Day 1, arrival Venice, Tuesday
Welcome to Venice! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Then the day is at leisure to get settled in or begin exploring. Later, gather for a Welcome Dinner with your traveling companions. (D)
Day 2, in Venice, Wednesday
We begin our exploration of Venice at St. Mark’s Square with a walking tour which includes visits to the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take in the amazing views of the Bell Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. We also take a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice on your own or join an optional Gondola serenade with Aperol spritz Venetian style drink. (B)
Day 3, to Postojna and Bled, Thursday
In the morning drive across the border into Slovenia with stop in Postojna Cave, one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterwards continue to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps. (B, D)
Day 4, in Bled, Friday
An Alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th 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 visit to imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. Continue to the small island in the middle of the lake Bled with Pletna boat. Afternoon free or join optional tour dinner at country inn and live music. (B)
Day 5, to Ljubljana and Zagreb, Saturday
Leave the mountains and head to 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 Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. (B, D)
Day 6, in Zagreb, Sunday
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. (B)
Day 7, from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, Monday
Travel to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore more on your own. Later, gather for a dinner served at our hotel and overnight.
(B, D)
Day 8, to Trogir and Split, Tuesday
After breakfast, head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. Continue traveling along the spectacular Adriatic coast, passing by old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split. A city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Finally, see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. The reminder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 9, in Split, Wednesday
Day at leisure or you can join optional tour to Hvar Island:
We board the ferry in Split and set sail for Hvar. The town of Hvar has a unique cultural and historical heritage, plus a centuries-old tradition in tourism. A walking tour includes views of the 17th century theatre, the 13th century Arsenal, and the central town square with the Cathedral. You will visit the Franciscan Monastery, famous for its collection of old art masters, including “Ingoli´s Last Supper˝.
Afterward, we travel to Stari Grad for some wine tasting. A ferry returns us to Split. (B)
Day 10, to Dubrovnik, Thursday
Finally, travel to Dubrovnik, with its picturesque setting on the stunning Adriatic coast.
A walking tour shows you the highlights of Old Dubrovnik. See the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column and Sponza Palace. Then it’s on to see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure to
explore on your own, shop, stroll along the water’s edge, or simply relax and delight in your superbly scenic surroundings. (B, L)
Day 11, in Dubrovnik, Friday
At leisure or you can join optional tour to Montenegro
Travel to the Republic of Montenegro. Head to the mouth of the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Enjoy a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, one of two islets off the coast of Perast. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest building on the islet, with a museum attached to it. Upon return to the coast, we will stop in Perast, an old charming coastal town. Visit city of Kotor before returning to Dubrovnik. Later, gather for a Farewell Dinner. (B, D)
Day 12, departure, Saturday
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
