Best of Croatia, Bosnia & Slovenia Tour

Welcome to Zagreb, a medieval European city with a wealth of historic monuments. Tonight, at approximately 7 PM, attend an orientation with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers on the fascinating journey that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM, or earlier if possible.
Overnight: Zagreb
Meals: Dinner

Begin the day in busy Kaptol Square in Upper Town, dominated by the monumental Zagreb Cathedral, with its soaring twin spires. Then, head into Zagreb's medieval Upper Town with its cobblestone streets and red-tile-roofed buildings. Walk along Kravi Most, to St. Mark's Church with its brightly coloured roof and the 17th century Jesuit Church of St. Catherine.

After a stop at the Parliament building, free time to explore the winding streets of the Old Town and Ban Jelacic, the main square. Or take a leisurely stroll along Ilica Street, packed with restaurants, trendy cafes and a vibrant shopping scene. The optional tour to Kumrovec starts in the early afternoon with a scenic drive to Kumrovec, the birthplace of the late Marshal Tito. Visit the Ethnological Museum's restored village houses from the turn of the 19th century. Later, follow a winding road through the Zagorje Hills to a charming farm restaurant for a dinner of local specialties and wine, plus stunning views of Veliki Tabor Castle
Optional: Kumrovec & Dinner
Overnight: Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast

Today, travel from Zagreb to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Overnight: Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning tour of Sarajevo, a beautiful city with a complex history. Arrive at the picturesque Turkish Bazaar (Bascarsija), an ancient trading place with artisan workshops. View many examples of splendid Ottoman architecture around the city centre. The city is truly a "living history museum", where mosques built by the Ottomans sit alongside buildings created by the Austro-Hungarians. On to the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, the most important Islamic structure in the country, one of the world's finest examples of Ottoman architecture. View the now neglected stadium from the 1984 Winter Olympic Games and visit the Gavrilo Princip Museum, dedicated to Archduke Ferdinand. On your walk, look for the poignant Sarajevo Roses, flower-shaped memorials in the pavement filled with red cement, which are one of the few reminders left of the war. En route to Mostar, a medieval town in northern Herzegovina, enjoy panoramic vistas. Here, view the compelling reconstructed Stari Most Bridge, a staunch symbol of freedom on the Neretva River. End the day in the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, lovingly named the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik on foot. This magnificent Old Town with its treasure of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries and palaces is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Rector's Palace, an outstanding blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture 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 on to 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 Traditional Croatian Dinner. Take a short drive from Dubrovnik through the Croatian countryside to a lovely homestead, where you will be welcomed with tasty samplings such as local cheese and Dalmatian prosciutto. Take in the lush surroundings while savouring a traditional meal consisting of time-honoured dishes, carefully prepared with fresh farm ingredients
Optional: Cruise & Dinner
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast

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. Enjoy 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 marvel at 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

Depart Dubrovnik and travel north along the dramatic Adriatic coast 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

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 travellers at dinner tonight
*The walk down to Plitvice Lakes requires good walking shoes
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 splendour 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 colours. Afterward continue to Bled, exquisitely set amidst the Julian Alps, for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Bled Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 centre, 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 travellers for an optional dinner at a traditional Country Inn in the tiny medieval town of Radovljica that includes choices of Slovenian favourites along with wine
Optional: Tour of Radovljica with dinner
Overnight: Bled Meals: Breakfast

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

The discovery of Venice begins on the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colourful 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. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel
Optional: Gondola Ride
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, make your way to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast