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DESTINATION
Europe: Eastern
PROVIDER
Collette
DURATION
11 days
Valued At Pay Only Save
$2,709 per person $2,655 per person $108 per couple
Medieval architecture, tranquil lakes, local villages and Croatian charm will delight you on this tour featuring Dubrovnik, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and the pearls of the stunning Dalmatian coast. Begin your exploration with two nights in Opatija, the “Riviera of Croatia” and an Istrian gem. Explore Plitvice National Park by foot and by boat, a place where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs connecting 16 pristine lakes. Connect with the local people during a home-hosted dinner. Explore the white stone buildings, winding alleys, and massive city walls of the ancient harbor town, Dubrovnik. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace and back into Roman times in Split’s Old Town. Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia’s quaint capital city, and float on a “pletna” boat on serene Lake Bled. Ride a funicular up to Ljubljana Castle where a delicious dinner awaits.
At a glance

Enhance your stay in Dubrovnik with a choice of excursions. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies. Stroll through Split to see the famous Diocletian’s Palace. Fall in love with coastal views of Slovenia and its capital, Ljubljana, where old traditions meet modernity. Board a “pletna” boat to the picturesque island in the center of Lake Bled.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

The largest national park in Croatia is characterized by its 16 turquoise colored lakes inter-connected by a series of waterfalls. It's' multiple trails in a woodland setting (includes steps, inclines, wooden planks) also allows visitors to spot wildlife. The park is considered the country's top tourist attraction. Visitors unable to walk have an option of a shorter, but not as complete, tour via shuttle.

Dubrovnik

A group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat) founded Dubrovnik in the first half of the 7th century. The city was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire through the 12th century. From 1205-1358, Dubrovnik fell under the sovereignty of Venice. Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state between the 14th century and 1808 as the Republic of Dubrovnik. It flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and became the chief shipping rival to Venice. A devastating earthquake in 1667 killed over 5,000 citizens and marked the beginning of the decline for the Republic. The Republic officially met its final demise in 1808 after Napoleon’s armies conquered it and Marshal Marmont abolished the Republic and integrated it into the Illyrian provinces. Since 1808, Dubrovnik has fallen under attack, been occupied and annexed several times, most recently as part of the second Yugoslavia (1945-1991); however, it continues to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities on the entire Adriatic. With its medieval walls that surround the old city, and the ancient buildings contained within, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike any other.

Dubrovnik

During your stay in Dubrovnik, you have the special opportunity to partake in one of two choices which operate at different times on different days. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro The Bay of Kotor, known simply as Boka, is a winding bay of the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Montenegro. As of 2013, it could be crossed by a ferryboat. The bay has been inhabited since antiquity. Its well-preserved medieval towns of Kotor, Risan, Tivat, Perast, Prcanj and Herceg Novi, along with their natural surroundings, are major tourist attractions. Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor has been a World Heritage Site since 1979. Its numerous Orthodox and Catholic churches and monasteries make it a major pilgrimage site. Elaphiti islands Enjoy a 3-4 hour cruise around the Bay of Dubrovnik including a stop a the Elaphiti Islands or the Elaphites, a small archipelago consisting of several islands stretching northwest of Dubrovnik, in the Adriatic sea. The Elaphites have a total land area of around 30 square kilometres (12 square miles) and a population of 850 inhabitants. The islands are covered with characteristic Mediterranean evergreen vegetation and attract large numbers of tourists during the summer tourist season due to their beaches and pristine scenery.

Cilipi Family-Style Dinner

A traditional village outside of Dubrovnik which nurtures heritage. Local groups embroider colorful costumes with silk threads, and on Sundays perform folklore dances and sing songs. Well known regional foods include local cheeses, homemade brown/white breads, and meats.

Diocletian's Palace

Forming the center of Old Split this unique imperial palace is extraordinarily well preserved from the 3-4 centuries A.D. Called the city's first resident, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built this structure as his retirement home in a location close to his birthplace and an important Roman center. Today, walking the labyrinth of streets means exploring the heart of the city.

Castle Dinner

Ljubljana Castle is a castle complex standing on Castle Hill above the downtown of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. It is a key element of the Ljubljana skyline. Originally a Medieval fortress, probably built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 12th century, it acquired its present outline with an almost complete overhaul in the 15th century, whereas the majority of the buildings date to the 16th and 17th centuries. At first a defense structure and since the first half of the 14th century the seat of the lords of Carniola, it was since the early 19th century used as a penitentiary, then in the first half of the 20th century as a residential complex and at present time as a tourist attraction and a major cultural venue.

Lake Bled

Set in an Alpine backdrop, the lake adjoins the town of Bled. With a maximum depth of 100 ft, the lake is a mix of glacial and tectonic origins. Surrounding Bled Island, known for its pilgrimage church, Lake Bled is popular with rowers.

Pletna Boat Ride

Ride to Bled Island on a wooden flat bottom boat with a pointed bow. Traditionally made by locals it probably dates from the late 16th century. A colorful awning protects riders and it is helmed by a Pletna oarsman, a title handed down from generation to generation.

Day 1 / Opatija, Croatia - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in the seaside resort of Opatija. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a special welcome dinner. Accommodation: Bristol Hotel Meals: Dinner

Day 2 / Opatija

Opatija, known as “Croatia’s Riviera,” was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Hapsburg Monarchs. Spend the day exploring the town on your own. Accommodation: Bristol Hotel Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 / Opatija - Plitvice Lakes

After breakfast, travel to Croatia’s most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes. This UNESCO World Heritage site promises inspiring scenery as you travel among its 16 terraced lakes and dense forests. A series of waterfalls and free flowing cascades connects each lake to the other. Complete the experience with a short cruise that takes you into the heart of this natural wonder. Accommodation: Jezero Hotel Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 / Plitvice Lakes - Dubrovnik

This morning, continue south through the heart of Croatia, towards the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Accommodation: Valamar Lacroma Resort Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 / 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, and see Rector’s Palace, the City Walls, and many more historical sites. During your stay in Dubrovnik you have the special opportunity to personalize your tour and partake in one of two inclusions: Elaphiti Islands* cruise (today) or Montenegro excursion (tomorrow). This afternoon features either your first choice or leisure time to relax or independently explore Dubrovnik on your own. Those who have chosen today’s option will set out on a cruise around the Elaphiti Islands, stopping along the way at a local fishing village to get a taste of island life. The name of these islands comes from the ancient Greek word for deer, which used to inhabit the islands in large numbers. Roman author Pliny the Elder was the first to mention the islands by name in his work, Naturalis Historia, published in the 1st century. Today, they remain an oasis of traditional Croatian coastal living just off the bustling coast. Accommodation: Valamar Lacroma Resort Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 / Dubrovnik

For those who selected the Elaphiti Islands cruise yesterday, today is a day at leisure to relax or independently explore Dubrovnik. Those who have chosen the Montenegro excursion will leave in the morning to cross the border to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor (or “the Boka”). Once known as Europe’s southernmost fjord, it is in fact a ria (a long, narrow inlet). Your guide will introduce you to the deep history of the region and will share stories of the many cultures and empires that have left their marks here. Enjoy some free time before returning to Dubrovnik. This evening, travel to the culturally-rich Konavle region to Cilipi for a family-style dinner in a locally-owned restaurant. While visiting with the local family you’ll learn about life in the Croatian heartland and sample regional wines. At dinner, servers introduce you to a culinary feast, prepared in the way of their ancestors. Accommodation: Valamar Lacroma Resort Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 / Dubrovnik - Split

Today, savor stunning sea views as you travel up the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop into the aquamarine Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a stop in a quaint village in the Croatian countryside. You will have time to taste the local specialties and perhaps walk through the village square. Upon arrival in Split, set out on a walking tour featuring the impressive Diocletian's Palace, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. Then, continue to your hotel located in the center of Split. Accommodation: Hotel Atrium Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 / Split - Ljubljana, Slovenia

Your adventure continues as you travel up the coast, into Slovenia, and on to today’s destination – the quaint capital of Ljubljana. During the drive, take in the spectacular scenery. Arriving in Ljubljana, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax. This evening, soak up the stunning views of the city as you ride a funicular to Ljubljana Castle where you will savor a dinner of local specialties within the castle walls. Accommodation: Hotel Lev Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 / Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana

This morning you will be met by a local expert who will introduce you to this lovely town nestled along the banks of the river. Your tour includes the impressive City Hall and a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas. After free time for lunch, drive a short distance to tranquil Lake Bled. Experience the old-world charm that comes with taking a “pletna” boat to the picturesque island in the center of Lake Bled. Spend time exploring the 17th-century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing bell.” Enjoy some time to stroll the quiet paths of this lakeside community at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Lev Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 / Ljubljana - Zagreb, Croatia

Today you travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and embark on a fascinating tour. Continue your exploration your way with free time this afternoon. Tonight, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner in one of Zagreb’s most famous restaurants. Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 / Zagreb - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close in Zagreb this morning. Meals: Breakfast