Croatian Rhapsody 10 Days - USA/Canada Departure

Day 1: Depart for Croatia

Board the international flight and fly to Croatia.

Day 2: Zagreb Arrival

Upon arrival, meet & greet and transfer to your hotel (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

Day 3: Zagreb - Split

Hit the road in the morning to Split (250mi/400km), the second largest city in Croatia with a long history dating back some 2300 years ago to the Greek period. Roman emperor Diocletian had his retirement home built in Split right by the ocean from 295 to 305 AD which is the renowned Diocletian’s Palace occupying about half of the old town. This massive and fortress-like structure was selected as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 and today it is the most complete relic of a Roman palace in the whole world. Ramble on the scenic RIVA, a coastal promenade packed with palm trees, cafes, eateries and historical buildings to feel the romantic and lively atmosphere. Walk to the Saint Domnius Cathedral, a Catholic church rendered from an imperial mausoleum designed for Emperor Diocletian in the first place. Before going to your hotel in Split, don"t forget to rub the left foot toe of Gregory of Nin for good luck.

Overnight in Split.

Day 4: Split - Hvar - Split

Today is free for you to explore the city by yourself or you may join us for an enchanting boat trip to Hvar Island, the so-called “Island of lavender".

Optional Tour: Journey to Hvar Island by boat at U$199/person with lunch

Start off the day by riding on a boat for about two hours to the beautiful Hvar Island which is covered by pine forests, vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields. Nick-named as "the sunniest spot in Europe”, Hvar is proud to be a noted summer resort for sunbathing and snorkeling. Fishing, ship building and winemaking made Hvar town an important trading port in the history under Greek colonization, Eastern Roman Empire and Republic of Venice. Today you are guided to appreciate the 13th-century City Wall and Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral. Spanish Fortress is on the hilltop where you will enjoy the bird’s eye view of the old Hvar town against the azure Adriatic Sea. Lunch will be a special treat in the old town.

Overnight in Split.

Day 5: Split - Dubrovnik

After breakfast, head to Dubrovnik (145mi/230km) which is an enclave often labeled as the “Pearl of Adriatic Sea". Because of the geographical and strategic importance, Dubrovnik always served as a key military fortification in history and in 1979, the historical section of the city was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Founded in the 7th century AD, Dubrovnik boasts many remarkable ancient buildings, especially the city wall with towers running about 6400ft/1940m around the city. Saunter on Stradun, the main pedestrian street through the old town replete with shops and restaurants which connects Pile Gate and Luza Square. Admire the Clock Tower which is the 102ft/31m tall city landmark from the 15th century at Luza Square. Take pictures in front of Large Onofrio’s Fountain, Rector’s Palace, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery for some cherished moments.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 6: Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva - Dubrovnik

Today is free on your own to enjoy the city or you may wish to join our optional excursion to Montenegro and explore Kotor and Budva with lunch.

Optional Tour: Journey to Kotor and Budva of Montenegro at U$199/person with lunch

Depart for Kotor (56mi/90km) in the morning and on the way there; enjoy the captivating scenery along the Dalmatian coastline. Located almost at the end of the Bay of Kotor, this small fortified town was once occupied and controlled by Venice City-state, Roman Empire and Ottoman Empire and now it is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites as it is the best preserved medieval city along the Adriatic Sea. Take a boat and touch down on Our Lady of Rocks Islet to visit the church and learn the legendary story of this artificial island. Continue to visit Saint Tryphon Cathedral, the tallest building in Perast, housing a rich collection of artifacts. Afterwards, explore the city hall, old squares and winding streets in the ancient town. Next, drive to the neighboring Budva renowned for its medieval walls, sandy beaches and diverse nightlife. Take a picture with Budva Dancer Statue near the famed Mogren Beach before moving toward the 17th-century St Ivan Church which is the city landmark. Wrap up the day with a call on the Church of Santa Maria in Punta built right on water. Believed to be the oldest religious construction in town, this pre-Romanic church is also housing the oldest school of Budva.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 7: Dubrovnik - Zadar

Today, you are on your way up north along the coastline to Zadar (250mi/400km), a secluded and captivating town known for its history under Romans and Venetians. Upon arrival, gather at the Land Gate which is one of the old city gates and admire the flying Lion sculpture well preserved from ancient time symbolizing the Venetian rule in the history. Behind the gate is the Five Wells Square where you see there are five wells lined up in a row used as water storage for the locals in the past. Continue on to walk through the Sea Gate, much smaller than the Land Gate, and reach Church of St Donatus proclaimed to be the only round construction in Byzantium style in town. Come to the 12th-century Cathedral of St Anastasia with lavishly decorated façade and climb to the top of the Bell Tower for a panoramic view of the entire town.

Your last stop is the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the sun both located at the waterfront. With the help of the water waves, the 35 tubes underneath the marble steps could amazingly compose melodies just like musical instruments as sea organ. The Greeting to the sun is a round monument built on the ground consisting of a huge solar panel for absorbing energy. A daily light show here using such energy often attracts local residents as well as tourists to come and enjoy the musical sound, colorful lights and ocean breeze from the Adriatic Sea at the night time.

Overnight in Zadar.

Day 8: Zadar - Zagreb

Set off the day by driving back to the capital city (170mi/270km). Explore the city center of Zagreb, Ban Jelacic Square where 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architectures showcase the old time glory. In the center of the Square stands the statue of the national hero Josip Jelacic. Learn the legendary history about the Bloody Bridge and the Stone Gate before stopping at the 13-century St Mark’s Church in the Upper Town with a tiled roof consisting of two coats of arms. Not far from St Mark’s Church is the Gothic, two-spired Zagreb Cathedral, the second tallest building in the country. Climb to the top of the Lotrscak Tower and take in the panoramic view of the city.

Overnight in Zagreb

Day 9: Zagreb - Plitvice - Zagreb

Today is free for you to explore the city by yourself or you may join us for an unforgettable journey to the world famous Plitvice Lake National Park.

Optional Tour: Journey to the Plitvice Lake National Park at U$199/person with lunch

After breakfast in the hotel, you will jump on the bus for a scenic ride (110mi/180km) to Plitvice, a breathtaking place that no one wants to miss out. Inscribed on the UNESCO list, the Plitvice Lake National Park is noted for a chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by striking waterfalls following the water flow. You are welcome to join us for a walk on hiking trails and walkways along cataracts, over the tufa dams or across the creeks to submerge into the distinctive colors of the lakes, magnificent landscapes of limestone mountains and spectacular sceneries of the dense forest. Hop on a sightseeing boat and enjoy the unique steep cliffs, photogenic cascades, emerald lakes and overall panoramic natural spectacle. Lunch will be served in Balkan style at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 10: Departure from Croatia

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the flight back to your home (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

*Please note: Depending on the air scheduling and availability, your flight back to USA/Canada may depart in very early morning the next day (00:00 am-03:00 am).

For your final day, you may explore the city on your own and transfer to the airport in the evening. Hotel check-out is before noontime. (Late check-out may be available for a fee subject to the hotel policy).

Included:

1. Round-trip international flight from New York (All Airports) to Zagreb for NO additional charge

The following departure cities are available for additional charge:

Additional U$400/person	Los Angeles / Miami / Fort Lauderdale / Boston / Orlando / Washington, D.C. / Chicago
Additional U$600/person	Las Vegas / Austin / Oklahoma / Detroit / Memphis / Milwaukee
Additional U$700/person	Dallas / Philadelphia / Charlotte / Houston / Denver / Phoenix / Sacramento / San Antonio / Vancouver / Seattle / Portland / San Diego / San Francisco / Toronto / Montreal

Land only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$400/person

2. Hand-picked 4-star hotel accommodations

3. Transfer from airport to hotel and hotel to airport (except for land only package)

4. Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda

5. Food as specified on the itinerary

6. Special cultural programs as specified in the schedule

7. Professional English speaking local tour expert

8. Air tax and fuel surcharge

Excluded:

1. Travel insurance

2. Any personal expenses

3. Tour extensions and optional programs

4. A Mandatory Service Charge & Tipping U$180/person is required and payable by Credit Card Before Your Final Payment Due Date.

5. Single Supplement Fee (Our tour price is based on double occupancy. If a single passenger is traveling alone and not sharing a room for the entire trip, the tour price charged to the single traveler will be double the standard tour price.)

6. Baggage is not included in this tour fare. Passengers are responsible for paying the fees associated with baggage cost if there is any to the airline directly prior to departure.

Optional Features

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS (BOOK ONSITE):

☆ Day 4: Journey to Hvar Island by boat with lunch at U$199/person

☆ Day 6: Journey to Kotor and Budva of Montenegro with lunch at U$199/person

☆ Day 9: Journey to the Plitvice Lake National Park with lunch at U$199/person

FLIGHT CHOICE

☆ Express Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with limited layover time of less than 6 hours each way

Price: U$399/person

☆ Swift Flight: You will take a direct flight with no layover guaranteed (if there is (an) direct flight(s) service already existing between your departure gateway and the arrival gateway of your destination country)

Price: U$699/person

Stay Like A Local-Extensions:

1) Return Flight Extension-3 DAYS （Drop Off Service Not included )

Price: U$1299/person

Included:

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

2) Return Flight Extension-5 DAYS （Drop Off Service Not included)

Price: U$1399/person

Included:

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

3) Return Flight Extension: 6-20 DAYS (Drop Off Service Not included)

Price: U$1499/person

Included:

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

*Please note the exact departure date may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

4) Return Flight Extension: 6-30 DAYS （Drop Off Service Not included) (Depart from other European Cities)

Price: U$1899/person

Included:

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

*Please note the exact departure date or return city may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

*Return flight from Milan / Venice / Rome / London / Dublin / Barcelona / Madrid / Lisbon / Amsterdam / Brussels / Zurich / Berlin / Munich / Frankfurt / Prague / Vienna / Budapest

Visa

THIS TRIP DOES NOT REQUIRE A VISA FOR USA & CANADA PASSPORT HOLDERS.

Schengen Visa(multiple entries) is recommended for non-US or non-Canada passport holders: Montenegro is not included in the Schengen Agreement. A multiple-entry visa is required for those travelers who book the optional program in Montenegro in order to return to Schengen countries.

Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm

Starting from 2025, all visitors that currently do not need a visa to enter Europe will be expected to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization (European Travel Information and Authorization System).

Learn about ETIAS：https://www.etiasvisa.com