Discover Croatia

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.
Hotel Name: Grand Plaza Hotel

Arrive in 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.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Dubrovnik
A group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat) founded Dubrovnik in the first half of the 7th century. The city was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire through the 12th century. From 1205-1358, Dubrovnik fell under the sovereignty of Venice. Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state between the 14th century and 1808 as the Republic of Dubrovnik. It flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and became the chief shipping rival to Venice. A devastating earthquake in 1667 killed over 5,000 citizens and marked the beginning of the decline for the Republic. The Republic officially met its final demise in 1808 after Napoleon’s armies conquered it and Marshal Marmont abolished the Republic and integrated it into the Illyrian provinces. Since 1808, Dubrovnik has fallen under attack, been occupied and annexed several times, most recently as part of the second Yugoslavia (1945-1991); however, it continues to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities on the entire Adriatic. With its medieval walls that surround the old city, and the ancient buildings contained within, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike any other.

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.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Liburnia Riviera Hotels

Admittance: Plitvice Lakes National Park
The largest national park in Croatia is characterized by its 16 turquoise colored lakes inter-connected by a series of waterfalls. Its multiple trails in the woodland setting, which include steps, inclines, and wooden planks, also allows visitors to spot wildlife. The park is considered the country's top tourist attraction. Visitors unable to walk have an option of a shorter tour via shuttle.

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.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Ljubljana
Often nicknamed the "City of Vine and Wine", uncharted Ljubljana is a picturesque city well known for the Dragon Bridge, housing the world's oldest wooden wheel with an axel, and the Central Market. The most prominent sight is the Castle built on an old Roman stronghold with breathtaking views over the city.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Lyra Hotel

Visit Area: Lake Bled
Set in an Alpine backdrop, the lake adjoins the town of Bled. With a maximum depth of 100 ft, the lake is a mix of glacial and tectonic origins. Surrounding Bled Island, known for its pilgrimage church, Lake Bled is popular with rowers.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Corner

Visit Area: Opatija
Located on the coast of the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, this harbour town's history was dominated by shipbuilding and monasteries. Once a favorite of the Austrian aristocracy, it was promoted as a health resort in the 19th century. Elegant promenades and parks weave their way between spacious villas and verdant public spaces.

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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Istrian Peninsula
Shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, the peninsula of Istria is situated in the Adriatic Sea. Attached to the western corner of Croatia, this area of land has been a tourist spot since ancient times. Frequented by Roman Emperors as well as the Habsburgs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Istria is rich with history and diverse influences. Some caves in this area even hold remains from the Stone Age! Almost 90% of the landmass lies in Croatia, which the country calls Istria County.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Royal Hotels & Resort Ariston

Admittance: Farm-to-Table Dinner
Seafood is very popular in Istria, given its close proximity to the water. As a result of the peninsula possessing a long history, a lot of different cultures have left their marks on the area. One of the most prominent influences on Istria is Italy, which has definitely spread into the cuisine. Each section of Croatia practices their own culinary traditions, so what is eaten in Istria may not be found in Dalmatia. Enjoy the culinary delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula during dinner at a farm to table restaurant, where you’ll also be able to try regional wines!

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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Split
Split is one of the oldest cities in the region and is known for Diocletian’s Palace, a famous ancient fortress. One of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Emperor Diocletian chose the palace to be his retirement home because of the incomparable beauty of Split.

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.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Diocletian's Palace
Forming the center of Old Split, this unique imperial palace is extraordinarily well preserved from the 3-4 centuries A.D. Called the city's first resident, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built this structure as his retirement home in a location close to his birthplace and an important Roman center. Today, walking the labyrinth of streets means exploring the heart of the city.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Your tour comes to an end in Dubrovnik this morning.

Breakfast Included