Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast & Montenegro - From London

Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast & Montenegro

Experience delightful Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic and breathtaking Montenegro, the jewel of the Mediterranean.

This wonderful escorted tour starts in Krka National Park where the river Krka flows through an array of gorges, lakes and rapids before meeting the sea. Continue to Split and the nearby medieval citadel of Trogir, followed by the ancient town of Mostar perched on soaring cliffs. Your tour ends with the baroque city of Dubrovnik and Kotor in Montenegro.

What's Included

• Return flights from London
• Seven nights on Half board
• Three and four-star accommodation
• Tour of Dubrovnik
• Visit to Krka National Park
• Tour the Dalmatian coastlines
• Visit to Mostar
• Tour of Montenegro
• Visiot to Split and tour Emperor Diocletian's monumental palace
• Visit to Trogir
• Escorted by an experienced tour manager

Bristol Departures Available

Day 1: Dubrovnik or Split

You will arrive at the Bristol Airport to take your flight to Dubrovnik or Split. On arrival, you will be taken to one of the carefully chosen four-star hotels for three nights with dinner included; this will vary according to the date and flight you select.

Day 2: Krka National Park

After breakfast we take the trip inland to the Krka Valley where the river Krka flows through an array of gorges, lakes and rapids before meeting the sea. The whole valley has been awarded national park status and today we will visit part of this spectacular area. It is home to a stunning series of lakes where water cascades from one to the next in a broad series of interlocking, dramatic waterfalls and cataracts.

Due to minerals dissolved in the water, the colours change from turquoise to azure-blue and vibrant green to steel-like greys. With reflections of the surrounding magnificent peaks and luxuriant forests dancing on the mirror-like lakes, it is impossible not to be awe-struck. We take a boat trip up to one of the most impressive stretches of the river where several tiers of waterfall tumble wonderfully into a broad, shallow pool where you may swim should you wish. We will spend some time taking in the superb surroundings before returning to our hotel during the afternoon.

Day 3: Split & Togir

Today we drive north along the remarkable coastline before arriving at Split, principally famous for a single building, in fact one of the best ever structures of the Roman Empire – the huge palace of the Emperor Diocletian. No expense was spared in its construction, marble came from Italy and columns and sphinxes came from Egypt. What makes the palace so unique is that during medieval times it was fully integrated into the fabric of the town with a mix of buildings grafted onto it.

This afternoon we visit the nearby medieval citadel of Trogir, one of the most charismatic little ports in Dalmatia. The old-town is actually an island and a wealth of Renaissance and Romanesque buildings line a veritable maze of delightfully turbulent lanes, nestling behind its seemingly impregnable ramparts.

Day 4: Mostar

This morning we head south, our journey hugging the dazzling coastline. We then cross the river Neretva delta, a real haven for birdlife before arriving at the ancient town of Mostar perched on soaring cliffs overlooking the turbulent river below. We then continue to Dubrovnik staying for four nights half-board.

Day 5: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, an independent city-state as much of its history, has advanced differently to the rest of Croatia. Today this amazing, baroque city nestles behind its giant imposing ramparts in a situation of outstanding natural beauty. The main avenue, lined by unspoilt cosy cafes, is completely paved with marble, which reflects the midday sun, giving credence to its description ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.

Throughout the city you will find a admirable array of monasteries, beautifully decorated churches and civic buildings dating from the 14th century, mirroring Dubrovnik’s outstanding artistic heritage. This morning we have a guided walking tour seeing all this and more, and during the afternoon you are free to explore at your leisure.

Day 6: Perast, Kotor & Montenegro

Today we take the short drive south to one of Europe’s newest countries, the outstandingly beautiful Montenegro. We cross the border, still following the sapphire-blue coastline and prepare to be truly amazed by the views we take in en route! Our journey takes us around the Bay of Kotor, a huge inland sea, which resembles a lake with the topography rather reminiscent of Switzerland. Reflections of the surrounding mountains dance on the water whilst sleepy, picturesque and beautifully timeless fishing villages line the shoreline.

Our first stop is the picturesque small town of Perast which overlooks the famous a jewel in the bay of Kotor, the island Church of “Our Lady of The Rocks”. Our second visit is the medieval town of Kotor, nestling below a mountainside, in probably Montenegro’s most dramatic setting. Walled, with a labyrinth of cobbled streets surrounding its Orthodox Cathedral that radiate to quiet intimate squares, it really is a delight to explore. Its bustling market really is from yesteryear, with individual stalls selling local homemade cheese, cured hams, honey and Mediterranean vegetables of every colour, shape and size in a refreshingly eclectic manner! You can try some of the local wine too, which, despite its lack of international exposure, really is rather good – and exceptional value.

Afterwards we cross the inland sea at its narrowest point by ferry returning to Dubrovnik at the end of the afternoon.

Day 7: Free Day, Dubrovnik

Day 8: Fly back to Bristol

Fly from Dubrovnik/Split to Bristol.