As the largest city in Dalmatia and its most important historically – after all Diocletian, the Roman Emperor, chose to retire here after his reign – Split is used to be the belle of the lot. Forward to modern times, there’s still no split opinions about the city’s irresistible charms. Locals live, play and work in dozens of bars, restaurants and shops dotted around the city and the good life emanates from its atmospheric old walls and around the turquoise waters of the Adriatic nonstop day and night. And then there’s the famed islands nearby in the Dalmatian coast offering perfect respites, plus the never-ending supply of gorgeous seafood! With a customised Split and Croatia tour package with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours, now is the time to pay homage to the crown of Dalmatia and salute to Emperor Diocletian’s brilliant foresight.
Sailing from Split
The gorgeous blue Adriatic is home to a collection of impressive islands all easily accessible from Split. Whether you choose to sail full day to the islands of Hvar, Pakleni and Bol or a sneak in a half-day escape to Brac and Solta, Summer Blues, an experienced and premium sea excursion expert, promises to exceed all your expectations. Swim in hidden bays, explore hard-to-find insider spots on the islands, sunbathe amid picture-perfect backdrops, indulge in free-flowing beverages, a hearty lunch and bond over cocktails with your fellow travellers on the luxury catamaran. If an exclusive private party out on sea is your desired cup of tea, they can also serve you that and look into your every request.
Raft it out on Cetina River Cetina is the longest river in Dalmatia and its temperament resonates with the Dalmatian’s character – a charming combination of vivaciousness and easy-going charms. Its upper regions thrive with white water rapids gushing alongside lofty rocky outcrops offering thrill seekers a breathless adventure, while its lower regions trickle down to a gentler pace surrounded by a landscape of deciduous woodlands and tranquil villages. Imagine the highs and lows when you flow into the calmer lower reaches just right after rafting down from the rapids, and also as the river is the main source of water to much of Dalmatia, don’t forget to jump in for a customary dip!
A seafoodie’s paradise
We are going to go all out and say it – for the best and freshest seafood prepared simply at a very reasonable price point, the Dalmatian coast is one of the best places in Europe for such indulgences. Grilled octopus, Dalmatian fish stew, black cuttlefish risotto, fried sardines, the list goes on and on. While there are plenty of spots in Split to enjoy these tantalising dishes, nothing beats squeezing into a “konoba”, a traditional tavern frequented by locals, for the most authentic of experiences, and one such institution is Fife. If your idea of a good meal is sharing tables with sailors, local hipsters and philosophers alike in a bustling no-fuss environment, this charming eatery should be one of the places to check out on your to-eat list.
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Find out why Split is an emperor’s city of choice with a customised Split and Croatia tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Upon arrival to Zagreb Airport, your driver will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it. Enjoy a 1-way private transfer to hotel. After check-in, meet your private local guide at the hotel lobby for 2 hours walking tour to explore the Zagreb – capital of Croatia.
Meals on Board/Dinner
Today, embark on a sightseeing tour of this old Central European city, with its baroque atmosphere in the upper town, picturesque open-air markets and great shopping. Take in sights like Roosevelt Square, Ban Jelacic Square and Zagreb Cathedral. Stroll through the medieval core of the upper town to Croatian Parliament, St Mark’s Church, Kamenita Vrata or Stone Gate, and the ancient Lotrscak Tower.
Today, go on a day trip to Bled, a breathtaking small city on a beautiful lake. Get to enjoy the extraordinary scenery of two famous lakes of Ljubljana the Bohinj and Bled Lake. Visit Bohinj Lake which is known to be the largest natural lake in Slovenia. Head to Bled Lake, a lake in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of north-western Slovenia, where it adjoins the town of Bled. The historical Bled Castle can be seen from the lake which will make a magnificent view.
Optional:
If you wish to take a step further, you can chose to take a cable car ride up the Vogel Mountain. The cable car ride is at a height of 1537m which will be a one of a kind experience.
This morning, transfer to Rovinj. On the way, you will visit the world famous Postojna Cave on a 2 hours group guided tour by the museum guide to view the impressive karst phenomenon and the habitat of the olm, rare Proteus anguinus. The tour will be partly on an electric train and partly on foot. Thereafter, you might want to try out the truffle at Motovun before reaching Rovinj.
After breakfast, go on a half day tour to Pula, a seafront city on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and get an insight of the rich history of the city. Next, head to Pula’s city centre and indulge in their local cuisine at their very own food market. We recommend you to have a taste of their specialty, local wine and olive in Pula before heading back to Rovinj.
Today, transfer to Opatija, a Croatian coastal town on the Adriatic Sea. The town is known for their beautiful resorts and villas. Continue to Plitvice Lakes National Park for an afternoon hike. The Plitvice Lakes is known for a chain of 16 terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls that extend into a limestone canyon. The place is a great place for nature lovers to come for a visit!
This morning, head to Split with a stopover at Zadar. At Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, you get to enjoy your own leisure time for sightseeing and lunch. This afternoon, you may explore the Sea organs and Roman Heritage of Zadar. Thereafter, continue to Split.
Zadar Sea Organ
Today will be a no driving day. We will focus on having leisure and relaxing day filled with sightseeing activities planned out by a private guide to bring you around Split - the second-largest city of Croatia and the largest city of the region of Dalmatia. The guided tour will last about 2 hours and the rest of the day will be leisure time for you to spend some quality time to unwind yourself!
After breakfast, you will proceed to Krka National Park which is known for a series of 7 waterfalls. The Krka National Park allows you to swim in the water surrounded with the waterfalls and amazing sight. Soon after, get transported to Sibenik, known as a gateway to the Kornati Islands which is the only town developed by Croatians. After which, proceed over to Primosten where we will indulge in their local cuisine at a waterfront in picturesque town. Thereafter, transfer back to Split.
We will drive from Split to Dubrovnik with stopover in Blagaj and Ston. Blagaj is part of Bosnia which played a big part of Blagaj as a historical iconic place. On another hand, Ston is a place in Croatia famous for Ston wall. There, you may enjoy their local oysters and witness their wine growing hills.
Today, go on a full-day trip to Montenegro, which is known for its majestic mountains and breath-taking beaches. Take a sight of the iconic Perast (Our Lady of the Rocks Church), vist Kotor and Budva for their beautiful view of the town. Thereafter, transfer back to Dubrovnik.
The last day of the trip, we will arrange a 1-way private transfer from hotel to Dubrovnik airport depending on your flight departure time.