HIGHLIGHTS
- Ljubljana, Slovenia: Stroll through Slovenia’s vibrant capital city, with its lively riverside cafes, colorful baroque buildings, and medieval castle.
- Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj: Visit Slovenia's enchanting alpine lakes, featuring the iconic Bled Island Church and serene mountain vistas.
- Opatija: Experience the elegance of this charming seaside resort town, known for its Austro-Hungarian architecture and coastal promenade.
- Postojna Cave: Explore an awe-inspiring karst cave system, home to incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and the unique olm salamander.
- Dubrovnik: Begin in the "Pearl of the Adriatic," exploring its medieval Old Town, historic city walls, and stunning coastal scenery.
- Ston: Discover this quaint village known for its ancient saltworks and impressive defensive walls, once guarding the Republic of Dubrovnik.
- Split: Tour the historic Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled within the bustling heart of this coastal city.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Marvel at a stunning cascade of turquoise lakes and waterfalls in one of Croatia’s most iconic natural wonders.
- Kotor, Montenegro: Enjoy a day trip to this picturesque UNESCO-listed town, set on a breathtaking bay surrounded by mountains.
PRE TOUR STAY - VENICE
Consider arriving a day before the tour starts or staying on after the tour ends. You can relax and refresh after your flight. Also provides a buffer in case of unexpected flight delays. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
Make the most of your pre-stay by exploring Venice, one of the world’s most iconic cities. Famed for its enchanting canals, historic bridges, and breathtaking architecture.
DAY 1
Arrive Venice Area
Arrive to Venice, Italy on your chosen flight. Check into your hotel in the afternoon and at the end of the day meet with your group and tour guide for a welcome drink.
Meals: Breakfast
SPECIAL NOTE:
Hotel is not located Venice Island.
DAY 2
Venice – Ljubljana
We set off for Slovenia this morning. Though small in size, Slovenia boasts breathtaking natural beauty, from the serene Lake Bled to the towering Julian Alps, along with fascinating sites like the Postojna Caves.
Our first visit is the capital. Enjoy a walking tour with a local guide through Ljubljana’s charming city centre. Ride the famous funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views of the "City of Dragons." The tour also includes a visit to the Old Town, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and vibrant atmosphere. There’s some free time to soak up the charm before a group dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3
Ljubljana – Bled
Nestled amid stunning natural landscapes, Bled is a beautiful alpine resort, renowned for its mild, healing climate and the thermal waters of its lake.
After breakfast it’s an easy drive to Bled. Today in Bled enjoy a scenic Pletna boat ride to the island at the centre of Lake Bled, where you can visit the Church of St. Mary and ring the wishing bell. After some free time to enjoy lunch, continue your journey to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest natural lake, located in the heart of the Julian Alps within Triglav National Park. The sight of majestic mountains reflected in the crystal-clear waters, paired with the gentle sunshine, serene atmosphere, and fresh alpine air, creates an enchanting experience. After a day of exploration, we check into our hotel in Bled for an evening of leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
Bled – Postojna – Opatija
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Bled and we continue toward Croatia.
En route to the coast, stop at the renowned Postojna Cave, Slovenia's largest and most famous cave, to embark on an exploration of this remarkable natural wonder. A thrilling underground train ride will take you deep into the heart of the cave system, providing an unforgettable and unique experience. After some free time to grab lunch at Postojna Cave, we carry on to Opatija. This picturesque coastal town along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia is celebrated for its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and stunning seaside promenade. Once a favoured resort for the Austro-Hungarian elite, Opatija is renowned for its mild climate, making it a year-round destination for visitors seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
Opatija
We dedicated the day to exploring the stunning Istria Peninsula, visiting the charming towns of Rovinj and Rijeka. Along the way, we'll stop at a family run winery for a delightful lunch paired with a wine tasting experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6
Opatija
A chill day! Create it as you wish.
Countless options including; a stroll along the scenic Lungomare promenade, exploring the lush Angiolina Park and visit the historic Villa Angiolina, home to the Croatian Museum of Tourism. Relax on the pebbled beaches or indulge in wellness treatments at local spas. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy delicious local cuisine at waterfront restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
Opatija – Plitvice
After breakfast, we depart Opatija for Plitvice Lakes. On the way we stop for lunch in local restaurant and in the afternoon begin a half-day sightseeing tour of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia's most famous national park and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The park's main attraction is its sixteen interconnected lakes, linked by cascading waterfalls formed by travertine, a unique type of limestone. You'll explore the stunning natural beauty of the park, which includes the source of the Korana River, lush forests of beech, fir, and spruce, some of which are untouched primeval forest. In addition to the lakes and forests, the park is home to caves, springs, flower-filled meadows, and diverse wildlife, including the brown bear.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
Plitvice – Zadar
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Zadar and meet your local guide for a walking tour of this historic city. During the tour, visit the iconic Church of St. Donatus, built in the 9th century, which stands as the largest pre-Romanesque structure in Croatia. You'll also have the chance to experience the renowned Sea Organs, an architectural marvel that creates music from the sea waves. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, you'll transfer to your hotel for an overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
Zadar – Šibenik – Split
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring from Zadar to Šibenik, where we meet our local guide for a walking tour of the city. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning medieval architecture, Šibenik boasts the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, celebrated for its intricate stonework and beautiful design. As you wander through the charming old town, you'll encounter narrow streets, historic stone buildings, and lively waterfronts. After the sightseeing tour, take some time to explore the city at your own pace, enjoying lunch and shopping at quaint, locally-owned shops. Your journey continues toward Split, with a stop for dinner at a cozy tavern offering a family-friendly atmosphere and delicious local Dalmatian dishes served in the picturesque courtyard of the estate’s central square. Finally, transfer to our hotel in Split.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
Split
Today we explore the city centre of Split, including the impressive palace built by the 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian as his retirement residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you wander through the palace, you'll notice how the city has seamlessly integrated into its nooks and crannies, with shopkeepers and cozy restaurants nestled within its massive walls. After lunch enjoy free time for a leisurely stroll along the Split Riva promenade, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11
Split
Today, you have a free day in Split to explore the city at your own pace. Hike up Marjan Hill for panoramic views, relax at the beach or visit the Archaeological Museum. Enjoy traditional Dalmatian cuisine at a local restaurant and wander through the market for fresh produce. Consult with your guide for a day trip to nearby islands like Hvar or Brač.
FREE TME EXTRA:
Croatian Cooking Class.
Starting at 9AM, you'll first visit the vibrant green and fish markets to select fresh ingredients. Then, walk to the unique cooking venue where you'll work alongside a renowned chef. With their guidance, you'll prepare a delicious lunch that will be served at noon, paired with exquisite Croatian wines. The cooking program concludes at 2:00 PM, leaving you the afternoon free to relax or explore at your leisure
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12
Split – Hvar - Split
Today, embark on an exciting day trip to Hvar Island. Start with a morning catamaran ride from Split to the charming town of Hvar, where a local guide will welcome you and lead a walking tour through its historic streets. Discover the town's well-preserved medieval core, with its narrow cobblestone alleys, the impressive 16th-century Fortica Fortress overlooking the harbor, and the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral, which graces the main square. Hvar Town is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, charming cafés, and excellent restaurants. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the town at your own pace before catching the catamaran back to Split.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13
Split – Dubrovnik
After breakfast, we transfer from Split to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," a breathtaking coastal city.
On the journey from Split to Dubrovnik, we pass through the scenic Pelješac Peninsula and the historic town of Ston. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Ston, where the town is famous for its fresh oysters sourced from nearby oyster farms.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure to explore or unwind.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is renowned as one of the world’s best-preserved walled cities and is protected by UNESCO. It warmly welcomes visitors with typical Dalmatian hospitality. A morning sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik will highlight the beautifully preserved medieval town and its impressive city walls. Key attractions include the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest operating pharmacies in Europe. After sightseeing enjoy a free afternoon to explore old town at your leisure.
For dinner, a local family will warmly welcome us into their home, to you can savour an authentic meal crafted from traditional recipes. Enjoy the flavours of the region paired with local wine, while listening to captivating stories shared by the family, offering you a unique glimpse into their culture and way of life.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
A scenic cable car ride from the base of the city to the summit of Mount Srđ, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands.
DAY 15
Dubrovnik – Kotor
After breakfast, embark twoards Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean port renowned for its stunning city walls, originally constructed by the Republic of Venice, which continue to influence the region's architecture. The Bay of Kotor, known for its dramatic inlets, is often referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe. On the way there stop to visit The Lady of the Rocks- a picturesque artificial island located in the Bay of Kotor. The island is home to a stunning church and a museum, both dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to local legend, the island was created over centuries by sailors who laid rocks and sank old ships to honor a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary found on a nearby cliff. Continue to Kotor. Following free time for lunch, a local guide escorts us on a walking tour through the city. Kotor is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural history.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16
Kotor
A free day in Kotor, to explore the area on your own.
Dinner: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 17
Kotor - Dubrovnik Airport
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Dubrovnik airport. Or take the option to extend with more time in Dubrovnik.
Dinner: Breakfast
