HOP ISLANDS CITY BREAKS TOUR 2009

DAY 1. SPLIT-BRAČ

  • Split is one of the oldest Mediterranean cities, with rich history and architecture. Sightseeing tour of Split includes the Diocletian’s Palace, ancient cellars, Peristil, Jupiter Temple and the Cathedral of St. Domnius with its bell tower. Coming here, you will be welcomed by warm Mediterranean temperament, which continues to live with its urban rhythm. For over 1700 years its heart has been beating inside of the Diocletian’s palace that used to be a summer residential palace of the Roman Emperor. Come and see why Diocletian chose Split to be his refuge. After the walking tour of Split, you will embark on a ferry and cruise to island of Brač. Overnight in Brač.

DAY 2. BRAČ

  • Brač is Adriatic’s third largest island and here you will have an opportunity to experience and witness the traditional way of island living. In the central part of island we shall visit Škrip, the island’s oldest settlement. We shall also visit Pučišća and see how the famous Brač stone is quarried. The summit of Vidova Gora (778m, 2552 ft) is our next location and here you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the town Bol and the surrounding islands Vis, Korčula and Hvar. Overnight in Brač.

DAY 3.

  • BRAČ-HVAR In the morning hours, ferry will take us to Hvar, the queen of the Croatian islands. It has been famous since the antique because of its important strategic and nautical position, the culture, natural monuments and the literature. Town Hvar has a lot of historical monuments and some of the most interesting are 16th century Theater, 13th-14th century Arsenal and town squares surrounded by numerous churches and palaces. The Franciscan monastery in town is well known for its collection of old masters, including the most famous “Last Supper” by Ingoli. The fort above town offers splendid views of the surrounding islands and the nearby archipelago. Overnight in Hvar.

DAY 4. HVAR-STARI GRAD-JELSA-HVAR

  • Stari Grad is the oldest town in Croatia and the historical heart of the island. It was founded by Greeks in the 4th century B.C and was named Pharos. After a short visit we will continue our journey through the well known vineyards of Hvar before we continue towards Jelsa. The town Jelsa is located in the middle of the island and is surrounded by the two highest mountains on the island - in the west St. Nikola, and in the east Hum. Continuing through Hvar’s lavender fields we will see many typical villages where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the excellent local wine. After the day of sightseeing and wine tasting, we will return to Hvar where we will spend the night.

DAY 5. HVAR-KORČULA

  • A pleasant ferry ride along the islands of the Adriatic will bring us to the town of Korčula that is considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The legend also says that Korčula was founded by the Trojan hero Antenor. Upon the arrival in Korčula you will have free time for individual activities such as swimming and enjoying the local culinary specialties. In the evening you will enjoy the traditional sword dance “Moreška”. Overnight in Korčula.

DAY 6. KORČULA

  • Our sightseeing of this ancient town, which is a mixture of different civilizations (Illyrian, Greek, Roman and Venetian), will start in the City Museum which contains an overview of the historical, cultural and social customs through the centuries. In the Bishop’s Palace we will have an opportunity to see a number of Renaissance and Baroque paintings by local and Venetian masters from the 16th-19th century. We will visit the most impressive building on the island-the Cathedral of St. Mark (14th-16th century). In the afternoon you will have the possibility to enjoy the cruise among the small islands that surround Korčula. Overnight in Korčula.

DAY 7. KORČULA-MLJET-KORČULA

  • Mljet is one of the loveliest and most densely wooded islands in the Adriatic Sea. The island has been declared a national park, whose main attractions are two salt-water lakes-Veliko jezero and Malo jezero. Veliko Jezero is a home of the 12th century Benedictine monastery. The rest of your free time you can enjoy strolling through dense pine woods, swim in the lovely lakes or in the picturesque Pomena cove. In the late afternoon we will return to Korčula where we will spend the night.

DAY 8. KORČULA-SPLIT

  • Early afternoon we will embark the ferry and sail back to Split.