On arrival at Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb, you will be met by our local representative in Croatia for a brief meet and greet. Later, proceed to your hotel in Zagreb for check-in.

Zagreb is Croatia’s political capital and also the country’s largest city. It’s strategic location, connecting Central Europe with the Adriatic Sea, allowed Zagreb to flourish and turned it into a major commercial centre. The city majorly comprises three parts – the thousand-year-old Upper Town, the 19th century Lower Town, and New Zagreb which was built post World War II. It is said that the city has more museums per square ft than any other city in the world.

After freshening up at the hotel, we will proceed for a city tour of Zagreb. We shall begin the sightseeing tour with a visit to Zagreb’s Upper Town. Here, we will visit Virgin Mary’s chapel inside the Stone Gate. The chapel holds a painting of the Virgin Mary which is considered sacred as it was the only painting that survived a great fire that destroyed all others in 1731. Next, we shall visit Zagreb Cathedral in Kaptol. The Cathedral is the tallest building in all of Croatia and it’s Neo-Gothic design with twin spires has made it the biggest landmark of Zagreb. After the cathedral, we shall visit the Dolac market, the largest Open-Air Farmer’s Market in Zagreb.

Overnight stay at hotel in Zagreb.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Opatija by drive/train. Upon arrival, transfer to your resort and check-in.

Opatija is a charming coastal town located in Croatia, along the Adriatic Sea. It’s crystalclear waters and a pleasant Mediterranean climate makes it a popular tourist destination. The town is known for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere. Opatija has a rich history and features beautiful Belle Époque architecture. Visitors can explore historic buildings, grand villas, and well-maintained parks, reflecting the town’s past as a popular resort destination.

Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the the Lungomare is a famous seaside promenade that stretches for several kilometers along the coast. It offers a picturesque walk with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Relish variety of local seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and Croatian wines at the town’s restaurants and cafes. Opatija has a longstanding tradition as a wellness and spa destination.

Overnight stay at resort in Opatija.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Istria. Istria, a peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse attractions and unique experiences.

During this tour, we shall visit the picturesque coastal towns of Rovinj, Poreč, and Pula that offer a blend of history, culture, charming architecture and scenic landscapes. We will begin the tour with a visit to Rovinj, one of the Istrian most beautiful coastal cities, which rises on a peninsula with the church of St. Euphemia on the top. Next stop is Poreč, well-known for its’ Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from the 6th century, which is the most famous example of Byzantine sacral architecture and mosaics. Final stop is Motovun, an ancient Istrian medieval town, located on a high hill, offering a magnificent view over the surrounding valleys.

After the tour, return to Opatija for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, we will check-in at our hotel there. Enjoy a spellbinding hike around the National Park.

Plitvice Lake National Park is one of the most beautiful natural attraction in the world. This lush green forest is endowed with 16 gorgeous lakes that are connected by waterfalls, the highest being 78-m high. The colour of the lakes varies from blue to grey, depending on the mineral content in the water. Spread across 73,000 acres, this unspoiled landscape is a wonderful natural wonder that one can simply not get enough.

Hiking in the National Park is the best way to capture the true beauty of the park. The hiking trails pass through wooden walkways that have been built above the lake to connect different parts of the forest. The views from these walkways is simply surreal. The park also has boats to ferry you across the lakes and electric trains that will take you into far-reaching corners of the park.

After the hiking tour, return to hotel for overnight stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Split. Upon arrival, we will checkin at our hotel there.

Split is one of the most vibrant Croatian cities. In 3rd Century AD, the roman emperor Diocletian built his palace here, then a desolate peninsular region, to spend the final resting years of his life. Today, a busy commercial and cultural centre, Split is the secondlargest city in Croatia. The city is popular for its great food and wine and has a number of great museums to check-out. It is the venue for one of Europe’s largest music festivals which attracts lakhs of people to the city.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Split’s most famous monument, the Diocletian Palace. This magnificent fortress complex with 72ft high walls having temples, a military camp and the king’s residence is a sight to behold. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best surviving examples of a Roman Palace. It was also a key shooting location for the HBO series – “Game Of Thrones”. It’s where Daenerys’s locked up and trained her dragons.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Split.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Hvar by ferry. Upon arrival, we will check-in at our hotel there.

Hvar, a picturesque island in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia, is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, historical sites, vibrant nightlife, and Mediterranean charm. Hvar boasts breath taking landscapes with crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and lush greenery. The island’s diverse scenery, including lavender fields, vineyards, and olive groves, offers a perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

Rest of the day has been kept free for your leisure. You can head to the Old Town of Split which is a charming maze of narrow streets and squares, filled with historic buildings, churches, and vibrant cafes. Strolling through the Old Town allows visitors to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere and admire the local architecture. Or you can also enjoy water sports and activities in the island’s clear waters which provides an ideal setting for snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing. There are also opportunities for hiking and cycling in the scenic landscapes.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Hvar.

SEGV’S RECOMMENDATION – In the evening, head to the island’s bars and clubs, especially in Hvar Town, which attract partygoers from around the world. The Hvar nightlife scene is considered one of the best in the Adriatic. In the summer months, Hvar hosts open-air parties and events, attracting both locals and visitors. Popular among celebrities, it’s not uncommon to encounter famous personalities enjoying the island’s party atmosphere.

After breakfast at the hotel, hop on a boat tour departing from Hvar Town that takes you to the Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands.

The Blue Cave, also known as Modra špilja, is located on the small island of Biševo, near Vis. Transfer from the larger boat to smaller vessels, often local wooden boats, to enter the narrow cave entrance. The boats are small enough to navigate the confined space of the cave. Once inside the Blue Cave, be mesmerized by a display of deep blue and turquoise hues, caused by the reflection of sunlight off the white limestone bottom. The water’s clarity enhances the ethereal experience.

Next, we shall visit the Pakleni Islands. The islands are a group of islets situated near Hvar, forming a beautiful archipelago. They are known for their crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and lush vegetation.Stops at some of the Pakleni Islands for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation on the beaches. Visitors can explore hidden bays and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands.

After the tour, return to Hvar for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel, and proceed to port to catch a ferry to the city of Dubrovnik and explore its most popular sights on a sightseeing tour.

Fondly called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is considered the most picturesque city in Croatia. The sightseeing tour begins at the iconic Stone Walls of Dubrovnik that protect the city. These 25m high stone walls surround the city and are a source of pride for the residents as they have never been breached. Next, we will visit the Old Town, and learn the history of its popular sites such as Onofrio’s fountain, the bell tower and the Dubrovnik Cathdral. The city of Dubrovnik was the setting for the “King’s Landing” portrayed in the popular HBO series – “Game of Thrones“. Your guide will also share exciting trivia about   the show’s shooting during the tour and show you the places where iconic scenes of the series were shot.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Dubrovnik.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Airport in Dubrovnik to catch our flight back to India.

Arrive home with pleasant memories of your “Gems of Central and Eastern Europe” tour organised by State Express Global Voyages, which we are sure you will treasure for a lifetime.