Live Croatia

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival at Zagreb airport - overnight stay in Zagreb.

  

  Arrival at Zagreb airport. Vehicle pick-up of the selected category for a 15-day rental. Drive to Zagreb. Travel time: 30 min. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 1 4* hotel. Accommodation in double room(s). Parking in the garage included. The SVETA ANA 1 hotel is located in the center, a few steps from the main train station. The art and decoration of the hotel are related to the culture of the city and the country, namely the industrial past of Zagreb. In fact, the building was a former chocolate factory. The modern, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a minibar, a flat-screen satellite TV, and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms have a shower, a hairdryer, and free toiletries. In addition to the eclectic and warm atmosphere, its à la carte restaurant features original Croatian and international specialties. Its central location is another great advantage to perfect your quality stay in the Croatian capital. Lunch and dinner at leisure

• day 2

  The capital of Croatia is Zagreb - overnight stay near Pula.

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Free discovery of Zagreb. Zagreb was a crossroads of trade routes between the continent and the sea, as well as a gateway from Central Europe to the Balkans. Its fair was famous in the Middle Ages. For a long time, it was one of the easternmost Catholic bishoprics in Europe, hence the originality of its fortified cathedral. The city's history is marked by the opposition between the Kaptol hill, the ecclesiastical seat, and the Grič hill, the center of secular power, which grew with the city to become the capital of Croatia. Zagreb is a green city, with many parks enlivened by numerous street events throughout the year. It was also an important artistic center and we especially recommend you discover its museum of naïve art, typical of Croatia. Drive to a picturesque medieval village near Pula and the sea. Travel time: 3h15. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 2 4* hotel. Accommodation in Superior double room(s). Parking included. The SVETA ANA 2 hotel is a 4-star heritage family hotel, named after the main street of the romantic medieval village located in the southwestern part of the Istrian peninsula. Its history is unique: seeing his village emptying, the owner gradually bought several houses in the village center to realize his concept of a "village-hotel." The restaurant is located in the former tavern. Everything is restored with the aim of preserving the authenticity of the old stone village, elegantly combined with modern comfort. Each room is unique. The complex is equipped with an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a wellness area. The initiative was awarded as the best family hotel in Croatia in 2015. Lunch and dinner at leisure.

• day 3

  Rovinj - overnight stay near Pula

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to Rovinj. Travel time: 20 min. Free discovery of Rovinj. Rovinj is a town that originally developed on a peninsula dominated by the church dedicated to its patron saint, Saint Euphemia. According to legend, her tomb appeared on the beach and, despite all efforts, nothing could move it. Only a shepherd child managed to push the tomb to the top of the peninsula. Its winding streets are lively, with artists' and craftsmen's stalls. Its architecture is marked by Venetian heritage mixed with Croatian charm. Its market is one of the liveliest in Istria. A city full of colors and surprises. Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 2 hotel in the medieval village near Pula. Lunch and dinner at leisure.

• day 4

  Pula and the Brijuni National Park - overnight stay near Pula

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to Pula. Travel time: 20 min. Free exploration of Pula. Pula is an ancient Roman city. Its 1st-century AD amphitheater is one of the best preserved in the world and is still used for concerts and theatrical performances. It houses a museum presenting the Roman heritage. The city center is nearby and also illustrates this ancient past. One of the entrances is an old ancient triumphal arch and the main square was the forum, with the Temple of Augustus now converted into a museum. It is also possible to visit the 17th-century Austrian fort in the upper part of the city. The city of Pula has many restaurants and cafés and is very lively, like any coastal town in Istria. Route to the village of Fažana near Pula. Travel time: 20 min. Free exploration of the national park. We recommend the option with the boat and the small train on the island of Veliki Brijun. The boat ride lasts 15 minutes. Entrance not included, to be paid on site. The visit of the national park is done in a group with a guide. This archipelago of 14 islands will delight you with its native vegetation, meadows, archaeological sites as well as its safari park where you can see exotic animals. Part of the visit is done by small train to allow you to visit the areas far from the center of the island: the Verige bay with the remains of a 1st-century Roman villa rustica and the safari park. The visit also includes the small 15th-century Gothic church of Saint-Germain with copies of frescoes and Glagolitic monuments of Istria, the visit of the park with 169 kinds of native plants as well as the natural history collection and the photo exhibition "Tito on the Brijuni Islands" (Brijun Island was the private residence of Marshal Tito, president of Yugoslavia). The entire visit lasts about 3h00. Return and overnight at the hotel SVETA ANA 2 in the medieval village near Pula. Lunch and dinner on your own.

• day 5

  Poreč and presentation of truffle hunting with tasting at a truffle-hunting family's home in a hilltop village in Istria - overnight stay in a village in the Gorski Kotar massif.

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Poreč. Travel time: 45 min. Free exploration of Poreč. Poreč is a picturesque coastal town whose history dates back to Roman antiquity. It also features one of the finest examples of pre-Christian architecture from the 3rd century AD, with magnificent mosaics: the complex of the Euphrasius Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to the village of Paladini. Travel time: 1h15. Truffle discovery excursion and tasting. Meet in the charming village of Paladini, on the heights above the Mirna River canyon, in the municipality of Buzet, not far from the village of Motovun, at the heart of Istria's truffle world. Black and white truffles are among its most famous products. In fact, the largest white truffle in the world was found in the Motovun forest. The producer Karlić welcomes you to his estate, offering magnificent views of the region. A certified, English-speaking truffle hunter will give you a presentation, after which you will walk in the forest with a dog trained to find truffles, as a demonstration. Then, you will go to their house for a tasting of products made from truffles, including a drink that makes for a nice and hearty snack. The program lasts between 2 and a half and 3 hours. A unique educational and gastronomic experience! Drive to a village in the Gorski Kotar massif. Travel time: 1h30. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 3 4* hotel. Accommodation in Superior double room(s) with balcony. The SVETA ANA 3 hotel is a small family-run 4-star hotel, classified as eco-friendly and awarded as one of the best small boutique hotels in Croatia. The building is also a protected historical monument. It has a large wellness area with a whirlpool. But above all, it is renowned for its typical cuisine from the mountainous Gorski Kotar region, as much is homemade and uses local small producers. You can eat game from the region (roe deer, wild boar, bear...) and especially the wild blueberry pastry, which is a protected local recipe. The family is very involved in local tourism development and they are very warm people. Dinner at leisure.

• day 6

  The Gorski Kotar massif and the observation of wild bears in nature - overnight stay in a village of the Gorski Kotar massif.

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Discovery of Lake Bajer or the surroundings of Fužine Fužine is a typical village of the Gorski Kotar massif, located on the edge of the beautiful Lake Bajer. Tourism has been developing there since the 19th century thanks to its particular microclimate, at the meeting point of maritime and mountain conditions, ideal for athletes' training. Most Croatian champions regularly stay there. Lake Bajer remains off the main tourist routes for international travelers. A beautiful walk goes around it, notably connecting the village to the Vrelo cave, which features stalactites and stalagmites typical of the karst context that characterizes Croatia. It is an easy walk not to be missed. Near the village is Mount Viševica, which offers hikes of all levels and, from its summit, extends a splendid view that can reach from the Kvarner Gulf to Zagreb, embracing the Gorski Kotar massifs. It is one of the most beautiful views in Croatia. You can also visit the Zeleni Vir or Kamačnik nature reserves. Near Fužine there is also an adrenaline park, and it is possible to go river kayaking… Route to the village of Tršće. Travel time: 1h00 Wild bear watching excursion Meet in the village of Tršće, at Mirjana Jurkovic's guesthouse. Jeep ride in the wild forest for about 30 minutes. The provider is a lover of nature and wild bears whom he wishes to protect. He gives them treats, without feeding them, and has accustomed them to frequent his grounds. He talks to them. He has built observatories with a chimney to divert odors and offer observers total protection without disturbing the animals (one-way mirrors, etc.). He is equipped with microphones, cameras... Professional equipment. By sharing his passion with photographers and nature lovers, he offers a unique experience and helps to develop awareness of the beauty of an animal to be protected. Waiting for an animal like the bear is a true communion with nature and requires a calm that takes you out of the hectic human routine. An animal in its element has a completely different look than in captivity. Its expressions and intelligence are surprising. The excursion is suitable for families; however, if children participate in the excursion, they simply need to know how to wait patiently and in silence. The fact that Croatia has a stable bear population is the best indicator of ecology, of coexistence between man and nature. The bear is a symbol of Croatia. The probability of seeing bears is high, but it is always possible not to see any animal. In this case, the provider refunds half the price of the excursion, but there is still a jeep ride in a majestic stretch of forest. The excursion lasts from about 15:00 to 19:00. To get an overview, you can watch the following video: https://vimeo.com/603081552 Return to the SVETA ANA 3 hotel in the village, in the Gorski Kotar massif. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 7

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

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to the Plitvice Lakes. Travel time: 2h30 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 (Entry to the national park not included. We will provide instructions for booking online in the roadbook). The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the Lika region, in the mountains of Croatia. This natural phenomenon, listed by UNESCO, consists 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 large 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. Route to a village near Plitvice. Travel time: 15 min. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 4 3* guesthouse. Accommodation in double room(s). The SVETA ANA 4 guesthouse is a group of traditional houses of superior 3-star and 4-star category, built entirely with local materials, notably river travertine which is now protected. It is one of the rare structures in the national park that has a swimming pool, as it was built before the park's protection measures. All rooms are furnished with solid wood, with different types of wood in each room (walnut, acacia, oak, ...) and are a beautiful example of craftsmanship. It also offers a specialty restaurant. The family who runs the establishment is part of the Serbian minority of Croatia who have lived in the mountains since the 16th century. The site is located in a paradise of nature within the Plitvice National Park itself. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 8

  Zadar (UNESCO) - overnight stay in Šibenik

  

  Breakfast at the guesthouse. Route to Zadar. Travel time: 2h30 Free exploration of Zadar Zadar has a very ancient heritage, dating back to Antiquity and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its main square is a Roman forum with the complex built by Saint Donatus in the 9th century, including a church modeled after the one in 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," producing an organic and mystical melody. Route to Šibenik. Travel time: 1h15 Check-in at Villa SVETA ANA 5 3*. Accommodation in a studio apartment. Parking included. Villa SVETA ANA 5 is a typical old stone house, located in the historic center of Šibenik, on the seafront promenade. Located 500 meters from Banj beach, the SVETA ANA 5 house offers accommodation in the form of studios with a kitchen area and a bathroom. Breakfasts are taken in the café located on the ground floor. Your host speaks French and can organize boat tours for you. Parking available on site. Lunch and dinner at your leisure

• day 9

  Šibenik (UNESCO) and Trogir (UNESCO) - overnight stay in the bay of Split

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Free exploration 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 St. James Cathedral, an unparalleled architectural feat that has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Šibenik is one of the few cities in Croatia with a beautiful beach close to the historic center. Drive to Trogir. Travel time: Free exploration of 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 constant beauty 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! Drive to a village in the Split bay. Travel time: 20 min. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 6 3* hotel. Accommodation in Superior double room(s) with balcony and sea view. Parking included. The SVETA ANA 6 hotel is located in the Kaštela bay, 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 10

  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 constantly bubbling architectural styles. Today, it forms the center of the second largest city in Croatia and the country's second port. 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 6 hotel in the bay of Split. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 11

  Marco Polo's native island: Korčula - overnight stay near Korčula

  

  Breakfast at the hotel Scenic drive to Orebić, passing through the Dalmatian plateaus, the market gardens of the Neretva river delta, and the spectacular 2.5 km long bridge between the Pelješac peninsula and the mainland. Travel time: 3h00 Ferry transfer from Orebić to Dominče (Korčula). Ticket included. Travel time: 20 min. Drive to Korčula. Travel time: 10 min. Free discovery of Korčula Korčula reflects 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, which 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. Lunch at leisure. Drive to a village near Korčula. Travel time: 10 min. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 7 3* guesthouse. Accommodation in double room(s). The family guesthouse is located in a village, 1.5 km from the historic center of Korčula. The village is in the bay of Školjka, known for its beautiful beach. A seaside promenade 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 various sizes, offers traditional homemade cuisine, privileged contact with locals, and the opportunity to relax in its large outdoor pool. Traditional dinner cooked under the bell (main course and cake for dessert) The principle is that veal and lamb meats, with potatoes flavored with herbs, are arranged on a dish placed on a bed of embers. It is covered with a bell with a metal ring so that the embers are also kept on top. Cooking lasts about 3 hours. The food then becomes crispy on the surface and tender inside... With the local wines, it's a real treat! A unique dish...

• day 12

  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 national park on the island of Mljet. We recommend visiting the islet of Saint Mary with its ancient 11th-century monastery. (Entrance not included, to be paid on site) 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 7 guesthouse in the village near Korčula. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

• day 13

  The Pelješac peninsula, with wine tasting and discovery of oyster and mussel culture – overnight stay in Dubrovnik.

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the pier for the ferry at Dominče. Duration of the trip: 5 min. Ferry transfer from Dominče to Orebić. Duration of the trip: 20 min. Ticket included. Scenic drive along the Pelješac peninsula to Ston Veliki. 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, considered among the best red wines in the country. Drive to the village of Ponikve. Duration of the trip: 45 min. Wine and olive oil tasting at a winemaking family. Welcome and a brief presentation of viticulture on the Pelješac peninsula with a tasting of liqueurs, then white wine accompanied by an olive oil tasting. Next, tasting of 2 types of red wines from the indigenous Plavac Mali variety with cheese aged 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. Drive to Ston. Duration of the trip: 15 min. Free discovery of Ston Veliki. 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! Drive to Zamaslina. Duration of the trip: 10 min. Excursion in the oyster and mussel fields with an operator 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 operator 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. Drive to Dubrovnik. Duration of the trip: 1h00. Check-in at the SVETA ANA 8 4* hotel. Accommodation in double room(s) with balcony and sea view. Parking included. The SVETA ANA 8 hotel is located just 100 meters from the beach, in the center of the Lapad peninsula in Dubrovnik. Composed of the main hotel building and 2 historic villas, the hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and minibar. The establishment has a large outdoor pool and a modern spa area with an indoor pool. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises. You can use the spa free of charge, which includes a gym, saunas, tropical showers, and Kneipp baths. You can enjoy Croatian and international cuisine at the SVETA ANA 8 hotel restaurant, on the terrace or at its à la carte restaurant. Tennis courts and a seaside promenade with views of the Elaphite Islands are just a few steps from the hotel. The old town of Dubrovnik is easily accessible by public bus, 3 km away. Dinner at leisure.

• day 14

  The Pearl of the Adriatic: Dubrovnik (UNESCO) - overnight stay in Dubrovnik

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Route to Dubrovnik. We recommend that you go there by bus. We will provide you with the information in the roadbook. Travel time: 15 min. Free discovery of Dubrovnik. 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 impressive 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 such as Jackie Kennedy, John Malkovich, Nick Nolte, Roger Moore, the Queen of England have swum... - 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 today a protected nature reserve, thus uninhabited, with lovely walks, a café, and a restaurant. It is a favorite swimming spot for the people of Dubrovnik. - Sea kayaking tour along the ramparts... or other sports activities (jet ski, parasailing, diving...) Return and overnight at the SVETA ANA 8 hotel in Dubrovnik. Lunch and dinner on your own.

• day 15

  Departure from Dubrovnik airport.

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Dubrovnik airport. Travel time: 40 min. Return of the vehicle. Departure flight.