Includes: Zagreb, Bled, Pletna Boat Ride, Opatija, Postojna Caves, Lipica Stud Farm, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Diocletian Palace, Dubrovnik, Korcula Island, Wine Tasting
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Join us and explore the hidden treasures and wonders of Croatia and Slovenia. Filled with medieval architecture, tranquil lakes and rolling green hills, this is one of today's "must see" destinations. An unforgettable journey awaits you as you depart on your overnight flight to Europe's newest destination.
Day #2 Arrive Zagreb, Croatia - Tour Begins - Your tour begins in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.
Day #3 Zagreb - Bled, Slovenia - 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 the locals. This morning join a local guide for a city tour featuring Zagreb’s Old City and experience such sights as the majestic cathedral, St. Mark’s Church and the Opera House. Meet the locals as you explore the colorful Dolac Market and perhaps even purchase some native figs or olives during your visit. This afternoon, depart for beautiful Bled, Slovenia, your home for the next two evenings. If you are lucky, you may catch a spectacular sunset over the tranquil blue waters of Lake Bled with the majestic Julian Alps as a backdrop.
Day #4 Bled - Today explore Bled from the water. 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 rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore charming Bled on your own.
Day #5 Bled - Lipica - Opatija, Croatia - Today you travel to two of the region's most fascinating destinations. Your first stop is the Lipica Stud Farm, home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. The farm was founded in 1580 by Charles, the Archduke of Vienna, and has remained one of Slovenia’s treasures. Learn more about the famous horses as you tour the farm and enjoy an actual training session* of these magnificent animals with their skilled trainers. 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. Then it is on to the seaside city of Opatija. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the town center.
Day #6 Opatija - Today is at leisure to enjoy Croatia's "Riviera". Perhaps you would like to join an optional excursion to the island of Brijuni and the magnificent city of Pula and its amphitheater. This excursion allows you to enjoy a delightful cruise to the magnificent Istrian peninsula where you will explore Brijuni Island, former Yugoslavia leader Tito’s paradise. Then, in Pula, you will have the opportunity to visit the 6th largest Roman amphitheater in the world.
Day #7 Opatija - Plitvice Lakes - After breakfast, travel to Croatia’s most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes, an integral part of UNESCO World Heritage. Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery as you travel through this natural phenomenon of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by forests and thick vegetation. Each lake is connected by a series of waterfalls and free flowing cascades. A cruise on the lake takes you into the heart of this natural wonder where pristine clear waters reveal the underwater life that inhabits the park.
Day #8 Plitvice Lakes - Split - Begin your day by traveling to the ancient city of Split. Experience Split’s impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, you will see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore the winding streets of the old city.
Day #9 Split - Korcula - Dubrovnik - This morning, travel down the Dalmatian Coast towards the medieval city of Dubrovnik, enjoying some breathtaking views of the beautiful blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Your first destination today is the birthplace and childhood home of Marco Polo, the island of Korcula. Upon arrival in the city of Orebic, take a short cruise to the city of Korcula where history lives. Walk in the footsteps of Marco Polo as you explore the streets that lead to the Venetian-influenced Cathedral Square.
Day #10 Dubrovnik - Join an expert local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik”, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies; Rector’s Palace; the City Walls; and many more historical sites. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. This evening, travel to the culturally-rich Konavle region and join your fellow travelers for a home-hosted farewell dinner. While visiting with your host family, you will learn about life in the Croatian countryside and enjoy a discussion on the unique traditional clothing worn in the region. Costumed staff will serve you a culinary feast prepared in the customary way of their ancestors.
Day #11 Dubrovnik - Tour Ends -