A SMALL GROUP JOURNEY
Beauty of the Adriatic

Day 1: Dubrovnik

Welcome to Dubrovnik, a city with roots dating back to the seventh century and one of Europe’s most well-preserved walled cities. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it blends rich history with vibrant modern life.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Along the way, we’ll take in the first glimpses of this thriving destination. This evening, our tour director will host an orientation, followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Dubrovnik

After enjoying breakfast, we’ll delve into the timeless beauty of Dubrovnik–from the towering medieval walls to the charming, red-roofed skyline. A guided walking tour will take you through the historic Old Town and past the harbor to the Franciscan Monastery and the elegant Baroque Cathedral.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure—whether it’s wandering through hidden alleyways, enjoying a seaside café, or soaking in the breathtaking coastal views. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to join an optional sunset cruise and dinner experience (additional information below).

Optional Activity:

Cruise and Dinner

Board a cruise across the water from the beautiful St. James Beach, passing around the old city walls to St. Jakov Beach, where you’ll enjoy a 3-course dinner paired with local Dalmatian wine. Afterward, you’ll be comfortably returned to the old city port.

The experience includes bus transportation to and from the hotel, as well as an exhilarating motorboat ride.

Day 3: Dubrovnik – Montenegro – Kotor – Dubrovnik

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll cross the border into Montenegro, heading toward the stunning Bay of Kotor, Southern Europe’s deepest fjord. We’ll take a scenic boat ride to the islet of “Our Lady of the Rocks,” near the coastal town of Perast. This unique island, which has been shaped over the centuries by sailors, is home to a historic church.

Afterwards, explore the nearby town of Kotor, which offers a well-preserved medieval atmosphere that transports you back in time. After enjoying the sights, you’ll head back to Dubrovnik with a short ferry ride across the bay.

Day 4: Dubrovnik

Begin the morning with breakfast before enjoying a leisurely day discovering Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for its coastal beauty and historic charm. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind, whether you stroll along the historic streets, browse local markets, or relax by the sparkling sea.

There is an optional full-day tour featuring Ston and Korcula that you can add to your journey (additional information below).

Optional Activity:

Full Day Tour

Discover the charming little town of Ston, with its iconic long walls, on a short visit before driving to Orebic Port. You’ll pass by picturesque vineyards, small villages, and family-owned wineries before arriving and boarding a ferry to Korcula.

The old medieval town of Korcula is similar to a miniature museum, surrounded by walls and towers. You’ll enter the Abbey Treasury and St. Mark Cathedral for a surreal tour before continuing to a drive north where you will visit a winery for a wine tasting.

Day 5: Dubrovnik – Split

Enjoy breakfast before departing to Dubrovnik and continue along the spectacular Dalmatian coast, taking in amazing views of palm trees, olive groves, and idyllic fishing villages before arriving in Split.

Seated between the mountains and the seas, Split is truly picturesque. Your guided tour takes you to one of the most imposing Roman ruins, the third-century palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Day 6: Split – Trogir – Zadar – Plitvice

After breakfast, we set off for Trogir, a hub for artistic and cultural heritage, where scholars and painters from around the world gather.

Continuing to Zadar, we’ll explore the historical center, taking in highlights such as the ancient city walls, the 16th-century Port Gate, St. Donat’s Church, the Roman Forum, and St. Anastasia’s Cathedral. If conditions allow, we’ll experience the mesmerizing “sea organ,” an interactive art and music installation powered by the waves.

Later, we’ll travel inland to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, where we’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Day 7: Plitvice – Opatija

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll take a short scenic boat ride and a leisurely walk along the lakeshore. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s oldest, largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning site features a string of 16 turquoise lakes linked by 92 waterfalls and is surrounded by densely wooded mountains and lush vegetation.

Following this unforgettable experience, we’ll journey along the coast through the picturesque Kvarner Bay, arriving in the elegant seaside resort of Opatija. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Opatija

Start your day with breakfast before exploring the picturesque town of Opatija. Famous for its Austro-Hungarian elegance, charming waterfront promenade, and inviting cafés, Opatija offers the perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

For those interested, an optional excursion to the Istrian Peninsula will offer a chance to visit some of Croatia’s most scenic coastal towns (additional information below).

Optional Activity:

Full Day Tour

Enjoy a delightful, guided excursion to the picturesque towns that dot the sun-kissed coastline of the Istrian Peninsula. Sights include olive groves and vineyards, old villages, and seaside resorts.

In the port town of Pula, you’ll tour the impressive Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind in the world. In the charming resort town of Rovinj, you’ll have time to explore the narrow winding streets, small squares, and Venetian-style palaces independently before returning to Opatija.

Day 9: Opatija – Postojna – Bled

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey north to Postojna, home to one of Europe's largest caves. Your visit to the Postojna Caves includes a unique underground train journey, offering an up-close view of the impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

Following this, you'll visit a charming, family-run homestead to enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, continue your adventure by traveling to Bled, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps.

Day 10: Bled

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.

Begin the morning with breakfast and then enjoy a scenic sightseeing tour of Bled, where you’ll discover the charming town and stroll along its serene lakeshore. A visit to the imposing Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake, offers stunning views and a taste of the region’s rich history. Afterward, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace.

For an unforgettable experience, consider joining an optional excursion to the small island in the middle of Lake Bled (additional details below).

Optional Activity:

Afternoon Tour

Board a pletna, or small boat, for a journey to the scenic island located in the middle of Lake Bled. You’ll enjoy a visit to the island’s old church, which houses an impressive art collection, and enjoy some free time to experience magnificent vistas.

After coming back to shore, you’ll drive to nearby Lake Bohinj, a resort set amidst dense woods and spectacular mountains. The trip back takes you past amazing landscapes and old Slovenian villages before returning to Lake Bled.

Day 11: Bled – Ljubbljana – Zagreb

Today, after breakfast, leave the mountains behind and head to Ljubljana, the vibrant capital of Slovenia. A highlight of this charming city is the architectural legacy of Jože Plečnik. This renowned 20th-century architect played a key role in rebuilding the city after the devastating 1895 earthquake.

As you wander through the old town, you’ll see buildings that survived the earthquake, along with the city’s quaint shops and cozy outdoor cafés. Enjoy some free time to stroll along the riverside promenade and browse the open-air market before continuing your journey to Zagreb.

Day 12: Zagreb

Your morning begins with breakfast followed by a guided tour of Zagreb’s top highlights. You’ll explore the historic Upper Old Town, home to monumental walls and the iconic 13th-century St. Mark’s Church. Stroll through the colorful Jelacic Square and wander the charming nearby alleyways. You’ll also visit the stunning Mirogoj Park Cemetery, renowned for its beauty and often described as an open-air art gallery, with its grand arcades and ornate tombs.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, allowing you to discover more of this elegant city on your own. In the evening, join your group for a memorable farewell dinner.

Day 13: Zagreb

After a hearty breakfast, your adventure continues with a group transfer to the airport, where you'll begin your onward journey, taking with you memories of an unforgettable trip.