Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast

Dive into beauty and history as you explore the medieval cities, tranquil lakes, stunning coastlines and quaint villages of Croatia and Slovenia. Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia’s romantic capital city. Discover the richness of Opatija, the “Riviera of Croatia” and an Istrian gem. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park by foot and by boat, a place where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs connecting sixteen pristine lakes. Step back into Roman times in Split’s Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy visits to local restaurants, wineries and artisanal food producers. Take in the white stone buildings and massive city walls of the ancient harbour town of Dubrovnik. Explore fascinating Zagreb by foot and funicular. Delight in the old-world charm found in this sunny Adriatic paradise.

2024 Departures From $4,099 CAD
 

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Explore Croatia and the countries of the Adriatic, a region filled with ancient cities, medieval architecture, intriguing cultures with a complex recent history, rolling hills and stunning coastal scenery.

Day 2: Zagreb, Croatia - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Tour Begins
Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia and travel* to Ljubljana, Slovenia, a romantic capital city in the midst of a cultural renaissance where your tour begins. Get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner in this fairy tale town.
Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Ljubljana
This morning a local expert introduces you to beautiful Ljubljana. Nestled gently along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, the city is dotted with green parks, picturesque bridges, sidewalk cafes and a lively central market. See Prešeren square, the impressive City Hall, Ljubljana University and the many bridges that the city is known for, such as Dragon Bridge where this majestic symbol of the city is on full display representing courage and power. Visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas, known for its Baroque architecture and frescos. Enjoy some free time for lunch in this vibrant town. In the early afternoon, travel towards Lake Bled, nestled between the Julian Alps. Visit the centrepiece of Lake Bled, Bled Island, by a traditional wooden boat. Continue the afternoon in one of the most picturesque places in Slovenia. Perhaps you’ll try some legendary Bled’s cream cake before you return to Ljubljana.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Ljubljana - Opatija, Croatia
This morning is yours to relax and enjoy Ljubljana. This afternoon, depart Slovenia for Croatia and the lovely seaside resort of Opatija, known as “Croatia’s Riviera.” This fashionable region was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Habsburg Monarchs. Get acquainted with this coastal town on a brief walking tour. Your evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Opatija - Istrian Peninsula - Opatija
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 a picture-perfect example of a rural Croatian town. In the late afternoon, a delightful farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant lets you sample the regional wines and culinary delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Opatija - Plitvice Lakes
This morning depart for Plitvice Lakes, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Inspiring scenery is one of the wonders you’ll experience at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel among the park’s dense forests and 16 terraced lakes, where waterfalls and free-flowing cascades connect one lake to the other. Enjoy a short cruise that takes you into the heart of this natural wonder that extends over 73,000 acres.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Plitvice Lakes - Split
From the forest landscapes of Plitvice Lakes travel through the Croatian countryside and stop in a traditional small village to meet the Perajica family. Croatia has a long history creating high quality, artisanal prosciuttos and this family makes one of the best. After a short tour to learn how the meat is produced, enjoy a light lunch of homemade specialties. Arrive in Split, a seaside city full of Roman ruins and natural splendors. This afternoon set out on a walking tour featuring the impressive Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO), one of the most significant late Roman historical monuments built by Emperor Diocletian when he left Rome at the turn of the 4th century. Explore its Peristyle and the Cathedral of St. Dominus. This evening enjoy typical Dalmatian cuisine during dinner at a cozy local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Split
This day is yours to relax and explore Split’s coastal charms independently or you might consider an optional trip to Trogir (UNESCO). This coastal gem is renowned for its picturesque Venetian architecture, medieval walls, towering cathedrals, prominent stone houses and scenic charm.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Split - Dubrovnik
Savour stunning sea views as you travel the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the aquamarine of the Adriatic Sea. Stop in a quaint village in the Croatian countryside where a local family hosts you for a delicious lunch made from ingredients they have produced themselves. Learn about village life and listen to Croatian folk music played on the “lijerica,” a traditional instrument. Continue on to Dubrovnik, a city of twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops, rich in history and charm.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Dubrovnik
Join a local guide on a tour of the “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy resides, and see Dubrovnik’s many historical sites like the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and Old Town’s famous main street, Stradun. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Ascend Mount Srd by cable car for breathtaking views of the Old City of Dubrovnik, the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, and the islands -OR- receive a ticket to access the walls that contain the old city of Dubrovnik and gain a different perspective on this remarkable place.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Dubrovnik
Spend today at leisure relaxing or independently exploring the marble streets and beautiful baroque buildings of Dubrovnik’s breathtaking Old Town. Or, perhaps you’ll embark on an optional tour to the culturally rich Konavle region, where you’ll be welcomed at a family-owned vineyard for a discussion about their cultivation and production methods before indulging in a tasting of their wines. Then, experience lunch at a locally-owned restaurant that prepares culturally rich recipes prepared in traditional ways passed down for generations.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Dubrovnik - Zagreb, Croatia
This morning we depart Dubrovnik and travel to lovely Cavtat, a coastal resort town. After a short tour reveals its highlights, enjoy free time to grab coffee or lunch at one of its seaside cafes. Continue to the airport for a short flight to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. A late afternoon tour highlights the best of this fascinating city that has marked the intersection of Eastern and Central Europe for more than 1000 years. Ride one of the most beautiful funiculars in Europe to the charming upper town.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Zagreb
The day is yours to explore Zagreb however you wish! Explore old towns’ two medieval settlements, stroll the many open squares and parks, or enjoy the Dolac Market. Or, perhaps you will choose to take an optional tour to Croatia’s Zagorje region with visits to historic Kumrovec and the foodie favourite of Samobor. This evening a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. celebrates the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner at one of Zagreb’s local restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14: Zagreb - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to an end in Zagreb this morning.
Meals: Breakfast

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