Zagreb, Plitvice & Opatija Multi Centre Holiday

You will be met on arrival at Zagreb Airport and your driver will transfer you to the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. This charming boutique hotel is in the heart of the historic old town, with a excellent fitness, spa and pool area. Zagreb has everything that one would expect from a European capital city – from culture, arts and music through to (beautiful Austro-Hungarian) architecture, impressive gastronomy and a thriving nightlife scene. The city is indeed quite small when compared to other capitals throughout Europe, though it’s packed with so much to do that one would never notice.

A day at your leisure to explore the fascinating capital of Croatia and cultural and economic heart of the city. With classicist and secessionist facades and green parks. The city is packed with museums, galleries, theatres and restaurants – plenty to satisfy your inner culture vulture. For a modern capital Zagreb has a kind of small-town charm, with an expansive old hilltop district of cobblestone streets and squares lit by gas lamps. You’ll see the City’s Viennese influence in the Lower Town, an area with 19th-century pavilions and manicured gardens that resemble the best of Prague or Budapest.

Depart from your hotel for your private transfer to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. You will check in to the charming Hotel Degenia before exploring this area of outstanding natural beauty. It is mother nature’s phenomenon and is known as Croatia’s lake district – a natural wonderland of enchanting lakes that cascade unto one another via a series of waterfalls that emerge from cracks in eroded rocks and from beneath thick vegetation. It creates a landscape that wouldn’t be out of place in the deepest lakes of China or Vietnam. A chain of 16 terraced lakes and waterfalls that extend into a limestone canyon. Take to the walkways and hiking trails that wind around and across the water, or catch the electric boat that links the 12 upper and 4 lower lakes.

A day of leisure to explore the chain of 16 terraced lakes along the delightful waterways and hiking trails. It is the oldest and largest national park in the Republic of Croatia and is famous for its numerous turquoise-coloured lakes separated by tufa, or travertine, barriers. Its karst landscape is characterised by specific hydrological traits and exceptional biological diversity, which helped the National Park gain international significance. It is worth getting up early to see the park in its full glory without any crowds. Enjoy the cafe and cocktail bar of the outside terrace of the hotel in the late afternoon and watch the incredible sunset.

You will be driven to the charming coastal town of Opatija, with its rich history and culture and impressive monuments, well-manicured parks and glamorous villas. Check in to the 5-star luxury Hotel Milenij which is ideally situated in the centre of the enchanting town. Opatija is the matriarch of Croatian tourism – famed for enticing celebrities from all over Europe during the belle époque. Visit the Croatian Walk of Fame and the small harbour known locally as Portić and the famous statue of the Girl with the Seagull. Enjoy a delicious Croatian meal in the centre of this elegant town.

A private tour of the Istria region through the mesmerising countryside. You will visit the charming Kozlovic Winery which is hidden in a secret valley and has been founded on the family tradition of four generations of the Kozlovic family. There will be an inspiring guided tour of the wine cellar with a full explanation of the wine production process, as well as a tasting of the delicious Istrian wines. You will also explore the delightful hilltop medieval fortified village of Motovun with its vibrant ambience and maze of cobbled streets full local of arts and crafts. A day tour where you will experience the ‘real’ Istria. You will also experience the medieval fishing port of Rovinj with its cobbled streets and lofty steeple that dominates the skyline.

A day of leisure and relaxation. Walk the famous ‘Lungomare’ promenade, which was originally constructed over 100 years ago, dating back to the heyday of health tourism, and stretches in total for 12 kilometres from the picturesque town of Volosko to Lovran. It is a favourite for both local artists and visitors alike and the walk will provide an interesting tale to Opatija’s past. Admire the magnificent villas and hotels all around the town boasting a classical beauty has easily weathered the ravages of time. Relax at the hotel spa and enjoy the luxurious hotel surroundings.

Time to bid farewell to the friendly hotel staff and others that you may have met during your stay. You will be transferred back to Zagreb airport for your flight home after a multi-centre Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes & Opatija holiday with incredible memories.