Croatia with Slovenia, Dubrovnik to Zagreb

On arrival at Zagreb airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free.   Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the welcome reception.

This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town or take an optional excursion to see the countryside.

After breakfast head towards Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. See the most significant sights of the old city center on a walking tour. Highlights include the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. Then, continue to Bled.

An Alpine Lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19^th century. Since then, a small town of hotels, villas, and restaurants has developed around the lake, turning Bled into a lively, all-seasons resort. A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore, and views of the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion visiting the small island in the middle of the lake, browse through the shops and boutiques, or simply relax and enjoy the enchanting scenery.

The journey continues to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, continue to the coast, have a stop in Opatija.  Enjoy the walking tour of this fashionable resort in the 19^th century, dotted with Habsburg era villas. After some free time, continue towards Plitvice Lakes.

After breakfast, have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. After the tour, head to Split. Overnight in Split.

In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day at leisure, to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split, or enjoy at the beach.

After breakfast travel to Dubrovnik. The rest of the day is at leisure.

After the breakfast, walking tour of Old Dubrovnik and view the Bell Tower Clock, the Rector’s Palace, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is free or join us for Optional dinner excursion.

A scenic road will bring you to the Adriatic coast, with a stop for a private walking tour of Mostar, see the city highlights, such as the famous “Old Bridge” built by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, pass by the old bazaar, and view the Mosque and typical Turkish house. Continue to Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo.

Today learn about Sarajevo’s unique history and empires on a private tour. See all the city highlights; Stroll through the scenic Ottoman-era Bascarsija Square & the Husrev-beg Mosque. Admire the Austro-Hungarian architecture that splashes the city. See & learn more about the famous Latin Bridge and the beginning of World War I. The afternoon is free.

Today we travel to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Dinner & overnight.

Your morning sightseeing tour includes a visit to the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically set at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. You’ll also see Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street, Saint Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in the city, and Tito’s Memorial. Afternoon at leisure. Evening is on own.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Belgrade airport.

NOTE: Because of the narrow and cobbled streets, walking is the primary way of getting around. Please make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes.