The Stradun, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Zagreb On arrival in Zagreb make your way to historic Hotel Jägerhorn nestled between the city’s main pedestrian street and the old town. Hotel Jägerhorn, Zagreb Day 02 Zagreb Enjoy your morning at leisure, people watching from the comfort of a local cafe or exploring Ilica, Zagreb's principle shopping high-street. Following lunch, local translator Dora Fila will guide a special walking tour of a city in many ways defined by it's women. Ideal for artists who seek to understand context as well as colour, Fila's Women of Zagreb is a memorable experience. Hotel Jägerhorn, Zagreb Day 03 Zagreb Today enjoy a guided morning walk through Gradec, a leafy, tranquil area of tiny streets, small squares and Baroque palaces before crossing the river Sava for an afternoon visit to Zagreb's Museum of Contemporary Art. Hotel Jägerhorn, Zagreb Day 04  Zagreb - Split - Brela A brief morning flight carries you from the modern life of the capital to the ancient coastal city of Split. Explore one of the most imposing Roman ruins in existence, a labyrinth of narrow streets and passagesways, now the heart of the city's daily life. Later, travel south to the elegant village of Brela on the Adriatic Sea. Mountians rise to the east, the sea faces off to the west, and Brela with its fine pebble beach, warren of steep narrow streets, and old stone houses becomes the principle setting of your artists holiday. Warm welcome on arrival. Villa Vinka, Brela Day 05 Brela   Rise early and enjoy a morning walk along the loveliest coastline in Dalmatia before joining your companions for the first of four watercolour workshops with Canadian artist Victoria Shannon. Each workshop will be en plein air as weather permits and each will be sensitive to your own comfort with this wonderful medium. Workshops are a quiet celebration of the colour and vibrancy of the region. Villa Vinka, Brela Day 06 Brela A second full day of painting on the Adriatic Sea. Dense forests of pine protect the coves of Brela and provide a dramatic backdrop for your setting. Evening at leisure. Treat your self to a wonderful dinner in one of Brela's excellent local restaurants.     Villa Vinka, Brela Day 07 Brela - Split- Dubrovnik Sail the Adriatic Coast from Dubrovnik's storybook port past solitary islands and rugged mountains to the breathtaking walled city of Dubrovnik (see photo above). Perhaps the most mediterranean of Croatia's coastal cities, in Dubrovnik you can relax in the sea breeze, explore a long and storied history, enjoy an impromptu musical performance or simply walk. Your  evening is at leisure. IUC Residence, Dubrovnik Day 08 Dubrovnik Today join your local guide for a walking tour of Dubrovnik's famous city walls. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, these fully intact walls are perhaps Europes finest and the impressive frame of this beautiful city. Afternoon is at leisure. Quick sketches can create a wealth of material for later workshops and work. IUC Residence, Dubrovnik Day 09 Dubrovnik - Brela This morning travel back to Brela by bus.  Rooms held from previous stay so return to the comfort of your own retreat on the Makarska Riviera. Join Victoria for an afternoon session followed by sundowners in a local cafe. Villa Vinka, Brela Day 10 Brela A painting day in Brela giving you time to relax after your Dubrovnik excursion. Villa Vinka, Brela Day 11 Brela -Split - Hvar - Brela Board the local ferry in Split  for a short trip to the island of Hvar. Spend the day on the island painting and touring. Villa Vinka, Brela Day 12 Brela Today enjoy your final painting session. Work from quick sketches drawn in Dubrovnik or on Hvar, complete something already underway, or begin again and make it new! Villa Vinka, Brela Day 13 Brela Your final day on the Adriatic. Enjoy this time at leisure discovering a new cafe, relaxing on the beach, strolling in town, or watching the sun rise and set again from the terrace of your hotel. Every village on Croatia's Adriatic has a 'konoba', where freshly caught seafood is perfectly prepared and paired with local white wine. Tonight celebrate the conclusion of your artists holiday with a farewell dinner at Brela's lovely konoba, Ivandića Dvori. Villa Vinka, Brela Day 14 Depart Zagreb Painting Croatia concludes today with your morning flight to the capital and a private transfer to Zagreb International Airport.