CROATIA UNVEILED: A PICTURESQUE COUPLES TRIP

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Dive into the enchanting world of Croatia, an Adriatic gem that resonates with romance at every corner. Imagine wandering hand in hand through ancient walled towns, as the Mediterranean sun casts a golden hue on sapphire waters. Croatia isn’t just a destination; it’s a vivid tapestry of experiences.

Every journey within this stunning nation is a testament to its beauty and the warmth of its traditions. Dubbed one of the globe's premier travel spots, Croatia promises more than just a trip; it offers an intimate adventure, a dance of love and nature.

Don't just dream. Dive in. Explore the magic that awaits in Croatia.

The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: Split, Croatia

DAY 2: Split Private Walking Tour

DAY 3: Private Tour Krka National Park and Sibenik

DAY 4: Speed Boat excursion and HVAR

DAY 5: Oyster Harvesting Experience and Ston

Itinerary: Details

Croatia 2024

ITINERARY WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE DETAILS BELOW WITH A COUPLE OF INCLUSIONS.

October 19 arrive to October 28, 2024

DAY 1 OCTOBER 19

Welcome to Split!

Arrival in Split. Split is more than just a gateway to the islands. Discover the best things to do in Split, from lazing on Bačvice beach to sightseeing. There are plenty of things to do in Split now that – thankfully – its days as a departure point to the nearby islands are gone. Brimming with recently opened high-quality bistros, antiquities aplenty and the best bar scene on the Adriatic coast, Croatia’s main ferry port is also the country’s most promising all-round city-break destination.

In the year 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled the entire world at that time, decided to build his leisure time abode - in which he intended to spend the rest of his life - he had no doubt as to exactly where build to it. In the very heart of Dalmatia, in the bay of Aspalathos (Split), well protected from the sea by the islands of the Split archipelago, and defended on its landward side by high mountains, Diocletian created a special point on the map of the Adriatic: the future city of Split. Located in center of the country as the gateway city.

Unwind and relax and enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the evening.

Overnight in Split.

Accommodations: 4 star standard double room

Double Room

DAY 2 OCTOBER 20

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel

WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SPLIT

Meet your guide for an introduction to the heritage and history of charming Split during your private walking tour.

The second-largest city in Croatia, Split (Spalato in Italian) is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants & shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on for thousands of years.

Time at leisure to explore the city on your own, enjoy a drink or dinner in one of the many restaurants (on your own)

Service

English-speaking guide for a private walking tour of Old Town Split (entrance fees)

Accommodations: 4 star standard double room

Double Room

Dinner in Split with the group



DAY 3 OCTOBER 21

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel

PRIVATE EXCURSION FROM SPLIT TO KRKA NP & SIBENIK

Krka National Park is just over an hour's drive away from Split and is a nice place to visit in the morning before the crowds arrive. With seven waterfalls—the largest and most impressive being Skradinski Buk—Krka National Park is one of Croatia's top-rated parks home to a network of striking waterfalls. The Krka River, another highlight of the park, carves through the limestone and creates a spectacular canyon on its 44-mile journey (70 km) from the foothills of the Dinaric Alps to Šibenik.

Follow the winding wooden paths that traverse emerald pools and river islands to prime lookout spots in which to view the falls. Mother Nature saved the best for last with Skradinski Buk. Cascading 78 feet (24 m) down into an emerald lagoon wider than the falls are tall, you'll find restaurants, snack stands, and ice cream shops at the base of this picture-perfect locale to satisfy any food-related cravings.

After spending the morning in Krka, head to the coastal town of Šibenik for the afternoon and a guided tour accompanied by a local guide. A true Croatian town founded by the Croat king Petar Krešimir IV in the 11th century, Šibenik is home to impressive fortresses, music festivals, and medieval gardens. Start with a visit to the famous UNESCO-protected St. James' Cathedral, before selecting a restaurant for your late lunch or early dinner.

The final drive back to Split will follow for a time at leisure and overnight.

Dinner with the group

Accommodations: 4 star standard double room

Double Room

DAY 4 OCTOBER 22

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel

ROUND TRIP PRIVATE SPEED BOAT SPLIT TO HVAR

PAKLENI ISLANDS AND FREE TIME IN HVAR

Meet our Skipper for a Private Full Day Excursion.

Meeting with your skipper for a private full-day excursion from Split to the island of Hvar with a stop at Pakleni islands and its bays & coves that are perfect places to lie in the sun and swim in peace, maybe enjoy lunch and a cocktail in one of the secluded lounge bars and restaurants. Sail, swim and snorkel.

This tour includes a couple of possible stops, different bays on the island of St. Klement, passage, and Bay – Zdrilca or Vela Garska Bay on the island of Hvar. All these bays have pristine crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography.

We offer you a stop for lunch at the restaurant on Pakleni Islands, depending on the anchorage capability and weather conditions, your skipper will bring you to the best suitable location for relaxing and eating proper Dalmatian lunch by the sea. (lunch is not included in the price).

Final sail to Hvar Island and time at leisure to explore the town center on your own.

Dinner with the group

Overnight in Split

Accommodations: 4 star standard double room

Double Room

DAY 5 OCTOBER 23

Breakfast at the hotel

SPLIT - STON - DUBROVNIK

PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK WITH EN ROUTE STOPS ON PELJESAC PENINSULA & STON.

OYSTER HARVESTING EXPERIENCE WITH LOCAL OYSTER AND MUSSEL PRODUCER AND A TRADITIONAL DALMATIAN LIGHT LUNCH

Meet your driver for a private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik via the Pelješac peninsula.

Your first stop is village Hodilje or Mali Ston where your local host will take you to an oyster harvesting experience. Enjoy the time spent with the local oyster and mussel producer and a traditional Dalmatian light lunch

Your next stop is at a family estate and winery Miloš. Grape and wine production in Ponikve, on the Peljesac peninsula, has been a Milos family tradition for generations. They base their production on the autochthonous grape variety of Plavac mali. The family owns approx. 15 hectares of vineyards in the finest locations on Peljesac; on the slippery slopes of the Prapratno cove next to Ponikve village. Vineyards have been planted on sandy soil formed on the dolomite rocks. Handcrafted vineyards and ecological production show the effort they put into every detail.

In Ponikve you will visit their wine cellar for fermentation, processing, bottling, and the g of wine. The selection of wine depends on the position and the preparation of the vineyard, the particular year, the way and time of vintage, and the technology in the cellar. This means that each type of wine requires a different winemaking procedure. They produce different types of wines: dry, semi-dry, halfsweet, and natural sweet (dessert) wines. As the car heads further, you will have a great opportunity to enjoy the picturesque hillside of Dalmatia’s magical interior: a unique blend of high mountains and small patches of fertile fields. It is part of the country that looks as if it was stopped in time.

Final drive to Dubrovnik and check into your hotel. Time at leisure and overnight in Dubrovnik.

Dinner with the group

Accommodations: 5 star standard double room

Sea View Room



DAY 6 OCTOBER 24

Breakfast at the hotel

DUBROVNIK

PRIVATE ROUND TRIP FROM OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK WITH A WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK

Meet the local guide, discover Dubrovnik, and take in all the main sights.

Explore the architecture and history of this famous city accompanied by your experienced guide, the story of Dubrovnik's golden age will unfold before your eyes. The route takes you around the Old Town via Onofrio's Fountain and up Prijeko Street to the Old Port - the key to Dubrovnik's trading and maritime success.

Ships from Dubrovnik were renowned throughout the Mediterranean and galleons from the Republic could be found in navies across Europe and beyond. These ships were built and loaded in the legendary Arsenal, which is another stop on the tour. Once in the Old Port, your guide will relate the stories of the famous Quarantine and the nearby fortresses of St. Luke and St. John as well as legends about the Church of St Blaise, the Cathedral, the Rector's Palace, Sponza Palace, and Orlando's Column.

OPTIONAL, NOT INCLUDED: End your walk with a visit to the Dubrovnik City Walls - the city walls are considered to be one of the most grandiose fortification monuments in Europe. The first fortifications were built already in the 8th century, but the most intense construction took place from the mid-15th to the end of the 16th century. The huge earthquake in 1667 did not do much damage. The ramparts encompass the city in an irregularly shaped polygon, with Fort Minčeta at the highest northwestern landward corner of the city and with Fort St. Johns on the southeastern seaside. Strong forts, such as Fort Lawrence at Pile and Fort Revelin at Ploče, are also part of the defense system, even though they are separated from the ramparts.

The ramparts are 22 meters high in places, and from 4 to 6 m. thick on the landward side and from 1-1/2 to 3 m. thick on the seaside. In front of the main wall on the mainland, side is an outer wall with 10 semi-circular bastions, in front of which used to be a moat. The main wall has 14 quadrangular and 2 circular towers, 2 angular fortifications, and 4 bastions. There are three entrances to the city ramparts: on Stradun by the Pile gate, by Fort St. Johns, and by Fort St. Luke, Od Sv. Dominika street.

OPTIONAL, NOT INCLUDED: Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car and reach a unique viewpoint above the city or only one way (on your own). Glide through the air on a scenic adventure. The Cable Car ride offers breathtaking views of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, stunning coastal sights, and magnificent sunsets. Once you reach the top, take your time, relax, and enjoy the unique views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic

Time at leisure and overnight in Dubrovnik.

Dinner with the group

Accommodations: 5 star standard double room

Sea View Room

DAY 7 OCTOBER 25

Breakfast at the hotel

DUBROVNIK – KOTOR – DUBROVNIK

PRIVATE FULL DAY EXCURSION TO KOTOR

Meet with your driver and start the tour from Dubrovnik driving south alongside the Adriatic coast passing the cities of Cavtat and Konavle region and soon cross the border to Montenegro (do not forget your passports).

We are driving alongside the Kotor Bay (Europe’s most southern fiord) passing the cities Igalo, and Herceg Novi (two great Turkish, later Venetian fortresses with an optional stop in Perast for a visit on your own.

You'll finally reach the city of Kotor, nested at the very bottom of Kotor Bay surrounded by formidable verticals of neighboring mountains.

Upon arrival meet with your local guide for a private walking tour of Kotor (max 2 hours)

Lunch Not Included

A walking tour will introduce this magnificent town’s past, before having free time to explore on your own.

We’ll conclude our trip to the exquisite country of Montenegro and head back to Croatia.

Return to your hotel, time at leisure, and an overnight in Dubrovnik

Time at leisure and an overnight in Dubrovnik

Dinner with the group

Accommodations: 5 star standard double room

Sea View Room

DAY 8 OCTOBER 26

Breakfast at the hotel

DUBROVNIK FREE DAY

DAY 9 OCTOBER 27

Breakfast at the hotel

PRIVATE COOKING CLASS IN KONAVLE VALLEY FOLLOWED BY A MEAL IN A LOCAL RURAL ESTATE

Meet with your driver for a private half-day cooking class in the Konavle area with a traditional meal.

Learn how to prepare homemade food the same way our ancestors did centuries ago.

After meeting in Dubrovnik, we'll drive along the amazing coastline stopping at several panoramic points to take unique photos of Dubrovnik and its surroundings, with a visit to an old flour mill or an olive press instead.

Upon arrival at a typical rural villa, welcome drinks and snacks will be served. You may pick fresh vegetables for your cooking lesson straight from our garden! Depending on the season, you'll prepare meals like “sac” – lamb or veal cooked under the iron bell; “Zelena menestra” – green cabbage with dry meat; skewers on laurel sticks; smoked bacon and goat cheese...

Prepare your meal over the open fire, dig your fingers into the fresh dough, taste some olive oil, and blend it into the rural ambiance to get the true feeling of Dubrovnik countryside. This tour was created to present the local ambiance and authentic feeling of life in the village.

Return to your hotel, time at leisure, and an overnight in Dubrovnik

Dinner with the group

Accommodations: 5 star standard double room

Sea View Room



DAY10 OCTOBER 28

Breakfast at the hotel

Private transfer departure to the airport

Safe travels home
Destination Details: Accommodations

4 star accommodations

Included Meals

Breakfast daily

Important Reminders

This tour take up to 10 travelers.

Protect Your Travel Investment: Travel insurance is more important than ever. To get an idea of rates, please go to speak with us regarding options for Insurance.

Packing Suggestions

September and October weather is ideal for Croatia. There are so many variances within that, so do find out before you come to know what to pack. The average temperature in Oct. ranges from 73°, with the lowest around 60°. We suggest you monitor weather apps before you depart for the most current information. Refer to http://www.weather.gov/.

For This Trip You May Want—

Smart-casual wear if you’d like to dress up a bit for dinners.

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Comfy walking shoes

Reusable water bottle

Lightweight but warm jacket/sweater for the cool mornings and evening.

Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.

Bathing suits to jump in the Adriatic Sea if weather permits.

Good Packing Habits—

Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind – or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.

Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.

Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.

Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.

Luggage

On every tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of the vehicles we use and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.

It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.

You may bring one check in suitcase plus a carry on luggage and a small shoulder bag/purse.

The maximum weight of your suitcase should not exceed 50 pounds, as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.

You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.

Fitness

Walking is a key component of our tours. On some days, between walking tours and personal exploration. Although the activity level on this trip may not appear strenuous, we believe you will enjoy the tour more if you possess a general level of fitness and endurance.

Money

Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits.

Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.

ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining cash; you must know your PIN number for your debit and credit cards in order to use the ATMs.

Tipping

You are responsible for tipping guides, drivers, wait-staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.

You may want to tip your Gurvy Travel Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $10 per day.
Cost: Room Share
$4800.00 per person Based on 10 travelers--so invite friends.

Status of this Tour
OPEN to 10 travelers.

Non Refundable Deposit of $500.00 is due at time of Reservation as well as cost for insurance if you choose to purchase. Final payment is due June 15, 2024.

Tour Pricing Includes

Private transfer from Split Airport to hotel

Five nights in a 4* hotel in Split

Guide for Private Walking Tour in Split

Private roundtrip transfer to Plitvice Lakes/Split

Tour of Plitvice Lakes visit/hike

National Park Plitvice Lakes entrance tickets

Private speed boat excursion from Split to Hvar with a visit to Pakleni Islands[crew, snacks, drinks, etc included]

Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik with en route stops

Oyster harvesting and typical local lunch with local oysterman

Wine tasting with snacks at Milos Winery

Five nights Dubrovnik

Private Dubrovnik walking tour

Private full day excursion to Kotor

Half day group cooking class in Konavle Valley followed by a meal in a local rural estate: includes:transportation, welcome drink, snack, all food and drinks served during the class

Private transfer from hotel to the airport in Dubrovnik

Gurvy as your Tour Leader so you don't have to do any of the thinking, just come and have fun.

VAT included.

Exclusions:

Meals and drinks not mentioned above

Airfare and travel insurance

Additions excursions not mentioned

Personal expenses

Tips and porterage services

Suggestions for tipping: Guides €10 per person Driver €5 per person

Payment Dates and Cancellation Penalty Amounts

Due: $4800.00 to save your space

Upon Booking: Travel Insurance is recommended

Final: Due June 15, 2024

Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation fee of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.

Review our Terms & Conditions before making your reservation. You will be required to confirm you have read and agree to GT's Terms & Conditions before our website will allow you to submit your Space Reservation Request.
Flights: Arrival And Departure Information

Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:

Arrival Airport: SPU - Resnick Airport depart October 18, 2024
Arrival Date: October 19,2024 overnight flight
Arrival Transfer: Details included in Final Travel Instructions.

Departure Airport: DBV - Dubrovnik International Airport
Departure Date: October 28 2024 Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Details included in Final Travel Instructions.

When to Purchase Air: ASAP after your deposit has been applied. Should the tour not operate, regardless of reason, traveler is responsible for any penalties airlines may impose to rebook or cancel the ticket.

Important Reminders About This Tour

Protect Your Travel Investment: Travel insurance is more important than ever. We will quote travel insurance on and individual basis. Often Travel Protection is offered on specific tours. All insurance policies offered are not included in the price of the trip.

Activity Rating

You are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the tour you have chosen.

Because of this requirement, Tours are not suitable for anyone who is physically challenged, walking impaired, or is a slow walker that cannot keep up with the pace of the group.

The activities on this tour are rated as follows:

Easy to Moderate (walking involved)

Activity levels are subjective and based on the reader's interpretation. Almost everyone overestimates their abilities. Therefore, it is your responsibility to read the itinerary and understand what you are doing throughout the tour.

If you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Ready to secure our spot: REGISTRATION
Schedule a call with Gurvy for Questions: Schedule a Call with Gurvy

Fresh from the shimmering shores and historic walls of Croatia, Gurvy is back and bubbling with excitement! Every cobblestone street, every island hop, and every flavorful dish left an indelible mark. But why just hear about it? Gurvy believes in sharing the magic, and now, she wants YOU to bask in the Croatian sun, dance to its rhythm, and immerse in its rich culture.

If the sparkling Adriatic Sea, the charm of Dubrovnik's walls, or the allure of island getaways has ever called out to you, now's the time!

Join us, let's make Croatian memories together.

CROATIA UNVEILED: A PICTURESQUE COUPLES TRIP

The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: Split, Croatia

DAY 2: Split Private Walking Tour

DAY 3: Private Tour Krka National Park and Sibenik

DAY 4: Speed Boat excursion and HVAR

DAY 5: Oyster Harvesting Experience and Ston

Details

WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SPLIT

PRIVATE EXCURSION FROM SPLIT TO KRKA NP & SIBENIK

ROUND TRIP PRIVATE SPEED BOAT SPLIT TO HVAR

PAKLENI ISLANDS AND FREE TIME IN HVAR

SPLIT - STON - DUBROVNIK

PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK WITH EN ROUTE STOPS ON PELJESAC PENINSULA & STON.

OYSTER HARVESTING EXPERIENCE WITH LOCAL OYSTER AND MUSSEL PRODUCER AND A TRADITIONAL DALMATIAN LIGHT LUNCH

DUBROVNIK

PRIVATE ROUND TRIP FROM OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK WITH A WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK

DUBROVNIK – KOTOR – DUBROVNIK

PRIVATE FULL DAY EXCURSION TO KOTOR

DUBROVNIK FREE DAY

PRIVATE COOKING CLASS IN KONAVLE VALLEY FOLLOWED BY A MEAL IN A LOCAL RURAL ESTATE

Accommodations

Included Meals

Important Reminders

Packing Suggestions

Luggage

Fitness

Money

Tipping

Room Share

Status of this Tour

Tour Pricing Includes

Payment Dates and Cancellation Penalty Amounts

Arrival And Departure Information

Important Reminders About This Tour

Activity Rating

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