Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight -
Day #2 Arrive Opatija, Croatia - Tour Begins - Welcome to Opatija, an elegant resort and long-time favorite destination of European nobility. Opatija welcomes you with swishing palms and stately seaside villas. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.
Day #3 Opatija - Moscenice - Pula - Porec - Opatija - LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with locals. Travel to the medieval hill town of Moscenice, perched on a dramatic precipice overlooking Kvarner Bay. Enjoy free time to wander its narrow streets and soak up its romantic charm. Enjoy a tour of the local museum, learning about the history behind their olive press and indulge in a sample of locally-made brandy! Continue to the beautiful coastal city of Pula, on the southern end of the Istrian peninsula, dating to the 10th century B.C. A walking tour highlights the imposing and well-preserved first-century amphitheater and the city’s many artifacts from its time as a Roman colony. Next, visit the charming seaside city of Porec. More than 2,000 years old, Porec’s city center still follows its ancient Roman street plan. Visit the Euphrasian Basilica Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkably intact 6th century Byzantine art and early Christian mosaics dating to the 2nd and 6th centuries.
Day #4 Opatija - Enjoy the many charms of Opatija at leisure today. Or, join an optional excursion to the staggeringly beautiful Plitvice Lakes, a Croatian national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day #5 Opatija - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Bled - Opatija, Croatia - Today you travel to Croatia’s neighbor to the north, Slovenia. Stop in its vibrant and friendly capital, Ljubljana, for a locally guided tour revealing the unique character of Stara Ljubljana, Ljubljana Old Town, where distinct Baroque and Art Nouveau edifices blend with the striking creations of the visionary 20th century architect, Jože Plecnik. Continue your journey to the historic and enchanting lake resort of Bled, nestled in the rugged Julian Alps. Enjoy the old-world charm of taking a “pletna” boat to the island on the lake to visit the 17th century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing bell.” The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore this fairy tale resort on your own before returning to Opatija.
Day #6 Opatija - Lipica - Opatija - Discover the historic home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses when you visit the Lipica Stud Farm. Charles II, Archduke of Austria, founded the farm in 1580 to breed horses for his powerful family, the Hapsburgs. Tour this fascinating facility and learn about these docile and elegant creatures. Your next stop is one of the finest wine producing areas in the region where you have the opportunity to sample some locally produced varieties.
Day #7 Opatija - Your day is at leisure. Relax along the shore, enjoy Opatija’s many sights and pleasures or you may choose to join an optional excursion to one of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice, Italy, featuring a walking tour that includes historic St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the “Bridge of Sighs.”
Day #8 Opatija - Hum - Motovun - Opatija - Today, travel to the world’s smallest town, Hum. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, Hum is home to some of Istria’s most famous and renowned frescoes. While here you will have the opportunity to sample their famous mistletoe brandy. Then it’s on to Motovun, a beautiful medieval city spread over the top of a 740 foot vineyard-covered hill. Step into the past as you explore this one-time colony of the Venetian Republic, its architecture reflective of its colonial days. Finally, visit a local farm where the family will show you their way of life in the Istrian countryside. Join your hosts as you learn about the ingredients harvested from their land. Complete the evening with a wonderful farewell dinner on the farm.
Day #9 Opatija - Tour Ends -