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Home , Berat, Bojana (river), Zadar

WINE & GASTRO TOUR

Zagreb – Croatian Zagorje region – NP Plitvice Lakes - – Split – Pelješac – – Kruje – – Saranda - 17 days/16 nights Holidays are all about relaxation and time spent away from home while discovering the beauty of foreign places. At the end, it all comes to having great unforgettable experience that you can tell stories about. This tour is all about local experience – get on board and see what is Croatia all about.

Day 1

Arrival to , the capital of Croatia and more than a 1000 year old City, with its historic charm. Private transfer to your hotel and check in. After a long trip hotel amenities will help you to relax and rejuvenate for further days to come. In the afternoon get ready for “Welcome dinner” in traditional local restaurant where food is prepared according to original recipes from 16 century. The owner is very passionate about food & wine pairing so you are in good hands to have the best food & wine experience there is. Overnight in Zagreb. Meals: (D) Activities: /

Day 2

Your day will start with magnificent cup of coffee in the oldest coffee shop in Zagreb situated on the main square overlooking the statue of Jelacic. Croatians are very sensitive about the coffee and coffee drinking in local coffee shops and it is part of the culture. Morning sightseeing with a local guide to explore the city. Visit Museum of broken relationships, a physical and virtual public space created with the sole purpose of treasuring and sharing peoples heartbreak stories and symbolic possessions. It is a museum about you, about us, about the ways we love and lose. In early afternoon, departure to the region Croatian Zagorje, an area of chocolate-box enchantment: miniature wooded hills are crowned with the castles they seem designed for, and streams tumble through lush vineyards. Visit local winery. During the visit you will get a chance to participate in a traditional harvest and learn the wine making process. Dinner and wine tasting with traditional folklore and music in a winery. After dinner departure back to Zagreb.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Meals: (B) + (D) Activities:  Walking tour of Zagreb (2H) – Light activity level  Grape Harvest – Medium activity level

Day 3

After breakfast departure to National Park Plitvice Lakes. The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. Take a walk with a local guide through this heaven on earth. Enjoy scenery of beautiful waterfalls and untouched nature. And don’t forget to make a wish under the largest waterfall as it is supposedly making your wishes come true . After visiting NP Plitvice, we will have a traditional dinner in a local restaurant – Licka kuca. Continue to Zadar, city voted to be the best European destination for 2015, - a city monument, surrounded by historical ramparts, a treasury of the archaeological and monumental riches of ancient and medieval times, and many contemporary architectural achievements such as the first sea organs in the world.

Overnight in Zadar. Meals: (B) + (D) Activities:  Walking tour of NP Plitvice Lakes (3,5H) – Light/Medium activity level Day 4

After breakfast meeting with the local guide and Zadar sightseeing. While walking with your guide through the city of Zadar, the ancient , symbol of the city- of St. Donat, St. Anastasia, monuments and palaces, you will learn all about the rich history of this beautiful old town. Tour of the Land Gate and city walls, Square of Five Wells, People's Square and of course the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Walk along the waterfront with sounds of the sea organ, that are unique in the world, will make your experience complete. According to Albert Hitchcock Zadar is the city with the most beautiful sunset in the world and you will have a chance to be a part of it. Enjoy your dinner in one of the restaurants in old city of Zadar.

Overnight in Zadar.

Meals: (B) + (D) Activities:  Zadar walking tour (1,5H) – light activity  Dinner in Zadar city center

Day 5

After breakfast free time at leisure.

In the afternoon (12pm) embark on a boat and sail around NP . This archipelago consists of 140 islands covering an area of 114 square miles (300 square km), with most of it declared a National Park – and with its natural beauty, numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters, it’s easy to see why. Enjoy in the beautiful sunset on your way back to Zadar.

Overnight in Zadar. Meals: (B) 1 MEAL! (Will stop in one of the restaurant in NP Kornati so you can have lunch/dinner) Activities:  Sailing around NP Kornati (7h) Day 6

After breakfast departure to Split, the second largest city in Croatia and the city that all: Roman ruins and grand museums alongside fashionable cafes and trendy shops. Our journey through starts with the fact that the Roman emperor Diocletian was born in nearby important Illyrian center and the capital of the Roman province of - . He ordered to build one of today’s most preserved palaces of that time in the nearby town Split. With a professional city guide we are continuing our journey and sightseeing the 1700 year old Diocletian`s palace in Split, imagining how the life of Diocletian was like, within the walls of the palace.

During the tour we stop by to see the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the Adriatic coast but also the ancient cellars, Peristyle in center of the palace, Roman (today Christian ones), the famous Golden Gate and the big statue of Grgur Ninski. On this walking tour you will get to know Split and its history in an interesting way. After Split sightseeing lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch embark on a catamaran and sail to island Korcula. Rich in vineyards, olive groves and small villages, and harboring a glorious old town, the island of Korčula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 47km in length. Dense woods led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Korčula). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and more pebbly. Tradition is alive and kicking on Korčula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists. Check in to the hotel.

Overnight in Korcula.

Meals: (B) + (L) Day 7

After breakfast meeting with the local guide and morning sightseeing of old town Korcula. The old medieval town of Korčula is like a miniature museum, surrounded by walls and towers. The magnificent architecture strongly attracts each visitor, as well as its residents. The Statute of the Town of Korčula dates back from 1214, and is one of the oldest codes in the Slavic world, which shows the structure of life and a highly developed awareness of the inhabitants of that time. The highlight of the sightseeing will be birth house of Marco Polo.

In the evening we are taking you to the famous ranch for a dinner. Food at ranch is homemade, prepared from fresh good quality ingredients, the atmosphere is tranquil, people are friendly and kind, decor is eye soothing, and there is an overall relaxing feeling lingering around the place.

This genuine Mediterranean ambient has even enchanted some famous guests, such as Bill Gates or Bernie Eccelstone. After dinner return back to the hotel.

Overnight in Korcula.

Meals: (B) + (D) Activities:  Split sightseeing Day 8

After breakfast departure to Dubrovnik, one of the world’s most stunning destinations, both in terms of its cultural heritage and as a holiday destination. The city has often been referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 as a city of rich culture and history. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is surrounded by 1,970 metres of city walls - over the centuries they served to protect the city from various threats and today are the city's greatest attraction. On your way to Dubrovnik stop at peninsula Pelješac, famous for the best Croatian wines. Wine tasting in one of the most famous Croatian wineries. After wine tasting continue to Ston, a medieval little town whose history reaches back as far as the 14th century. It is a small town with the longest stone wall in Europe (5,5 km), with narrow quiet streets, noble ancient houses and traces of ancient cultures. The bay of Mali Ston is famous all over the world for the quality of its oysters. Clean seas offer the bay of Ston the ideal conditions for growing high quality oysters. Oyster tasting in a local oyster farm. After oyster tasting continue to Dubrovnik.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Meals: (B) + Oystertasting + snack + winetasting

Day 9

After breakfast meeting with the local guide and Dubrovnik sightseeing. Local guide will take you to the most wonderful and hidden streets of the city. Explore Dubrovnik City Walls (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE) and enjoy a unique view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik including its narrow streets and small squares. In the afternoon embark on a boat and explore Elaphiti islands (optional – not included in the price). Since the ancient times, the islands were a place of comfort, vacation, and delight. All this due to well preserved nature, clean and clear sea, sandy beaches, beautiful pine forest, olive gardens, numerous promenades and footpaths. Those are the scenes that remain forever in people's memory and landscapes that make the people come back again. Also, you will enjoy tasty dinner on a boat.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Meals: (B) 1 MEAL! Activities:  Dubrovnik sightseeing + Dubrovnik City Walls - Medium activity level

Day 10

After breakfast day at leisure. In the evening departure to traditional Dalmatian restaurant so-called “konoba” where you will be able to try “peka” - a Baked dish with meat and vegetables made in a pot or a tray, and the pot is put into the embers of a fireplace. After dinner departure back to the hotel.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Meals: (B) + (D) Day 11

After breakfast departure to , a city steeped in tradition and history, with remarkable scenic views. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the old city was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is filled with medieval architecture and historic monuments. Extending over four kilometers, the city walls that have protected Kotor for centuries lead up to the fortress of Saint Ivan. Meeting with the local guide and Kotor sightseeing. Continue to , small coastal city of some twenty thousand inhabitants. Sandy beach along Budva of some 20 km is treated as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Budva’s pearl is most certainly Old Town, more than 2.500 years old, treasury of Montenegrin cultural heritage. Narrow streets covered in stone, fortifications that surround it, museums, galleries and sacred objects – treasury that each day in year attracts large amount of visitors. Hotel check in and free time to relax.

Overnight in Budva.

Meals: (B) Driving: Dubrovnik – Kotor (2,5h) – Budva (40 min.) Day 12

After breakfast departure to Kruje, . On the way to Kruje stop to see Lake Shkodër — also called Lake Scutari, Lake Shkodër and Lake Shkodra — lies on the border of Albania and , the largest lake in the Southern Europe. It is named after the city of Shkodër in northern Albania. It is a karst lake. Also, we will stop and see – it is a castle near the city of Shkodër, in northwestern Albania. It rises imposingly on a rocky hill, 130 metres (430 ft) above sea level, surrounded by the Bojana and rivers. Shkodër is the capital of the Shkodër County, and is one of Albania's oldest and most historic towns, as well as an important cultural and economic centre.

Continue to Kruje and hotel check in and free afternoon.

Overnight in Kruje.

Meals: (B) Driving: Budva – Kruje (4,5 h) Day 13

After breakfast departure to the ancient town of Kruje and visit the ethnographic Museum. Kruje is a small, ancient and historic town in Albania. The history of the town is connected with the name of the national hero of Albania, Georgi Kastrioti Skenderbeu, who fought against the Ottoman invasion. This picturesque town is situated on the slopes of mount Sari Saltiki at a height of 560 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountain peaks. It offers stunning views of the surroundings. On the street of the old town of Kruje, leading to the castle, since of Skenderbeu, there is "Old Bazaar". Here you can buy Albanian Souvenirs, beautiful jewellery handmade rugs and embroidery, silver filigree and copper products, handicrafts made of alabaster, traditional clothes and antiques. After Kruje sightseeing lunch in the restaurant.

Continue to the capital of Albania – Tirana, ascent by cable car to the mountain Dajti, where you can see all Tirana from height (1613 m). Tirana has a great location: on one side it borders the mountain Dajti, on another - coastal plain. Mentions of Tirana as a city date back to 1614, when the Turks, in honour of the victory over Persia, decided to establish a city here. Tirana was proclaimed the capital only in 1920. After Tirana sightseeing departure back to Kruje.

Overnight in Kruje.

Meals: (B) + (L) Activities:  Kruje sightseeing + Tirana sightseeing Day 14

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive along the panoramic view of . Passing on the way: Durres, Kavaja, Lushnjë, Ardenice, , Vlora, , Llogara, , Dhermi, Porto – Palermo, Borsh

On the way to Saranda we will stop in Fier to see the of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Ardenica or simply Ardenica Monastery. It is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, distant ten kilometers north of Fier, Albania. Built by Byzantine Emperor, Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 after the victory against the Angevins in the of Berat, the monastery is famous as the place where, in 1451, was celebrated the marriage of , the national hero of Albania, with Andronika Arianiti.

On the way we will also see Appolonia ruins. The ancient city of is situated in southwestern Albania, about 13 miles from the city of Fier. The fascinating landscape of the archeological park, which has been preserved in an exceptionally intact condition, comprises a successful combination between the beauty of monuments and nature, attractive through its long history, in an atmosphere of relaxation and meditation. Its foundation took place immediately after the foundation of Epidamnus – Dyrrachium and quickly became one of the most eminent cities of the Adriatic basin, which was mentioned more frequently from the other 30 (thirty) cities bearing the same name during Antiquity. The city lay in the territory of the political communion of the and was broadly known as Apollonia of .

Continue to Saranda, the "southern gate of Albania", located on the South-West of the country. The history of the city of Saranda is from the distant past. It was first mentioned in written sources in the II century BC as Onchesmus. The modern name of the city comes from the name of the monastery from the Byzantine period. In the it was called "Agios Saranda", which means "40 Saints". Check in to a hotel and free time to relax. The highlight of the day is dinner at Likurs castle (the castle was built in 1718 during the times of Ali Pasha).

Overnight in Saranda. Meals: (B) + (L) + (D) Activities:  Appolonia sightseeing, Ardenica monestary sightseeing, dinner in Likurs castle Driving: Kruje – Saranda (6,5 – 7h)

Day 15

After breakfast check out and departure to . Ruins of the ancient city of Butrint is one of the most important archaeological finds in Albania. According to the legend, the founders of the ancient city were the Trojans who fled from the destroyed Troy in search of a new homeland. It was not earlier than the 8th century BC. In 1992 excavations of Greek and Roman cities were included in the list of world heritage of UNESCO. After visiting the Park - moving to the natural spring "Blue Eye". Crystal clear water in the spring has blue color, hence the name. Today the spring is in the status of a National Park and it is under state protection. In 1 second from the spring comes out 6 cubic meters of cool fresh water.

After inspecting the source - lunch at the restaurant on the banks of the river Bistrica. Departure to the town- museum of Albania, Gjirokastra. Scientists still have not come to a consensus on the issue when the fortress was built - 4 or 1 BC. In 2005, UNESCO included Gjirokastra in the list of world heritage sites. After the Gjirokastra departure to Berat. On the way stop for dinner in the town of Tepelena. The history of the town Tepelena is closely connected with the name of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, political and military figure of mid- 18th - early 19th centuries. As a result of long political and military efforts he managed to become the de facto ruler of Albania and some part of Greece, despite the fact that he formally recognized the authority of the Turkish Sultan. The story of the man attracted the attention of French writer Alexander Duma-father, who used it in the novel "the Count of Monte Cristo".

We will have a folklore night in Berat. Experience local culture and meet local people. Great time to be part of the culture in Albania. Overnight in Berat.

Meals: (B) + (L) + (D) Activities:  Butrint + Gjirokastra sightseeing  Visit National Park “Blue eye”

Day 16

After breakfast departure to the Fortress of Berat. It is a fortress built on a 260-meter cliff and is the world's only fortress on the territory of which still live people. Here is the Church of St. Mary, in which there is a museum of a famous Albanian painter . Continue through the old centre of Berat. The town-museum, included to the list of UNESCO heritage, is known as the town of a thousand windows. Peculiar architecture, presence of balconies and large windows give the impression that these houses have no doors, and the houses are on each other. Lunch will be served in the Castle Park restaurant. Departure back to the hotel and free afternoon.

Overnight in Berat.

Meals: (B) + (L) Activities:  Fortress of Berat + Berat sightseeing

Day 17

Departure to Tirana airport and fly out of Albania.