Arrive Zagreb
Youâll never forget the glow of endless sunsets, the shimmering waters that surround walled cities and islands and the rich history of Croatia and Slovenia influenced by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. This epic Croatia and Slovenia tour kicks off in the political and cultural capital of Zagreb where youâll discover the treasures of its past and the extraordinary story that led to two rival settlements, Kaptol and Gradec, forming this cathedral city. Youâll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers later this evening for a light supper and orientation drive sharing some of the highlights you can expect tomorrow â from the cityâs extraordinary Catholic heritage to heroes of a tumultuous past immortalised in the cityâs imposing statues. dinner
Zagreb - Bled
Zagrebâs medieval heart is the star of the show today â a charming centre that is both vibrant and historic and youâll imagine life centuries ago as your Local Specialist reveals some of the landmarks that have lined its cobblestone streets for hundreds of years. Explore the charming upper town which spills on to St. Markâs Square with its original Romanesque buildings and colourful St. Markâs Church, renowned for its ornate frescoes. The beauty of Bled isnât far off and youâll head through Sloveniaâs celebrated green landscapes for this popular lakeside resort town, a highlight on many of our Croatia and Slovenia tours. Youâll learn about the legendary fairies that created the lake to protect their moonlit dancefloor â Bled Island. Learn about the historic characters, such as Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, who frequented the lake for its relaxing vistas and reputed medicinal benefits. Admire the surrounding Alpine landscape which is simply irresistible as youâll come to discover over the next few days. breakfast
Bled
The warm, clear turquoise water of Lake Bled is the backdrop for todayâs sightseeing and youâll have a full day to explore its enchanting landscape. There's plenty of time to explore the Lake Bled's picturesque surroundings as you stroll along its tranquil shores. The crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning Bled Castle perched atop a rocky cliff, while the traditional pletna boats glide gracefully towards the enchanting Bled Island. Lush greenery, quaint lakeside cafes, and the distant Julian Alps complete the idyllic scene, inviting you to savour every moment of this Slovenian paradise. This evening's exclusive Be My Guest experience is one youâll be talking about for years to come: youâll visit the Slibar farm, discovering how it has been run by the family for six generations. Enjoy homegrown Slovenian hospitality and all the local favourites served on sharing plates, including seasonal vegetables. breakfast dinner
Bled - Ljubljana - Opatija
Leaving Bled behind, we travel to one of Europeâs smallest capitals â the âHero Cityâ, Ljubljana. Discover its mythical dragon heritage, exploring all the highlights on foot and enjoying the benefits of walking in this car-free, charismatic university town. Youâll see the Old Town with its two medieval town squares linked by narrow lanes, the PreĆĄeren Square (named after Slovenianâs greatest poet) and Castle which has watched over the city for over nine centuries. Connecting Ljubljanaâs historical medieval town with the modern capital is the extraordinary Triple Bridge. Next we stop in Postonja for a visit of the caves. After a day of city sightseeing youâll head to Croatiaâs riviera and settle into a slower pace in the resort town of Opatija. breakfast
Opatija - Pula - Rovinj - Opatija
Start your day in the coastal city of Pula on Croatiaâs Istrian Peninsula where your visit to the 1st-century Pula Arena with a Local Specialist will reveal the city's role as a strategic location for the Romans, Ostrogoths, Venetians and finally, many years later, the Allied Forces in World War II. A true travel highlight, this ancient amphitheatre, the sixth-largest and one of the best-preserved in the world, was built at the same time the Colosseum was constructed. Next, travel to the fishing port of Rovinj and wander through the Old Town, contemplating its Mediterranean influences and island walls. Returning to Opatija later, youâll have time for a quiet walk along the townâs Lungomare; perhaps spending a few soul-stirring moments paying tribute to the statuesque nymph cradling a seagull in her outstretched hands. breakfast
Opatija - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Few experiences will match todayâs guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed PlitviÄe, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTERÂź Experience, youâll choose one of two walks revealing the cascading lake waters shifting from azure to green, grey to blue depending on how the sun hits the water. Admire sweeping views of the canyon during your short walk and, if youâre feeling a little more energetic, thereâs always an opportunity to lace up for the long walk where youâll join your Local Specialist and head into the canyon to Kozjek Lake. Youâll discover how these beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls have been shaped over thousands of years and remain pristine for generations to come thanks to visits like yours to the area. breakfast dinner
Plitvice -Lakes National Park - Trogir - Split
Join your Local Specialist and go beyond the fortress walls of Trogir to explore its charming medieval heart connected to the mainland and island of Äiovo by bridges. Learn about its rich history which spans the Hellenistic period to a time when Venice was the ruler of the Adriatic as you admire the islandâs ornate Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Youâll visit Diocletianâs Palace around which the city of Split was built and Dive Into Culture hearing about the legacy of the Roman Empire and how Emperor Diocletian settled on this stunning landscape for his retirement, building a palace fit for an emperor. Your Local Specialist will share the remnants of luxurious squares and temples that still stand many centuries later. Thereâs no visiting Split without enjoying a seafood dinner and youâll have plenty of time over the next two days to discover the city by night along with its Dalmatian flavours. breakfast
Split
Discover why Split has justifiably earned its nickname âthe most beautiful city in the worldâ with a full day to explore its heart and beyond. People-watch in Pjaca Square where citizens of Split have met for centuries, then ascend the bell tower for magnificent views of the sprawling terracotta roofs and white marble façades that seem to tumble into the Adriatic. Having worked up an appetite, youâll be spoilt for choice with the many cafĂ©s tucked away in hidden lanes â find one to enjoy a leisurely local lunch surrounded by Splitâs rich history. You could choose instead a full-day Optional Experience to one of the Dalmatian Islands which will leave you with a deep appreciation for what itâs like to live in an area that is as beautiful as its history was tumultuous. breakfast
Split - Dubrovnik
The impressive walls of Dubrovnik beckon! It wonât take long for you to understand why famous poets, playwrights and painters adored this walled city, and youâll be as inspired as they were by its backstreet charm as you wander up and down its cobbled staircases to go behind the scenes. Lovers of history will also delight in its rich history as the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Remnants of its wealth and stature remain today, confined within its centuries-old walls which staved off attacks from enemies, including the Ottoman Turks. All the highlights of Dubrovnik and some local favorites are revealed on your Sightseeing tour of the city this morning and youâll join your Local Specialist whoâll share the stories behind the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. breakfast
Dubrovnik
Today is free to get your final fix of Dubrovnik before your Croatia and Slovenia tour comes to an end. Consider exploring the charming seaside town of Cavtat with a Local Specialist. On our last evening, we'll come together for a memorable dinner toasting to the beauty of the Adriatic and new friendships forged. breakfast dinner
Depart Dubrovnik
Our time together comes to an end this morning after breakfast. breakfast
