Croatia and Slovenia

Tour Highlights

Medieval Dubrovnik - the Pearl of the Adriatic
The Mysterious and Ancient city of Zadar
The Natural Phenomenon of the Plitvice Lakes
The Istrian Peninsula - Croatian's Tuscany
The Amazing Postojna Caves with the Mysterious human fish
The famous Lipizzaner Horse Farm
Quaint and delightful lakeside Village of Bled
Ljubljana - Slovenia's Medieval Capital - Plus Much More..

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1- UNITED STATES/EN ROUTE
Depart today on the scheduled flight traveling en route to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Dinner and breakfast will be served during our flight according to airline schedules. (I)

Day 2 –DUBROVNIK
We arrive in Dubrovnik, where we’ll meet our European Tour Escort who will travel with us throughout our vacation. A short drive will then take us into the heart of the of Dubrovnik were we step back in time, it is an architectural gem that is more than 1,000 years old, and to this day remains virtually untouched by the modern world. (I, D)

Day 3 – DUBROVNIK
Our day begins with a view of Dubrovnik’s mighty fortified walls and the Minceta Tower, often regarded as the symbol of the city. Next, we enter the old walled city through Pile Gate, where we see the 14th century Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city, and is also home to the oldest still working, pharmacy in all of Europe. We’ll also visit the interior of the Rector’s Palace which used to be the seat of the Government. Afterward, we’ll visit the Cathedral, its Treasury contains an impressive collection of gold and silver artifacts. Our tour will then come to an end with a view of the Sponza Palace, notable for its columned courtyard and elaborate stone carvings. The afternoon is free to explore Dubrovnik on your own. This evening we’ll enjoy a night out with a dinner of regional specialties in a typical Dubrovnik restaurant. (B, D

Day 4 – DUBROVNIK/ZADAR (Makarska & Split)
This morning we depart Dubrovnik and travel north to the Makarska Riviera where we’ll stop to visit the coastal town of Makarska. Then we’re headed to the ancient town of Split where we’ll visit the historic inner city built around Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. We’ll see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, and its Renaissance and Gothic structures, including the Temple of Jupiter, Peristyle Square and the Cathedral of St. Domnius. This afternoon we’re headed further north along the Dalmatian Coast to the city of Zadar, the oldest Slavic city on the Adriatic. The walls of Zadar attest to the city’s long history of warding off those who would conquer and rule, including the Venetians and the Turks. (B, D)

Day 5 – ZADAR
Today we’ll immerse ourselves in the Zadar’s rich heritage visible at every step. We’ll see the Roman Forum, visit the 9th century St. Donatus’ Church, the city’s trademark and most famous medieval basilica, the Bell Tower of St. Mary’s Church, and the Bishops Palace, a showcase of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. We’ll also visit the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, an impressive melding of Romanesque and Gothic styles featuring a rose window and triple-nave edifice. Then we’re headed to the People’s Square where we’ll see City’s Lodge and Guardhouse, as well as the mighty fortification walls and the two city gates, Land Gate and Sea Gate. Following our tour the afternoon is free to stroll through Zadar’s Old Town at your leisure. (B)

Day 6 – ZADAR/OPATIJA (Plitvice Lakes)
This morning visit the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park. Surrounded by dense woods, the Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon. Our tour will show us the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder including the 16 crystal blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls, walk on the wooden promenades to view the majestic waters where every turn leads to breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. This afternoon we’re headed to the popular resort of Opatija, one of the most famous resorts in the Mediterranean, which in the last century served as a resting-place of the European aristocracy. (B, D)

Day 7 – OPATIJA (Istrian Peninsula)
We explore Istria, Croatia’s largest peninsula. We will begin with a visit to the Roman port city of Rovinj, one of the most photogenic towns on the Mediterranean. The focal point of town is the baroque church of St. Euphemia that stands guard over the narrow medieval streets. Afterward, we will travel to the nearby town of Porec with its 6th century Basilica of Euphrasius. To this day, the Old Town has remained intact and Porec is always under consideration for the best-kept town in Croatia. On our return to Opatija we’ll travel through central Istria, stopping along the way to visit the captivating town of Motovun, a typical example of Venetian colonial architecture and one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. (B)

Day 8 – OPATIJA/BLED (Lipica & Postojna)
Today we bid farewell to Croatia and travel into the rugged Slovenian countryside that is home to amazing scenery and mysterious folklore. Our first stop is to the Lipica Stud Farm, home of one of the world’s most famous breed of horses, the Lipizzaner. Then we’re headed to Postojna, home of one of the largest caves in Europe. Here we’ll tour the fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. The 20-kilometer-long underworld system is a miracle in itself, but one becomes truly astounded at the look of the mysterious “human fish”. Our day will come to an end as we journey through the Slovenia countryside to arrive in picturesque Lake Bled. (B,D)

Day 9 – BLED
This morning we visit Bled Castle for dramatic view of the lake and mountains. Then we’ll enjoy a traditional Pletna boat ride to the Island in the Lake where we’ll visit The Church of the Assumption. The church dates back to the 10th century, and according to local tradition, a husband who can carry his newly married bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage. (B)

Day 10 – BLED (Ljubljana)
Today we visit the beautiful capital city Ljubljana., with its Old Town that inspires visitors with its rich antique and medieval heritage, see the Cathedral of St. Nicholas dedicated to the patron and guardian of fishermen and boatmen, before stopping off at the city’s open-air markets between the peaceful Ljubljanica River and Ljubljana Castle that looms high above the city. This evening we’ll end our vacation in style with a dinner of Slovenian specialties and wine in a traditional lakeside restaurant. (B, D)

Day 11 – BLED/UNITED STATES
This morning we depart Bled and travel to Ljubljana Airport for the beginning of our transatlantic journey home. No better time to reflect on memories that will last a lifetime and new friendships that we will have made along the way! (B, I)