Venetian Canals to Croatia's Coast and Canyons

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Venice

   Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

   Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   

   Welcome to Venice!

   Make the most of your first night in Venice with an unforgettable introduction to this magical city. Whether you prefer a relaxing start or an active evening, Venice offers something for every mood. Savor an aperitif overlooking the Grand Canal at Erbaria, where charming bars with outdoor seating set the scene, followed by a delightful dinner in one of the Rialto area’s renowned restaurants. For those eager to explore, take a scenic stroll along the Zattere to Punta della Dogana for breathtaking views of San Marco and the Grand Canal, then cross the water by traghetto to complete your enchanting first evening in Venice.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Venice

   

   First Time in Venice Private Tour

   Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Venice: An Open Art Museum

   Venice is often called an open-air art museum, where every corner reveals masterpieces of history, architecture, and artistic expression. From the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica to the intricate details of its palaces, the city is a living gallery showcasing centuries of artistic innovation. Its narrow alleyways, picturesque canals, and iconic bridges create a breathtaking canvas that has inspired artists for generations. Perfect for art lovers, Venice offers endless discoveries, blending world-class museums with the beauty of everyday scenes.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Private Gondola Ride

   A gondola ride is the most iconic and romantic way to experience Venice. Glide through enchanting canals, gently rocked by the water. Admire grand palaces, historic bridges, and hidden corners only visible from the water. Let your gondolier take you through breathtaking views and timeless beauty.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Traveling to Rovinj by Private Transfer / Arrival in Rovinj

   

   Say goodbye to the charming waterways of Venice today, as you are off to the amazing coastal town of Rovinj. We'll arrange for a water taxi to pick you up from your accommodations in Venice and take you to Piazzale Rome where our driver to meet you and take you to Rovinj. The drive will take approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

   Rovinj used to go by Rovigno, and to Italian-speakers it still does. This city was once part of the Republic of Venice, which is evident from the street names in Italian to the Venetian architectural flourishes, such as the bell tower that crowns the town. This laid-back spot has a full cultural calendar, with numerous festivals taking place in the warmer months. We’ll help you get to know the local culture, with possible activities like a local wine tasting, a fish cooking masterclass with a local chef, or a truffle hunting adventure in nearby Croatia. Then, to work up an appetite for your next delicious meal, you could rent bikes and cruise through the breathtaking Zlatni Rt Park. You’ll definitely want to visit the local market too. History buffs will love visiting the local cultural heritage museum, which gives great insight into the region. When you’re ready to get in the car, a day trip to Pula is always fun. This busy port town hosts a large market packed with delectable local specialities, and also boasts a Roman amphitheater. You could even arrange a full-day private tour through the gorgeous region of Istria, where more delights await you inland.

   Your driver will take you directly to your accommodation when you arrive in Rovinj.

   

   Local Flavors

   Looking to get into the true local spirit of Rovinj? At the city market square you can find fresh fruit and vegetable from local producers, as well as some Istrian specialties: olive oil, truffles, herbs, asparagus and local brandy. There is also a fish market, butcher’s shop and bakery there, having fresh goods daily. The best time to visit the market is early in the morning when locals are buying their vegetables and fruits for the day, and the cooks from the restaurants are searching for the best ingredients. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the colorful place, talk with the locals and buy some fresh ingredients. You will take great photos and have a wonderful time.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Rovinj

   

   Rovinj Private Walking Tour

   This morning you’ll be getting the lay of the land in Rovinj on a 1 hour and 45 minutes private walking tour led by a local guide who knows all the ins and outs of the place. You’ll see all the main attractions including the St. Euphemia Church, the town clock, and Balbi’s Arch. The church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and dominates Rovinj’s Old Town, as it is sits atop its hill. Inside you’ll see the preserved body of St. Euphemia from the 6th century. This tour will introduce you to the rich history of Rovinj and all of Istria, as well as Italy’s influence on the region.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Heritage in Museum Form

   There isn’t a huge number of museums in Rovinj, but two are definitely worth visiting. The Rovinj Heritage Museum is housed in a 17th century Baroque palace. Founded by local artists in 1954. as a place to collect and exhibit artwork, today the museum is a gallery home to an incredible collection of unique art. You can look forward to a rich exhibit of mostly contemporary art, with about 1,500 pieces, including old masters. A different kind of museum, the Batana Eco-museum is a unique local cultural attraction. It is dedicated to the traditional wooden boat known as the batana and to the community which has chosen it as its symbol. The Batana reflects the continuity of Rovinj's maritime heritage and of local daily life.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your Second Full Day in Rovinj

   

   Istria Private Tour

   Explore the Istrian Peninsula on a private, tailor-made tour featuring hilltop towns, ancient ports, and hidden villages with Tuscany-like landscapes, vineyards, and truffles. Focus on medieval history, legends, or off-the-beaten-path charm as your guide curates each stop to your interests!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Plitvice by Private Car / Arrival in Plitvice

   

   Today you are off to see the amazing natural wonder of Plitvice National Park. We'll arrange for a private van to pick you up for the beautiful drive ahead of you. Be sure to soak up the views along Kvarner Bay, and there's also the possibility to stop for lunch in the coastal resort town of Opatija, once the seaside retreat of Habsburg-era nobility. The duration of the journey is about 3 hours. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver. 
   

   Entrance fees to the national park must be booked online at least two days in advance.

   The Plitvice Lakes are one of the most beautiful natural settings in Croatia. The national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and it’s easy to see why. You’ll find 16 lakes here in a stunning array of colors. Surrounding the lakes for 200 miles, the park has numerous hiking trails and plenty of places to appreciate the scenery. The lakes and waterfalls themselves stretch across five miles. This is nature at its most untouched!

   The driver will take you to your accommodations and after the check-in, you can spend the afternoon exploring this magnificent park. Please note that the driver service is booked until the arrival to your hotel, and does not apply to transfer to the park entrance after the check-in.

   

   An Active Day in the Park

   Are you in the mood for some running or hiking? If your answer is "yes," Plitvice is the perfect place for you. With its exceptional natural beauty, this area has always attracted active nature lovers. Once you enter the park, we assure you that you will want to explore every part of this amazing place. Use the opportunity to reconnect with nature in Croatia's first national park. Put on some comfortable clothes and footwear and explore one of the four hiking trails or seven different walking routes in the park.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Split by Private Transfer / Arrival in Split

   

   Today you're bound for Split, the ancient Roman city on the Dalmatian coast. We'll arrange for a private driver to pick you up from your accommodations in Plitvice and drive you to Split, with a stop in Trogir, a UNESCO-listed wall city across the bay from Split. Here you will have approximately an hour of free time to explore on your own and/or enjoy a snack. The duration of the journey, stop included, is around 4 hours.

   Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver. 

   The Roman Emperor Diocletian made Split his home in the 4th Century AD, building a vast palace complex on the waterfront that stands to this day. In fact several of the accommodation options we offer in Split are nestled inside its ancient walls. These days there is an embankment in front of Diocletian's palace but the water used to go right up to the main wall. It's on this man-made strip of land that you'll find the Riva, a pedestrian promenade bustling with life. Split's UNESCO listed Old Town is contained within these old walls and is a pedestrian-only maze that it is quite easy, but fun, to get lost in. Who know what romantic hidden cafés you might find in one of the narrow streets and alleyways? To get the best out of your time in Split, however, we recommend taking a tour with a local guide. Split is very well connected for flights, with an international airport a half hour drive away and is a popular stopping point for our guests on their way between Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar, Vis, or Korcula, all easily reached by a ferry from Split's port. If you base yourself in Split for a few days, you will find it is also perfect located for visits to some of Croatia's most stunning national parks.

   Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodations upon arrival in Split.

   

   The Right Place for Ancient Times

   The best way to get started in Split is to spend time on the former grounds of Diocletian's Palace. Visit Peristil, the palace's main square, sit on its ancient stairs, and enjoy the remarkable view. Or take a seat at a cafe on the square to order a glass of local wine and take it easy. If you need to stretch your legs, head on a pleasant walk on the West Coast and enjoy the light sea breeze and amazing view of the main Riva promenade and the Palace. On the West Coast (Zapadna Obala), you will discover an interesting fact about Split: it is considered the sportiest town in the world. Here, you will find the names of more than 80 Olympic winners from Split! Take your pick among the area's many bars for a delicious cocktail!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Split

   

   Explore Diocletian's Palace with an Expert Guide

   Today you’ll explore the inspiring city of Split with a local guide. You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and led through the UNESCO-listed 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s palace, which is just the beginning of the tour. You’ll also see the Cathedral of Saint Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the Adriatic coast. And you’ll explore the ancient cellars as well as the square in the center of the palace. The stunning Roman temples will awaken the spirit of another time for you, as will the famous Golden Gate and the big statue of Grgur Ninski. This is the best way to get to know the incredible history of this ancient city center.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Walls and Ways of Split

   Split's old town is an excellent representative of ancient Roman architecture. Getting lost in Diocletian's Palace, you'll wonder how the place's massive stones could have been hauled here and carved 1,700 years ago. Split's past is made clear by its landmarks, such as the world's second oldest cathedral (only Armenia has anywhere older), which was originally Emperor Diocletian's mausoleum. A short distance away, you'll find a pagan temple likewise turned into an early church.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   Based on your departure time, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport for your flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.