Delights of Croatia – Exclusively Solos

The wonders of Croatia’s enchanting Dalmatian Coast are yours to explore across an intimate coastal getaway, hand-crafted for independent explorers. Start your tour with a flight to Split, and transfer to the delightful seaside town of Baška Voda, your base for the next seven nights, where you can get to know your fellow guests over a welcome drink. The week’s first excursion introduces the Roman Split, with time spent amongst the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, before showcasing the Romanesque architecture of island-town Trogir. A day under your own steam follows, and you’ll have the opportunity to make the most of your four-star hotel’s amenities or enjoy some self-guided exploration of Baška Voda’s neighbouring coastal centres. Dubrovnik, the glorious ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is next, and you’ll have ample opportunities to explore this magnificent city both under guidance and at your own pace. Those who wish to unwind can do so with another full day at leisure, while those in search of a more structured day can join a spectacular day’s sightseeing deep into the heart of the acclaimed Krka National Park. During a final stop in the welcoming rural town of Podgora, you’ll be introduced to Dalmatia’s agricultural heritage with a sampling of the region’s finest local produce, accompanied by an expert-led wine tasting.

What's Included:

• Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Hotel Horizont, Baška Voda
• Return flights to Split
• Seven breakfasts, one lunch and seven dinners (selected wines, beers, soft drinks, teas and coffees with dinner)
• Welcome drinks and a farewell dinner
• Tour of Split and Trogir
• Cruise to Brač Island with lunch onboard
• Visit to Pučišća
• Tour of Dubrovnik
• Excursion to Podgora with wine and produce tasting experience
• Return flights to Split
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout

• Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

  Highlights:

• Take in the magnificent Roman landmarks of historic Split
• Explore the island town of Trogir, the most preserved medieval town in central Europe
• Marvel at the age-old walls and medieval old town of UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’
• Embrace Croatia’s extraordinary natural landscapes with an optional excursion into the acclaimed Krka National Park
• Cross the Brač Channel for an enlightening visit to the stonemason village of Pučišća
• Learn about Podgora’s agricultural heritage as you sample fresh regional produce and a selection of fine local wines
• Enjoy a traditional Croatian lunch on the coast

Day 1: Fly to Croatia

Kick your Croatian escape off with a flight to Split, where you’ll meet your friendly, local tour manager, and transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink, offering the ideal chance to mingle with your fellow solo travellers as the sun goes down on Baška Voda.

Day 2: Included tour of Split and Trogir

Have breakfast this morning ahead of your first full-day excursion, taking in historic Split and island-town Trogir. After a scenic drive to the north, your expert local guide will introduce you to the Split’s spectacular Roman landmarks on a walking tour. Start with a walk along the bustling street markets and al fresco cafés of the city’s main squares before heading for the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace. This impressive structure, built in honour of its namesake Byzantine emperor, is one of the best-preserved Roman landmarks across the world, and you’ll have time to take in its carved marble halls and the central Peristyle Square. Later this afternoon, continue to the walled, island town of Trogir, with its enchanting Romanesque old town. You’ll venture to the island over a bridge and through the Land Gate before entering an ancient labyrinth of palaces, churches and hidden courtyards. While in the city, view the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a striking example of Renaissance architecture, with an unrivalled view of the Adriatic Sea from the top. Afterwards, you’ll have a few hours free to explore Trogir under your own steam, perhaps with a stroll along its waterfront, before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Included Brac Island boat trip with lunch

Have breakfast this morning ahead of a sailing across the Brac Channel to the picturesque harbour town of Pučišća. Board the ferry in Baška Voda, accompanied by a welcome drink, and set sail across the azure Adriatic, soaking up panoramic views of the glittering waters and charming coastal landscapes as you go. After mooring in Pučišća, you’ll be free to discover the renowned craftsmanship and traditional stone masonry for which the village is known at your own pace. Wandering through its white-washed streets, you can visit the local stonemasonry school, and embrace the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful town. Afterwards, return to the boat for a local lunch and a selection of refreshing drinks. At the end of a memorable day on the azure Adriatic, return to your Baška Voda hotel for the evening.

Day 4: Day at leisure

Enjoy breakfast this morning ahead of an entire day at your own pace. Why not spend some more time exploring delightful Baška Voda, or discover its neighbouring villages further along the Dalmatian Coast. If you’d prefer a more relaxed day, you can also pass the time, cocktail in hand, by the poolside or perhaps enjoy a treatment at the hotel’s spa.

Day 5: Included visit to Dubrovnik

Enjoy another morning on the Dalmatian Coast with breakfast at the hotel, before heading out for an excursion to UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik, the ancient ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Arriving after a scenic drive south, you’ll be met by the exquisite Gothic-Renaissance architecture and towering city walls of the city’s fascinating old town, the setting for today’s fascinating guided tour. Accompanied by your tour manager, wander down the pedestrianised Stradun (main street), which runs from the Pile Gate to bustling Luza Square, with breath-taking views of the impressive Sponza Palace along the way. Other highlights include the baroque St Blaise’s Church, the city’s Franciscan Monastery and the Rector’s Palace, the seat of the government in the former Dubrovnik Republic. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can walk the entirety of the city walls, too. Otherwise, why not take a well-earned rest at one of the city's many pavement cafés before returning to the hotel?

Day 6: Day at leaire with optional Krka National Park and Sibenik excursion

After breakfast, the day will be yours to spend as you see fit. For a more relaxed end to your Croatian escape, you’ll have a full day at leisure, perhaps making the most of the hotel’s amenities or stopping for a treatment in the spa. If exploration is calling, you can also set out under your own steam for a self-guided visit to one of Dalmatia’s idyllic nearby towns. Alternatively, join a memorable optional excursion taking in the best of Dalmatia’s dramatic natural landscapes. Board the coach early this morning for a drive through the wooded gorges of enchanting Krka National Park, pausing to take in its thundering waterfalls along the way. The Skradinski Buk Waterfall, a series of mist-laden plateaus that roar with white-water rapids, will be the visit’s undeniable highlight, and you can spend some time bathing in its nearby pools or capturing the perfect photograph. Next, continue up the Krka River for some time at leisure to explore the pretty collection of workshops and watermills that line its banks. While here, enjoy a boat ride across the river for unrivalled views of the park’s striking vistas. On the return leg of the day’s journey, stop for a coffee break in delightful Šibenik, a rural centre of Croatian culture boasting a host of fascinating heritage sites. This evening, settle back into your hotel for the penultimate night of your holiday.

Day 7: Morning at leisure with included afternoon Podgora tour

Start your final full day in Croatia with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and a morning under your own steam in Baška Voda ahead of an included afternoon’s tour of nearby Podgora. After a short drive to this charming Adriatic town, visit a local farm for an indulgent tasting of the town’s fine local produce. Having been welcomed with a refreshing glass of local wine, sample two exquisite regional olive oils, each known for their unique flavour profiles, as you learn about the town’s rich agricultural heritage. Throughout your tasting, your hosts will serve you fresh local produce along with hand-picked wine pairings to complement each delicate flavour. After some time to stroll around Podgora, return to the hotel for your final evening and settle into the hotel’s restaurant for a special farewell dinner in the company of your fellow solo travellers.

Day 8: Return to the UK

After breakfast, drive north to Split airport for your flight back home.