Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Byron christened it, ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, George Bernard Shaw ‘Paradise on Earth’, to us it’s simply idyllic. Naturally beautiful, historically fascinating and wonderfully Mediterranean. Croatia is simply one of Europe's 'must see' destinations, with a recent past unique in European history. Within just five years it experienced the fall of communism, a war and then full independence. Today however, with the scars very much healed, this matchless blend of history, Mediterranean ambience and truly stunning natural beauty is, and rightly so, on the discerning traveller’s map once again.

Ruled for 2,000 years by some of the greatest powers of their time: The Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and the Habsburgs amongst others, have all left their mark both architecturally and culturally. There are Roman palaces, amphitheatres, baroque churches, imposing civic buildings and even mosques. Dubrovnik in particular is a delight, almost a living museum, medieval in character with a heavy influence of the baroque period in the numerous churches and where life spills spontaneously onto its pedestrianised marble streets. Once the centre of a thriving commercial empire, Lord Byron christened it ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, whilst George Bernard Shaw thought it simply ‘Paradise on Earth’. In our view – it is simply idyllic!

The Dalmatian coastline is legendary: one of the most dramatic in Europe, extending for hundreds of miles, where steep limestone cliffs plunge into sapphire-blue waters. Just offshore the mirror-like Adriatic is studded with countless islands, some tiny, some large, some inhabited, some not, but giving scenery almost reminiscent of a series of huge intertwining lakes. The hillsides are clad in a green carpet of lush pine-forests giving that instantly recognisable Mediterranean aroma to the air. Clinging to the coast or nestling in picturesque coves are medieval fishing villages, with tiny shops, refreshingly free from tasteless development, where the alleyways are simply pebbles set into the earth and overhead shutters precariously sway and squeak in the warm, gentle breezes. Life continues much as it has for centuries with the elderly still clad in black, so typical of southern Europe.

Whilst this is a unique country, the Croatians appear very much Mediterranean in character: effervescent, friendly and open. The cuisine really is superb too! Heavily influenced by nearby Greece and Italy, everywhere you find exquisite fish like sea bass, tuna and bream fresh from the sea and cooked in a variety of ways, but best simply grilled. Excellent meats abound too and fresh colourful Mediterranean vegetables such as peppers, aubergines and courgettes, combined with olive oil, create tasty, healthy menus.

What's Included

• Return flights from Bristol
• 7 nights in 4-star accommodation
• Transfers
• Daily visits & tours
• Breakfast & dinner
• Expert tour manager
• Checked luggage
• Guided tour of Dubrovnik, with its medieval and baroque centre almost untouched by the 21st century - ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’
• Visit to Krka National Park and its series of stunning waterfalls and lakes
• Visit to Mostar, with its iconic bridge, once Europe’s border with the Ottoman Empire
• Visit a traditional watermill in the fertile Konavle valley and taste its regional specialities, then spend time in the ancient town of Cavtat
• Guided walking tour of Split including Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace one of the greatest ancient Roman structures
• Visit to medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most seductive old ports
• Tour the Dalmatian coastline, one of Europe’s most dramatic, studded with Venetian influenced, perfectly preserved villages
• Seven nights' four-star hotel accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner

Day 1: Arrive in Croatia

Take your arranged flight to Croatia, where you will be met at the airport by your tour manager. We then transfer to our hotel for the next three night with breakfast and dinner.

Day 2: Krka National Park

After breakfast we take the trip inland to the Krka Valley where the river Krka flows through an array of gorges, lakes and rapids before meeting the sea. The whole valley has been awarded national park status and today we will visit part of this spectacular area. It is home to a stunning series of lakes where water cascades from one to the next in a broad series of interlocking, dramatic waterfalls and cataracts.

Due to minerals dissolved in the water, the colours change from turquoise to azure-blue and vibrant green to steel-like greys. With reflections of the surrounding magnificent peaks and luxuriant forests dancing on the mirror-like lakes, it is impossible not to be awe-struck. We take a boat trip up to one of the most impressive stretches of the river where several tiers of waterfall tumble wonderfully into a broad, shallow pool where you may swim should you wish. We will spend some time taking in the superb surroundings before returning to our hotel during the afternoon.

Day 3: Split & Togir

Today we drive north along the remarkable coastline before arriving at Split, principally famous for a single building, in fact one of the best ever structures of the Roman Empire – the huge palace of the Emperor Diocletian. No expense was spared in its construction, marble came from Italy and columns and sphinxes came from Egypt. What makes the palace so unique is that during medieval times it was fully integrated into the fabric of the town with a mix of buildings grafted onto it.

This afternoon we visit the nearby medieval citadel of Trogir, one of the most charismatic little ports in Dalmatia. The old-town is actually an island and a wealth of Renaissance and Romanesque buildings line a veritable maze of delightfully turbulent lanes, nestling behind its seemingly impregnable ramparts.

Day 4: Mostar

This morning we head south, our journey hugging the dazzling coastline. We then cross the river Neretva delta, a real haven for birdlife before arriving at the ancient town of Mostar perched on soaring cliffs overlooking the turbulent river below. We then continue to Dubrovnik staying for four nights half-board.

Day 5 - 6: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, an independent city-state as much of its history, has advanced differently to the rest of Croatia. Today this amazing, baroque city nestles behind its giant imposing ramparts in a situation of outstanding natural beauty. The main avenue, lined by unspoilt cosy cafes, is completely paved with marble, which reflects the midday sun, giving credence to its description ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.

Throughout the city you will find a admirable array of monasteries, beautifully decorated churches and civic buildings dating from the 14th century, mirroring Dubrovnik’s outstanding artistic heritage. This morning we have a guided walking tour seeing all this and more, and during the afternoon you are free to explore at your leisure.

Day 7: Konavle & Cavtat

This morning we drive south away from the rugged coast around Dubrovnik and through the lush fields and immaculate vineyards of Konavle, Croatia’s southernmost region nestled between the mesmerisingly blue Adriatic Sea and the dramatic mountains. This fertile land became the main granary of the Dubrovnik Republic and has produced grapes, olives and even silk for hundreds of years. Dotting the landscape are villages with centuries-old stone houses, where traditional farming methods and crafts are still very much a part of modern life.

Day 8: Return Flight

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.