Slavic Europe
Croatia
Slovenia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Montenegro
12 days
11 nights
Day 1 • Zagreb
Welcome to the magnificent country of Croatia. You are met at the airport by our professional guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure to become acclimated to a new time zone. Your hotel is near the center of the city and you may wish to take a walk down the main street of Ilica. This evening, your tour director hosts a briefing followed by welcome dinner.
Day 2 • Zagreb
You enjoy the morning tour of the city including a visit to the Upper Old Town and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and St. Marks Church. You’ll also visit colorful Jelacic Square and wander the surrounding narrow alleys. Proceed to the historic Mirogoj Park Cemetery, known for its opulent sculptures and arcades. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city, shop relax in a café or visit the impressive Mimara Museum with its unique arts and crafts collection.
Day 3 • Zagreb / Ljubljana / Bohinj
Following breakfast, depart through the lush countryside and cross the nearby border to the Republic of Slovenia. Ljubljana, the exciting capital of this small but prosperous state is full of life and interesting site. Lunch on your own and an opportunity to see the city on an afternoon walking tour. Stroll along the riverside promenade and visit the bustling and colorful open air market. This afternoon we proceed to Bohinj and accommodation in the hotel situated at the edge of the lake Bohinj with the magnificent view!
Day 4 • Bohinj / Lake Bled/ Bohinj
This morning enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful emerald-green Lake Bled area including a visit to the Bled Castle perched high on a cliff above the lake. The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration of this charming village. You may join a relaxing cruise around the lake. (The distance between Bohinj and Bled is 16 miles.)
Day 5 • Bohinj / Postojna Caves / Opatija
We drive south towards the Adriatic coast to the mysterious Postojna Caves, the second largest in Europe. Later, proceed to the fashionable Riviera town of Opatija, known as the resort of the royalty due to its history and the beautiful villas which dot the Oceanside. We enjoy dinner in a local restaurant tonight followed by a lovely walk along the sea shore promenade.
Day 6 • Opatija / Istria Peninsula Excursion
We have a full day excursion to the picturesque towns dotted along the scenic coastline and the exciting surrounding landscape. We stop to sample the local food, taste some homemade brandy and take lots of pictures. Overnight in Opatija.
Day 7 • Plitvice Lakes
We drive toward the center of Croatia and the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, a string of 16 turquoise colored lakes linked by 92 waterfalls and cascades and surrounded by densely wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Admire the awesome waterfalls and the magnificent natural beauty. Dinner is in the ethnic restaurant where you taste and enjoy the best food and atmosphere Croatia has to offer. Your hotel is located inside the National Park.
Day 8 • Plitvice Lakes / Zadar / Split
Drive toward the coast and the oldest Slavic town on the Adriatic Sea and once famed cultural center, Zadar. Pause here for an orientation tour that includes a visit to the Roman Forum’s ruins and some time at leisure. Arrive in Split in time for a lovely afternoon walk in the old town and dinner on your own tonight.
Day 9 • Split / Mostar
Split is a historic town and also the main port of Croatia. We have a walking city tour included the impressive Emperor’s Palace built in the 3rd century. This afternoon, delight in a breathtaking drive along the spectacular Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic, dotted with palm trees, olive groves and idyllic fishing villages. We drive inland into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit Mostar, a lovely town with the famous bridge Stari Most. You have time to shop in the Bazaar and have a meal in one of the many restaurants along the banks of River Neretva. We visit an ethnic village near and have dinner in Vinoteka a unique restaurant where we sample local food and wine and overnight in Ethno village.
Day 10 • Dubrovnik
We drive back to the coast and our final stop, the Pear of the Adriatic Dubrovnik This afternoon we have a city tour including the harbor, the Franciscan monastery and the stately Baroque Cathedral. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to discover the treasures of the historic old town at your own pace.
Day 11 • Montenegro
Today, drive across the border to the Republic of Montenegro and the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. See the towns of Risan and Kotor located along the curving roadway. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and learn about the rich history of the area. Proceed to the Monastery of Ostrog built into the ancient hills where we have a guided visit. Tonight we have a farewell dinner in a lovely restaurant in the fishing village of Cavtat. (Special dinner)
Day 12 • Departure
After breakfast morning transfer to the airport for your return flight.