Authentic Croatia

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival at Dubrovnik airport - overnight stay in the Dubrovnik area.

  

  Arrival at Dubrovnik airport. Collection of the vehicle from the selected category for a 12-day rental (see "rental conditions"). Drive to a village in the Dubrovnik region. Journey time: 15 min. Check-in at your rural cottage(s) SVETA ANA 1 3*. The rural accommodation consists of 2 exclusive stone cottages, built in the traditional style, rated superior 3 stars, and features a 100 m² swimming pool with massage jets. The cottages are studio-type, with an area of 34 m², equipped with an air-conditioned living area with a comfortable armchair-bed, a television, a kitchen (hob, refrigerator, toaster, dishwasher) and a bathroom with a shower and a washing machine. Each cottage can accommodate 2+1 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. You will have large spaces with terraces, a volleyball/badminton court, and the possibility to have barbecues. A unique project in the Dubrovnik region for those who love authentic and off-the-beaten-path travel, with a refined approach to the most famous tourist site in Croatia: the Dubrovnik region. Nearby are the beautiful sandy beaches of the village of Molunat, the impressive beach at the foot of the Pasjača cliffs, as well as typical restaurants by the Ljuta river or in the seaside villages, Cavtat and Molunat. The large village of Gruda has several shops. The territory of Konavle has an ancient history. Its name comes from Canalis, the canals built by the Romans to supply their camp Epidaurus, today the magnificent village of Cavtat. Konavle is a unique microclimate on the Croatian Adriatic coast, between the sea and the Snježnica massif peaking at 1234 meters, renowned for its cypress forests embracing its authentic stone villages. Between the two stretches the Konavle field, crossed by the Ljuta river. Its inhabitants have managed to preserve their traditions: silk farming, viticulture, olive growing, architecture... by promoting their land through many agrotourism-classified restaurants, artists, folk dances in traditional costumes, ethnographic museums, various maritime and land sports activities, hiking trails... It offers great sightseeing advantages: it is home to Dubrovnik airport, is located on the border with the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro and thus allows you to discover one of the most remarkable regions of Croatian tourism in a natural and peaceful setting, for true rejuvenation and an original, rich and genuine tourist experience. Lunch and dinner at your leisure Note: in addition to bath and hand towels, you will find in the cottages: soap, shower gel, dishwasher tablets, salt, sugar, oil, vinegar.

• day 2

  Dubrovnik (UNESCO) - overnight stay in the Dubrovnik area

  

  Self-service breakfast (food is provided for the duration of your stay: you will have toast bread, butter, jam, ham, sliced cheese, cereals, yogurts, fruit juice, coffee, and tea). Route to Dubrovnik. Travel time: 40 min. Dubrovnik was a Mediterranean city-state that managed to preserve its freedom and avoid conflicts thanks to skillful diplomacy. It abolished slavery as early as the 15th century, its hygiene measures helped avoid major epidemics, and its facades are all identical to prevent social unrest... So many astonishing measures from this avant-garde system in history. The scale of its trade can be seen in every stone of this city, which is among the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. "The Pearl of the Adriatic," listed by UNESCO, is the top tourist destination in Croatia and will surprise you with its exceptional beauty and culture, at the crossroads between Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Near East. We recommend visiting the Rector's Palace, the Franciscan Monastery for its old pharmacy, and the Dominican Monastery for its collection of typical Dubrovnik paintings, not to mention its imposing ramparts! From the old town of Dubrovnik, the following options are available: - Swimming at Banja Beach, located just east of the old town. It is the most famous beach in Dubrovnik, where many celebrities have swum, such as Jackie Kennedy, John Malkovich, Nick Nolte, Roger Moore, the Queen of England... - The cable car and Saint-Serge hill with Napoleon's Imperial Fort, which today houses a museum about the Yugoslav war of explosion. - Take the ferry to visit the island of Lokrum, a small natural gem, known for its 11th-century Benedictine monastery. The crossing takes 15 minutes. Napoleon had a fortress built there, then the Habsburgs owned and developed it. Lokrum Island also offers a rich botanical garden and is now a protected nature reserve, thus uninhabited, with lovely walks, a café, and a restaurant. It is a favorite swimming spot for Dubrovnik residents. - Sea kayaking tour along the ramparts... or other sports activities (jet ski, parasailing, diving...) Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 1 cottages in the village, in the Dubrovnik region. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 3

  The Bay of Kotor (UNESCO), with Kotor and Perast in Montenegro – overnight stay in the Dubrovnik region.

  

  (ID required, currency: euro) Self-service breakfast Drive to Perast along the scenic coastal road. We recommend crossing the border at the small Vitaljina crossing, which is 15 minutes from Poljice. Travel time: 1h00 Free exploration The entirety of Perast is classified as a historical heritage site, located in the heart of the Bay of Kotor. It is a museum-village whose baroque palace architecture recalls its illustrious maritime past. The site is remarkable for the votive church Our Lady of the Rocks, built on an artificial islet by its inhabitants to pay homage to an icon of the Virgin, which according to legend was found on a rock off the village. It is served by boat shuttles. Austere on the outside, you will be impressed by its collection of ex-votos and the richness of its baroque paintings illustrating the Kotor style that emerged in the 17th century. Drive to Kotor. Travel time: 30 min. Free exploration of Kotor The city of Kotor is a fortified city of ancient origin benefiting from an exceptional natural port: the Bay of Kotor. It built its reputation on trade and maritime transport, especially from the 12th to the 14th century, when it was part of the Serbian Empire. A meeting place of cultures, you will find both Catholic and Orthodox churches. Its ramparts, an incredible 5.5 km long, rise on the slopes of the Bay of Kotor and offer splendid views of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. We recommend visiting the Saint Tryphon Cathedral, the maritime museum, and its ramparts. Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 1 cottages in the village, in the Dubrovnik region. Travel time: 1h30 Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 4

  Sailing cruise in the Elaphite archipelago - overnight stay in the Dubrovnik region.

  

  Self-service breakfast Meet at the port of Dubrovnik, the starting point for the private sailing cruise. Travel time: 40 min. The principle of a private cruise is that you can set the itinerary with the skipper according to your wishes. The boat is reserved for the day. The Elaphites are the southernmost archipelago of islands in Croatia and the Adriatic Sea. It is made up of 13 islands, 3 of which are still inhabited today. Koločep was a former Greek colony dating back to the 4th century BC. It is home to pretty little Croatian pre-Romanesque churches and a protected natural park, equipped with beautiful, easy hiking trails. The island of Lopud is known for its maritime tradition, as evidenced by its old palaces. It is famous for its magnificent fine sandy beach, Šunj. Šipan has a high concentration of olive trees and is called "The Golden Island." The village of Suđurađ offers the only fully restored and visitable noble residence of the former Republic of Dubrovnik, allowing you to discover the typical rural architectural heritage of the region. The Elaphites are famous for their exceptionally clear waters. This cruise will take you between a dream and a reality of almost untouched beauty. You will first sail to the island of Koločep where there is a blue cave. This phenomenon is due to a particular situation: the cave is half filled with seawater. Daylight enters through the opening of the cave, which is just below the surface of the water, giving bluish reflections on its walls. The island of Koločep is a protected natural park with very beautiful hiking trails. Sailing time: 1h00 Continue to the island of Lopud, an island of wealthy shipowners, famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. Sailing time: 1h00 Free time and lunch at your leisure in one of the many seaside restaurants. 5:00 p.m. Return to Dubrovnik by boat, then to the SVETA ANA 1 cottages in the village in the Dubrovnik region. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 5

  Pasjača beach, Cavtat and gourmet dinner in Konavle - overnight stay in the Dubrovnik region

  

  Self-service breakfast Route to Popovići. Travel time: 20 min. Swimming at the paradisiacal Pasjača beach, at the foot of the Konavle cliffs. Just the path along the cliffs will leave you with an unforgettable memory. Pasjača is ranked among the 24 most beautiful beaches in Europe. An unusual experience! Return to the Sveta Ana Lodges cottages in Poljice. Route to Cavtat. Travel time: 20 min. Free exploration. Cavtat is one of the most beautiful villages on the Dubrovnik Riviera. It is for its unique natural position, protected by two capes jutting into the sea, that the Romans chose this enchanting place to found the colony "Epidaurus." When it was destroyed by the arrival of the Croats, the refugees went on to found Dubrovnik. Thus, the history of these two towns is closely linked. Today, Cavtat is a typical stone village with grand captains' houses, renowned for its restaurants, cafés, and a magnificent seaside promenade. It is home to a mausoleum created by the great Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, a Franciscan monastery, and the birthplace of a great impressionist artist, Vlaho Bukovac. A little gem full of color where it's good to just enjoy life... Route to the locality of Ljuta. Travel time: 20 min. Dinner at the renowned restaurant Konavoski Dvori. Konavoski Dvori means "the palaces of Konavle." It was a vast complex of watermills using the power of the Ljuta river (meaning "the furious"). In Yugoslav times, part of the complex was restored to create one of the most renowned restaurants in all of southern Croatia. Even though other restaurants could claim fine gastronomy in the Dubrovnik region, the tradition and setting of the Konavoski Dvori restaurant remain unmatched. The waitresses wear traditional costumes and the food is entirely organic. The natural setting is magical. Cooking under the bell (very original) The principle is that veal and lamb meats, with potatoes flavored with herbs, are placed on a dish set on a bed of embers. It is covered with a bell with a metal ring so that embers are also kept on top. Cooking lasts about 3 hours. The food becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside... With the local wines, it's a real treat! Menu Local aperitif: liqueur or brandy Starter: Dalmatian smoked ham and Pag island cheeses with olives Main course: veal and lamb with potatoes cooked under the bell Dessert: carob cake Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 1 cottages in the village, in the Dubrovnik region. Free lunch.

• day 6

  The Pelješac peninsula, with a discovery of oyster and mussel farming with a producer, wine tasting at a winemaker's, and a visit to Korčula. Overnight stay near Korčula.

  

  Self-service breakfast. Classified road, along the Dubrovnik riviera to Ston Veliki. Travel time: 1h30. Free exploration of Ston. The village of Ston is located at the connection of the Pelješac peninsula with the mainland. It is known for mariculture, especially the farming of the Mediterranean oyster, a specialty not to be missed! It also hosts the salt pans of the former Republic of Dubrovnik, still in operation. However, its most remarkable monument is its walls, which are among the longest in Europe, a human feat! Route to Zamaslina. Travel time: 5 min. Excursion in the oyster and mussel fields with a producer and show cooking on board. You will board a small Dalmatian wooden boat called a trabakula. You will first go to the mussel and oyster fields to discover the farming process in situ. You can swim in the farming fields with masks and snorkels provided for you. The producer will let you taste 6 oysters taken directly from the sea and will prepare mussels "buzara" style in front of you, that is, cooked with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. A glass of white wine from the famous Pelješac vineyards will accompany this typical dish. It is possible to swim near deserted islets in the clear water of the protected bay of Ston. The excursion lasts about 1h30. Route to the village of Ponike. Travel time: 15 min. Wine and olive oil tasting at a winemaking family. Welcome and a short presentation of viticulture on the Pelješac peninsula with a tasting of liqueurs, then white wine with an olive oil tasting. Then, tasting of 2 types of red wines from the native Plavac Mali variety with cheese resting in olive oil. The Vukas family has lived exclusively from viticulture for generations. Their production is entirely organic, combining traditional methods and modern oenology to obtain wines of exceptional quality. Route through the Pelješac peninsula, known for its splendid landscapes, to Orebić. Travel time: 45 min. Pelješac is the longest peninsula in Croatia and a territory of wild beauty with its coves of crystal-clear waters. It is renowned for its wines, especially Dingač, produced in the Potomje vineyard, among the best reds in the country. Ferry transfer from Orebić to Dominče (Korčula). Ticket included. Travel time: 20 min. Route to Korčula. Travel time: 10 min. Free exploration of Korčula. Korčula conveys the spirit of the Dalmatian islands, marked by the Venetian presence and the influences of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Its history is especially marked by the brotherhoods that are still active today. An important seaport in the Middle Ages, it was the birthplace of the great merchant and traveler Marco Polo. The island is renowned for its olive oil and wines. Boat lines connect it to the islands of Mljet, Hvar, and the cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Its waters are exceptionally clear and are a paradise for swimming. Route to a village near Korčula. Travel time: 10 min. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 2 3* guesthouse. Accommodation in double room(s). The family guesthouse is located in a village, at a distance of 1.5 km from the historic center of Korčula. It is in the bay of Školjka, known for its beautiful beach. A seaside walk allows you to walk from the village to Korčula (30 min.), or there are private boat lines between the Školjka bay pontoon and the town of Korčula. The guesthouse also offers the possibility of transfers by taxis of different sizes, offers traditional homemade cuisine, privileged contact with locals, and the possibility to relax in its large outdoor pool. Dinner at leisure.

• day 7

  Mljet Island National Park, in the footsteps of Ulysses – overnight stay near Korčula.

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to Korčula. Travel time: 10 min. You can walk to Korčula by taking the seaside promenade that goes from the village beach to Korčula. Walking time: 15-20 min. Transfer by scheduled motor catamaran from Korčula to Pomena (Mljet). Travel time: 30 min. Ticket included. Free discovery of the Mljet Island National Park (entrance not included, to be paid on site). We recommend visiting the islet of Saint Mary with its ancient 11th-century monastery. Mljet is the island of the Odyssey where Ulysses is said to have stopped... in the arms of the nymph Calypso, for 7 beautiful years. Pine and oak forests cover its territory, a third of which is part of the national park. Its main uniqueness lies in two lakes connected to each other and themselves connected to the sea by a narrow passage. On the largest of the lakes there is another island, so an island within the island! This unique configuration was created by the rise of the waters around 10,000 BC, creating exceptional flora and fauna. On the islet of Saint Mary there is an old Benedictine monastery dating from the Middle Ages, now housing a restaurant. This place is ideal for swimming, as the water temperature of the lakes is higher than that of the sea. Its walks will quickly make you understand why Ulysses no longer wanted to leave. Transfer by scheduled motor catamaran from Pomena to Korčula. Ticket included. Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 2 guesthouse in the village near Korčula. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 8

  Šibenik (UNESCO) - overnight stay near Plitvice

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to the pier for the ferry at Dominče. Travel time: 5 min. Ferry transfer from Dominče to Orebić. Ticket included. Travel time: 20 min. Scenic drive to Šibenik, passing over the spectacular 2.5 km long bridge between the Pelješac peninsula and the mainland, the market gardens of the Neretva river delta, and the Dalmatian plateaus. Travel time: 3h00. Free discovery of Šibenik. Šibenik is a picturesque Dalmatian village founded by the Croats, unlike other Dalmatian towns of ancient origin. A royal city hosting many fortresses, it is famous for its Saint James Cathedral, an unparalleled architectural feat that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Šibenik is one of the few cities in Croatia with a beautiful beach close to the historic center. Route to a village in the Dinaric mountains. Travel time: 2h15. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 3* guesthouse. Accommodation in double room(s). The SVETA ANA 3* guesthouse is a group of traditional houses of superior 3-star and 4-star category, built entirely with local materials, notably travertine from the rivers, which is now protected. It is one of the few structures in the national park that has a swimming pool, as it was built before the park's protection measures. All rooms are equipped with solid wood, with different types of wood in each room (walnut, acacia, oak, ...), representing beautiful craftsmanship. It also offers a specialty restaurant. The family running the establishment is part of the Serbian minorities of Croatia who have lived in the mountains since the 16th century. The site is located in a natural paradise within the Plitvice National Park itself. Lunch and dinner on your own.

• day 9

  Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) - overnight stay near Plitvice.

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to the Plitvice Lakes. Travel time: 10 min. (Entrance to the national park not included. We will provide instructions for booking online in the roadbook). Free visit of the national park with the travertine waterfalls in the upper part, the electric boat on the large central lake Kozjak, and the lower canyon with the big waterfall and the rubber-tired train. Distance: 8 km. Actual walking time: 3h00 – Hiking time with breaks: 5h00 - Difficulty level: 2/5 The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the Lika region, in the mountains of Croatia. This natural phenomenon, listed by UNESCO, is made up of 16 crystal-clear lakes that flow into each other through magnificent waterfalls. A paradise of nature. You will discover the entire park with the travertine waterfalls in the upper part, the electric boat on the large central lake Kozjak, and the lower canyon with the great 70 m waterfall. There are rest areas in the national park itself, with bistros offering grilled dishes and some simple meals. The paths are accessible and easy. Protected since the end of the 19th century, it is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Croatia. Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 3 guesthouse in the village near Plitvice. Lunch and dinner not included.

• day 10

  Zadar (UNESCO) - overnight stay in the bay of Split

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to Zadar. Travel time: 2h00 Free discovery of Zadar. Zadar has a very ancient heritage, dating back to Antiquity and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main square is a Roman forum with the complex built by Saint Donat in the 9th century, including a church modeled after that of Aachen, illustrating the close political ties with Charlemagne. The Benedictine sisters of Zadar have preserved an important collection of goldsmithery called Gold and Silver. Zadar is a dynamic city that has created modern monuments, such as its organ integrated into the quay on which the sea and winds "play," a mystical organic melody. Route to a village in the bay of Split. Travel time: 1h30 Check-in at the SVETA ANA 4 3* hotel. Accommodation in Superior double room(s) with balcony and sea view. Parking included. The SVETA ANA 4 hotel is located in the bay of Kaštela, between Split and Trogir, directly on the seafront. This 3-star boutique hotel was once a typical palace of the region. It offers quality accommodation as well as an à la carte restaurant, specializing in modern interpretations of traditional local cuisine. Lunch and dinner at leisure.

• day 11

  Split (UNESCO) - overnight stay in the bay of Split

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to Split. Travel time: 20 min. Free discovery of Split. Split is an original monument in that it is alive. The original Roman palace was constantly transformed throughout history, each era leaving its mark to create this magma of architectural styles in constant turmoil, today the center of the second largest city in Croatia and the second port in the country. Its cathedral is the oldest in the world and a beautiful illustration of the spirit of Split, as it was the mausoleum of the greatest persecutor of Christians, Emperor Diocletian. The paradoxical state of preservation of Emperor Diocletian's palace earned it its UNESCO World Heritage status. You will discover an extraordinary monument! Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 4 hotel in the bay of Split. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 12

  Departure from Split Airport (Trogir)

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to Split airport. Travel time: 20 min. Return of the vehicle. Departure flight If your flight schedule allows, we suggest visiting Trogir. Trogir is located on a small island very close to the mainland, to which it is connected by a bridge. Another bridge allows you to go from Trogir to the neighboring island of Čiovo! The island of Trogir is an ancient Greek colony founded in the 4th century BC. Its commercial past can be seen in the richness of the architecture of its palaces and its cathedral, with a revolutionary portal for its time. The charm of the old town also lies in getting lost in its maze of medieval alleys, where the past coexists with the present. This beauty at every moment explains its UNESCO listing and the discovery of a bas-relief representing the Greek god Kairos, the god of the happy moment... but be careful: he runs very fast!