Dubrovnik, beguilingly called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, has emerged triumphant from its troubled past to regain its crown as a true gem amongst the myriad of ancient towns that are sprinkled along the cobalt shoreline of Croatia. Once again a tranquil idyll, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is enfolded in the most complete city walls in Europe, which encircle the city uninterrupted for an astonishing 1940 meters. Dubrovnik is a bewitching Christmas destination, with medieval buildings hidden around every corner and the refrain of Christmas carols, or ‘kolenda’, hanging in the clear sea air. This Christmas break will provide you with the opportunity to discover the history and cultural legacy of the Venetians, Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians, and to meander at leisure around the great city walls, which for centuries have kept watch over the turquoise Adriatic below.
Dubrovnik • Trsteno • Ston
DAY 1 LONDON • DUBROVNIK
We begin with Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service™ and your direct scheduled British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel, the Hilton Palace, where dinner is included this evening.
DAY 2 DUBROVNIK
After fortifying ourselves with a hearty breakfast, we set off on foot for a walking tour of Dubrovnik, discovering along the way the marbled paved squares and the twisting labyrinth of alleyways, churches, palaces and museums, all carved from the same light coloured stone. We visit the beautiful 15th century Rector’s Palace, wherein the rector had to live, uninterrupted and alone apart from official duties, for the full term of his one-month post, and the fascinating Franciscan Monastery which houses the Old Pharmacy, opened in 1317 and still in operation today. This afternoon is free to further explore this enchanting city, and will doubtless include a wander along the old town’s pedestrianised main street, the Stradun, where many of the shops still have the combined door and counter of medieval times.
DAY 3 TRSTENO • STON - CHRISTMAS EVE
After breakfast, we board our coach for an excursion to the 500 year old Trsteno Arboretum (opening times permitting). The elegant 15th century summer residence is surrounded by a Gothic-Renaissance park, which is home to an exotic collection of over 300 species of plants, including giant plane, camphor and palm trees. After a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens, we depart for Ston, a perfect example of a fortified town, encompassed by five kilometres of medieval walls. One of the first towns in Europe to be built according to a definite urban plan, Ston is also known for its oyster and mussel farm, and salt is still produced today in Ston on Europe’s oldest traditional saltpan. Your Christmas Eve dinner tonight is included at your hotel.
DAY 4 DUBROVNIK - CHRISTMAS DAY
This morning is at leisure with breakfast included, and you may wish to take this opportunity to work up an appetite for your included Christmas lunch by walking along the city walls, or by climbing the Fortess Minceta to enjoy the stunning views over the jumbled rooftops and Croatian landscape. This afternoon you are free to relax before evening dinner in your hotel.
DAY 5 DUBROVNIK - BOXING DAY
A leisurely free day in Dubrovnik lies ahead, with maybe the possibility of joining an optional excursion, starting with breakfast, and surely including further exploration of this most charming city. Dubrovnik’s endless stretch of aquamarine coastline ensures that the air has a heady Mediterranean feel, which is all the more invigorating at Christmas, and the traditional Boxing Day walk can today be undertaken in the most exhilarating of surroundings. Dinner is included tonight back at your hotel.
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