13-Nights Country Roads of Croatia - Classic Group

Dubrovnik

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Korcula

Korçula is said to be one of the most beautiful as well as the largest of the Croatian islands. Seasoned travelers compare Korçula to a latter-day Eden. Korçula’s main town is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Visit the birthplace of Marco Polo, and see Korçulan buildings featuring mainly Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and residual Romanesque style. View traditional knightly games like the chivalrous Moreska dance, a spectacular, dynamic war-dance with swords that has been in existence for seceral hundred years. Travelers flock to Korcula, appreciating its stunning location, natural beauty and impressive medieval look. If that’s not enough, there are numerous attractions, such as the City Museum, the Bishop’s Treasury, a collection of icons, art galleries and old churches with priceless paintings.

Hvar

Hvar Island is a vineyard-and-olive-grove-covered island surrounded by a translucent cobalt sea. A particularly rich cultural and monumental heritage complements its natural and unique beauty. The island was one of the greatest centers of early Croatian literature, architecture, sculpture, painting and music. Called the Croatian Madeira, Hvar is said to receive more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. Other sights include Hvar Theater - founded in 1612 and the oldest community theater in Europe; Crvene Stijene (Red Rocks) - an unusual and picturesque natural phenomenon; Pakleni Otoci - a beautiful and unique group of about 20 charming islets situated opposite the town of Hvar.

Split

Split, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast, is the heart of Dalmatia. The old town is built around the harbor on the south side of a high peninsula sheltered from the open sea by many islands. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian (245-313), noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here from 295 to 305. Since 1945 Split has grown into a major industrial city with large apartment-block housing areas. Much of old Split remains, however, and this combined with its exuberant nature makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.

Opatija

Opatija, this elegant tourist destination, lies at the center of the Riviera with the longest tradition of tourism in Croatia. The very attractive geographic position, enabling its warm seas to be quickly reached from many cities in Central Europe, lush green scenery and pleasant climate were some of the main reasons for its beginning and the quick development of its tourism at the end of the 19th century. Well-maintained public gardens, the illuminated 12-km-long coastal promenade known as the "Lungomare", well-kept beaches and fountains provide a stunning backdrop for the villas and hotels that cater comfortably for up to 6,000 guests.

Zagreb

Croatia's capital and largest city, Zagreb also was the cultural capital of the former Yugoslavia. The city boasts many museums, art galleries, orchestras and folk festivals. Today, outdoor cafes are full, dance clubs pump music into the night air and art festivals are as popular as they were before the war. Zagreb has several reminders of the Austro-Hungarian period, particularly the decorated facades and the deep yellow color of old government buildings.