Day 1

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Dubrovnik. For flight details please see the enclosed departure details. On arrival, you will be taken either to the four-star rated Hotel Park in Makarska for three nights half-board. Makarska itself is a small town nestled around two coves, with lovely stretches of beach on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Dalmatia with its glittering blue sea. The hotel is approximately ten minutes walk from the old centre with its main square and Franciscan monastery. Set directly on a shingle beach, the hotel boasts a wellness centre with an outdoor swimming pool with terrace overlooking the sea, fitness room and saunas. The good quality restaurant serves a choice of international and typical Dalmatian cuisine. The rooms themselves are extremely tastefully appointed in a very fresh, modern style, all with private facilities, air-conditioning, safe and minibar. Or some departures will stay at the four-star rated Hotel Plaza in Omis, a lovely little village, dominated by two medieval fortresses with remnants of the old city walls still intact. The hotel is shaded by aromatic pine forests and is set in a cove on a stretch of beautiful coastline. The sea is invitingly crystal-clear and there is a welcome lack of development. The hotel is approximately a ten-minute stroll from the centre of Omis, is extremely comfortable and has direct access to the beach. It has a wellness centre, restaurant and bar with a delightful terrace overlooking the beach. The modern rooms are well appointed all with private facilities, air-conditioning, minibar, safe and hairdryer. Both hotels provide a perfect base for our programme of visits over the next few days.

Day 2

After breakfast we take the drive inland to the Krka Valley where the river Krka flows through a series 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 stunning area. It is home to an eye-catching series of lakes where water cascades from one to the next in an extensive 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 majestic 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 dramatic stretches of the river where several tiers of waterfall tumble magnificently into a broad, shallow pool where you may swim should you wish. We will spend some time taking in the beautiful surroundings before returning to our hotel during the afternoon.

Day 3

Today we drive north along the stunning coastline before arriving at Split, principally famous for a single building, in fact one of the greatest 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 special is that during medieval times it was fully integrated into the fabric of the town with a jumble of buildings grafted onto it. This meant for example the temple of Jupiter became a baptistry. All the more fascinating is that today 3,000 people still live within its walls. You will find surprises at every turn: there are tall medieval buildings lining the streets but buttressed by unmistakable roman columns! This morning we will have a guided walking tour of this fascinating complex
This afternoon we visit the nearby medieval citadel of Trogir,
one of the most charming 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 chaotic lanes, nestling behind its seemingly impregnable ramparts. The centre is the exquisitely decorated 13th century cathedral, but the real monument is the town itself. Just to wander where your feet take you, cast an eye over one of the antique shops or just enjoy a coffee in a pavement café is a real pleasure before returning to our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 4

This morning we depart Omis or Makarska heading south, our journey hugging the beautiful coastline. We then traverse the river Neretva delta, a veritable haven for birdlife before arriving at the ancient town of Mostar perched on lofty cliffs overlooking the turbulent river below.
Once a provincial capital of the Ottoman Empire then annexed by the Austro-Hungarians, Mostar has changed little over the years and its appearance reflects this multitude of influences. There are 16th century mosques, Turkish houses and the fine 19th century town hall which could have been transplanted from central Europe! You can still see and hear skilled artisans making all sorts of metal goods in their tiny workshops much as they must have done for hundreds of years. Mostar’s principal claim to fame is its amazing bridge linking the two halves of the old town. Constructed of stone centuries ago, it was damaged during the 1990’s but has been totally reconstructed as a symbol of reconciliation. We then continue to Dubrovnik staying for four nights half-board.
Our hotel is the three-star superior rated Hotel Argosy, a superb contemporary hotel and exceptionally well managed. It is situated on a rocky promontory into the Adriatic and therefore enjoys beautiful sea-views on three sides. All rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, minibar, safe and hairdryer. The hotel provides us with an excellent relaxing base for continuing our tour.

Day 5

Dubrovnik, an independent city-state for much of its history, has evolved differently to the rest of Croatia. The city threw off its Venetian masters in medieval times and founded a commercial empire trading with the eastern Mediterranean, France, Spain and later the Ottoman Empire. As so often happens, the city started to reflect its resultant wealth. Today this wonderfully beautiful baroque city nestles behind its huge imposing ramparts in a situation of outstanding natural beauty.  The main avenue, lined by unspoilt intimate cafes, is completely paved with marble, which dazzlingly reflects the midday sun, giving credence to its description ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Throughout the city you will find a wonderful array of monasteries, beautifully decorated churches and civic buildings dating from the 14th century, reflecting 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 6

Today you have a free day, so what is it to be? Enjoy a coffee on the main square, watching the world go by, take a relaxing cruise around the picturesque harbour crammed with luxurious looking yachts, take a stroll around the city walls, soak up the sunshine, enjoy a leisurely lunch or perhaps simply catch up on some reading. The choice is yours.

Day 7

Today we take the short drive south to one of Europe’s newest countries, the outstandingly beautiful Montenegro. We soon cross the border, still following the sapphire-blue coastline and prepare to be truly amazed by the views we take in en route! Our journey takes us around a huge inland sea, which resembles a lake with the topography rather reminiscent of Switzerland. Reflections of the surrounding mountains dance on the water whilst sleepy, picturesque and beautifully timeless fishing villages line the shoreline. Our first stop is the medieval town of Kotor, nestling below a mountainside, in probably Montenegro’s most dramatic setting. Walled, with a labyrinth of cobbled streets surrounding its Orthodox Cathedral that radiate to quiet intimate squares, it really is a delight to explore. Its bustling market really is from yesteryear, with individual stalls selling local homemade cheese, cured hams, honey and Mediterranean vegetables of every colour, shape and size in a refreshingly eclectic manner! You can try some of the local wine too, which, despite its lack of international exposure, really is rather good – and exceptional value. We continue our journey visiting the medieval town of Budva and then cross the inland sea by boat returning to Dubrovnik at the end of the afternoon.

Day 8

Today a coach will return us to the airport at the appropriate time.