Highlights of Italy and Croatia

Discover the marvelous city of Florence! Meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel, and kick off your walking tour from the majestic cathedral nearby. Known as ‘Duomo’ for its spectacular dome, find out more about the history behind the structure even as you admire its beauty and form as an architectural feat. From the city’s Roman foundations, move on to its journey leading up to the Renaissance; admire the impressive gate of the baptistery and the famous sculptures. Stop by the leather market and see the city’s revered mascot, before carrying on to the bank of the Arno river from where you can enjoy a sweeping view of Ponte Vecchio, a picturesque old bridge. Once you cross the bridge, continue through the secret corridor built by the legendary Medici family and arrive at the Uffizi Courtyard and the Piazza Signoria, which used to be the city’s political center. Explore its iteration as an open-air gallery today, filled with beautiful sculptures including a copy of Michelangelo’s masterpiece David. Wrap up your tour with a visit to the bustling artisans’ market. (Half Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private Activity & Guide will meet you at your hotel; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that the English-speaking guide is included as a part of the tour, while the entrance fees to the monuments are NOT included. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes, and carry a light raincoat or umbrella.)

Get picked up from your centrally located hotel as you embark on this exploration of the famous Chianti region. Drive to one of the acclaimed DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) areas, with the highest classification of quality when it comes to Italian wines. Travel along the renowned Chiantigiana wine route that will take you into the heart of vineyard country known for its Chianti Classico. Pass by verdant vineyards and olive groves that make for a scenic picture. Drive through charming country towns such as Greve, a household name across the world because of the excellent wines they produce. Keep an eye out for the famous symbol of the Gallo Nero (black rooster), synonymous with Chianti wine, which is prominently displayed in the villages of this region. Stop to explore one such typical Chianti village where you can saunter around the gourmet and souvenir shops. Your driver will lead you to one of the local wineries for a tasting session before being dropped back at your hotel. (Half Day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate. This activity includes wine tasting, an English speaking driver, the meeting point will be at your hotel.)

Head out from your hotel with your expert guide on an engrossing walking tour of this beautiful city on the water. Admire the stunning beauty of the majestic Italo-Byzantine Saint Mark’s Basilica from outside before you step inside for a closer look at its magnificent altar, the Pala d’oro, which is decorated with thousands of sparkling gems and precious stones. Stroll around the bustling city square known for its architectural beauty and historic past. Soak in the old world charm of iconic monuments such as the Doge’s Palace that has been the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Walk over the many stone footbridges that have withstood the travails of time and now make for great photo opportunities. Listen to your guide narrate interesting anecdotes and lesser-known facts about the rich past of this illustrious city that has inspired many an author and artist. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: flexible; Private Activity; Entrance tickets to Doge’s Palace included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note this is a walking tour and the guide will meet you directly at your hotel; It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a light raincoat or an umbrella depending on the weather.)

After a short stroll around dusk, treat yourselves to a quintessential Venetian experience at the bustling bacari dotted across the city. Accompanied by an expert guide, get introduced to Venice’s food culture and at these hidden wine bars, believed to have originated in the 1300s. Enjoy a Cicchetti (the typical small snacks served in Venice) crawl while navigating the maze of back alleys dotted across residential neighborhoods surrounding the historic Rialto bridge. Before setting out for dinner, soak up the lively atmosphere of this Venetian institution, interacting with residents around oak barrels that serve as tables. Rubbing shoulders with Veneziano speaking locals, join in on this early evening phenomenon, hopping between cozy watering holes characterized by quirky and funky décor. Dig into an assortment of traditional Cicchetti that make up the daily-changing, seasonal menus, all paired with ombras – small glasses of organic house wines, or spritz concoctions. Expect to taste bite-sized sandwiches, fresh seafood, deep-fried cheeses, artichoke hearts, pickled specialties, and artisanal cold cuts. End the tour on a sweet note with a tasting of local cookies. (Half Day; Time: 1600 hrs; Private Activity; Snacks, wine and cookies included; Fitness level: Easy. Please note this is a walking tour and the guide will meet you directly at your hotel; It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a light raincoat or an umbrella depending on the weather.)

Visit the famous islands of the Venetian lagoon that are known for their handicrafts. At the scheduled time, you will be guided from your hotel in Venice to the meeting point. Once you reach, settle into a comfortable boat and travel to Murano. Along the way, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and small islets. At Murano, walk along the narrow streets to a glassblower’s workshop. This small island is world-famous for its exquisite pieces of glass art. Watch a skilled glass blower craft delicate pieces of glassware right in front of you. You could then browse the collection of finished products and explore the island on your own. Later, board the boat for the ride to Burano, famed for its handmade lace, once considered the best in Europe. Make your way past vibrantly painted houses, lined along the canal, to a lace-making facility. See the women use centuries-old techniques to stitch beautiful swathes of lace. Afterward, check out some of the local bakeries and sample their wares before heading back to the boat. (Duration: half day; Shared activity; Group size: max 20 ppl; Starting point: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4183, 30122 Venezia- at the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II; Fitness level: moderate, please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or people requiring special assistance; Boat round trip and glass and lace-making demonstrations included; Please be at the meeting point at least 15 mins prior to scheduled departure time; Pick up assistance from the hotel to the meeting point is included; Carry hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water; There is a lot of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended).

Experience the beauty of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula during this tour. Accompanied by your guide, visit the idyllic hilltop towns that dot the peninsula. Along the way, take in breath-taking views of rolling hills, olive groves, and vistas stretching all the way to the sea. During the trip, you will stop at the towns of Bale, Vodnjan, Motovun, Beram, Pazin, Grožnjan, Livade, and Buzet. You will come across ancient Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and Baroque-style villas as you explore them. In Bale and Vodnjan, enjoy wine and olive oil tastings. While in Motovun and Beram, see well-preserved ancient walls and towers and admire 15th-century frescoes. At Grožnjan you can learn about the local art and culture as you wander the charming square, and at Pazin don’t miss the impressive castle perched on a cliff. Finally, sample unique delicacies in Livade and Buzet, known as the ‘towns of truffles’, before heading back to Rovinj. (Duration: full day, Time: morning, Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes)

Discover exceptional natural beauty in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. Follow any of the four hiking trails, which are organized into seven routes around the park. You can also explore the park by boat and by the panoramic train. Walk along wooden boardwalks exploring the 16 crystal clear lakes, including the Veliki Slap and the Proscansko Lake. From your guide, hear about how these lakes were carved by the process of tufa (limestone) formation over centuries. Be enthralled by the sight of these lakes falling into each other through a series of waterfalls. Take in the lush greenery and the constant rumble of the waterfalls. The varied colors of the waterfalls – from emerald green to turquoise to deep blue – will make perfect backdrops for your photographs! You may even spot a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies around the footbridges. (Duration: 8 hrs, including a 2 hr 45-min transfer from Split to Plitvice; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Includes an English speaking driver, a licensed local guide and entrance fee to the national park; Please wear casual wear and walking shoes.)

Set off on this enjoyable walking tour to discover the historic landmarks of Split. Retrace the footsteps of ancient Romans as you meander down the medieval streets in the old part of the city. Explore the sprawling complex of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, built for an ancient Roman emperor nearly eighteen centuries ago! This palace has also featured in the fourth season of the ‘Game of Thrones’ series. Stroll past the peristyle or central square of the palace and stop to admire the imposing Golden Gate at the northern end of the complex. Marvel at the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Domnius as your expert guide brings to life the history of the city. Afterwards, explore Riva, the charming waterfront area with its bustling promenade, at your own pace. (Duration: 2 hrs; Starting Time: 1015 hrs; Shared Activity in a Medium Group; Group Size: Max 35 Guests; Transfers Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Please wear casual clothes and walking shoes.)

Explore the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) in the South of Croatia with a local guide! Stroll on this medieval city’s walls which offer some spectacular views of the coast. Witness ancient fortresses and other scenic locations said to have been filming spots for the Game of Thrones series. Walk along cobblestone streets with their charming red-roofed houses and wander into the Old Town, filled with narrow lanes, restaurants, and small boutiques. Learn about the history and culture of the city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a cable car ride up Srd Hill and be enchanted with a bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the many surrounding islands. At the end of your tour, relax with a drink at one of the Old Town’s cafes. (Half Day; Flexible Timings; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; City Fee and Return Cable Car Ticket Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, sunglasses, and sunhat. Don’t forget your camera.)