|
DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Croatia
Depart for Croatia
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Dubrovnik
Arrive in Dubrovnik and transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Wednesday - Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Begin the day with a walking tour of Dubrovnik and view the monumental Sponza Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in the city, preserved in its original form. Under the City Bell Tower on Luza Square, view Orlando's Column, dedicated to the legendary knight that saved the city in the 9th century. Then view the Dominican Monastery and visit the Franciscan Monastery and its 14th century pharmacy, one of the oldest still-functioning pharmacies in Europe. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Cruise and Dinner. Venture to St. Jakov beach in Dubrovnik, where a boat ride will take you around the Old City walls, Then enjoy a three course dinner and Dalmatian wine. After dinner return to the Old City Port and enjoy the views of Dubrovnik by night before returning to your hotel
Optional: Cruise & Dinner
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Thursday - Excursion to Montenegro
Today's excursion takes you on a scenic drive across the Croatian border to Montenegro, a Mediterranean jewel with its crystal clear lakes. Head to the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Take a boat ride that takes you to Our Lady Of The Rocks Church, nestled on an islet off the coast of Perast. View the Roman Catholic Church, the largest building on the islet, with a museum attached to it. Later, visit the dramatically beautiful town of Kotor, butted up against the steep limestone cliffs of Mt Lovcen, with its imposing network of fortifications. Afterward, return to Dubrovnik. Tonight, be sure to enjoy the spectacular sunset as you walk along Dubrovnik's cobbled streets and see the glowing buildings and the fortifications accented against the night sky
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Friday - Travel to Split, Split City Tour
Depart Dubrovnik and travel north along the Pelješac Peninsula. View the new Pelješac Bridge connecting the region of Southern Dalmatia with the rest of the country's mainland, on your way to the UNESCO protected the seaside town of Split, the second largest city in Croatia. Upon arrival, a walking tour along the cobbled streets of the Old Town features the historic inner city with its dominating Roman influence, built around the 4th century Palace of Diocletian. This spectacular palace, a precious example of Roman architecture, is one of the largest and best preserved in the world. See the remains of the Cathedral of St. Domnius built in the Middle Ages, and the Temple of Jupiter with its headless black sphinx guarding the entrance. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the town independently, or taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade. In the evening, dinner together
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Saturday - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Travel north to and inland towards Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch together. Then set out to explore the park* and discover first-hand the breathtaking surroundings of this natural wonder, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than 16 lakes and magnificent waterfalls at every turn. As you walk along the zig-zag paths, admire this wonderland of waterfalls, lakes and trees. A guided walk takes you past lush vegetation and along man-made boardwalks to several of the pristine lower lakes. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Share today's adventure with your fellow travelers at dinner tonight
*The walk down to Plitvice Lakes requires good walking shoes
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Sunday - Opatija Sightseeing & Postojna Caves En Route to Bled
Today, return to the coast and travel along the striking Bay of Kvarner to the remarkable seaside resort of Opatija, a gem of Croatia's Adriatic coast, with its rich history and picturesque surroundings. Take an orientation tour of Opatija exploring the highlights of this former Imperial resort city. Time to enjoy the pleasures of this area before journeying north to the Postojna Caves in Slovenia, a network of passages, galleries, and chambers. This is the largest and the most visited show cave in Europe. Travel aboard the specially designed cave train with electric lighting that allows you to observe the splendor of the underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. You'll be dazzled by the stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of shapes and colors. Afterward continue to Bled, exquisitely set amidst the Julian Alps, for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Monday - The Alpine Resort of Bled, Ljubljana Excursion
Morning exploration of Bled, with its emerald-green lake, picture postcard church, and medieval castle. Ranked among the world's most beautiful alpine resorts, it's renowned for its mild healing climate and thermal lake waters. Tour the imposing 11th-century Bled Castle, perched on a steep cliff high above the lake, creating a dramatic backdrop to the city. This medieval fortress, with its huge towers, ramparts, moats, and terrace, offers exquisite views. This afternoon, embark on an excursion to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital. View the most significant sights of the old city center, with its unique mixture of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Stop at the picturesque open-air market, Three Bridges Square, the Town Hall, and Robba Fountain, one of the city's best known Baroque monuments. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner at a traditional Country Inn in the tiny medieval town of Radovljica that includes choices of Slovenian favorites along with wine
Optional: Tour of Radovljica with dinner
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Tuesday - Trieste Sightseeing En Route to Venice
Depart Slovenia towards Italy, stopping en route in Trieste, a major seaport in northeastern Italy. Enjoy a pleasant walk through the major piazzas of the city, including the former seat of the Jewish quarter and the Roman theatre. Continue to magical Venice with time to begin your exploration of this astonishing city on your own. Tonight, indulge yourself at one of the city's fine restaurants, or just sit at an outdoor café and sip a cappuccino or a lovely glass of Italian wine
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Wednesday - Walking Tour of Venice
The discovery of Venice begins on the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. While here, visit a local factory to witness the art of glassblowing. Afterward, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Mark's Square. Upon reaching the square, stop to view its most prominent monuments, the pink marble Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and golden Basilica of San Marco. The Doge's Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. The Bridge of Sighs offers one of the most notable scenes of this Romantic city. Marvel at the golden Basilica of San Marco, that is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice at leisure, or to participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride, offering a different perspective of this unique city built on water. Tonight during dinner, share wonderful memories of your journey and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Gondola Ride
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Thursday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
|
