Country Roads of Croatia - Classic Group
Country Roads of Croatia - Classic Group
Tour Overview
Discover Croatia’s rich heritage and stunning Dalmatian coastline—with fascinating itineraries curated by Local Experts. Charting a course through the cities of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, the journey pauses for sea-to-table oysters in Ston, a quaint coastal village. Croatia’s culinary delicacies are also the order of the day at Celebration Dinner in Dubrovnik paired with wine and grappa. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Europe’s great natural wonders. On this Insight Choice, learn about local Tara Community folklore, or journey through the forest paths, alongside 16 interconnecting lakes. ...more ...less
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
Top Rated Highlights
- Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral.
- Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotršcak Tower.
- Postojna Cave: Enter by mini-train into these world-famous cave systems, before walking through an illuminated fairyland of stalactites and stalagmites.
- Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Split: Cruise to the sunniest island of the country, Hvar, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy beautiful views and crystal waters on this two hour ferry crossing.
- Split: Sightseeing with your Local Expert continues through the old town. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to reach Narodni Trg, the center of Old Split. Continue to Trg Brace Radic, translated as the Square of the Radic brothers, but better known to the locals as Vocni Trg, or the Fruit Square.
- Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.
- Hvar: Explore the coves and hidden beaches and ascend the lofty peaks from where there are magnificent views over this beautiful island.
- Hvar: Cruise back to the mainland to continue your journey.
- Korcula: Walk the herringbone maze of streets and flagstone plazas with your Local Expert. Learn why the locals claim this is where Marco Polo was born.
- Ston: Cruise to this quaint coastal village by private boat.
- Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
- Dubrovnik: As the sun descends and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik.
Make Travel Matter
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
Authentic Dining
Zagreb: At 17:30, join your Travel Director for dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Ston: Meet a local oyster farmer and learn about the cultivation of oysters, before enjoying a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of fresh shellfish and local wine.
Dubrovnik: Toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian dinner.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Your Croatian adventure begins in the Capital, Zagreb. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views over the city. Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Day 2: Zagreb’S Twin Towns Relaxed Start
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk and see the art Pavillion, the academy of Sciences and Art and pass Zrinjevac Park. We then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, take a walk back down through the Stone gate and back to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure. Relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities or perhaps take an Optional Experience.
Day 3: Postojna Caves And On To Opatija
Location: Zagreb, Postojna, Opatija
Accommodation Name: Grand Adriatic, Opatija, Remisens Premium Heritage Imperial, Opatija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-meter tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Return to Croatia in your hotel in Opatija.
Day 4: Discover The Jewels Of Istria
Location: Opatija, Istria, Pula, Rovinj, Opatija
Accommodation Name: Grand Adriatic, Opatija, Remisens Premium Heritage Imperial, Opatija
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the heart-shaped peninsula to explore the Jewels of Istria with your Local Expert. Visit the well-preserved first-century arena at Pula, scene of brutal gladiatorial battles in Roman times. Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, rising directly from the sea. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-colored bars and sidewalk cafes.
Day 5: Pristine Plitvice Lakes National Park
Location: Opatija, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation Name: Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coast in the morning, journey past sparkling deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands, before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet one of the women behind the Tara Community Center, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.
Day 6: The Dalmatian Coast To Split
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Trogir, Split
Accommodation: Hotel President Solin, Split.
Accommodation Name: President Solin, Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
The green forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters. Walk through the Roman Ruins and market to see the sea organ of Zadar. Witness the dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in 3rd century B.C. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before continuing to the historic city of Solin. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.
Day 7: Island Hopping To Hvar Relaxed Start
Location: Split, Hvar
Accommodation: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Accommodation Name: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your island-hopping adventure begins here. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, famed for being the sunniest island in the country and boasting an interior dotted with lofty mountain peaks and aromatic fields of lavender.
Day 8: Exploring The Island Of Hvar Relaxed Start
Location: Hvar
Accommodation: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Accommodation Name: Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure, as you explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches, old monasteries and villages of Hvar. Perhaps stroll around seaside Stari Grad, known for being one of Europe’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Maybe visit the local museum with its impressive collection of archeological finds dating back to Greek antiquity or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant? You could even see the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town with its yacht-lined marinas, famous for being the trendy playground of the rich and famous.
Day 9: On The Trail Of Marco Polo To Korčula
Location: Hvar, Korčula
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula.
Accommodation Name: Liburna, Korcula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cruise back to the mainland and continue your journey to the island of Korčula, known for its grace, history and rich culture. The perfect place for relaxing, the island is filled with quiet coves and small beaches that dot the south coastline. This evening, dinner will be at the hotel.
Day 10: Captivating Korčula Relaxed Start
Location: Korčula
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula.
Accommodation Name: Liburna, Korcula
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of the Old Town. Marvel at spectacular views of the mainland as you stroll towards the main square of Korčula where the Cathedral of St. Mark dominates the ancient skyline. Hear about local legends and history from your Local Expert, stopping by the Town Museum, the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury collection and the Town Hall. Visit the ruins of the house where according to local legend Marco Polo was born. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town.
Day 11: Dubrovnik, Pearl Of The Adriatic
Location: Korčula, Peljesac, Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Grand Villa Argentina [Dubrovnik, Croatia]
Accommodation Name: Dubrovnik Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the beautiful southern slopes of the Pelješac Peninsula. Weather permitting, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston and admire the surrounding untouched natural beauty, as you enjoy a glass of traditional Croatian brandy. Stop at a shellfish farm and meet a local oyster farmer, to learn about the cultivation and harvest of oysters. Enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of the fresh shellfish, accompanied by a glass of wine. Continue to the walled town of Dubrovnik, 'paradise on Earth' according to George Bernard Shaw. Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see the Old Jewish Quarter and the synagogue, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoy the luxuries of the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, your home for the next three nights.
Day 12: Optional Montenegro Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Grand Villa Argentina [Dubrovnik, Croatia]
Accommodation Name: Dubrovnik Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day at your leisure or enjoy an optional visit to Montenegro, traveling along the coast to the pretty port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A photographer's dream, capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay and learn about some of the compelling history of this area. Return to Dubrovnik and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Perhaps start at a trendy wine bar, followed by dinner at a romantic sidewalk cafe?
Day 13: Dubrovnik At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Grand Villa Argentina [Dubrovnik Croatia]
Accommodation Name: Dubrovnik Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Make the most of a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Relax by the pool, shop in the markets or perhaps take the opportunity to visit Cavtat, one of the most enchanting seaside resorts in Croatia. This evening, should weather permit, you're invited to embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Savor authentic flavors of local specialties over dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas.
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Luxury Transportation
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour with physical distancing measures.
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Enhanced Hygiene Protocols
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19, including trained Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors, and Drivers.
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Quality Dining
Dining Summary: 6 Dinner with Wine (DW), 13 Breakfast (B), and 1 Morning Tea (MT). Enjoy meals at hand-picked establishments adhering to our high well-being standards.
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Handpicked Hotels
Stay in premium hotels carefully selected to provide comfort and relaxation during your journey, including the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Hotel Lyra, and more.
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Authentic Experiences
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center, or explore the Jewels of Istria including Rovinj and the Roman arena at Pula.
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Local Expertise
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Luggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Gratuities Included
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
What's Not Included
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Airfare to and from the tour
Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price.
You must arrange your own flights. -
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure that they are covered in the case of medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other travel mishaps.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered by the tour.
You will have the opportunity to explore local cuisines on your own during these times. -
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions are available for purchase during your tour but are not included in the tour price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, room service, and other discretionary spending are not included.
Mode of Transport
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary. If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. ...more ...less
Accommodation
From the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Hotel Lyra, to the Hotel President Solin, and more, enjoy stays at premium hotels that have been carefully selected to provide comfort and relaxation during your journey.
Dining Summary
4 Dinner with Wine (DW)13 Breakfast (B)2 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. ...more ...less
Well-being
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Country Roads of Croatia tour visit?
The Country Roads of Croatia tour visits Croatia and Slovenia.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include the option to choose between two carefully selected activities, exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park with a Local Expert, learning about habitat restoration and protection, experiencing the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom, enhanced hygiene protocols following COVID-19, working with establishments adhering to high well-being standards, availability of hand sanitizer on board, and enjoying a Welcome Dinner in Zagreb as well as a typical Dalmatian Coast Celebration Dinner in Dubrovnik with wine and grappa. ...more ...less
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What type of accommodations can be expected on the tour?
Accommodations on the tour include stays at premium hotels such as the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Hotel Lyra, and the Hotel President Solin, carefully selected to provide comfort and relaxation during the journey.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 6 Dinners with Wine, 13 Breakfasts, and 1 Morning Tea.
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What is the primary tag of the tour?
The primary tag of the tour is Coach tours (worldwide).
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The tour inclusions are a highly-skilled Travel Director serving as your expert guide, personal radio headsets for visits to famous highlights, baggage handling to your hotel door, included hotel and restaurant tips, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available), Insight Flourishes which are local specialties representing the destination, and transfers at scheduled times if arrival and departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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What is the transport description for the tour?
The transport description for the tour mentions personal radio headsets to not miss any commentary from the Local Expert during visits to famous highlights. Transfers are available at scheduled times if flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, otherwise, transfers can be purchased or made independently.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The starting location of the tour is Zagreb.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The ending location of the tour is Dubrovnik.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Pick-up times in Zagreb are at 11:30 and 14:00. Drop-off times in Dubrovnik are at 05:00, 09:00, and 11:30.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
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Country Roads of Croatia - Classic Group
14 Days Starting in Zagreb and ending in Dubrovnik
Visiting: Zagreb, Postojna, Opatija, Istria, Pula, Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Trogir, Split, Hvar, Korčula, Peljesac, Dubrovnik ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E962ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians