croatia wine & gastro tour np plitvice lakes - zadar split ... · dubrovnik – kruje –...
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CROATIA WINE & GASTRO TOUR
Zagreb – Croatian Zagorje region – NP Plitvice Lakes - Zadar – Split – Pelješac – Dubrovnik – Kruje
– Tirana – Saranda - Berat
17 days/16 nights
Holidays are all about relaxation and time spent away from home while discovering the beauty of foreign
places. At the end, it all comes to having great unforgettable experience that you can tell stories about. This
tour is all about local experience – get on board and see what is Croatia all about.
Day 1
Arrival to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and more than a
1000 year old City, with its historic charm. Private
transfer to your hotel and check in. After a long trip hotel
amenities will help you to relax and rejuvenate for further
days to come. In the afternoon get ready for “Welcome
dinner” in traditional local restaurant where food is
prepared according to original recipes from 16 century.
The owner is very passionate about food & wine pairing
so you are in good hands to have the best food & wine
experience there is.
Overnight in Zagreb.
Meals: (D)
Activities: /
Day 2
Your day will start with magnificent cup of coffee in the
oldest coffee shop in Zagreb situated on the main square
overlooking the statue of Ban Jelacic. Croatians are very
sensitive about the coffee and coffee drinking in local
coffee shops and it is part of the culture. Morning
sightseeing with a local guide to explore the city. Visit
Museum of broken relationships, a physical and virtual
public space created with the sole purpose of treasuring
and sharing peoples heartbreak stories and symbolic
possessions. It is a museum about you, about us, about the
ways we love and lose.
In early afternoon, departure to the region Croatian
Zagorje, an area of chocolate-box enchantment:
miniature wooded hills are crowned with the castles
they seem designed for, and streams tumble through
lush vineyards. Visit local winery. During the visit
you will get a chance to participate in a traditional
harvest and learn the wine making process. Dinner
and wine tasting with traditional folklore and music
in a winery. After dinner departure back to Zagreb.
Overnight in Zagreb.
Meals: (B) + (D)
Activities:
Walking tour of Zagreb (2H) – Light activity level
Grape Harvest – Medium activity level
Day 3
After breakfast departure to National Park Plitvice Lakes.
The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen
lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in
deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars
and rare bird species. Take a walk with a local guide
through this heaven on earth. Enjoy scenery of beautiful
waterfalls and untouched nature. And don’t forget to
make a wish under the largest waterfall as it is supposedly
making your wishes come true . After visiting NP
Plitvice, we will have a traditional dinner in a local
restaurant – Licka kuca.
Continue to Zadar, city voted to be the best European destination for 2015, - a city monument, surrounded by
historical ramparts, a treasury of the archaeological and monumental riches of ancient and medieval times,
Renaissance and many contemporary architectural achievements such as the first sea organs in the world.
Overnight in Zadar.
Meals: (B) + (D)
Activities:
Walking tour of NP Plitvice Lakes (3,5H) – Light/Medium activity level
Day 4
After breakfast meeting with the local guide
and Zadar sightseeing. While walking with
your guide through the city of Zadar, the
ancient Forum, symbol of the city-church of
St. Donat, St. Anastasia, monuments and
palaces, you will learn all about the rich
history of this beautiful old town. Tour of the
Land Gate and city walls, Square of Five
Wells, People's Square and of course the Sea
Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Walk along
the waterfront with sounds of the sea organ, that are unique in the world, will make your experience complete.
According to Albert Hitchcock Zadar is the city with the most beautiful sunset in the world and you will have
a chance to be a part of it. Enjoy your dinner in one of the restaurants in old city of Zadar.
Overnight in Zadar.
Meals: (B) + (D)
Activities:
Zadar walking tour (1,5H) – light activity
Dinner in Zadar city center
Day 5
After breakfast free time at leisure.
In the afternoon (12pm) embark on a boat and sail around
NP KORNATI. This archipelago consists of 140 islands
covering an area of 114 square miles (300 square km),
with most of it declared a National Park – and with its
natural beauty, numerous coves and crystal clear blue
waters, it’s easy to see why. Enjoy in the beautiful sunset
on your way back to Zadar.
Overnight in Zadar.
Meals: (B) 1 MEAL! (Will stop in one of the restaurant in NP Kornati so you can have lunch/dinner)
Activities:
Sailing around NP Kornati (7h)
Day 6
After breakfast departure to Split, the second largest city
in Croatia and the city that has all: Roman ruins and grand
museums alongside fashionable cafes and trendy shops.
Our journey through ancient history starts with the fact
that the Roman emperor Diocletian was born in nearby
important Illyrian center and the capital of the Roman
province of Dalmatia - Salona. He ordered to build one of
today’s most preserved palaces of that time in the nearby
town Split. With a professional city guide we are
continuing our journey and sightseeing the 1700 year old
Diocletian`s palace in Split, imagining how the life of
Diocletian was like, within the walls of the palace.
During the tour we stop by to see the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the
Adriatic coast but also the ancient cellars, Peristyle in center of the palace, Roman temples (today Christian
ones), the famous Golden Gate and the big statue of Grgur Ninski. On this walking tour you will get to know
Split and its history in an interesting way. After Split sightseeing lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch embark on a catamaran and sail to island Korcula. Rich in vineyards, olive groves and small
villages, and harboring a glorious old town, the island of Korčula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching
nearly 47km in length. Dense woods led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black
Korčula). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter
and more pebbly. Tradition is alive and kicking on Korčula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music
and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists. Check in to the hotel.
Overnight in Korcula.
Meals: (B) + (L)
Day 7
After breakfast meeting with the local guide and morning
sightseeing of old town Korcula. The old medieval town
of Korčula is like a miniature museum, surrounded by
walls and towers. The magnificent architecture strongly
attracts each visitor, as well as its residents. The Statute
of the Town of Korčula dates back from 1214, and is one
of the oldest codes in the Slavic world, which shows the
structure of life and a highly developed awareness of the
inhabitants of that time. The highlight of the sightseeing
will be birth house of Marco Polo.
In the evening we are taking you to the famous ranch for a dinner. Food at ranch is homemade, prepared from
fresh good quality ingredients, the atmosphere is tranquil, people are friendly and kind, decor is eye soothing,
and there is an overall relaxing feeling lingering around the place.
This genuine Mediterranean ambient has even enchanted some famous guests, such as Bill Gates or Bernie
Eccelstone. After dinner return back to the hotel.
Overnight in Korcula.
Meals: (B) + (D)
Activities:
Split sightseeing
Day 8
After breakfast departure to Dubrovnik, one
of the world’s most stunning destinations,
both in terms of its cultural heritage and as
a holiday destination. The city has often
been referred to as the "Pearl of the
Adriatic" and was inducted into the
UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 as a
city of rich culture and history. The Old
Town of Dubrovnik is surrounded by 1,970
metres of city walls - over the centuries they
served to protect the city from various
threats and today are the city's greatest
attraction. On your way to Dubrovnik stop
at peninsula Pelješac, famous for the best Croatian wines. Wine tasting in one of the most famous Croatian
wineries. After wine tasting continue to Ston, a medieval little town whose history reaches back as far as the
14th century. It is a small town with the longest stone wall in Europe (5,5 km), with narrow quiet streets, noble
ancient houses and traces of ancient cultures. The bay of Mali Ston is famous all over the world for the quality
of its oysters. Clean seas offer the bay of Ston the ideal conditions for growing high quality oysters. Oyster
tasting in a local oyster farm. After oyster tasting continue to Dubrovnik.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Meals: (B) + Oystertasting + snack + winetasting
Day 9
After breakfast meeting with the local guide and Dubrovnik sightseeing. Local guide will take you to the most
wonderful and hidden streets of the city. Explore Dubrovnik City Walls (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE) and
enjoy a unique view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik including its narrow streets and small squares.
In the afternoon embark on a
boat and explore Elaphiti islands
(optional – not included in the
price). Since the ancient times,
the islands were a place of
comfort, vacation, and delight.
All this due to well preserved
nature, clean and clear sea,
sandy beaches, beautiful pine
forest, olive gardens, numerous
promenades and footpaths.
Those are the scenes that remain
forever in people's memory and landscapes that make the people come back again. Also, you will enjoy tasty
dinner on a boat.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Meals: (B) 1 MEAL!
Activities:
Dubrovnik sightseeing + Dubrovnik City Walls - Medium activity level
Day 10
After breakfast day at leisure. In the evening departure to
traditional Dalmatian restaurant so-called “konoba”
where you will be able to try “peka” - a Baked dish with
meat and vegetables made in a pot or a tray, and the pot
is put into the embers of a fireplace. After dinner
departure back to the hotel.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Meals: (B) + (D)
Day 11
After breakfast
departure to Kotor,
a city steeped in
tradition and
history, with
remarkable scenic
views. A UNESCO
World Heritage site,
the old city was
built between the
12th and 14th
centuries and is
filled with medieval
architecture and historic monuments. Extending over four kilometers, the city walls that have protected Kotor
for centuries lead up to the fortress of Saint Ivan. Meeting with the local guide and Kotor sightseeing. Continue
to Budva, small coastal city of some twenty thousand inhabitants. Sandy beach along Budva of some 20 km
is treated as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Budva’s pearl is most certainly Old Town, more than 2.500
years old, treasury of Montenegrin cultural heritage. Narrow streets covered in stone, fortifications that
surround it, museums, galleries and sacred objects – treasury that each day in year attracts large amount of
visitors. Hotel check in and free time to relax.
Overnight in Budva.
Meals: (B)
Driving: Dubrovnik – Kotor (2,5h) – Budva (40 min.)
Day 12
After breakfast departure to Kruje, Albania.
On the way to Kruje stop to see Lake
Shkodër — also called Lake Scutari, Lake
Shkodër and Lake Shkodra — lies on the
border of Albania and Montenegro, the
largest lake in the Southern Europe. It is
named after the city of Shkodër in northern
Albania. It is a karst lake. Also, we will stop
and see Rozafa castle – it is a castle near the
city of Shkodër, in northwestern Albania. It
rises imposingly on a rocky hill, 130 metres
(430 ft) above sea level, surrounded by the
Bojana and Drin rivers. Shkodër is the
capital of the Shkodër County, and is one of
Albania's oldest and most historic towns, as
well as an important cultural and economic centre.
Continue to Kruje and hotel check in and free afternoon.
Overnight in Kruje.
Meals: (B)
Driving: Budva – Kruje (4,5 h)
Day 13
After breakfast departure to the ancient
town of Kruje and visit the ethnographic
Museum. Kruje is a small, ancient and
historic town in Albania. The history of
the town is connected with the name of the
national hero of Albania, Georgi Kastrioti
Skenderbeu, who fought against the
Ottoman invasion. This picturesque town
is situated on the slopes of mount Sari
Saltiki at a height of 560 meters above sea
level, surrounded by mountain peaks. It
offers stunning views of the surroundings.
On the street of the old town of Kruje, leading to the castle, since the times of Skenderbeu, there is "Old
Bazaar". Here you can buy Albanian Souvenirs, beautiful jewellery handmade rugs and embroidery, silver
filigree and copper products, handicrafts made of alabaster, traditional clothes and antiques. After Kruje
sightseeing lunch in the restaurant.
Continue to the capital of Albania – Tirana, ascent by cable car to the mountain Dajti, where you can see all
Tirana from height (1613 m). Tirana has a great location: on one side it borders the mountain Dajti, on another
- coastal plain. Mentions of Tirana as a city date back to 1614, when the Turks, in honour of the victory over
Persia, decided to establish a city here. Tirana was proclaimed the capital only in 1920. After Tirana
sightseeing departure back to Kruje.
Overnight in Kruje.
Meals: (B) + (L)
Activities:
Kruje sightseeing + Tirana sightseeing
Day 14
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive along the panoramic view of Albanian Riviera.
Passing on the way: Durres, Kavaja, Lushnjë, Ardenice, Fier, Vlora, Orikum, Llogara, Himara, Dhermi, Porto
– Palermo, Borsh
On the way to Saranda we will stop in Fier to see the
Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Ardenica
or simply Ardenica Monastery. It is an Eastern Orthodox
monastery, distant ten kilometers north of Fier, Albania.
Built by Byzantine Emperor, Andronikos II Palaiologos
in 1282 after the victory against the Angevins in the Siege
of Berat, the monastery is famous as the place where, in
1451, was celebrated the marriage of Skanderbeg, the
national hero of Albania, with Andronika Arianiti.
On the way we will also see Appolonia ruins. The
ancient city of Apollonia is situated in southwestern
Albania, about 13 miles from the city of Fier. The
fascinating landscape of the archeological park, which
has been preserved in an exceptionally intact condition,
comprises a successful combination between the beauty
of monuments and nature, attractive through its long
history, in an atmosphere of relaxation and meditation.
Its foundation took place immediately after the
foundation of Epidamnus – Dyrrachium and quickly
became one of the most eminent cities of the Adriatic
basin, which was mentioned more frequently from the other 30 (thirty) cities bearing the same name during
Antiquity. The city lay in the territory of the political communion of the Taulantii and was broadly known as
Apollonia of Illyria.
Continue to Saranda, the "southern gate of Albania", located on the South-West of the country. The history of
the city of Saranda is from the distant past. It was first mentioned in written sources in the II century BC as
Onchesmus. The modern name of the city comes from the name of the monastery from the Byzantine period.
In the Greek language it was called "Agios Saranda", which means "40 Saints". Check in to a hotel and free
time to relax. The highlight of the day is dinner at Likurs castle (the castle was built in 1718 during the times
of Ali Pasha).
Overnight in Saranda.
Meals: (B) + (L) + (D)
Activities:
Appolonia sightseeing, Ardenica monestary sightseeing, dinner in Likurs castle
Driving: Kruje – Saranda (6,5 – 7h)
Day 15
After breakfast check out and departure to Butrint. Ruins
of the ancient city of Butrint is one of the most important
archaeological finds in Albania. According to the legend,
the founders of the ancient city were the Trojans who fled
from the destroyed Troy in search of a new homeland. It
was not earlier than the 8th century BC. In 1992
excavations of Greek and Roman cities were included in
the list of world heritage of UNESCO. After visiting the
Park - moving to the natural spring "Blue Eye". Crystal
clear water in the spring has blue color, hence the name.
Today the spring is in the status of a National Park and it
is under state protection. In 1 second from the spring
comes out 6 cubic meters of cool fresh water.
After inspecting the source - lunch at the restaurant on the banks of the river Bistrica. Departure to the town-
museum of Albania, Gjirokastra. Scientists still have not come to a consensus on the issue when the fortress
was built - 4 or 1 BC. In 2005, UNESCO included Gjirokastra in the list of world heritage sites. After the
Gjirokastra departure to Berat. On the way stop for dinner in the town of Tepelena. The history of the town
Tepelena is closely connected with the name of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, political and military figure of mid-
18th - early 19th centuries. As a result of long political and military efforts he managed to become the de facto
ruler of Albania and some part of Greece, despite the fact that he formally recognized the authority of the
Turkish Sultan. The story of the man attracted the attention of French writer Alexander Duma-father, who
used it in the novel "the Count of Monte Cristo".
We will have a folklore night in Berat. Experience local culture and meet local people. Great time to be part
of the culture in Albania.
Overnight in Berat.
Meals: (B) + (L) + (D)
Activities:
Butrint + Gjirokastra sightseeing
Visit National Park “Blue eye”
Day 16
After breakfast departure to the Fortress of
Berat. It is a fortress built on a 260-meter
cliff and is the world's only fortress on the
territory of which still live people. Here is
the Church of St. Mary, in which there is a
museum of a famous Albanian painter
Onufri. Continue through the old centre of
Berat. The town-museum, included to the
list of UNESCO heritage, is known as the
town of a thousand windows. Peculiar
architecture, presence of balconies and
large windows give the impression that
these houses have no doors, and the houses
are on each other. Lunch will be served in the Castle Park restaurant. Departure back to the hotel and free
afternoon.
Overnight in Berat.
Meals: (B) + (L)
Activities:
Fortress of Berat + Berat sightseeing
Day 17
Departure to Tirana airport and fly out of Albania.