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Croatia - The Adriatic Jewel
This journey takes you into the heart of Croatia. Seductive and enticing, the "New Mediterranean" mesmerizes with astonishing medieval fortresses, bewitching coastlines, fascinating landscapes and some of the finest culinary offerings and wines in Europe.
HIGHLIGHTS
Witness astounding landscapes of Croatia
Savour exquisite wines and gastronomy
Stay in refined boutique hotels
Enjoy an insightful experience with the local characters
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ZAGREB / RASTOKE / PLITVICE LAKES
Our journey begins with a pleasant and scenic drive to the storybook watermill village of Rastoke nestled along the turquoise waters of the Slunjcica tributary, part of the Korana River where you will be enthralled with its idyllic demeanor, village traditions and picturesque fervor. Enjoy an informative tour learning about its watermills traditions, forgotten crafts such as stonemasonry, pottery and textiles as well as admiring pristine nature surrounding the village. Thereafter, we head on to the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes, perhaps Croatia's most renowned natural site for its stunning crystalline lakes, spectacular cascades and waterfalls over 18km of footpaths to explore. On arrival, be joined by your expert guide where we take you on secret trails to the most incredible magazine-worthy view points that few knew - a Beyond X Boundaries exclusive! Finally, we will arrive and check in into the small but cozy Miric Inn.
Overnight: Miric Inn, Plitvice Lakes
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: PLITVICE LAKES / PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK / ZADAR
Early this morning, spend time with your private nature guide in the Plitvice Lakes before the crowds and admiring less-trodden spots from paths and trails few people get to. Thereafter, we continue our journey to Paklenica National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a revered hiking and climbing destination in this part of Europe. Enjoy an easy 3-4 hours walking/hiking tour with your private ranger guide that takes you to admire the Velika Paklenica Canyon, Anika Luca, Manita pec cave and Modric Cave and be mesmerized by a part of Croatia that only the privileged experiential few gets to marvel and discover while enjoying a picnic lunch at a spot to be decided in spontaneity. Thereafter, we then make our way to the historic seaside city of Zadar where we arrive and check in into the charming Hotel Bastion, a Relais & Chateaux property.
Overnight: Hotel Bastion, Zadar
Meals: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
DAY 3: ZADAR
Today, enjoy a guided walking tour of Zadar - ancient capital of Dalmatia and one of the earliest Roman outposts since the 1st Century BC. Get a detailed insight into one of Croatia's newest UNESCO site into the Old Town of Zadar where we discover the Roman monuments such as Forum Square, the Byzantine-era Church of St Donatus, Cathedral of St Anastasia, one of the four patron saints of Zadar - the biggest cathedral in Dalmatia built in the Romanesque style in the 12th and 13th century on the place of a former early-Christian basilica. Thereafter, visit the Kalelarga area, the city's main street with colorful buildings, charming cafes and restaurants making a perfect stop to enjoy coffee, browsing and leisure time. Later, we continue the second half of the day with a short drive to Nin, birthplace of Croatia and where seven kings were crowned. Founded by the Liburnians in the 9th Century BC, be immediately greeted by the Statue of King Branimir and the Stone Bridge which connects the town center in the middle of a shallow lagoon with mainland Croatia. We then begin our visit of Nin starting from the Statue of Grgur of Nin - the head bishop of Nin's Church in the 10th Century when the first Croatian King Tomislav was crowned. We will also visit the Medieval Churches of St. Nicholas and the Holy Cross and thereafter, the Salt Museum to get an insight into Nin's source of wealth where the rich minerals in the area had been harvested since Roman times before returning to Zadar.
Overnight: Hotel Bastion, Zadar
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: ZADAR / KRKA FALLS / TROGIR / SPLIT
Leave Zadar today as we return back to nature's splendors with a visit to the impressive Krka Falls. For such a small country, Croatia has 8 national parks, River Krka being a great highlight for visitors to the Dalmatian coast. With seven falls, the largest and most impressive being Skradinski buk; The Krka River is a karst phenomenon, carving a spectacular canyon out of the limestone, on its 70km journey from the foothills of Dinaric Alps, to the amazing estuary under the walls of the historic city of Sibenik. Follow the winding wooden paths that traverse emerald pools, to viewpoints of the majestic series of falls and immerse in nature blessed by the gods. Thereafter, we continue to Trogir, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site 30 minutes north of Split. A tiny island treasure, Trogir’s roots are Greek, not Roman like Split, and its crown jewel is the spectacular 13th Century Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Here, you will be hosted by one the most amazing and creative chefs in the region, published in the April 2014’s Saveur Magazine and 2015’s Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods show! Enjoy a very special ´behind the closed doors` lunch with Chef Tatjana in her 13th Century old home - a Beyond X Boundaries exclusive experience! Finally, a short drive takes us into the ancient city of Split where we arrive and check in into the Hotel Vestibul Palace.
Overnight: Hotel Vestibul Palace, Split
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 5: SPLIT (TREASURES OF SPLIT, KLIS & SALONA)
An inspiring day of epic proportions begins this morning as we embark on a walking tour through the historical heart of UNESCO-listed Split – a living ruin, once Diocletian the Roman Emperor’s Imperial Palace, inhabited for 1700 years. Today, approximately 3000 people live in this dynamic city - everyday life thriving amongst the layers of Roman history.
Thereafter, drive out to the ancient fortress of Klis, a less-visited medieval stronghold situated in the hills above Split and despite being famed as a Game of Thrones' repertoire of filming sites, was never quite a touristy site (thankfully!). A lunch treat today is the exceptional Roasted lamb - prepared with hours of roasting on vine wood and a local delicacy in the region.
Next, we turn the pages of history again to Salona, the largest Croatian site of antiquity-era monuments that earned the title of "Croatia's Pompeii". The archaeological site of Salona is one of the richest Roman sites in Croatia. In the ancient times, it was the capital city of the Roman province Dalmatia, Finally, we return to Split.
Overnight: Hotel Vestibul Palace, Split
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6: SPLIT / ONWARD JOURNEY
You have options to make and depending on your trip duration, style of travel, budget and most importantly, curiosity, we will tailor make your private journey whether it is an extensive journey of the islands of Dalmatia such as Korcula, Hvar, Vis, Mljet or a discovery into Bosnia & Herzegovina - a rising Balkan destination with fascinating UNESCO sites galore and a fusion of West and East heritage and culture or perhaps a road to Dubrovnik journey discovering probably the most incredible fortress city in Europe including an excursion to neighbors, Montenegro.
REMARKS:
You have the option to continue from Split for the following:
1) 8 Days 7 Nights Islands of Dalmatia Sailing Cruise from Split to Dubrovnik (Every Sundays from May to Oct)
2) 6 Days 5 Nights Gems of Bosnia
3) 4 Days 3 Nights Road to Dubrovnik (including excursions into Montenegro)
***Please enquire with us for more details
HOTELS
Plitvice Miric Inn is a family-run guest house located only 2 km away from world famous Plitvice Lakes. All rooms are with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen satellite TV, small refrigerator and a kettle. Beds are topped with memory foam mattresses and two pillows per person for the most comfortable sleep. Some rooms have balcony or terrace. The accommodation units are located within the two separate houses.
Hotel Bastion is a unique city boutique-hotel which accentuates the cultural heritage of the city of Zadar It is located in the historic core, built on the remains of the medieval fortress “Kastela” from the 13th Century; an invaluable monument of medieval fortification in Zadar. Hotel Bastion offers 28 luxury equipped rooms, an assortment of gastronomic delicacies, wellness center and a video conference room.
Split’s most extraordinary place to stay, Vestibul Palace lies in the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace beside the ancient Roman vestibule walls. Highly exclusive, this delightful boutique property has just seven contemporary-styled rooms and suites, a bar, restaurant and a wine cellar in the city’s most romantic and historic setting.
