Highlights of Croatia & Slovenia
Historic Cities, Charming Towns, and the Dalmatian Coast
Explore the highlights of beautiful Croatia, discovering the delights of its dazzling Dalmatian Coast and cherished inland gems. Uncover the timeless and elegant capital city of Zagreb, a captivating surprise not to be missed. Continue east to stunning Split, and wander the quiet marble streets of Zadar, where Hitchcock claimed to have witnessed the most beautiful sunset in the world. Tour the increasingly popular city of Dubrovnik, recently in the limelight as the fictional city, King’s Landing, in the television series Game of Thrones. Stay in Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana, known for it’s relaxed Old Town overlooked by a medieval castle. Tour fantastical Lake Bled in the Julian Alps. Venture out to the spectacular Dalmatian Coast, washed by the clear waters of the Adriatic and dotted with palm trees, olive groves, and idyllic fishing villages. Come discover the treasures of these ancient cities, breathtaking coastlines, and the friendly culture in Croatia and Slovenia.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
NOTE:
A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.
Itinerary
Wed, June 4: Transfer from Indianapolis by motorcoach to Chicago for your afternoon flight.
Thu, June 5: Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia in the early afternoon and be introduced to the largest city in Croatia. The unique blend of iconic red roofs, medieval towers, 19th century palaces, open-air markets, and ancient cathedrals, make Zagreb the perfect city to explore. After checking in at your hotel enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. (Meals: Dinner)
Fri, June 6: Wake up in Croatia’s beautiful capital and enjoy a daily included breakfast. Embark on a morning sightseeing tour of the city, where you will have the opportunity to see the fortified Upper Town, the city’s historical centre, the iconic Church of St. Mark, and the Croatian National Theatre. Take some time to explore Zagreb on your own. In the late afternoon depart for your next destination: Ljubljana, the capital city of neighboring Slovenia. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner with the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (B,D)
Sat, June 7: Dive into Slovenia today on a guided walking tour of Ljubljana. With a distinct small-town feel, this city is full of charming art and architecture. Stoll the pedestrian friendly streets and riverside promenades before marveling at a view of the city from Ljubljana castle, towering above the historic Old Town. In the afternoon a quick ride via motorcoach takes you to the fairy-tale Lake Bled. Surrounded by the lush, forested Julian Alps, the glacial Lake Bled is an idyllic corner of the world overlooked by a graceful castle perched high up on the rocks and a serene island topped with a church floating in the lake’s center. From sky to steeple, explore Bled with your guide, seeing both the castle and the island, and enjoy a ride on the traditional wooden gondolas known as pletna boats. After a taste test of a local treat return to Ljubljana for one more night to savor the city. (B)
Sun, June 8: Depart Ljubljana for Postojna to visit a wonder of nature: Postojna Cave. This 15-mile long karst cave system is an incredible subterranean world of underground passages, galleries and chambers and is one of the most visited caves in Europe. After the tour your journey continues toward the resort city Opatija, known as the jewel of the northern Adriatic Sea, where you will have time for a stroll along their famous promenade. Continue to the area of Plitvice Lakes National Park for dinner and an overnight stay. (B,D)
Mon, June 9: Today explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the chain of 16 crystal blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades through breathtaking scenery found nowhere else on the planet. Arrive in Zadar for a guided walking tour through the Roman Forum, the 9th century pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus, and the St. Anastasia Church among other sights. The day concludes in Split, your home base for the next three nights. (B,L,D)
Tue, June 10: After breakfast, set out to explore the shorelines surrounding Split. The towns you will tour, Split and Trogir, have been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Napoleon, and the Habsburgs, yet have managed to sustain an easy-going seaside mindset. Over time, Split flourished into Croatia’s second largest city, while Trogir has retained its small-scale charm. Learn about their extensive heritage in the historic centers, and visit their famous Cathedrals, St. Domnius in Split and St. Lawrence in Trogir. Visit the massive Diocletian Palace, which makes up a significant portion of Split’s Old Town and is designated as an UNSECO World Heritage Site. (B)
Wed, June 11: Today is free for individual pursuits! Relax on the popular Kašjuni or Bačvice beaches or hop aboard a chartered boat to a nearby island. If you are a history or architecture buff, there is plenty to see on every cobblestone corner. Wander the narrow alleyways filled with galleries and shops or visit an open-air market. “The Riva”, a seaside promenade, is a great place to grab a bite to eat, shop, or simply enjoy the laidback culture of the Dalmatian Coast. (B)
Thu, June 12: Depart Split in the morning for Dubrovnik. Stop along the way to see the small medieval town of Ston, famous for its oysters, mussels, and as the location of the Walls of Ston, the longest stone wall in Europe. Enjoy a wine tasting and seafood lunch before visiting the Saltworks. As the oldest active salt-works in the world they have remained faithful to tradition and to the natural way of salt production that has long brought prosperity to the area. Arrive in Dubrovnik in the evening. (B,L)
Fri, June 13: Today, get up-close-and-personal with the fabulous Dubrovnik and the revered, UNESCO-listed Old Town. After breakfast, a cable car ride takes you to the top of Mount Srd for views of the cityscape and glimmering Adriatic Sea. A guided stroll around the medieval city walls and through the maze of alleyways reveals what makes Dubrovnik a world-class destination, from the intricate stonework of the palace façades, like Sponza Palace and the Rector’s Palace, to the lively open-air markets and potable water at the Onofrio’s Fountain. The afternoon is free for exploring Dubrovnik on your own. Dinner is included tonight. (B,D)
Sat, June 14: Escape the summer crowds on a private speed boat tour to visit the nearby Elaphiti Islands. The small archipelago is perfect for a day trip out of the city and is packed full of sandy beaches, cliffside caves, and authentic Croatian culture. A guide will give you some insight into the history and significance of the island chain and there are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and dining on the freshest seafood that you can find. (B)
Sun, June 15: Take your final full day in Europe to do as you please. Tailor this day to your own liking, whether you prefer rest and relaxation or venturing out to explore another of the islands nearby. Locals would suggest Lokrum Island as a quick trip from the Old Town Harbor. Promising a day of heavenly serenity, Lokrum envelops you in thick green forests of holm oak, pine and laurel, shared with the island’s only permanent inhabitants: peacocks and bunnies. This evening, regroup to celebrate the end of an amazing journey with a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Mon, June 16: Say goodbye to the picturesque Dalmatian Coast and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Motorcoach transfers are included from Chicago to Indianapolis. (B)
Hotels
Hotel assignments coming soon. All accommodations will be 4-star.
PRICING
*Subject to change due to increase in exchange rate or fuel surcharge