10 Day – Croatia Land & Mini Cruise

DAY 1 SUN
Arrival to Zagreb airport.
Transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Zagreb area.

DAY 2 MON
Breakfast at the hotel.
Zagreb sightseeing tour with local guide (duration; approx. 2 hrs)
Zagreb grew up on two neighbouring hills: Kaptol – the centre of spiritual and religious life of north-western Croatia and Gradec – the commercial centre of skilful tradesmen and craftsmen. Visit the Upper Town with its Gothic Cathedral, the beautiful and ornate St. Catherine’s church or the massive St. Mark’s church with its famous colour-tiled roof. Continue to the medieval Stone Gate and “Dolac”, the open-air market which are a must for all visitors.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Zagreb area.

DAY 3 TUE
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer from Zagreb to National Park Plitvice lakes (duration approx. 2 hrs)
Visit of Plitvice National Park with local guide (duration; approx. 2,5 hrs)
Plitvice National Park is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved national parks in the country. This is why the entire lakes and surrounding area were declared a national park in 1949 and are listed on the UNESCO`s list of World Heritage Sites because of its exceptional beauty. it is a valley situated between high forested mountains in which lie, one below another, a string of sixteen beautiful lakes of crystal blue and green waters. Fed by small streams and brooks, they spill into each other in 92 foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls.
Transfer continues to Zadar (duration approx. 2 hrs)
Overnight at the hotel in Zadar area.

DAY 4 WED
Breakfast at the hotel.
Zadar sightseeing with local guide (duration approx. 2 hrs)
The Zadar peninsula still preserves very old network of narrow and charming city streets, as well as a Roman forum dating back to the first century AD. The town is fortified with medieval walls, distinguished for their pretty and impressive ports – entries in the city all dating back to the sixteenth century. Even Alfred Hitchcock was impressed and supposedly said that the sunset here is more beautiful than in California.
Rest of the day at leisure for personal exploring.
Overnight at the hotel in Zadar area.

DAY 5 THU
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private transfer from Zadar to Trogir (duration approx. 1,5 hr)
Stop in Trogir for personal exploring:
Trogir is a town-museum in the very meaning of the word. Lovers of cultural and historical monuments, art, original architecture and nice alleys are given the opportunity in Trogir to learn about the manifold and complex heritage – from the Romanesque yard to the modern interiors. During the walk around the city, guests can enjoy the centuries old town with its streets and buildings.
Transfer continues from Trogir to Split.
In the afternoon,
Split sightseeing tour with local guide (duration approx. 2 hrs)
The old town of Split is built on and around the spectacular Roman Palace erected by the Roman Emperor Diocletian (born in Salona – today’s Solin) in the 4th century. The walking tour starts with a visit to the cellars of the Palace that are still very well preserved. The cellars offer a good view at how the life in the Palace was organized. Other sites such as the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate, the Peristyle Square etc. will be seen from the outside.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Split area.

DAY 6 FRI
Breakfast at the hotel.
OPTIONAL: Blue Cave and Hvar excursion from Split (duration approx. 10 hrs) – regular departure:
Witness the originality and magnificence of the Blue Cave on Biševo Island. Float in Stiniva Cove, taking in the towering cliffs that encircle you. Strap on your diving mask and explore a thriving underwater world by Budikovac Island before visiting Palmižana Bay. Sign off your day with a stroll through the quaint streets of Hvar Town, lined with Venetian palaces, a palm-dotted seafront, and bustling squares.
Overnight at the hotel in Split area.

DAY 7 SAT CRUISE FROM SPLIT – MAKARSKA (L)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer from Hotel to Port
Join the Mini Cruise
An amazing 3 day cruise in the stunning Dalmatia region following the Adriatic coast from Split to Dubrovnik with 2 nights on board to see the highlights of this famous coast line and her islands. Bring casual gear and a relaxed attitude as the captain and crew take care of you. Days are for swimming, snorkeling or exploring the blue Adriatic. Evenings are at leisure to enjoy dinner in one of the many waterside restaurants or explore historic monuments on our overnight base or just chill under the stars.

Leave Split harbour at 13:00h (late arrivals can join in Makarska) southwards towards Makarska. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast whilst enjoying your lunch and afternoon swim at one of the wonderful beaches. If you’re feeling adventurous you can join our optional river rafting excursion or zipline on the Cetina river then rejoin the ship in Makarska later in the evening. This is a place with a stunning seafront promenade, some interesting walks and historic squares. There’s a food Med buzz here too. Overnight Makarska.

DAY 9- SUN MAKARSKA – MLJET (B, L)
Early morning departure towards the island of Mljet with a stop on the Pelješac peninsula for a refreshing swim. Afternoon visit to the seawater lakes of the Mljet National Park to enjoy the sun, sea and tranquility of this peaceful island. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, the isle and monastery of St. Mary can be visited. Overnight in port of Polača/Pomena.

DAY 10- MON MLJET – DUBROVNIK (B, L)
After breakfast we depart for famous Dubrovnik, the highlight of this cruise. En route is the time to take in the amazing green of nature on our way to towards “the heaven on earth” – as the famous writer George Bernard Shaw described Dubrovnik. Arrival to Dubrovnik depending on conditions and availability in port off Gruž. Check out after lunch till 15 h. You can explore Dubrovnik on your own or join our guided tour of the city followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town and Lokrum Island.
Accommodation at Grand Hotel Park 4*
Economy Double room on BB Basis

DAY 11- TUE
Transfer to airport for flight to Budapest

COST PER PERSON SHARING: EUR2,000 /(±ZAR35,000 PP)

Included:
• Accommodation in 4* Hotels (land arrangements
• Accommodation in Premium double lower deck cabin with buffet breakfast and
3 Course lunches
• Guided tour of Dubrovnik.
• Afternoon tea and coffee with biscuits, unlimited water from water dispenser
• Free wi-fi, luggage handling, daily cabin service
• Transfers with a/c vehicle as follow:
• Zagreb airport – hotel in Zagreb area
• Hotel in Zagreb area – National Park Plitvice lakes- hotel in Zadar area
• Hotel in Zadar area – Trogir – hotel in Split area
• Hotel in Split to Split Port
• Port to Dubrovnik Hotel / Dubrovnik Hotel to airport

Local guides:
• Visit of Plitvice National Park
• Zagreb sightseeing tour
• Zadar sightseeing tour
• Split sightseeing tour

Entrance fees:
• Split (Diocletian’s Palace)
• Plitvice National Park

Excluded:
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in itinerary
• Porterage
• Tips
• Optional excursions
• Any other service not mentioned above
• Visitors tax and Port fees EUR12 per person per cruise
• Supplement for optional excursions on SIC Basis per person EUR120
Blue Cave and Hvar excursion from Split –
Blue and Green Cave excursion includes: boat transportation, crew, safety equipment (*entrance fees to Blue Cave excluded, payable at the spot only – approx. KN 100 / € 14)

For more information contact : res@rufaro.co.za