Wonders of Croatia

Board your flight to Zagreb, Croatia

Welcome to Croatia! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Join us for a welcome dinner and get introduced to your fellow travelers tonight. (D)

Zagreb, the Croatian capital, is meant to be explored on a leisurely stroll. You’ll do just that today as you go on a guided walking tour of the city. Start at Ban Josip Jelacic Square, the beating heart of the city. A designated pedestrian zone, the square is the perfect place to indulge in some people watching as you enjoy a cup of coffee at one of its many cafes. Visit the Zagreb Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, and wander the cobblestone streets of Upper Town. The rest of the day is yours, and you can either choose to relax or explore some more on your own. (B)

You’ll leave Zagreb this morning and journey to Opatija. Situated on the Adriatic coast, this relatively small town became a favored retreat for the European aristocracy in the late 19th century. (B)

Spend the day discovering Opatija on your own. You could visit the Croatian Museum of Tourism to learn more about the history of tourism through a collection of sepia-toned photographs, postcards and well-preserved brochures. The museum is housed in Villa Angiolina, a landmark in its own right, with its sprawling gardens and striking architecture. Stroll down Lungomare, a promenade that winds along the coast past stunning seafront villas, hidden coves and pristine beaches. Alternatively, you could join us on an optional day tour to Istria. (B)

Today, you’ll leave Opatija and proceed to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s largest nature reserve. With 16 terraced lakes and a network of cascading waterfalls, this national park is among the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. Discover the sprawling wilderness on walking trails through the park or hop aboard an electric train or boat for a different perspective. (B, D)

Your first stop for the day is Zadar, a historic city on the Dalmatian Coast. With sandy beaches, great food, and easy access to national parks and islands on the Adriatic Sea, this city has a lot to offer. On a guided day trip with YMT, you’ll get a chance to see many of Zadar’s key highlights, including the Roman Forum dating back more than 2,000 years. The dome of the ninth century Church of St. Donatus towers over the ruins.

One of the biggest draws of Zadar is the Sea Organ, an urban architectural marvel on the seaside promenade. At first glance, this installation looks deceptively insignificant – just a couple of steps at the ferry point – but every time a wave crashes against it, the Sea Organ transforms the movement into a haunting musical note.

Once you’ve experienced Zadar, you’ll head to Split for the night. (B)

Enjoy a guided tour of Split today, starting with the imposing Diocletian’s Palace. Enclosed within four ornate gates, this colossal Roman complex is more than just an erstwhile palace: it’s also where the past and present meet in this seaside town. Stroll along the meandering alleys lined with cafes, shops and bars and soak up its infectious energy.

Look up, and you’ll find traces of its imperial past: intricate columns and arches with waves lapping the waterfront promenade. Fans of Game Of Thrones will recognize this UNESCO site as the setting for the fictitious City of Meereen where Daenerys Targaryen trains her dragons.

The afternoon is all yours, and you can choose to spend it relaxing or setting out to explore the town on your own. (B)

Wine may not be the first thing on your mind when you think of Croatia, but a stop at Pelješac Peninsula could change your perception. Acres of vineyards stretch out into the coast, and the region is famous for its velvety red wine. On your guided tour today, you’ll get an opportunity to visit a local wine cellar and sample some exceptional wine.

Later in the day, visit Ston and explore this charming town on your own. This earthy seaside settlement is known for its salt pans, oysters and wineries. Proceed further south to the city of Dubrovnik where you’ll spend the night. (B, Wine Tasting)

Welcome to the Game Of Thrones universe! It’s hard to escape references to the epic TV show when you’re in Dubrovnik. After all, this city was the setting for the fictional town of King’s Landing, where much of the series was filmed. Fans of the show are in for a treat as every corner of the city comes alive with scenes straight out of GoT.

You will experience it firsthand as you go on a guided walking tour of the city. From the gleaming stone buildings of the ninth century Old Town to the historic Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery which houses a church, monastery and a pharmacy museum, among others, there’s lots to discover on this tour.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, and join us later in the evening for a farewell dinner. (B, D)