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Croatia & the Adriatic Tour

13 days from $6,507 pp twin share

  • Leisurely 2, 3 and 4 night stays
  • Small group size from just 10 to 28
  • Genuinely inclusive, no additional on tour costs
  • Character hotels in superb locations
  • Designed for Australians & New Zealanders
  • 'My Time' guaranteed

Tour Overview

Journey along the azure coastline of Croatia’s Dalmatia before exploring the history of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Escape to the ‘lavender island’ of Hvar, sip wine in Jelsa and discover the lovingly rebuilt city of Mostar and historic Sarajevo. Cruise the waters of the Adriatic, dine on oysters in Mali Ston, take the cable car up to Mount Srd and soak up the panoramic views of Dubrovnik!

 

Highlights

  • Stay 3 nights in the  city of Trogir
  • Enjoy a guided tour of charming squares and alleys of Trogir
  • Visit Krka’s dramatic waterfalls
  • Explore Split and the Diocletian Palace
  • Stay 3 nights on the beautiful island of Hvar
  • Enjoy a day free to explore Hvar and the nearby islands
  • Sip wine in Jelsa
  • Walk over the striking Stari Most humped back bridge in Mostar
  • Stay 4 nights in  Dubrovnik, superbly located right beside the Old Town
  • Discover the walled city of Ston
  • Experience a wine and oyster boat ride
  • Enjoy lunch at the Bota Sari restaurant in Mali Ston
  • Take a cable car up Mount Srd and soak up the panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s dramatic walls
  • Explore Dubrovnik’s old town on a guided walking tour
  • Cruise from Perast around the islands of St George and Our Lady of the Rock
  • Enjoy a cruise along the coast to Cavtat for a special farewell dinner


Get yourself ready for the Croatia & the Adriatic Tour by reading more information on Croatia from our helpful destination section!
 

Hear about this tour first hand from an Albatross traveller - read about Anne's experience on this tour.

Please consider: This tour requires a moderate level of fitness due to the unique places we visit and stay. This tour is not suited to anyone who has mobility issues.


 

SMALL GROUP SIZE - 10 TO 28
Enlarge Map

Croatia and the Adriatic

Message from the Mo

Get out your walking shoes!

The most amazing thing about the cities on the Dalmatian Coast is that virtually every one of the old, walled, town centres are perfectly preserved, traffic free zones - because cars simply cannot fit down the narrow winding back alleys and cannot negotiate the ancient stairways. That is why these towns are just so incredibly attractive. 

Personally one of my life’s greatest travel highlights was ‘walking the Dubrovnik walls’. But it is imperative you pick the right time of day. You see, anything up to a dozen massive cruise ships disgorge multitudes of passengers each day, who clog up the quaint narrow alleys until mid-afternoon, when they simply disappear, sailing off in their massive cruise ships.  Afterwards, peace and serenity abound and this glorious ‘Lady of the Adriatic’ drops her veil, entrancing you with her beauty. The evenings here are long, the late afternoon sun golden, and the two kilometre walk around the city, on top of the ramparts, is absolutely delightful. On one side are the colonnaded squares and terra cotta rooftops and on the other is the deep blue Adriatic. This is something most cruise and coach tour passengers on all too brief tour itineraries, completely miss, and why I insist we stay here 4 nights, in a hotel that is within easy walking distance of the old town.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Trogir Welcome

Your tour commences this evening in the delightful town of Trogir. Join us for a welcome drink at your hotel before we walk to the nearby old town,  to enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. This is an ideal chance to meet, and get to know, your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Trogir Palace

Day 2: Trogir and Split sightseeing

This morning enjoy an orientation tour of this remarkably preserved town. Heavily influenced by the Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires, the core of Trogir is a mass of tiny alleys and charming squares, filled with shops and restaurants. In the afternoon we are joined by a local guide as we drive up into the rugged hills behind Split to visit the ruined castle of Klis. This is the most famous fortress in all of Croatia with a remarkable history spanning a thousand years, and the views down across Split and the Adriatic are astounding. Continuing to the port of Split our guide will take us on a walking tour through the vast 4th century Diocletian Palace complex, the Cathedral and pedestrian friendly town centre. Later you will enjoy free time to explore the beautiful old town which is littered with numerous alfresco cafés, and where the shopping is rumoured to be the best in Croatia. Tonight  we enjoy a local restaurant dinner before returning to Trogir.
Meals:
B
D

Day 3: Krka National Park and Šibenik

First stop of the day will be in the beautiful Krka National Park. A leisurely stroll brings us to the dramatic Skradiniski Buk falls. Afterwards, we head down stream by boat to the town of Skradin. Later we stop in Šibenik, the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic. Here we are joined by a local guide who takes us into the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Cathedral of St James. Your evening is at leisure in Trogir.
Meals:
B

Day 4: Travel to the island of Hvar

Mid morning we return to Split to catch a ferry over to the famous Adriatic island of Hvar. Cruising out between the islands of Brac and Solta we  arrive at the oldest port on the island, Starigrad. Time to enjoy a break and stroll through the town before crossing the island to the delightful harbour of Hvar town, where we stay the next three nights.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Amfora Hotel, Hvar

Day 5: ‘My Time’ on Hvar Island

Your day is completely at leisure to do as much or as little as you choose! Hvar port is regarded as perhaps the most beautiful within the Dalmatian Islands. The cobblestoned alleys which wind up from the big, open main square are littered with restaurants, cafés and shops. For the more active, you can go on boat trips to the nearby islands, or perhaps take an energetic walk up to Castle Spanjola. From here, there are breathtaking views across the islands and down onto the picturesque harbour – teeming with expensive cruisers and yachts.
Meals:
B

Day 6: Hvar sightseeing

A day to explore the island! First stop of the day will be on the other side of the island at the pretty port of Jelsa. Later we will visit a local vineyard to enjoy a tasting of the excellent local wines before driving along a spectacular ridge, past timeworn villages, along the spine of the island. This incredibly scenic old mountain road is called the ‘lavender road’ and the steep mountainsides are covered with stone enclosed fields of lavender (lavender blooms on Hvar throughout the month of June). Reaching the Bay of Milna, we have included a leisurely lunch in a charming restaurant with a terrace over the rocky shoreline. Later we return to the delightful port of Hvar to enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals:
B
L

Day 7: Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina

After a leisurely start we enjoy the drive down the entire length of Hvar Island to the port of Sucuraj, where we board a ferry and cross back to the  mainland at Drvenik. We continue to Mostar in the country of Bosnia-Herzegovina. On arrival we will meet a local guide for a walking tour of this amazing town. Ravaged and smashed in the Balkans War, Mostar has now been lovingly rebuilt and the locals are intensely proud of their Stari Most (Old Bridge) – a curious humped back pedestrian bridge spanning the River Neretva – a reconstruction of the original 16th century Ottoman bridge. A place where adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism have coexisted for centuries, this cultural melting pot makes a fascinating visit. Mosques and churches stand side by side with charming riverside terraced cafés and the occasional, bomb damaged, bullet pock-marked ruin.
We stay here two nights. This evening we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant accompanied by local wines.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Mepas

Day 8: Sarajevo sightseeing

This morning we are joined by a local guide to visit the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the amazing city of Sarajevo – nominated as the European  Capital of Culture for 2014. Once the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege of a city in the history of modern warfare (1992-1996) during the Balkans Conflict. To the locals it was the ‘Bosnian War for Independence’. Since then Sarajevo’s rebuilding programme has galvanised the city. Highlight of your guided tour will be a visit to the Memorial Museum of Srebrenica to learn about the events that took place during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995.
 
The remainder of your afternoon and evening will be free back in Mostar. A perfect time to find your own riverside terrace restaurant.
Meals:
B

Day 9: Dalmatian Coast Touring

Returning to the Dalmatian Coast we visit the remarkable twin towns of Ston and Mali Ston. Famous for having the longest complete city walls of any city in Europe, you will be struck by the giant fortifications extending completely over the wild mountain side linking these two small towns.  Scenically, the tiny bay is wonderful however, we are here for the oysters of Mali Ston, which are reputed to be the finest in the world. On arrival we will board a small boat to visit the Oyster beds and sample fresh oysters, washed down with a glass of wine. Back ashore, it is time for a lazy lunch in the famous Bota Sari restaurant which is built into the ancient castle walls. Delightful! Later this afternoon we arrive at the famous city of Dubrovnik. Our hotel for the next four nights is superbly located within easy walking distance to Dubrovnik’s old town. On arrival, join us for a welcome drink on the beach terrace overlooking the sea and Dubrovnik city.
Meals:
B
L
Hotel:
5 Star Grand Villa Argentina
Oysters at Mali Ston

Hand Selected Experience

A heavenly day in Mali Ston

Whether you like oysters or not, or whether a glass of wine is your ‘thing’ or not, the whole concept of cruising out to the sheltered waters of the oyster beds in the Bay of Mali Ston is just so, so heavenly! Now add the backdrop of massive walls and fortifications creeping up over the mountain and the knowledge that following this you will be enjoying a relaxing lunch on the vine shaded terrace of the famous Bota Sari Restaurant. This is a total experience that we know simply cannot be missed.

Day 10: Dubrovnik sightseeing and 'My Time'

In the 15th and 16th centuries Dubrovnik became the heart of  a maritime empire to rival Venice. This morning we are joined by a local guide who will breathe life into this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Listed, walled city – from the finely carved facades of the renaissance palaces,  lining the broad pedestrian walkways and squares, to the churches and the baroque Cathedral. First impressions are so important so to begin our tour we catch the cable car up to the scenic lookout on top of Mount Srd. What a fantastic way to introduce you to the city! We have also included entrance to the old Franciscan Monastery and Apothecary. The rest of your day is at leisure. Later this afternoon, when the heat has gone from the day, and the crowded cruise ships have departed, make sure you enjoy a peaceful walk along the top of the city walls. Running almost two kilometres around the entire city, and flanked by turrets and towers, a walk along the ramparts is a wonderful experience.
Meals:
B
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Hand Selected Experience

First impressions are so important

That is why we have included a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd which looms high over Dubrovnik city! From the lookout platforms beside the café and the symbolic fortress you will have sweeping views inland across the Dinara Mountain range, and up and down the dramatic Dalmatian Coast. But it is the view down on Dubrovnik itself which will captivate you. The historic, 500 year old city walls entirely frame this ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Outside is the deep blue sea, and inside you will watch over a maze of narrow alleys, squares and churches that litter the old town. Incredible!   

Day 11: Montenegro excursion

Montenegro. Reaching the dramatic fjord like Bay of Kotor we will make a stop at the little village of Perast. Here we will enjoy a boat ride out and around the twin islands of St. George and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rock). Arriving in Kotor we are met by a local guide for a short orientation tour. Lunchtime will be in the beautifully preserved walled city of Kotor. Returning to our superb hotel, the rest of the day and evening is at leisure to relax in your hotel or explore Dubrovnik town.
Meals:
B

Day 12: Dubrovnik 'My Time'

Your day is at leisure. Maybe relax in your delightful hotel located directly beside the deep blue Adriatic, or walk into town to explore the narrow alleys, squares and churches that litter the old town. Time to shop or sit and enjoy a leisurely lunch in this city which is aptly named the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Late afternoon we board a traditional Dalmatian boat to cruise south along the coast to the picturesque port of Cavtat where we enjoy our farewell dinner in the excellent family owned ‘Restaurant Leut’. We return to our hotel by coach.
Meals:
B
D

Day 13: Dubrovnik

Your tour ends today after breakfast. 

Meals:
B
SMALL GROUP SIZE - 10 TO 28
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Incredible Value Inclusions

Over $1,300 value of extras already included

  • ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
  • Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
  • Travel in a first class air-conditioned touring coach
  • 12 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
  • Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)
  • 19 Meals – including breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L) and 5 dinners (D)
  • Wine tasting in Hvar
  • Tea, coffee and a complimentary beverage with all included dinners
  • Welcome drink in Trogir and Dubrovnik
  • Hand Selected Albatross Experiences - Mount Srd cable car,
  • Cruises in Krka, Perast, Cavtat and Oyster cruise Mali Ston
  • Local guides as described in the itinerary
  • ALL tips to your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
  • Personal audio system whilst on tour
  • Free WiFi on most coaches and at hotels
  • Albatross Tours App
  • Albatross Memories Photobook

No additional 'on tour' costs

SMALL GROUP SIZE - 10 TO 28
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Your Hotels

Trogir Palace Hotel, Trogir

Trogir Palace Hotel, Trogir – 3 Nights

This family run 4-star hotel is in a fantastic location only 200 metres from Trogir’s UNESCO World Heritage Listed old town. Featuring modern, comfortable accommodation, the Trogir Palace Hotel is the perfect location to discover Trogir. 
 
Find out more
Amfora Hotel, Hvar

Amfora Hotel, Hvar – 3 Nights

Situated on a secluded bay, this hotel offers a private beach and a multi-level pool. Offering views across the Paklinski Islands and just a 10 minute walk from the centre of Hvar, the Amfora Hotel features modern amenities, poolside restaurant and stylish lounge area. All guest rooms have balconies.

Find out more
Hotel Mepas, Mostar

Hotel Mepas, Mostar – 2 Nights

The 5 star Hotel Mepas is situated in the centre of the business area, 10 minutes’ walk from Mostar’s Old Town. All guest rooms offer a blend of superior comfort and modern conveniences.
 
Find out more
Grand Villa Argentina, Dubrovnik

Grand Villa Argentina, Dubrovnik – 4 Nights

Distinctly first class, the 5-star Grand Villa Argentina possesses regal, old world charm and spectacular panoramic views across the Adriatic Sea. An easy stroll to the heart of the Old Town you will be surrounded by luxury in this picturesque location. What more could you want? 
 
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Tour Reviews

Our desire and curiosity to visit the countries and islands along the Adriatic Coastline enabled us, through Albatross Tours, to experience something very special. So much so that we would do it "all over again"!  Thank you especially to our Tour Manager for imparting her knowledge and professional manner.

Hope

Hvar

I loved the three and four night stays, and the days totally free to do your thing. Also plenty of space on the bus with only 30 passengers.

Amazing scenery on the drive from Mostar to Sarajevo. Wonderful 'welcome' cocktails at the terrace bar in Dubrovnik! Superbly located hotels in every city and excellent quality. Walking around the uncrowded walls in Dubrovnik early evening was very picturesque and the light excellent for photos. Trogir is a delightful town.

Susan

Mostar, courtesy of Sue and Russell King
The great organisation allowed every aspect to work like clockwork. Given that it was only the second time for Albatross on this tour route, 10 out of 10. The quality of our tour manager, plus the excellent knowledge of the individual guides in various locations was first class and our driver was just superb. Well done Albatross, once again another big feather in your cap as your reputation for excellence is further enhanced. Thank you for another great experience. We will be back!!
 

Lynne

Thank you Albatross Tours, we had a wonderful holiday...again! 
Discovery, adventure and good fun! Great organisation and arrangements, we would highly recommend Albatross Tours to all.
 

John

We had a guide who being Croatian, not only knew just about everything there was to know and organised a tour that was seamless to "her travellers" but had a funny personality that rung true with us Aussies.

The hotels were surprisingly wonderful, especially the Adriana at Hvar, heavenly!  The included meals were surprisingly absolutely first rate with no skimping on settings or food.

Having 3 nights in most places enabled us to have at least one free day to use as we pleased so we never felt rushed or stressed by constantly vacating hotel rooms.  This is so, so good, especially in a lovely friendly hotel.

Our last night was spent in a al fresco seafood restaurant in little town down the coast.  We arrived there from an hour's boat ride on our own little boat, seeing the Adriatic coast from the water, stunning.

If you like stunning scenery and amazing history, this is for you.
 

Sue

Hvar, Croatia - courtesy of Sue Deaves

A fantastic trip made wonderful by an excellent tour manager, a great driver and a cleverly constructed itinerary based around superb locations and great hotels.

Jane & Paul

Hvar, Croatia

The whole trip in itself was a highlight - Amazing places to visit full of beautiful surprises. The tour suited our pace, making it comfortable to enjoy each day. Our tour guide was fantastic, professional, organised and a delight. This has been one of the best tours we have experienced.

Krysia

Mostar, Bosnia

Sibila was a very capable, enthusiatic and very helpful Tour Manager to us all. We enjoyed multiple night stays and our free time, particular at times when very hot. All inclusive costs were also welcomed. Hotels were super. We enjoyed our trip ver much and would certainly consider a fourth Albatross Adventure.

Robert & Merle

Cavtat, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Our Croatian tour was one of the best holidays I have experienced. It was extremely well organised and had the right balance of organised activities and free leisure time. Sibila was an absolute gem - so organised and a wonderful sense of humour. She went above and beyond what was required of her - giving up some of her free time to guide us on mini tours, showing us points of interest she thought we'd like. Sibila is so knowledgeable and her personal stories and experiences made everyone listen very attentively. 
Daniel was an excellent driver. I think everyone on tour would agree that we felt extremely safe with him behind the wheel. All in all, it was an amazing tour. Everyone got along really well and I'm sure we've made some lifelong friends. Well done!

Jill

Dubrovnik Dome, Croatia

Many thanks, especially to Darren, who gave 20/10 and to Damien who is a superb bus driver. We appreciated the planning which took kus to places we may never have thought of on our own. Once again Albatross has excelled itself.

Jenny

Cavtat, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

I thought this to be a very well balanced tour. Our guide Darren was very knowledgable on all aspects of the tour. Overall the tour met all my expectations.

John

Hvar, Croatia

The tour itself was fantastic. Everyone was friendly and mixed well together. Our accommodations were great. Our guide was brilliant, friendly and informative. Everyone on the tour seemd to adore him.

Debbie

Dubrovnik, Croatia

 Tour was very enjoyable and great group of people. Our tour guide was excellent, so knowledgeable, caring and helpful. It was good to get free time in different places and not having to keep packing up and leaving early in the morning. Also great choice of hotels and also fun having some dining experiences. Also not having to tip guides. This is our 3rd Albatross and we are doing our 4th after this. All trips were highlights and seeing a couple of other countries.

Jean

Wall of Dubrovnik, Croatia
This is our 4th Albatross tour and have loved each one. We have recommended these tours to our travel agent and to our friends. We love the small groups and staying in one place for more than one night. We have also loved the hotels we stay at. Mostly we have been fed like royalty. 
We have had several of our friends go on Albatross Tours and they loved them.
 

Frank & Gail

Split, Croatia

This has been a wonderful trip and I think a lot of credit has to go to our tour manager, Sibila, for the way she has managed us all. All the knowledge she has shared with us has helped me to appreciated all the things I have seen more. Another important factor for me is always feeling safe and comfortable with the driving and Philip was excellent. Fellow passengers also great. One of the highlights for me was the drive between Mostar and Sarajevo. It was just beautiful. I really enjoyed our visit to Sarajevo but would have liked to stay longer to visit more places like the museums. 

Valerie

Dates and Prices

Start Date End Date Price Per Person Availability
10 May 2020 22 May 2020 NZD $6,507 Space Available
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14 Jun 2020 26 Jun 2020 NZD $7,067 Space Available
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23 Aug 2020 4 Sep 2020 NZD $7,337 Space Available
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6 Sep 2020 18 Sep 2020 NZD $7,337 Space Available
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20 Sep 2020 2 Oct 2020 NZD $6,917 Space Available
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Is this tour suitable for you?

Our tours require a moderate level of fitness due to the unique places we visit and stay. This tour is not suited to anyone who has mobility issues. Click here to learn more.

Albatross Tours can arrange your pre and post tour accommodation. Please contact us for a quote.

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