Discovery of perched villages, islands and waterfalls

Day 1 : Zagreb

Collection of your vehicle at the airport. Rental of an intermediary I-Class MPV, type Renault Scenic or similar , including:

– Unlimited mileage
– VAT tax
– Manual gearbox
– One driver insurance
– Basic third party insurance: CDW and TP.

Terra Balka can offer other options. On the spot the renter will be able to propose you additional insurances if necessary. – Option included: Ferry insurance on the islands. First kilometres in your vehicle. In the distance you can see Zagreb and the Medvednica Mountain overlooking the Croatian capital. Drive to your hotel. Settling in. Meeting with your guide a private tour to discover Zagreb, for about 1.5 hours. The capital of Croatia can be visited, tasted and experienced at any time of the year and at any time of the day. You will walk through it on foot, or by tram, and believe us, it is full of interests and surprises. Its parks, its medieval side, its lively little shops and cafés and all its monuments and museums will charm you. Highlights of the visit:

Zagreb’s main square (Governor’s Square Jelačić), Old Town, Cathedral, Dolac Open Market, St. Mark’s Church. Overnight in a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Zagreb. Standard room.

Day 2 : Zagreb

Contrasts and colours of Istria. Departure from Zagreb to Istria. First stop in Groznjan and then in Motovun, authentic hilltop villages, worth a stop and a stroll. Possible passage through Novigrad, a small town on the Adriatic coast before reaching Barban. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in a 4-star boutique hotel near the village of Barban. Feel at home in this small family-run paradise in the middle of Istria. Standard room.

Day 3 : Barban

Free day in the heart of Istria. Day without programme, at your own pace, according to your wishes: take time to walk in the hills or in the vineyards, relax by the swimming pool, meet your hosts or taste wine in a nearby vineyard. A free day that could be full of unusual experiences! Overnight in a 4-star boutique hotel near the village of Barban. Feel at home in this small family-run paradise in the middle of Istria. Standard room.

Day 4 : Rovinj

Unguided and self-guided tour of Rovinj. Open the shutters of your room and discover what the Adriatic and its Venetian cities have to offer: architecture, maze of cobbled streets, colourful colours, etc. Rovinj is the most beautiful Venetian wonder of Istria. Founded by the Romans, it preserves the remains of its fortifications. You are advised to take advantage of both the coolness and the morning atmosphere for a quiet stroll. As you walk around the city on foot along the waterfront, you will discover all the charm of the facades, the views of the Adriatic Sea that emerge from the bend in the alley, and the surprising little terraces nestled between two rocks. It’s a little piece of paradise that can be discovered at different times of the day: in the morning when you wake up, in the afternoon when it’s hot, and at aperitif time when the night activity begins to take shape. Whether it’s for a coffee or a cool glass of Malvazija, you’re spoilt for choice in the cosy terraces!

Suggested highlights: Arc de Balbi, Clock Tower, St. Euphemia Cathedral, Zlatni Rt Park, Batana Museum, etc.

-> Would you like to be guided? Our guides will be happy to take you at your own pace in Rovinj and its surroundings. Please contact us for more information. Overnight in a 4-star boutique hotel near the village of Barban. Feel at home in this small family-run paradise in the middle of Istria. Standard room.

Day 5 : Pula

Free visit of Pula. Pula owes its fame to the beauty of its Roman monuments, such as the Pula Arena, which is one of the six largest amphitheatres still in good condition today.

Highlights of the visit: Arena, Arch of the Sergii, Temple of August, Twin Gates and Hercules. Overnight in a 4-star boutique hotel near the village of Barban. Feel at home in this small family-run paradise in the middle of Istria. Standard room.

Day 6 : Barban

Hidden treasures of Istria and the Isle of Cres. Route to Gracisce, one of the most beautiful villages of Istria, still kept secret today. In addition to its beautiful houses, it offers an incredible panorama of the region. Then on to Brestova to cross by ferry to the small town of Cres, nestled in a beautiful protected bay and surrounded by hills covered with pine forests and scrub. Drive south to the island of Losinj, its lush vegetation with its 1100 species of plants, pine woods and creeks of crystal-clear water. Check-in at the hotel. Ferry from Brestova to Porozina, on the Island of Cres. Crossing of about 20 min. Overnight in a 3-star hotel residence on the island of Losinj, privileged location. One-bedroom residence with kitchen and living room.

Day 7 : Losinj island

Small-group sailing tour to observe dolphin colonies. Meeting at the port of Mali Losinj to embark. Your skipper welcomes you on his speedboat for an excursion of about 3 hours in the archipelago where you will meet different species of dolphins, seals, turtles, whales or tuna. A beautiful excursion among the islets of Losinj, for the real lovers of marine fauna or simply the curious.

-> Sailing is done in small groups (max 12 people). Overnight in a 3-star hotel residence on the island of Losinj, privileged location. One-bedroom residence with kitchen and living room.

Day 8 : Losinj island

Lazing around & relaxing on the Adriatic coast. Free day to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beautiful beaches nearby.

Suggested activities (please contact us):

– aquapark Cikat
– boat trips in the archipelago in groups or privately
– bike, kayak, boat, scooter or car rental
– water activities (diving, sailing, paddle yoga, windsurfing)
– walking tour
– thematic excursion (dolphin preservation centre, aromatherapy) Overnight in a 3-star hotel residence on the island of Losinj, privileged location. One-bedroom residence with kitchen and living room.

Day 9 : Losinj island

Lazing around & relaxing on the Adriatic coast. Free day to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beautiful beaches nearby.

Suggested activities (please contact us):

– aquapark Cikat
– boat trips in the archipelago in groups or privately
– bike, kayak, boat, scooter or car rental
– water activities (diving, sailing, paddle yoga, windsurfing)
– walking tour
– thematic excursion (dolphin preservation centre, aromatherapy) Overnight in a 3-star hotel residence on the island of Losinj, privileged location. One-bedroom residence with kitchen and living room.

Day 10 : Losinj island

Road to Plitvice Lakes National Park, crossing the island of Krk. Leave Losinj behind and head towards the wonders of Cres and Krk islands: Valun, Lubenice and Osor. Arrive at the port of Merag to take the ferry. Disembark at Valbiska on the island of Krk and proceed to the walled city of the same name for a self-guided tour. Then discovery of Vrbnik, a pretty medieval village on the east coast of the island, before returning to the mainland and sailing along the coast to arrive in the evening in Plitvice and check in at the hotel. Ferry from Merag to Valbiska. Crossing of about 25 min. Overnight in a 3-star hotel, near the lakes and the entrance to the National Park. Superior room.

Day 11 : Plitvice Lakes NP

Exceptional day’s walk in the heart of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Road to reach the park’s surroundings. You have several choices of visit and we recommend a full exploration. Departure by panoramic train to reach the upper end of the park. The visit begins with a ride along the Upper Lakes, the wildest part of the park, where the lakes merge, the platforms on which you walk pass over bodies of water and waterfalls. The water flows from all sides, it’s magical. Electric boat crossing on Lake Kozjak. Let’s go for a walk on the lower part of the park, through the gorges of the Lower Lakes, which will take you to the Great Waterfall. Continue to the top of the gorge with a panoramic view. Return on foot or by train. This circular program allows you to enjoy the beauty of the lake area of the park as a whole.

-> 8.9 kilometres walk on wooden footbridge. Little elevation gain. About 5 to 6-hour walk. Entry ticket to the park included. Overnight in a 3-star hotel, near the lakes and the entrance to the National Park. Superior room.

Day 12 : Plitvice Lakes NP

Descent towards the Adriatic Sea and the famous city of Zadar. Drive to Zadar, a fascinating city on the Adriatic. Free visit of the city and its curiosities: the Sea Organ and the Salute to the Sun. Stroll through the heart of the peninsula, which offers a historic centre with medieval churches and Roman remains, cafés and excellent museums. You can alternate between ancient heritage and elegant Habsburg architecture. You will discover a lively and dynamic city, pleasant to live in and visit. Continue to Skradin, a charming and historic town on the banks of the Krka river fjord. The old town enjoys an extraordinary location that will delight you. Skradin is one of the starting points for visiting the Krka National Park. Overnight in a 3-star property near Sibenik and Skradin. Standard room.

Day 13 : Visit of the Krka Park

Visit of the Krka Park, on foot and by boat. From Skradin up the Krka Canyon by boat to the Skradinski buk waterfalls. Walk of about 2 hours around the site + swimming possible. Return to Skradin by boat.

-> The visit of the other sites of the park is not included. If you wish to do it, boat tickets are to be paid on the spot and Terra Balka must be notified in advance to coordinate the return transfers. Overnight in a 3-star property near Sibenik and Skradin. Standard room.

Day 14 : Free day in Skradin

Free day in Skradin to enjoy the facilities of the hotel, the environment of the Krka River and the surrounding villages. It is also an opportunity to discover:

– the island of Murter and its many beaches.
– the city of Sibenik, a fortified town with a magnificent medieval quarter. Overnight in a 3-star property near Sibenik and Skradin. Standard room.

Day 15 : Split

Drive to the airport 2.5-3 hours before your flight. Return of your vehicle at the airport. Check-in and boarding. On the way, free and unguided visit of Split, wonder of the Adriatic. As soon as you arrive, you can already feel the dynamism of the city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split has both a rich historical heritage and a lively local life. Visit the Diocletian’s palace, which encompasses the entire old town. The magic of the place works and you take a trip back in time, landing in the middle of the Roman Empire. Discover on foot, and at your own pace, squares, markets, alleys and craft shops.

Highlights of the visit: Palace Peristyle, St. Domnius Cathedral, St. Lucia Crypt, the Riva Walk and Grgur Ninski Statue.