Country Roads of Croatia - Small Group - From £1,417

Your Croatian adventure begins in the Capital, Zagreb. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Stross Promenade for your first views over the city. Join your Travel Director for dinner, with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.

Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk to see the Art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, and pass by Zrinjevac Park. Then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, before walking back down through the Stone Gate and returning to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure—relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities, or perhaps take an Optional Experience to Kumrovec, the birthplace of Tito.

Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Return to Croatia in your hotel in Opatija.

Cross the heart-shaped peninsula to explore the Jewels of Istria with your Local Expert. Visit the well-preserved first-century arena at Pula, scene of brutal gladiatorial battles in Roman times. Continue to the charming old town of Rovinj, rising directly from the sea. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-coloured bars and sidewalk cafes.

Enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coast in the morning, journey past sparkling deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands, before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Explore Plitviče with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitviče Lakes National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet one of the women behind the Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.

The green forests of Plitviče Lakes National Park give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters. Walk through the Roman Ruins and market to see the sea organ of Zadar. Witness the dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to Trogir, a city founded by the Greeks in 3rd century BC. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Čipiko Palace before continuing to the historic city of Solin. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.

The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700-year-old palace cellars and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Golden Gate. Your island-hopping adventure begins here. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic to spend two nights on Hvar, famed for being the sunniest island in the country and boasting an interior dotted with lofty mountain peaks and aromatic fields of lavender.

Enjoy a full day at leisure as you explore the hidden coves, secluded beaches and villages of Hvar Island. Spend time discovering Hvar Town, known for its elegant harbour, historic architecture and lively atmosphere. Wander the marble streets of the Old Town, climb to the Venetian Fortress for sweeping views over the Pakleni Islands, or relax by the waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant. You may also wish to explore the boutiques and cafes lining the yacht-filled marina, long a favourite playground of the rich and famous. For those looking to delve deeper, an Optional Experience invites you to uncover some of Croatia’s oldest settlements, including the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad and Vrboska, with a visit to a local wine cellar for a tasting complemented by local specialities.

Cruise back to the mainland and continue your journey to the island of Korčula, known for its grace, history and rich culture. The perfect place for relaxing, the island is filled with quiet coves and small beaches that dot the south coastline. This evening, dinner will be at the hotel.

In the morning, join a knowledgeable Local Expert for a walking tour of the Old Town. Marvel at spectacular views of the mainland as you stroll towards the main square of Korčula where the Cathedral of St. Mark dominates the ancient skyline. Hear about local legends and history from your Local Expert, stopping by the Town Museum, the Bishop’s Palace with its treasury collection and the Town Hall. Visit the ruins of the house where according to local legend Marco Polo was born. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town.

Journey to the beautiful southern slopes of the Pelješac Peninsula. Weather permitting, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston and admire the surrounding untouched natural beauty, as you enjoy a glass of traditional Croatian brandy. Stop at a shellfish farm and meet a local oyster farmer, to learn about the cultivation and harvest of oysters. Enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of the fresh shellfish, accompanied by a glass of wine. Continue to the walled town of Dubrovnik, 'paradise on Earth' according to George Bernard Shaw. Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th-century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see Saint Blaise’s Church, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoy the luxuries of the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, your home for the next three nights.

Spend the day at your leisure or enjoy an optional visit to Montenegro, travelling along the coast to the pretty port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A photographer's dream, capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay and learn about some of the compelling history of this area. Return to Dubrovnik and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Perhaps start at a trendy wine bar, followed by dinner at a romantic sidewalk cafe?

Make the most of a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Relax by the pool, shop in the markets or perhaps take the opportunity to visit Cavtat, one of the most enchanting seaside resorts in Croatia. This evening, should weather permit, you're invited to embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Savour authentic flavours of local specialities over dinner with your fellow travellers.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.