Croatia to Montenegro; A Glimpse of Former Yugoslavia | Yampu Tours

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Croatia to Montenegro; A Glimpse of Former Yugoslavia

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PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 10332

Private Tour Highlights

  • Walk the ancient streets of Kotor and learn about the city's rich history and culture before having lunch in one of the best restaurants of the area, overlooking the harbor.
  • Discover the secrets of Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro followed by a wine tasting in one of the oldest wineries in the region.
  • See why one of the most dramatic looking fortresses in Croatia was chosen as an important filming location for Game of Thrones.
  • Swim in the crystal clear water at the world famous Golden Horn beach on the island of Brac after visiting the Olive Oil Museum.
  • Explore one of the most beautiful locations in all of Europe, Skadar Lake on a private boat ride with a local expert.
  • Horseback ride through the pristine Plitvice Lakes National Park, the largest and oldest park in all of Croatia.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

With a unique history spanning from pre-ancient Rome to the considerably recent Croatian War of Independence in the nineteen-nineties and the 2006 Montenegrin Independence referendum, travelers and history buffs alike will appreciate exploring Croatia to Montenegro; A Glimpse of Former Yugoslavia.

Starting in the northern reaches of Croatia, the tour takes visitors through the charming capital of Zagreb. While taking in the ornate architecture and colorful culture, visitors will marvel at the ornate cathedrals, enjoy the detailed parks and wander the lively Advent & Christmas Market for a truly Croatian experience. After witnessing the bustling city, the tour continues on to one of the best wineries in the region for a detailed tasting.

Traveling southwards to Montenegro, travelers will stop at Croatia’s largest and oldest national park to explore the pristine landscape before continuing on the ancient Roman city of Split.  Once serving as the summer home to the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Split not only offers outstanding historic curiosities but a bustling coastline and a cinematic setting that was more than ideal for the filming of Game of Thrones.

Continuing along the stunning Adriatic coastline, a visit to Croatia is not complete without exploring the country’s striking islands, especially the highest peak of them all, Brac Island. With its world-famous beaches and delicious olive oil museum, Brac is the perfect excursion before visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, Dubrovnik. Here, visitors will taste local wines at one of the best wineries in Croatia before soaking in the views of the old town while walking the iconic city walls.

Driving down the beautiful and scenic coastal road, the tour reaches Montenegro with a visit to the oldest Adriatic settlements of Budva & Kotor before discovering the historical capital of Montenegro, Cetinje. Spending the last few days exploring this living “city museum” filled with ancient relics, visitors will cap off their experience with one of the most beautiful locations in all of Europe, Skadar Lake with a farewell wine tasting.

 

Inclusions
Price includes domestic and regional flights within the itinerary; all hotel accommodations including daily continental or buffet breakfast and daily city tax; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including entrance fees.
Exclusions

International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services, and other personal items or services not mentioned.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 10332

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Welcome to Croatia!

Upon arrival to Zagreb, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Boasting a charming old city feel with cobblestone streets and Baroque Revival architecture, the vibrant city of Zagreb is the small yet bustling capital of Croatia. Being so easily accessible by foot, visitors can take in the ornate architecture and colorful culture while walking along the upper and lower towns, making sure to stop at the ornate cathedrals and one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb, Saint Mark's Church. Travelers of all ages will appreciate the detailed parks and wandering the lively Advent & Christmas Market. ...read less

Day
2

Zagreb City Tour with Wine Tasting

After breakfast embark on a guided tour of Zagreb, Croatia's capital along with a lunch and short wine tasting in one of the best wineries of continental Croatia. Return to your hotel in Zagreb in the early afternoon to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast embark on a guided tour of Zagreb, Croatia's capital along with a lunch and short wine tasting in one of the best wineries of continental Croatia. Return to your hotel in Zagreb in the early afternoon to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day
3

Plitvice Lakes Tour

In the morning, you will continue your tour to Dalmatia and the city of Split (approx. 4 hour drive). On your way you will stop at Plitvice Lakes. A breathtakingly beautiful region, Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest national park in Croatia. The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. Walk on wooden bridges and drive on electric boats so that you can experience firsthand this nature's wonder. Lunch will be organized.

Optional horseback riding through stunning nature of Plitvice area can be organized with your guides at a nearby ranch.

After your tour, you will continue your drive to Split where you will arrive in the early evening.

Note: This horseback riding experience is for more experienced riders only, max 90kg weight of the riders. ...read less

Day
4

Split City Sightseeing Tour

Your day will start with a private walking tour of Split's city center with your guide.

The city of Split has evolved over the centuries, offering a perfect mix of history and modern influences, amazing ancient Roman architecture infused with modern bars, restaurants, and vibrant life. Before visiting Split's open green market, visit Diocletian's Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally built as a residential summer palace for the Roman emperor.

In the afternoon, we will visit the town of Trogir, a short 30-minute drive north of Split. This small and quaint medieval town connected by a bridge to the mainland was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks. Later rulers were Rome, Byzantium, Venice, and Austria but the deepest cultural expansion has been left by the Croats. Trogir is still very well preserved and is on the UNESCO'S World Heritage list. The city of Salona was built in the 4th Century BC and is situated 9 km from Split on the mouth of the River Jadro and was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Roman Emperor Diocletian (244-311 AD). We will take you on a guided walk through these ancient remains where you will hear about the history of these turbulent times.

Alternatively we can coordinate a guided visit to the nearby fortress of Klis (used as a filming location for Game of Thrones) as well as the Museum of Alka (ancient equestrian chivalry competition) with lunch in a more rural traditional setting.

Klis fortress (10th century A.D.) is one of the most dramatic looking fortresses in Croatia built on a cliff overlooking Split. With its extraordinary historical significance, it is also famous for its use as a location during Game of Thrones filming in the Split area.

After your tour of the fortress and small museum we will continue to a small town called Sinj, 20 miles from Split. There we will visit the museum of Alka's, an equestrian competition held in the Croatian town of Sinj every first Sunday in August since 1715. It commemorates a Croatian Venetian victory over Ottomans on August 14, 1715 in which the local Christian population of around 700 Croats in cooperation with a smaller number of Venetians managed to defend Sinj against 60,000 Ottoman soldiers. ...read less

Day
5

Brac Island Tour

After breakfast, take a ferry ride to the nearby island of Brac (55min) for a visit to the Museum of Olive oil. Afterwards, take a short 30 minute ride to Vidova Gora, the highest peak of Brac Island and of all islands in Croatia for a spectacular view of Brac and Hvar. The rest of the day is reserved for swimming at the world famous Golden Horn beach and a traditional lunch. Return to Split in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, take a ferry ride to the nearby island of Brac (55min) for a visit to the Museum of Olive oil. Afterwards, take a short 30 minute ride to Vidova Gora, the highest peak of Brac Island and of all islands in Croatia for a spectacular view of Brac and Hvar. The rest of the day is reserved for swimming at the world famous Golden Horn beach and a traditional lunch. Return to Split in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Day
6

Dubrovnik Gourmet Food & Wine Pairing

In the morning after breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you will continue to Dubrovnik (approx. 2.5 hour drive). On route, you will stop in one of the best wineries in Croatia located on the hills rising from the Adriatic Sea. After the tour of the cellar and the winery you will enjoy a unique gastronomic experience, combining fine food with excellent wines all produced in this very vineyard.

In late afternoon, you will arrive to Dubrovnik. After checking into your hotel, have a free evening to familiarize yourself with this amazing city. ...read less

Day
7

Dubrovnik City Walking Tour

This afternoon, you will have your private walking tour of Dubrovnik's city center. Irish author George Bernard Shaw wrote, "Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik". The Old Town protected by city walls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along the ramparts reveals a different view of the Elafiti Islands and Old Town. On your tour with your local guide you will see Onofrio fountain, the city bell tower and numerous medieval buildings. After the tour, take the remainder of the day for exploration of Old Town on your own. ...read less

Day
8

Dubrovnik - Montenegro

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to your hotel in Budva, Montenegro (approx. 4 hours drive).

Budva is a town in Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea. Part of the Budva Riviera, it's known for sandy beaches and nightlife. Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to your hotel in Budva, Montenegro (approx. 4 hours drive).

Budva is a town in Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea. Part of the Budva Riviera, it's known for sandy beaches and nightlife. Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century.

Day
9

Budva & Kotor Tour

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your driver and guide to drive down the beautiful and scenic coastal road of Montenegro. Start your exploration of Montenegro with your first stop, Budva. Legend tells that it was founded by a son of a Phoenician king and is considered one of the oldest settlements on the coast of Adriatic Sea. Later you will continue your discovery of Montenegro by visiting Kotor. With your guide you will walk the ancient streets of Kotor and learn about the rich history and culture of this UNESCO protected city. Lunch will be organized in one of the best restaurants of the area, overlooking Kotor harbor, where you will enjoy amazing seafood. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. ...read less

Day
10

Historical Tour of Montenegro

This morning, meet your driver and drive to the historical capital of Montenegro, Cetinje. With your expert guide, discover the secrets and history of this "city museum" as it is called. Visit the National Museum of Montenegro before driving to another National Park and one of the most beautiful locations in all of Europe, Skadar Lake. Explore the lake on a private boat ride with a local expert. Afterwards, a wine tasting with lunch will be organized in one of the best wineries in Montenegro with a tour of archived wines in their cellar going back 10 generations. ...read less

Day
11

Departure

At the appropriate time you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to Montenegro airport for your flight home.

At the appropriate time you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to Montenegro airport for your flight home.

Zagreb, Croatia

Split, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Montenegro

Places You'll See

  • Zagreb

    Boasting a charming old city feel with cobblestone streets and Baroque Revival architecture, the vibrant city of Zagreb is the small yet bustling capital of Croatia. Being so easily accessible by foot, visitors can take in the ornate architecture and colorful culture while walking along the upper and lower towns, making sure to stop at the ornate cathedrals and one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb, Saint Mark’s Church. Travelers of all ages will appreciate the detailed parks and wandering the lively Zagreb Advent & Christmas Market.

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Being declared as a National Park as early as 1948, Plitvice Lakes is the oldest national park in Croatia. This biodiverse park has drawn visitors from all over the world for its gorgeous, lush landscape and pristine lakes.  Visitors will surely appreciate the outstanding landscape by hiking, boating, skiing, and cycling through the unspoiled environment. Keep an eye out for native species including the culturally significant Lika Pramenka sheep.

  • Split

    Dating back to Roman times, Split is one of the oldest cities in Croatia and the second largest after Zagreb. Visitors will enjoy the history of Split’s old town, its ancient Roman ruins, and the bustling coastline where restaurants catch their daily specials. For some of the best views of the city, hike up to the hilltop fortress of Kliss for a panorama of Split and the Dalmatian Coast and to see the Game of Thrones filming location for Meereen.

  • Dubrovnik

    Located in southern Croatia on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik has been deemed as one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Once serving as an important seaport, Dubrovnik is now Croatia’s leading holiday destination with its Azure waters, quaint old town, and ancient city walls.

  • Sveti Stefan

    The small islet of Sveti Stefan is located just off the coast of Montenegro, floating amidst the Adriatic Sea. Once a quaint fishing village, the town was thoughtfully converted into an exclusive resort in the 1950s, gaining popularity with celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. The old town continues to boast its historic architecture with its iconic, ruby red rooftops with a more modern, opulent interior. Guests can discover the natural surroundings with tailor-made private excursions including hiking, private lake cruises and sailing trips.

Hotel Options

Featured Accommodation

Aman Sveti Stefan

Aman Sveti Stefan is a story in two parts. One is a beautifully preserved 15th-century fishing village on a fortified islet; the other, on the mainland, is the shore-side former summer home of the Queen Maria of Yugoslavia – a rustic retreat and a royal residence connected by an isthmus. Together, these historic properties occupy an 80-acre patch of Montenegro’s wildly beautiful coast, including three idyllic swimming pools and a trio of pink-sand beaches that are among the most beautiful on the Adriatic.

Sveti Stefan ,

4 Star Properties

Zagreb : Canopy by Hilton

Split : Hotel Vestibul

Dubrovnik : Royal Neptun Hotel

Sveti Stefan : Hotel Azimut

5 Star Properties

Zagreb : Esplanade

Split : Hotel Park Split

Dubrovnik : Villa Dubrovnik

Sveti Stefan : Aman Sveti Stefan

Testimonials

Erik M.

Traveled December 2017

A ++ experience!

We used Yampu last Christmas (2017) for a 2 week trip in Argentina. From the very first email to the follow up after our trip, everything was perfect with Yampu. The hotel selection was matching our needs, the transfers between locations and airports all went very smoothly, the overall trip plan was a good balance of sightseeing, discovery and personal time. The guides were all so friendly and knowledgeable. This was a A+ experience. Our main point of contact in the USA was Christine Cronin. She did an amazing job for us. We like their services so much that we are now planning another trip with Yampu.

Traveled To

Sally I.

Traveled October 2017

All we could have hoped for

We are having a wonderful time and our guides, especially Luis, have been delightful. Hiking the trail together was fantastic, all we could have hoped for.

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Michele

Traveled April, 2016

Best customer care & itineraries

I am recently returned from my third trip organised by Yampu, this time to Costa Rica. As always, it was fabulous from start to finish!

I do look around initially when planning my holidays but each time Karolina offers the best customer care & arranges by far the best itineraries. Value for money is excellent & they keep in constant contact before during & afterwards to make sure everything is going well.

The standard of accommodation & guides they use is superb & they actually listen to your requests as opposed to copying a generic page from their website…. Do I highly recommend Karolina & Yampu? YES!  Will I use them again? YES!  Save time & effort & just use Yampu is my travel tip  🙂

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