12 days Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast (2017)
A Wondrous European Escape
Medieval architecture, tranquil lakes, local villages and Croatian charm will delight you on this tour featuring Dubrovnik, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and the pearls of the stunning Dalmatian coast. Begin your exploration with two nights in Opatija, the “Riviera of Croatia” and an Istrian gem. Explore Plitvice National Park by foot and by boat, a place where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs connecting sixteen pristine lakes. Enjoy a visit and dinner with a local family outside Dubrovnik. Explore the white stone buildings, winding alleys, and massive city walls of the ancient harbor town, Dubrovnik. Step back into Roman times in Diocletian’s Palace, which comprises Split’s Old Town. Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia’s quaint capital city, and float on a “pletna” boat on serene Lake Bled.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight Flight. ( Not Included ) | Join us and explore Croatia and the countries of the Adriatic. This is a “must see” region filled with ancient cities, medieval architecture, intriguing cultures, rolling hills and stunning coastal scenery. |
| 2 | Opatija, Croatia - Tour Begins | Your tour begins in the seaside resort of Opatija. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome reception. Hotel Bristol Opatija |
| 3 | Opatija - Istrian Peninsula - Opatija | Opatija, known as “Croatia’s Riviera,” was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Hapsburg Monarchs. Start the day exploring the town with a local guide. Later, discover the richness of the Istrian Peninsula with its Italian and Croatian influences. Pay a visit to a local distillery where the owners use regional plants, fruits, and herbs to produce brandies, snacks and other treats. Discover Motovun, a beautiful example of a small Croatian town. In late afternoon, sample culinary delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula during dinner at a farm to table restaurant, complete with regional wines. Breakfast & Dinner Hotel Bristol Opatija |
| 4 | Opatija - Plitvice Lakes | After breakfast, travel to Croatia’s most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes. This UNESCO World Heritage site promises inspiring scenery as you travel among its 16 terraced lakes and dense forests. A series of waterfalls and free flowing cascades connects each lake to the other. Complete the experience with a short cruise that takes you into the heart of this natural wonder. Breakfast & Dinner Jezero Hotel |
| 5 | Plitvice Lakes - Dubrovnik | This morning, continue south through the heart of Croatia, towards the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Breakfast & Dinner Valamar Lacroma Resort |
| 6 | Dubrovnik | Join a local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies, and see Rector’s Palace, the City Walls, and many more historical sites. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Join a local expert in Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor for a private cruise* with magnificent views of the medieval city walls; next, visit nearby Lokrum Island where you can swim, marvel at exotic plants or take a walk with peacocks. Or, receive a ticket to access the walls that contain the old city of Dubrovnik and gain a different perspective on this remarkable place; this choice gives you more leisure time to explore the city. This evening, travel to the culturally-rich Konavle region to Cilipi for dinner at a family-owned local restaurant. While visiting with the family you’ll learn about life in the Croatian heartland and sample regional wines. At dinner, servers introduce you to a culinary feast, prepared in the way of their ancestors. Breakfast & Dinner Valamar Lacroma Resort |
| 7 | Dubrovnik | Today is at leisure to relax or independently explore Dubrovnik’s breathtaking Old Town with its marble streets and beautiful baroque buildings. Or, you may choose to purchase our optional excursion to Montenegro…if so, leave in the morning to cross the border to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor (or “the Boka”); once known as Europe’s southernmost fjord, it is actually a ria (a long, narrow inlet); your guide will introduce you to the history of the region and share stories of the many cultures and empires that have left their mark here. Breakfast Valamar Lacroma Resort |
| 8 | Dubrovnik - Split | Savor stunning sea views as you travel up the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop into the aquamarine Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a stop in a quaint village in the Croatian countryside. You will have time to taste the local specialties and perhaps walk through the village square. Upon arrival in Split, set out on a walking tour featuring the impressive Diocletian's Palace, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. Breakfast Atrium Hotel |
| 9 | Split - Ljubljana, Slovenia | Your adventure continues as you travel up the coast, into Slovenia, and on to today’s destination – the quaint capital of Ljubljana. During the drive, take in the spectacular scenery. Arriving in Ljubljana, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the city. Breakfast & Dinner Hotel Lev |
| 10 | Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana | This morning meet a local expert who will introduce you to this lovely town nestled along the banks of the river. Your tour includes the impressive City Hall and a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas. After free time for lunch, drive a short distance to tranquil Lake Bled. Experience the old-world charm that comes with taking a Pletna boat to the picturesque island in the center of Lake Bled. Spend time exploring the 17th-century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing bell.” Enjoy some time to stroll the quiet paths of this lakeside community at your own pace. Breakfast Hotel Lev |
| 11 | Ljubljana - Zagreb, Croatia | Today we travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and embark on a fascinating tour. Continue your exploration your way with free time this afternoon. Tonight, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner at a popular local restaurant. Breakfast & Dinner Sheraton Zagreb Hotel |
| 12 | Zagreb - Tour Ends | Your tour comes to a close in Zagreb this morning. Breakfast |