Venice, Croatia’s Cities & Plitvice Lakes
Italia & Croatia in 11 Days • 9 Nights in Destination
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Natalie
Travel crafter
The essental guided tour of Croatia’s key sites, with the added bonus of beginning your journey in the magical city of Venice!
Trip Highlights
- Dubrovnik
- Opatija
- Plitvice Lakes
- Split
- Zagreb
- Venice
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers.
Activities
Some meals
Availability
Departures available until October 2023
Available Group tours
Solo travelers available
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Categories available
superior included
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Categories Available:
superior
From $2,399
- Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
Accommodation: 9 Nights
Itinerary
Begin your adventure in beautiful Venice, exploring its waterways and captivating architecture. Next, head to Croatia! Touch down in Dubrovnik, known for its atmospheric old town. Enjoy the enchanting historic sights of Split before immersing yourself in the magnificent nature of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy a few days in the upmarket resort town of Opatija before exploring vibrant Zagreb.
Ready to explore the wonders of Venice and discover the hidden treasures of Croatia? Head to your departure airport to catch a flight to Venice*, known as ‘The Floating City’ as it sits upon 150 canals. Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Built across more than 100 small islands, Venice is a pleasure to explore on foot as you get lost in the labyrinthine streets, stumbling across hidden cafes and cultural gems along the way. Get out and discover the plentiful delights on this eternal city, such as the immense Piazza San Marco, and perhaps enjoy a peaceful gondola ride through the atmospheric canals. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.*
*Important: please bear in mind that the accommodation included in Venice is located in Venice Mestre, which is situated outside the island, approximately 15 minutes away by train, bus or Taxi.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria. Continue to marvel at the grand Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, uncover legendary tales of Marco Polo and finally return to St. Mark’s Square by strolling through the main Venetian shopping street, the Mercerie, and immerse yourself in the historic buzz of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering this unique city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Venice Mestre.
*Optional Gondola Ride Experience: One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 35-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal. The quintessential Venetian experience! Note: Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to five people for each one) so you might have to share it with other people.
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer by road from Venice Mestre to the airport to catch your flight to the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Touch down and transfer to your hotel. Situated in southern Croatia overlooking the glistening waters of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is well-known for its incredible old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stunning architecture and a vibrant cultural and foodie scene. Once settled at the hotel, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring Dubrovnik's atmospheric alleyways and taking in the sweeping sea views. You may even recognise parts of the old town from the popular television series Game of Thrones! Dinner and overnight stay in Dubrovnik.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a sightseeing tour of the old town. Completed in the thirteenth century, the ancient city of Dubrovnik remains largely unchanged. Its medieval ramparts encircle the Old Town, which can be entered through one of two historic gates. After crossing an impressive stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron Saint Blaise, explore the broad, stone-paved promenade known as Stradun. Some of the most prominent sights in the city include St. Blaise Church, the Renaissance-era Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace. After the tour, take some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Dubrovnik.
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Dubrovnik behind as you set off for Split this morning. The third-largest city in the country, Split sits on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is spread over a central peninsula and its surroundings. In fact, Split is one of the most sought-after coastal destinations in Croatia. Once settled at the hotel, get out and enjoy a walking tour of Split Old Town, including a visit to the remains of the Diocletian Palace, built by the emperor of the same name in the 4th century. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight stay in Split.
Breakfast at the hotel. Your journey of discovery through Croatia continues today with a visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of exquisite natural beauty. Home to 16 lakes, this coveted natural environment invites you to explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Accompanied by an expert guide, take a walk through the ancient woodlands before following the path across Gornja Jezera (Upper Lakes). Visit the Lower Lakes before exploring the different trails and sections of the park on a 3-4 hour visit. Afterwards, continue to Opatija, a coastal town known for its Habsburg-era villas and beautiful beaches, where you'll spend the evening at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Opatija.
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a city tour of Opatija to discover its rich history and aristocratic legacy! Situated on the picturesque Kvarner Bay, it was once a favourite spa resort of the Habsburgs and other European aristocrats, such as Mahler, Chekhov and Isadora Duncan. Walking through the colourful Angiolina Park, home to exotic plants, and along the Lungomare promenade surrounded by charming Austro-Hungarian villas and residences, you can still feel the unique appeal of charming Opatija. After the walking tour, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the city's beaches or doing some souvenir shopping. Overnight stay in Opatija.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend a relaxing day in Opatija at your leisure, perhaps exploring the Croatian Museum of Tourism or enjoying the delicious Mediterranean cuisine on offer here. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to the Istrian Peninsula and the Pula Colosseum.* Overnight stay in Opatija.
*Optional Excursion to Istrian Peninsula & Pula Colosseum: Discover the charms of the Istrian Peninsula and visit the spectacular 2000-year-old Colosseum in Pula. Afterwards, spend some time at your leisure in Rovinj before truffle-tasting in Motovun.
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to head to the Croatian capital of Zagreb, home to an abundance of culture and history. Arrive in Zagreb and set off on a walking tour to explore the most emblematic sights in the city. In the medieval-era Upper Town pay a visit to St. Mark's Church, famous for its tiled roof, as well as the Parliament Building, Government Palace and countless other historical buildings. The remainder of the day is free to get a taste of the Croatian capital at your leisure. Be sure to stroll along Tkalčićeva Street, lined with outdoor cafes and the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Overnight stay in Zagreb.
After a final breakfast at the hotel, it's time to head home.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.**
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day.
11 days trip including flights*
10 days and 9 nights in destination
1
NYC - VCE
2
NYC - VCE
Venice Mestre
3
Venice Mestre
4
Dubrovnik
5
Dubrovnik
6
Split
7
Opatija
8
Opatija
9
Opatija
10
Zagreb
11
ZAG - NYC
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Included activities
Guided Walking Tour of Venice
Take a guided walking tour through Venice to learn about the culture and artistic heritage of the city. Stroll through the city, taste a traditional spritz (own expense) at a local tavern, visit the iconic Rialto Bridge and cruise on the Giudecca Canal!
What's included: Walking tour in Venice with professional guide Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off, entrance fees.
City Tour of Dubrovnik
Set off on a sightseeing tour of the old town. Explore the broad, stone- paved promenade known as Stradun. Some of the most prominent sights in the city include St. Blaise Church, the Renaisxplore the broad, stone- paved promenade known as Stradun. Some of
City Tour in Split
enjoy a walking tour of Split Old Town, including a visit to the remains of the Diocletian Palace, built by the emperor of the same name in the 4th century.
Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accompanied by an expert guide, take a walk through the ancient woodlands before following the path across Gornja Jezera (Upper Lakes). Next, enjoy a boat ride on the Lower Lakes before exploring the different trails and sections of the park.
Available Activities
Gondola Ride in Venice
One of the most famous characteristics of Venice is its historic gondolas and now you can be a part of this legacy yourself! Experience an unforgettable 30-minute gondola ride through the charming waterways of Venice including the iconic Grand Canal.
What's included: 35 minute Gondola Ride Not included: Pick up and drop off, guide
Excursion to Istrian Peninsula & Pula Colosseum
Discover the charms of the Istrian Peninsula and visit the spectacular 2000-year-old Colosseum in Pula. Afterwards, spend some time at your leisure in Rovinj before truffle-tasting in Motovun.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Venice, Venice - Dubrovnik, Zagreb - US.
- 9 nights hotel accommodation in Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 9 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
- All transfers
- Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Guided Walking Tour in Venice, City Tours of Dubrovnik & Split, Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, City Tour of Opatija and a Walking Tour of Zagreb.
- Guide/s during the excursions.
- Tour leader from day 5 to 11
Not included
Drinks, entrance fees, city taxes, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
About Italy:
Please note: the Italy part of this itinerary is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be travelling in a group. As an independent tour, the dates of the excursions may differ based on the availability of the tours. The final date will be available on the voucher uploaded on your Exoticca account prior to departure.
* Meeting points: the included tours will depart from designated meeting points. The location of the meeting points will be included in your trip details. Transfers to the meeting points are not included.
Important: please bear in mind that the accommodation included in Venice is located in Venice Mestre, which is situated outside the island, approximately 15 minutes away by train, bus or Taxi.
About Croatia:
City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.
Hotel ratings in Croatia are not governed by the same standards as those in the US, so please keep this in mind when selecting your desired accommodation category.
Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.
For wheelchair users this trip is upon request, please contact us for further information.
Hotel information: Please see hotel allocations by date.
Dubrovnik: Park Hotel (between July 3rd to September 27th)
Dubrovnik: Porto Hotel (between May 24th to June 12th)
Dubrovnik: Adria Hotel (All other arrivals)
Split: Art Hotel (3rd May / 24th May / 3rd July / September 9th)
Split: Corner Hotel (All other arrivals)
Split: Hotel Mondo ( September 11th / September 27th)
- Entry requirementsValid passport required.
- VisaNo visa is required to enter the country.
- CurrencyEuro.
- LanguageItalian.
- Electricity220 V. No adapter required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from the US.
- Time zoneGMT + 01:00.
- Other useful informationItalian cuisine is one of the most prominent in the world. The national dish is pasta.
- Tourist Office websitehttp://www.italia.it/en/home.html
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
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