couldn’t agree more with her observations.

I wanted to say also that the trip was everything as advertised, and much more. My wife Rosemary and I had a wonderful vacation, but it was also an unforgettable learning experience. Our tour coordinator and driver were informative, kind, and always there when needed. I am still basking in the glow of our trip and look forward to showing photos and video to friends and family. By the way, your assitance in helping with booking our hotel in Italy (Stresa and the Lakes) was just right – the Hotel was well-located, very clean, and the staff was extremely helpful. We enjoyed six days of hiking and a nice visit (via the Centovalli train – a “must” experience) to Locarno and Ascona, Switzerland. To anyone considering the Essence of Croatia trip, we suggest you go as soon as you can – you will neither forget nor regret this trip! Sretan Bozic, Filip!”

Mike Korenich & Rosemary Slegel”

		DAY
		1	Arrive Zagreb
		2	Zagreb
		3	Zagreb/Plitvice
		4	Plitvice/Zadar/Split
		5	Split/Trogir/Split
		6	Split/Korčula/Dubrovnik
		7	Dubrovnik
		8	Depart Dubrovnik

Day 1: Arrive Zagreb

Upon arrival at Zagreb airport, transfer to hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Zagreb. (D)

Day 2: Zagreb

This morning, Zagreb will charm you with its abundance of rich cultural heritage that dates back to the medieval days. We will stroll past baroque-style mansions and baronial residences, and admire the beautifully crafted facades. In the company of your local expert, we will visit the symbol of Zagreb, St. Mark's church in the Upper Town, which houses the remarkable works of Ivan Meštrović, its most famous sculptor. Come to the Lotrščak Tower and inhale this most beautiful view of the city. The attractions here are plentiful, the culture, quite mesmerizing. There will be enough time for a delicious fresh baked pastry and a cup of excellent coffee in one of the side walk cafes in Gornji Grad. Or dine on some great home-made cheese and wine as you chat with friendly locals at Dolac, the lively open air market. Overnight in Zagreb. (B)

Day 3: Zagreb/Plitvice

A very special experience awaits you in Gorski Kotar and Lika. Lovely green landscapes of exceptional ecological value reside in a number of nature parks, which rise a mere dozen feet above the sea. Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park – the unique oasis of rare natural beauty. It is one of Europe’s most dazzling nature reserve parks, and was truly created by nature. The park consists of 16 connecting lakes and sport unique cascades of murmuring waterfalls. Plitvice Lakes National Park was recognized and protected by UNESCO as part of the world’s natural heritage in 1979. We will take a lively walk along the lakes and breathe the fresh mountain air while listening to the captivating sounds of nature. Next, a boat ride across the largest of the lakes, we will experience an unique perspective of nature: the lake is rife with crystal clear emerald water and fringed with bubbly white waterfalls! (self-guided) Dinner in the local restaurant. Overnight in Plitvice. (B & D)

Day 4: Plitvice/Zadar/Split

We will bask in divine inspiration from the beauty of the Adriatic Coast as we stop in the 3000-year-old Zadar, en route to Split. A centuries-long center for the Illyrian tribe of Liburni and capital of Dalmatia for millennia, Zadar is a city of rich spiritual and material culture. And this is well shown from its many reverent walls and numerous sacral monuments. Accompanied by our professional English-speaking guide, we visit the Cathedral of St. Stošia (St. Anastasia) dating from 1285 A.D., where paintings of Carpaccio and Palma Jr. are exhibited. We will also experience the Roman Forum and pre-Romanesque church of St. Donat (dating from IX century A.D.), the massive city gate and Square of Wells, the Church of St Simon, and the permanent exhibition “Gold and Silver of Zadar.” During this leisurely time, we may continue exploring Zadar’s many historic treasures, but also remember to shop for all sorts of fine local souvenirs. After a lunch we'll continue to Split. Overnight in Split. (B & L)

Day 5: Split/Trogir/Split

Experience the charm of the southern Mediterranean as we explore Split, the largest city along the Adriatic coast. Its beauty captivated IV Century Roman Emperor Diocletian, who built his palace here. So we begin our sightseeing tour of Split with a visit to this lofty palace. First, we walk the well-preserved ancient cellars; for here is where one can truly experience this magnificent palace. The Cathedral was built on the remains of an ancient shrine. And across the Cathedral is the Temple of Jupiter, which today is used as a baptistery. Overnight in Split. (B)
 

Day 6: Split/Korčula/Dubrovnik

We spend a part of this marvelous day visiting the Pelješac peninsula and the small medieval town of Ston. We'll taste the fresh oysters in the local restaurant. Pelješac is the famous kingdom of Dingač, which is the most highly regarded of all Croatian wines. We continue to Korčula which is southern Dalmatian's largest and most sophisticated island, and the birthplace of Marco Polo. Visit the the XV century Reveling Tower at the Land Gate. Among many attractions in Korčula some of the most prominent are the Gothic Renaissance Cathedral of St. Mark and Museum of Icons. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B)

Day 7: Dubrovnik

It's often been called a classic medieval heart stopper. For it is rife with glorious fountains, palaces and cathedrals. And rich in history and culture, dating all the way back to the VII century. The limestone bricks of the walled Old City shimmer like marble in the moonlight. Fine detailing and the architecture of its quaint buildings underscore an artistic heritage that both enhances and defines a landscape of sea, sky and hills. It is a playground for those who desire the unspoiled fortune that is the Mediterranean landscape. Dubrovnik is steeped in sunshine and bathed in mild Mediterranean breezes, a lush region of coves, forested islands and idyllic beaches. It is a home to one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, which has been open since 1317. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B & D)

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Morning transfer to the airport.

• Zagreb, 5* Hotel Westin or similar
• Plitvice, 3* Hotel Jezero or similar
• Split, 5* Le Méridien Lav or similar
• Dubrovnik, 5* Hotel Palace or similar

• Hotel accommodations as per the itinerary based on double occupancy
• 8 escorted days
• Experienced English speaking driver/escort throughout the trip as per itinerary
• Comfortable air-conditioned minibus at group's disposal as per itinerary
• Sightseeing tours of Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Korčula town
• Oyster tasting in Ston
• Professional English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees for National Park Plitvice Lakes
• Entrance fees to Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik
• St. Lawrence Cathedral in Trogir; Diocletian’s Palace and Cathedral in Split
• Gold and Silver and St. Donat Church in Zadar
• 11 meals, (7 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3dinners in local restaurants)
• Ferry/catamaran tickets
• All taxes

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare, tips, drinks, telephone charges and incidentals
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion