Multi-Generational Trip<br>9 days Captivating Croatia

Today, embark on your overnight flight to Zagreb. Meals: In-flight Welcome to Zagreb. The capital city of Croatia has it all: culture, arts, music, architecture, and good eats. Explore the city on your own, relax, or join us on an optional walking tour with a local historian. Visit the medieval Upper Town, Zagreb's oldest district. Sitting on top of two hills, Kaptol, the old town's clerical center, clustered around the city's elegant neo-Gothic cathedrals and Gradec, lined with pastel-colored baroque palaces, once home to the city's nobility. Check out Gornji Grad and the Church of St. Mark's, the Art Pavilion and the Meštrovic Gallery or the Croatian National Theater. Tonight, join the welcome cocktail and cevapcici dinner with our travel companions. Meals: In-flight, Dinner Inclusions: Airport transfer from included with purchased AESU group airfare Welcome orientation with tour director Welcome cocktail Welcome dinner Optional activity: Guided walking tour of Zagreb (approx. 2.5 hours) Depart Zagreb early in the morning for a drive south to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Europe's great natural wonders. This is truly one of the most amazing primeval forests, featuring 16 terraced lakes, laced together by waterfalls and miles of wooden walkways and bridges. Take advantage of the park's free boat and train rides to get the most out of your visit and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park's al fresco dining areas. Our journey continues to the historic port city of Split, Croatia's second-largest city. This bustling city offers a perfect balance between traditional and modern lifestyles. The jewel in the center of town is the breath-taking Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in the world. Enjoy a typical Dalmatian dinner, then stroll along the lively harbor by the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Inclusions: Plitvice Lakes National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site Admission to park Nature hike Picnic (box) lunch Adriatic seafood dinner Our morning tour of Split with a local historian starts at the Diocletian's Palace, built in the early 4th century as a retirement estate for the Diocletian, who spared no expense, importing marble from Italy and Greece, and columns and sphinxes from Egypt. Today the palace is a living monument, with residences and colorful shops that started to occupy the ruins of the palace around the 7th century. This afternoon, continue your own exploration of Split, sample fresh local seafood, or relax on the beach. Meals: Breakfast Inclusions: Guided walking tour of Split, led by a local expert Diocletian's palace and dungeons admission Spend the day as you wish or join us on an optional catamaran cruise. Enjoy an unforgettable adventure along coastal Croatia and sail across the Split Riviera toward the Pakleni Islands and soak up amazing views over Brac and Šolta Islands. Swim and sunbathe at your leisure in peaceful bays around the Pakleni Islands, then enjoy a delicious lunch. Take time to explore the ancient town of Hvar on your own before returning to Split as the sun sets on the horizon. Meals: Breakfast Inclusions: Free day to explore Split Optional activity: Catamaran cruise to the islands of Pakleni and Hvar This morning we drive along the dramatic coastline, crossing the recently finished Pelješac Bridge, which connects the region of Southern Dalmatia with the rest of the country's mainland. We arrive at Ston, and Mali Ston, both salt-producing towns. The city's defensive walls are world-famous and second largest in the world after the Great Wall of China. After lunch on your own and time to explore the town, our journey continues to Trsteno Arboretum, the oldest arboretum in this part of the world. It was built in the late 15th century to house plants and seeds brought back from foreign countries by the Gozze family. The aqueduct used for irrigation purposes is still in use today, and the stunning Belvedere Pavilion overlooking the Dalmatian Coast and Adriatic Sea was the gardens of the Red Keep in the Game of Thrones TV series. Later, we arrive in Dubrovnik, 'Pearl of the Adriatic' and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Inclusions: Ston and Mali Ston, salt-producing towns visit Ston's defensive walls, second largest after the Great Wall of China Trsteno Arboretum admission Cocktails and refreshments at Trsteno Arboretum Tour of the Arboretum, guided tour with local expert Whether this is your first visit to Dubrovnik, or you are returning, the beauty of the Old Town will never cease to amaze you. Our local historian will take us on a walk through the ancient city, including Fort Lovrijenac, often called "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar," and along the 25-meter-high city wall which has protected the city from pirates and unwanted guests for centuries. Enjoy some of the best views of Dubrovnik, overlooking the red-roofed, terracotta skyline. Be enchanted by the city's marble streets, imposing stone walls rising from steep cliffs, churches, monuments and picturesque coves and beaches. During free time, take some time to shop in the narrow streets or opt for a cocktail at one of the cafes carved in the city walls, overlooking the blue Adriatic Sea. Meals: Breakfast Inclusions: Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik's old town, led by a local expert Admission to Lovrijenac Fortress Admission to the city wall Enjoy a day at your leisure. Take some time to relax on the beach or return to Dubrovnik's old town for further exploration. Tonight, join us for our Dalmatian farewell dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Inclusions: Free day to explore Dubrovnik's old town and Adriatic beaches Dalmatian farewell dinner After breakfast the land program ends, and we bid farewell to our new-found friends and make plans for a reunion trip. Meals: Breakfast, In-flight Inclusions: Airport transfer with purchased AESU group airfare