The Eastern Discovery - Classic Group
The Eastern Discovery - Classic Group
The Eastern Discovery - Classic Group
14 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Tirana, Corfu, Delphi, Athens
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E972MZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
See the great lakes of Croatia in Plitvice National Park and breathe in the Balkan beauty of Montenegro on this two-week discovery of the east. From Zagreb’s St Marks church and Split’s Old City, your expert led itinerary gallops across Croatia to the pearl of the Adriatic—Dubrovnik. Marble streets, hidden markets and terracotta roofs abound within the walled city. Set sail from the shores of Greece to the island of Corfu—with its bleach white domes and azure blue seas, before forging onwards to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, and the Acropolis in Athens.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
Top Rated Highlights
- Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you through this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral.
- Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotršcak Tower.
- Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
- Budva: Explore the medieval old town of Budva, home to religious sites such as the 9th century Church of Santa Maria in Punta.
- Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.
- Split: Sightseeing with your Local Expert continues through the old town. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to reach Narodni Trg, the center of Old Split. Continue to Trg Brace Radic, translated as the Square of the Radic brothers, but better known to the locals as Vocni Trg, or the Fruit Square.
- Dubrovnik: As the day comes to a close and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik towards your celebration dinner.
- Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
- Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they explain what it's like to live in the Albanian capital.
- Corfu: Escape to this idyllic island by ferry.
- Corfu: Return to the mainland by cruise and continue your journey through Greece.
- Delphi: Ascend the Sacred Way, once lined with offertory temples.
- Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
- Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
Make Travel Matter
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
Authentic Dining
Dubrovnik: Enjoy a traditional Dalmatian Coast meal at a local restaurant, accompanied with wine and grappa.
Athens: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Zagreb. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the romantic chestnut-lined Strossmayer Promenade for your first views over the city. In the evening, join your Travel Director for dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Day 2: Zagreb’S Twin Towns Relaxed Start
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk to see the Art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, and pass by Zrinjevac Park. Then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, before walking back down through the Stone Gate and returning to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure—relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities, or perhaps take an Optional Experience to Ljubljana?
Day 3: The Crystal Lakes Of Plitvice Relaxed Start
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation: Hotel Lyra, Licko Petrovo Selo.
Accommodation Name: Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take this morning to relax and enjoy your hotel's facilities or perhaps take an Optional Experience to the Zagorje region to learn about the local traditions and visit the house of Marshall Tito. In the afternoon depart for your next hotel, located inside the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this is Croatia’s first and largest national park. While the park is predominately forests and grasslands, the true highlight are the interconnected lakes that cascade from one to another.
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes, Ancient Trogir And Split
Location: Split
Accommodation: Hotel President Solin, Split.
Accommodation Name: President Solin, Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively researches and monitors the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet the industrious woman of the Tara Community Center, where handicrafts are produced, enabling employment and engagement in the community. Travel along the coast and stop in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Greeks more than 2,300 years ago. This town is renowned for its beautiful cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace. Continue to your hotel.
Day 5: Diocletian’S Palace
Location: Split
Accommodation: Hotel Croatia Cavtat., Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Accommodation Name: Croatia Cavtat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars, and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's - originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Travel alongside sparkling deep blue seas and the rocky islands of the Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik. This evening, should weather permit, embark on a dazzling cruise around the fabled bay and gaze out at views of the glistening Adriatic. Start your dinner with a glass of sparkling wine, before savoring authentic flavors of local specialties.
Day 6: Dubrovnik, Pearl Of The Adriatic Relaxed Start
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel Croatia Cavtat., Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Accommodation Name: Croatia Cavtat
Meals Included: Breakfast
The walled town of Dubrovnik, was once described as 'paradise on Earth', according to George Bernard Shaw.Join a walking exploration of the city, guided by a Local Expert. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see the Old Jewish Quarter and the synagogue, and marvel at the grandeur of the cathedral and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Day 7: Mediterranean Montenegro Relaxed Start
Location: Kotor
Accommodation: Hotel TQ Plaza, Budva.
Accommodation Name: TQ Plaza, Budva
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop to visit the old town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the bay, with its azure waters lapping at the edges of the medieval towns which dot the coastline. Next, make your way along the Adriatic sea to Budva. Discover the medieval old town on your own, home to religious sites such as the 9th-century Church of Santa Maria in Punta.
Day 8: Scenic Drive To Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: MAK Albania Hotel Tirana.
Accommodation Name: MAK Albania, Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro and Albania and continue to the fascinating capital of Tirana. Led by your Local Expert, explore this warmhearted and colorful city, and see the diverse relics that remain from its Ottoman, Italian and communist past.
Day 9: Across To Corfu
Location: Corfu
Accommodation: Divani Palace Hotel Corfu.
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Hotel Corfu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take in Albania’s unique scenery, as you journey across the country to Greece, and set sail for the cobalt-blue waters of Corfu. Renowned since Odysseus for its untamed beauty and strategic position in the Mediterranean, Corfu today is one of Greece’s most charming islands.
Day 10: Relax In Corfu Relaxed Start
Location: Corfu
Accommodation: Divani Palace Hotel Corfu.
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Hotel Corfu.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful island of Corfu. Perhaps explore the Old Town and admire the interesting mix of architectural styles, from Roman and Venetian to French and British, each resembling an era of the island’s interesting past before it was united with Greece. Alternatively, you may want to lay back and unwind at the hotel pool.
Day 11: Delphi, Center Of The Ancient World
Location: Delphi
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Delphi.
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Delphi.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set off from your island paradise for Delphi, a spectacular cliff-side amphitheater and worthy of its status as the center of the ancient world. History and mythology run deep here, with finds of ritual artefacts that date back to 4,000 BC and remains of a Mycenaean settlement. It is said that Delphi is the location where two eagles crossed paths, after they were released by Zeus from opposite end of the universe to find ‘the navel of the world.’
Day 12: Delphi Sightseeing And On To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, NEW Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your Local Expert. Pass the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and Polygonal Wall with its interlocking stones, still perfectly intact after thousands of years. You'll approach the Temple of Apollo, where for 14 centuries the mysterious Oracle of Delphi breathed her enigmatic ‘words,' rumoured to have successfully predicted events related to the Argonauts expedition and the Trojan War. Your travels then continue to the ancient city of Athens, the modern capital of Greece.
Day 13: The Glory Of Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis, NEW Hotel, Athens Marriott Hotel
Accommodation Name: Divani Palace Acropolis, New, Athens, Athens Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Expert for a morning of city sightseeing. Enjoy the glory of ancient Greece from the Acropolis with the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. You will also see the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. This afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.
Day 14: Depart Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid a fond adío to your Greek island holiday. Your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Athens airport.
What's Included
-
Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities, including exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park with a Local Expert or meeting the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
-
Top Rated Highlights
Guided tours and experiences in various locations such as Zagreb, Kotor, Budva, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik, Tirana, Corfu, Delphi, and Athens with Local Experts.
-
Make Travel Matter
Participate in experiences that advance UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as exploring Plitvice National Park or visiting the Tara Community Center.
-
Authentic Dining
Enjoy traditional meals at local restaurants in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Athens.
-
Dining Summary
Includes 6 dinners and 13 breakfasts.
-
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
-
Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach, equipped with hand sanitizer and maintained to high standards.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Experiences
Some activities and experiences are optional and may incur additional costs.
-
Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights as per the itinerary start and end dates.
Transfers outside these times may require additional arrangements.
Dining Summary
6 Dinner (D)13 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Well-being
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, and relax knowing your luggage is taken care of with porterage services included.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Hotel Lyra in Plitvice, President Solin in Split, Croatia Cavtat in Dubrovnik, TQ Plaza in Budva, MAK Albania in Tirana, Divani Palace Hotel in Corfu, Amalia Hotel in Delphi, and Divani Palace Acropolis in Athens.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are offered at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
At Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can choose between two unique experiences. You can join a Local Expert to explore the park and learn about the studies and initiatives to protect the natural habitat, which supports UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and on land. Alternatively, you can meet the women of the Tara Community Center, where they produce handicrafts, supporting gender equality and providing a financial and psychological boost to the community.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Dubrovnik?
In Dubrovnik, you will explore the Old Town with a Local Expert, walking the stone-paved streets to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace, and the medieval city walls. You will also admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. If the weather permits, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise around the bay of Dubrovnik.
-
How does the tour incorporate local culture and traditions?
The tour incorporates local culture and traditions through various activities, such as dining at local restaurants in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Athens, where you can enjoy traditional cuisine. Additionally, the tour includes visits to places like the Tara Community Center, where you can learn about local handicrafts and community initiatives.
-
What historical sites will be visited in Athens?
In Athens, you will visit the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. You will also see the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian.
-
What is the significance of Delphi in the tour?
Delphi is significant in the tour as it is considered the center of the ancient world. You will ascend the Sacred Way with a Local Expert, see the Athenian Treasury, the Polygonal Wall, and the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi was believed to have predicted events.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Saturday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.