DISCOVER CROATIA

It isn't really Croatian fiction that the Eastern Adriatic coast is the most beautiful coast in the Mediterranean! As a matter of fact, this is something we have learnt from other including globetrotters, famous seafarers and even Roman Emperors! The Romans chose this coast to settle and built their villas, palaces - whole towns in fact- to indulge in leisure, entertainment and delight. Nowhere else throughout the Mediterranean will you find so many islands, bays, coves, picturesque beaches and cliffs gilded with sunshine.

We offer City Packages, Escorted Tours, Sightseeing Tours as well as Cruises.

1. CITY PACKAGES

1.1 Split City Package
Ref: atlas

Including:

* Return transfers from Airport - Hotel
* 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Marjan 3* superior
* Breakfast daily
* Half day city tour with local guide
* Entrance fees

1.2 Dubrovnik City Package

Including:

* Return transfers from Airport - Hotel
* 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Argosy 3*
* Breakfast daily
* Half day city tour with local guide
* Entrance fees

1.3 Zagreb City Package

Including:

* Return transfers from Airport - Hotel
* 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Palace 4*
* Breakfast daily
* Half day city tour with local guide

2. ESCOURTED TOURS

2.4 The Best of Croatia (extension to Postojna, Slovenia) 8 days, 7 nights
Ref: atlas

Day 1 ZAGREB
Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 ZAGREB - RIJEKA
Morning city tour of Zagreb, including the fortified Upper Town, the city's historical center, St Mark's church with its multicoloured roof, the Cathedral, Croatian National Theater and University. After lunch, departure to Rijeka.

Day 3 RIJEKA - ZADAR - TROGIR - SPLIT
After breakfast, depart for Zadar where we arrive in time for lunch. Orientation tour of Zadar including the Roman Forum from the 2nd century BC and the 9th century pre-Romanesque church of St Donatus. We continue for Split, stopping en route in Trogir, a picturesque medieval town.

Day 4 SPLIT - DUBROVNIK
Morning city tour of Split covering the Diocletian's Palace on UNESCO's List of World Cultural Heritage with the Peristyle, Jupiter's Temple and the Cathedral. After lunch, we depart for Dubrovnik, driving along the Makarska Riviera.

Day 5 DUBROVNIK
After breakfast, we will tour Dubrovnik included in UNESCO's List of World Cultural Heritage. You will visit Rector's Palace, the Cathedral, the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with Europe's third oldest pharmacy.

Day 6 DUBROVNIK - PLITVICE
Morning departure for Plitvice, driving along the Adriatic Coast and the Neretva River Delta, then inland across the valley of the Cetina River. Lunch in Trilj followed by a continuation of the drive to Plitvice. Dinner and overnight in Plitvice.

Day 7 PLITVICE
After breakfast, we tour the Plitvice Lakes National Park on UNESCO's List of World Natural Heritage. Sixteen lakes, each at the different level, joined in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of a rare and unique beauty. Enjoy lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Plitvice.

Day 8 PLITVICE - ZAGREB
Breakfast followed by departure for Zagreb. Transfer to airport for your return flight. Arrival at Zagreb Airport at 11:00.

TOUR INCLUDES:

* Arrival and departure transfers from/to Zagreb airport
* Accommodation in 3-star hotel on full board bases (beginning on Thursday with dinner, ending on Thursday with breakfast)
* Sightseeing tour of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik
* Entrance fees to Plitvice Lake National Park
* Air conditioned motor coach throughout
* English speaking tour escort

2.5 CROATIAN CULTURE AND NATURE TOUR
Ref. Kat

Day 1 Zagreb

Day 2 Zagreb - Vodice
Tour of the fortified Upper Town of Zagreb - St Mark's Church, St Catherine's Church, Parliament - as well as the lower city, with its National Theatre, university, parks and other buildings of interest. After lunch, we proceed to Dalmatia and to the quaint town of Vodice. Dinner and overnight in Vodice.

Day 3 Vodice - Sibinik - NP Krka - Dubrovnik
After breakfast we have a short drive to the city of Sibenik, with its cultural and historical monuments (especially the Cathedral). From Sibenik we continue to the Krka Waterfalls. The most beautiful ones are Roski Slap and Skradinski Buk. After the visit we continue to Dubrovnik.

Day 4 Dubrovnik
Completed in the thirteenth century, the old city has remained basically unchanged. After sightseeing we take a panoramic boat trip to see the magnificent city walls from the see.

Day 5 Dubrovnik - Makarska Riviera - Brela
"Brela is a source of beauty" - thanks to dense pine forests, excellent beaches, clear seawater, sources of portable water. Brela has been known for decades as one of the most attractive seaside resorts in Dalmatia.

Day 6 Makarska Riviera - Split - Plitvice Lakes
After breakfast we proceed to Split, the handiwork of seventeen centuries of men and women building and remodelling the town. At the core is the palace that Emporer Diocletian built in the fourth century. In the afternoon we visit the Plitvice Lakes. Dinnmer and overnight in Plitvice.

Day 7 Plitvice Lakes - Opatija
The most beautiful and oldest national park in Croatia consists of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls. After our visit we continue to Opatija, situated on the picturesque Kvarner Bay.

Day 8 Opatija - End of Trip
After breakfast end of the roundtrip

Included:

* 7x half board in ***/**** hotels
* City taxes
* Boat trip to Dubrovnik
* Welcome drink in hotel
* 1 Croatian souvenir
* qualified guide during trip
* Entrance and guiding at NP Plitvice Lakes and NP Krka waterfalls
* Local guides in Zagreb, Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Split and Opatija

3. CRUISES

3.1 BOAT TOUR
Ref: Kat

8 days, 7 nights

Daily Programme
Day 1 Embarkation in Venice between 14:00 and 17:00. Sailing overnight to Korcula (birthplace of Marco Polo).

Day 2 Time for swimming, or optional tour to the old town of Korcula, homeof the "Moreska" the island's unique version of the Morris Dance.

Day 3 Arrival in Dubrovnik. Discover the old town, as well as the Franciscan monastry with one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, or spend the day at the beach. Sailing overnight to corfu.

Day 4 Discover Corfu's impressive landscapes and golden beaches. Visit the Achilleion, built by Empress Elizabeth of Austria for her son Rudolph.

Day 5 Visit Kotor Bay and nearby islands.

Day 6 Arrival in Split. Visit the 1700-year old Dalmation capital, as well as Trogir, a town on the Unesco Heritage list, and Primosten. Sailing overnight to Pula.

Day 7 The Romans built Pula according to their taste and turned into "the divine town for pleasure and happiness of the rich". You can visit the amphitheatre, the 6th largest in the world, and numerous other historical monuments. Arrive in Venice in the evening. Stroll through Piazzo San Marco and see all the historical sights.

Day 8 Disembarkment after breakfast and before 9:00am.

Special discounts for children, wedding anniversaries and honeymoons.

4. CRUISING ON AN OLD-TIMER MOTOR SAILER

Cruise on a wooden motor sailer between the most beautiful islands of the Craotian Adriatic and explore them in a relaxed manner. You will visit villages in which people work their own vineyards, olive and fruit trees. They will sell you home pressed ham, smoked cheese, marinated fish and dried figs. Visit farms land hike along the goat and donkey paths to the wilderness of island peaks. This cruise will allow you a closer look at Mediterranean vegetation and a great view of Croatian archipelagos. Explore the cliffs, bays, beaches and caves of the shoreline, abundant with life between the land and sea. Sunbathing and snorkelling are excellent ways to enjoy your days on these beautiful islands. Accommodation is in double cabins and meals are served on board.

For these trips all you will need is a few T-shirts and a swimming costume to spend seven unforgettable days sailing on the Adriatic Sea from one island to another. Relax and let the captain and his crew (especially the cook) take care of you. During the day you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and explore the underworld of the Adriatic Sea. In the evenings you are free to find a good restaurant, discover old churches or other historical monuments on land…

Departures: Saturdays at 13:00
From Opatija and Split harbours

Please contact (012) 460 8382 for newest rates, or e-mail info3@duto.co.za.

There are 4 seaons

Price includes:

* Cruising with vintage sailing ship, according to the route;
* Overnights in two bedded cabins;
* 7 Half Board (Breakfast and Lunch)

A category - cabins with private shower/toilet (3rd bed possible only on ships Mlini, Lopar, Marija Magdelena, Maestral and Naranca)
B category - cabins with wash basin, common showers/toilettes

Special note:

* The Captain reserves the right to change the route in case of bad weather conditions
* Towels for personal use should be brought
* Parking possibilities at approx. EUR 6 (Opatija) - EUR 8 (Split) daily
* Ferry Tickets (cabins, seats or deck) available for Rijeka-Split; Split- Rijeka and others

4.1 The magnificent Kvarner coastline & islands

Saturday, OPATIJA - ISLAND OF KRK
Departure is from Opatija harbour at 13:00. After lunch we stop to swim in the crystal clear sea then continue to the Island of Krk. Krk is the biggest of the islands and has immense variety in its villages, large and small, gentle green promenades bare rocky wilderness, tiny islands and hundreds of hidden bays and beaches. You will spend the night in Krk and are free to explore on your own.

Sunday, ISLAND OF KRK - ISLAND OF RAB
After a morning swim, breakfast is served on the ship after which we sail to the Island of Rab, which is known as the "island of love". The small town of Rab is encircled in medieval walls, Romanesque church towers, churches and palaces, stone streets and ancient fasades. Enjoy the "gallery" on the streets and squares where many painters and artists exhibit their works.

Monday, ISLAND OF RAB - ISLAND OF PAG - DUGI OTOK (Nature Park - Telašcica, Dugi Otok)
After breakfast we sail from Rab to the famous island of Pag known for the excellent cheese and handmade lace. Here we stop to swim, and continue to sail to the Dugi Otok ("Long Island"). We spend the night in Telašcica - the largest natural harbour on the Adriatic. This is a nature park and one must take a short walk to the "Lake of Peace" - a lake that has salt water. Don't forget to visit the magnificent "White cliffs".

Tuesday, DUGI OTOK - ISLAND OF ILOVIK
After breakfast, we sail to the peaceful island of flowers called Ilovik. The island of Ilovik has two shops, a post office and a tavern. Enjoy the quietness and solitary of a small island, as well as the excellent fish restaurant right on the waterfront.

Wednesday, ISLAND OF ILOVIK - ISLAND OF LOŠINJ
Departure for the island of Mali Lošinj, which is one of the most popular islands on the northern Adriatic due to the abundance of pine trees and clear waters. Mali Losinj is among those places with the sunniest days per year in Europe.
Take a walk along the harbour and dare to take a night swim on the sandy Cikat beach. Overnight in Mali Losinj.

Thursday, ISLAND OF LOŠINJ - ISLAND OF CRES
After a morning swim. we leave for the island of Cres. This long and narrow
island is covered with oak, beaches and pine forests as well as vineyards and olive tree plantations. Cres and Mali Losinj used to be one island but a channel dug by the Romans separates them. We spend the night in the harbour of the typical medieval city of Cres.

Friday, ISLAND OF CRES - OPATIJA
After breakfast we sail towards Opatija. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view of famous Opatija Riviera. Arrival is late afternoon.

Saturday. OPATIJA
After breakfast you will say goodbye to the crew and we will hope to see you again, soon.

4.2 Dalmatian coastline & islands (Makarska, Mljet, Dubrovnik and more)

Saturday, SPLIT - MAKARSKA
Departure from Split harbour, Saturday at 13:00. After lunch we sail along the Dalmatian coast down to Makarska Riviera. We spend the afternoon swimming at one of the beautiful beaches on the Riviera. Overnight in the port of Makarska, one of the most attractive resorts on the Croatian coast. Strolling along the streets of Makarska, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sights.

Sunday, MAKARSKA - MLJET
Early in the morning we continue our trip towards Mljet. Our first stop is in Loviste, on the Peljesac peninsula. After a refreshing swim we continue towards Mljet. The whole afternoon is free to look at the salt lakes in National Park and enjoy the sun and sea on this peaceful island. Overnight in port Polaca/Pomena. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we can visit an old abbey and church, or just use a small boat to roam around the National park.

Monday, MLJET - DUBROVNIK
After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, which will be the highlight of our cruise. Enjoy the beautiful sights of nature along the way towards "the heaven on earth" - according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. We will arrive to Dubrovnik late in the afternoon. Take a walk through STRADUN - both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. For those of you with more enthusiasm we recommend a walk on top of the 1,940 m long city walls!

Tuesday, DUBROVNIK - TRSTENIK
Discover the beauty of historic Dubrovnik's numerous monuments, little streets and churches. Around lunch we continue our cruise towards the isle Trstenik where we will spend the night.

Wednesday, SIPAN/TRSTENIK - KORCULA
After breakfast departure to Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Sightseeing of Korcula - overnight in port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were being built for over two centuries.

Thursday, KORCULA - HVAR
Early in the morning we depart for the Pakleni Islands where we have lunch and time for swimming. Departure for Hvar after lunch. Hvar is the longest island in the Adriatic. Here we can find the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower; also the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. City of Hvar offers plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the night.

Friday, HVAR - SUPETAR
Our next stop will be the island of Brac. We swim in one of the many bays and stay overnight in a typical Dalmatian town - Supetar. Supetar is a quiet village across from Split where one can find homemade olive oil, wine or schnapps (grappa) for sale.

Saturday, SUPETAR - SPLIT
Early breakfast after which we depart towards Split. Split is a monumental city under UNESCO protection that belongs not only to Croatians, but also to you, as it is a part of the world heritage. Here we find an abundance of Roman architecture - of special interest is the Diocletian palace.

4.3 Dalmatian coastline and islands (Omiš, Makarska, Korcula and more)

Saturday, SPLIT - OMIš
Departure from Split harbour, Saturday at 13:00. After lunch we sail along the Dalmatian coast down to Omiš. We spend the afternoon swimming in the crystal clear sea. Omiš is a picturesque town surrounded with steep rocky mountain cliffs, where the river Cetina flows into the Adriatic sea. Afternoon is free to enjoy sports like rafting on the streams of the Cetina river, free mountain climbing, windsurfing or beach volleyball. Those not feeling "sporty", can explore the old town of Omiš and discover the glorious and long history through the many historical monuments.

Sunday, OMIŠ- MAKARSKA
Departure from Omiš after breakfast. We spend the afternoon swimming in one of the beautiful pebble beaches along the Makarska Riviera. Overnight in the port of Makarska, a town known as a tourist destination with plenty of restaurants, cafes and activities.

Monday, MAKARSKA - KORCULA
After breakfast we sail to Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo. According to legend Korcula was found by Trojan hero Anthenor in the 12th century BC. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else.

Tuesday, KORCULA - ŠCEDRO
We leave Korcula after the morning visit of towns market and we sail to lovely little island Šcedro to spend time on the lonely beaches. In complete quietness and wilderness we can enjoy the sun and clear water as well as fishing and snorkelling.

Wednesday, ŠCEDRO - VIS
During breakfast we will depart toward Biševo and visit the famous Blue Caves. Arrival in Vis in the afternoon where we spend the night. It was Vis (Issa) where the Greeks had their first colony in the 4th century.

Thursday, VIS - HVAR
Early in the morning we depart for the Paklene islands where we have lunch and time for bathing. Departure for Hvar after lunch. Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic. Here we can find the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, also the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. Hvar also offers plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the night.

Friday, HVAR - (Bol)SUPETAR
Our next stop will be the island of Brac. Swimming is planned at one of the most known beaches in Dalmatia - Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden cape - its gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change in shape). Bol is a typical fisherman's town turned into a popular tourist destination. After lunch we will depart for Supetar for overnight. Supetar is a quiet village across from Split where one can find homemade olive oil, vine or schnaps (grappa) for sale.

Saturday, SUPETAR - SPLIT
Early breakfast. We continue sailing while enjoying the view of Split Riviera arriving in Split around 9:00 o'clock. Split is a monumental city under UNESCO protection that belongs not only to Croatians, but also to you as it is a part of the world heritage. Here we find an abundance of Roman architecture - of special interest is the Deocletian palace.

4.4 The Dalmatian coastline (Rogoznica, Krka, Šibenik, Kornati and more)

Saturday, SPLIT - ROGOZNICA
Departure from Split harbour, Saturday at 13:00. After lunch we sail around Ciovo and spend the day swimming in a quiet bay. Overnight in Rogoznica, a small village that offers remarkable wine - hometown of the famous wine Babic.

Sunday, ROGOZNICA - KRKA WATERFALLS
After breakfast we sail up the river Krka toward Skradin, to the National Park. Lunch on board. Afternoon to enjoy the National park and the waterfalls. We discover the beauty of Krka, and its exceptional flora and fauna. Overnight in port.

Monday, KRKA WATERFALLS - ŠIBENIK
Breakfast. After the morning swim, we sail out towards the Sibenik. Stop for lunch on the board and an afternoon swim in one of the many bays around Sibenik. Overnight in harbour. In Sibenik one can visit a castle above the town centre and many beautiful historical buildings, like the Foscolo palace (gothic style) or St. Laurent church in baroque style.

Tuesday, ŠIBENIK - KORNATI
Today we sail out to one of the lovely little islands in the region of Kornati, where we spend time on the lonely beaches. Overnight on National Park Kornati - rich in fish, and cultural and historic remains. Ruins of old Ilyrian fortress, Roman villas, old Christian church of St. Mary and medieval fortresses and settlements add to the value of these islands. Kornati consists of 140 islands and reefs. Inlets of some islands descend steeply into the sea, a hundred meters deep in places, and dramatically razor sharp. It is truly something remarkable to see.

Wednesday, KORNATI - ZADAR
We continue sailing through numerous island of National Park Kornati and we stop to have lunch and time for bathing. Departure for Zadar in the afternoon where we spend the night in the port. The town is full of great restaurants packed in the centre and historical monuments that can be found in and around the city (such as the pre-Romanesque church of St. Donat).

Thursday, ZADAR - VODICE
Today we start our trip back along the Dalmatian coast. Stop for a swim in one of the beautiful bays. After the lunch we sail to a popular and always lively resort Vodice, where we will spend the night. Here we can enjoy beautiful terraces of local restaurants and cafes or simply walk along beautiful beaches of this typical Dalmatian town.

Friday, VODICE - TROGIR
We are sailing back to Split Riviera today. For swimming we stop in one of the bays and stay overnight in old Dalmatian town, Trogir. Trogir is sometimes referred to as "miniature Venice"- it has a masterful architecture.

Saturday, TROGIR - SPLIT
After breakfast we sail while enjoying the view of Split Riviera and arrive in Split around 9:00 o'clock. Split is a monument city under UNESCO protection that belongs not only to Croatian people, but to you as well because it is in the world heritage. Here we find an abundance of Roman architecture.

4.5 DUBROVNIK - SIPAN - MLJET - KORCULA - HVAR - TRSTENIK - STON - DUBROVNIK

Itinaries are subject to slight changes.

For more information, contact Duto Travel Advisors, (012) 460 8382, or e-mail us: info3@duto.co.za

Updated: January 2006