Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast

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.

Ljubljana, the capital city and cultural center of Slovenia. Your day is free to explore as you wish. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner in this fairy-tale city.

This morning, a local expert introduces you to beautiful Ljubljana. Nestled along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, the city is dotted with green parks, picturesque bridges, sidewalk cafés and a lively central market. See Prešeren Square, the impressive City Hall, Ljubljana University, and the city’s renowned bridges, including Dragon Bridge with its famous statues, a proud symbol of the city. Enjoy some free time for lunch, and in the early afternoon, travel towards Lake Bled, nestled between the Julian Alps. Visit the centerpiece of Lake Bled, Bled Island, by a traditional wooden boat. Spend an afternoon in one of the most picturesque places in Slovenia. Perhaps you’ll try the legendary Bled’s cream cake before you return to Ljubljana.

This morning, depart Ljubljana. Get to know more of Slovenia when you visit Novo Mesto, a small-town gem beside the Krka River and gentle hills. View the town from a unique perspective as you drift along the famous river bend. Enjoy some free time and lunch on your own. Continue to Croatia and the lovely seaside town of Opatija, known as “Croatia’s Riviera.” This fashionable region was once the luxury retreat for Habsburg Monarchs. Get acquainted with this coastal town during an orientation walk with your Tour Manager. Spend the evening at leisure.

Start off your day with a leisurely morning. The afternoon is dedicated for discovering the richness of the Istrian Peninsula with its Italian and Croatian influences. Discover Grožnjan, a small Istrian town of great cultural significance. A drive up to the hilltop town perched above the Mirna River will provide you with gorgeous views of rolling Istrian hills. 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.

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 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. Tonight, you will stay at a hotel in the small village near the National Park.

From the forest landscapes of Plitvice Lakes travel through the Croatian countryside and stop in a traditional small village. Croatia has a long history creating high quality, artisanal prosciuttos, and this family-owned property we visit 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 discover Split’s gastronomy scene while dining on your own. (B,

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. This evening, enjoy typical Dalmatian cuisine during dinner at a cozy local restaurant.

Dubrovnik Savor 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 Dalmatian countryside where a local family hosts you for a delicious lunch made from ingredients produced from the valley near their home. Continue to Dubrovnik, a city of twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops, rich in history and charm.

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! Take a harbor cruise for magnificent views of Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls and visit Lokrum Island -OR- get a bird’s-eye view of the city by cable car, riding up to Srd Hill, a breathtaking vantage point to look over the Old Town below and the Adriatic Sea.

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 to learn 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. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Your tour comes to an end in Dubrovnik this morning.