Hotel Astarea QQQ+

Dubrovnik

A scenic drive takes you to the historic city of Dubrovnik, which, although badly damaged during the civil war, has been superbly restored to its former glory, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As your guide tells you the varied and colourful history of this magical city, you will walk along the famous old streets and view sights such as St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace.

Half day

Heart of Konavle

The Konavle Valley, cloaked in cypress and pine trees, is a region renowned for its fine embroidery work. You’ll visit an old Konavle home, taste some olive oil and have time to take photographs from a viewpoint on the ridge. The Romans occupied Croatia — or Illyria as it was then known — in the second century and in the village of Mikulici you will have the opportunity to visit an Illyrian tomb that is more than 3000 years old. There will also be the chance to shop for traditional Konavle embroidery and paintings before returning to the hotel.

Included on holidays of 14 nights or longer departing in 2020

Half day

Cilipi folklore

The picturesque village of Cilipi is the folklore capital of the district and is situated in the Konavle valley. Here the locals, wearing red-capped black and white costumes, dance in the village square beside the parish church of St Nicholas and keep ancient traditions alive. The square is surrounded by official buildings and and family homes. You can also attend Mass if you wish, and visit a market selling local embroidery.

Included on holidays of 14 nights or longer departing in 2020

Half day

Montenegro

Travel into neighbouring Montenegro to see just some of thecountry's highlights. Feast your eyes on the spectacular fjords before a stop in historic Kotor, one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic, with its UNESCO-protected old town. Its architecture, including the city walls, is heavily influenced by past Venetian occupiers and its location beneath the Orjen and Lovcen mountains is both picturesque and dramatic. Also visit historic Budva, one of the oldest settlements in the Balkans, where you enjoy an included snack. The Old Town lies on a little island that was linked to the land by a sandbar and in time turned into a peninsula. Ramparts that originate from the 15th century surround it and they include a medieval fortification system with city gates, defence walls and towers. Inside the walls the town is a combination of narrow streets and little squares with historic monuments.

Full day

Mostar

Drive through Neum, along the coast and through the delta valley of the River Neretva to Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This town has been witness to various cultures and religions over the centuries, yet the 1990s conflict meant most of the historic town and the Old Bridge were destroyed. Thankfully, much has since been restored and on on this trip you'll see pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and western European architecture as well as the old bazaar, mosque and a typical Turkish house. You return via Poèitelj where you'll have the opportunity to see an old Turkish village.

Full Day

Riviera Cruise

Join a boat cruise from Cavtat and sail to Mlina and Lokrum Island which is well known for it's rich Mediterranean flora and Benedictine monastery founded in 1023. You can enjoy a walk through Lokrum Island which is an oasis of peace with beautiful beaches and subtropical vegetation.

Half Day

Trsteno Botanical Gardens

The village of Trsteno lies between the sea and the fertile mountains, and is characterised by its stone houses surrounding a lovely village square. It's also home to a magnificent arboretum, which has a famous pair of giant plane trees, their trunks measuring over three metres diameter! The arboretum was once part of the formal gardens of a Renaissance noble family’s summer residence.

Included on holidays of 14 nights or longer in 2019 and then on 7 nights of longer in 2020

Half day

Glimpse of Peljesac

Discover historic Ston, a walled town of Roman origin whose pentagonal fortifications are among the most impressive in Croatia. Stroll around the beautiful town admiring the architecturally diverse churches and buildings, then visit a small  olive oil estate which is more than 300 years old. You will of course have the chance to taste the olive oil and olives – along with anchovies, homemade cheese, prosciutto, local wine and grappa!

Three-quarter day