Overview
Features
Itinerary
Extension
Overview (Return to top)
Independent, democratic Croatia again welcomes visitors eager to absorb its remarkable history, culture, and unspoiled Dalmatian coastline. As our small group travels from Zagreb to beloved Dubrovnik, from the beautiful island of Hvar and seaside Opatija to timeless Venice, we see why this cherished region lays such a claim on the hearts of all who visit.
Priced from $3,795 including air
Odysseys Unlimited
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
• Small group size limited to 24 guests
• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary
• 13 nights’ accommodations in listed properties
• 24 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described in day-by-day itinerary, including all entrance fees
• Services of a dedicated Odysseys Unlimited tour director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout the trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides (if applicable), dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and drivers
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Depart the U.S. for Zagreb, Croatia
This evening you’ll depart the U.S. for Europe with a connecting flight to Zagreb.
Day 2
Arrive Zagreb
Arrive in Zagreb today and transfer by motorcoach to our hotel, where there’s time to relax before we gather for tonight’s briefing and welcome dinner there. [D]
Day 3
Zagreb
This morning’s tour of the Croatian capital by coach and on foot reveals a gracious city of culture and hospitality. We visit Mirogoj Park Cemetery, known for its arcades and sculpture, then continue through Old Town with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Our last stop is at the colorful Dolac open-air food and produce market. The remainder of the day is free to explore this delightful city on our own. You’ll want to take in Trg Jelacica, the Austro-Hungarian-style main square surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops; and visit Tkalciceva, the popular street where everyone in Zagreb ultimately gathers. Lunch and dinner today are on your own. [B]
Day 4
Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes/Dubrovnik
Today we embark on a full-day excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a string of 16 turquoise-colored lakes connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades, surrounded by dense forests, karst formations, and abundant wildlife, and separated by distinctive travertine deposits. Upon arrival we enjoy a tour of the park, a UNESCO World Heritage List site, then have the afternoon free for lunch and to explore on our own. Late afternoon we return to Zagreb for dinner at a local restaurant, then continue on to the airport for this evening’s hour-long flight to Dubrovnik, which arrives about 10 p.m. We then transfer to our hotel, just a five-minute walk from the city’s prized Old Town. [B, D]
Day 5
Dubrovnik Riviera
Today’s exploration of Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town begins with a walking tour, beginning with the ancient city walls. Dating to the 12th and 13th Centuries, the stone walls and ramparts have protected Dubrovnik from both invaders and the sea for hundreds of years. We stop to visit the stately Cathedral, designed in 1672 but not completed until 1731; the Treasury, whose historic relics sit atop gilded shelves; and the 14th-Century Franciscan Monastery complex, whose cloister boasts decorative arches topped with sculptures of animals and human heads. We also see the Franciscan pharmacy, Europe’s oldest: It was established in 1317 and still operates today. Then we enjoy a small group highlight: lunch in the home of a Dubrovnik family whose menu includes produce from their garden, homemade olive oil, and local wine. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon; the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Dubrovnik on your own. Dinner tonight is on your own. [B, L]
Day 6
Dubrovnik
Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Dubrovnik on your own. Your tour director will be pleased to offer suggestions, or you can simply return to Old Town for strolling, shopping, museum-going, or watching the theater of daily life from a sidewalk café along pedestrian-only Stradun. Lunch and dinner today are on your own. [B]
Day 7
Dubrovnik/Split/Hvar
Leaving Dubrovnik this morning we travel a scenic coastal route north by motorcoach to Split, the main city of the central Dalmatian Coast. Here you’ll have time for lunch on your own before we board a ferry for the two-hour cruise to the beautiful Mediterranean island of Hvar, “queen” of the Dalmatians and one of several islands forming “The Hvar Group.” Strategically located in the midst of several major Adriatic sea routes, Hvar today boasts cultural influences left behind by centuries of invaders including Greek, Roman, Venetian, Turkish, Austrian, and French. Today Hvar is both a popular holiday spot and well known for its wine, lavender, and honey. Upon arrival we travel by coach to lively Hvar town, where we spend the next two nights. We dine tonight at a local restaurant just a short walk from our hotel. [B, D]
Day 8
Hvar
With captivating natural beauty of rich vegetation and peaceful coves and islets, and a strategic Adriatic location, Hvar has prospered since antiquity. We discover some of its charms this morning, first on a walking tour of Venetian-tinged Hvar town and then with a walking tour of nearby Stari Grad, one of Croatia’s oldest cities. Nestled between fragrant fields of lavender and the sea, Stari Grad dates to 385 B.C., when it was founded by Greeks from the island of Paros. After some free time for independent exploration, we return to our hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure. [B, L]
Day 9
Hvar/Split
We return to the mainland this morning, arriving back in Split in time for lunch on our own. This afternoon we tour Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage List site. Built by the Roman emperor Diocletian at the end of the 3rd Century, the palace, and then its well-preserved ruins, eventually formed the historic heart of picturesque Split. We enjoy a guided tour of the palace and the town, the administrative and economic hub of Middle Dalmatia, seeing traces of its time as a vassal of, alternately, both Venice and Croatia. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. [B, D]
Day 10
Split/Zadar/Opatija
Today we continue our full-day journey northward along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast to medieval Zadar, an ancient seaside capital that suffered heavy Allied bombing during World War II. Though many of its oldest buildings were destroyed, Zadar still has an intimate and historic town center, as we discover on our walking tour here, and a strong Italian influence that adds to its comfortable appeal. Leaving Zadar we travel on to Opatija, arriving early this evening. We dine tonight at our hotel. [B, D]
Day 11
Opatija
Considered the quintessential Habsburg watering hole, Opatija saw its glory days in the early 20th Century as a seaside escape for royalty and their hangers-on. Today the former fishing village offers up its charms to local sun-seekers and international visitors. This morning’s tour introduces us to the city and its surroundings, beginning on the “Opatija Riviera” in nearby Moscenicka, a peaceful and picturesque port town with lovely views. Returning to Opatija mid-day, we take a walking tour then have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. [B, D]
Day 12
Opatija/Istrian Peninsula
We embark this morning on a daylong tour of the Istrian Peninsula, a scenic region that still reflects its diverse cultural roots. At various times throughout its history belonging to Venice, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Fascist Italy, the Yugoslav Federation, and now, Croatia, Istra, as it is known, boasts an interesting history, a mild Mediterranean climate, lovely scenery, and good wines. We stop in the ancient port of Pula to visit the well-preserved remains of a Roman amphitheater (circa 177 BC), once a site of gladiator spectacles. We continue on to Rovinj, the “blue pearl” of the Adriatic and a charming old Venetian port, where you have free time for lunch and to explore on our own. Dinner this evening is on your own. [B]
Day 13
Opatija/Venice
This morning we bid farewell to Croatia as we set off for Venice, city of drama and doges, canals and Canaletto. Along the way we stop for lunch at an Italian farmhouse before arriving in Venice this afternoon. Dinner tonight is on our own; you may wish to sample some of the seafood for which Venice is rightly noted, among other regional specialties. [B, L]
Day 14
Venice
This morning’s walking tour led by a local guide reveals a host of Venetian delights: Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), with its fantastic Basilica; the romantic Bridge of Sighs; and the Rialto district with its bustling market. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this timeless city as you wish. This evening we gather at our hotel for a farewell dinner to bid “arrivederci” to Italy and to our fellow travelers. [B, D]
Day 15
Return to U.S.
Early this morning, you’ll depart Venice for your connecting flight to the United States. [B]
Extension (Return to top)
Optional Post-Tour Extension: “Venice – On Your Own”
Days 15 & 16
Venice
There’s no need to go anywhere: You’re right at home for the next two nights at Bonvecchiati Venezia, your base for exploring Venice as you wish. The options truly are endless; possibilities include admiring the fine Renaissance art in the Academia or the striking contemporary pieces at Peggy Guggenheim’s former home. You can wander Venice’s winding streets, sit and watch the crowds in St. Mark’s Square; or visit the colorful nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Whatever you do, you’re sure to be enchanted by this ageless, romantic, and decidedly singular city. [B]
Day 17
Return to the U.S.
This morning you'll transfer to the airport and board your return flight to the United States. [B]
Extension priced from $595.
