The Adriatic & Beyond: Croatia, Montenegro
Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy

Check-in at Los Angeles Airport. Depart for Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia in the evening. You will be transferred to your hotel and spend your first night in Dubrovnik with full accommodation and dinner at a local hotel. If time allows, we will take you to a walk in the Old Town, a UNESCO heritage. Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Croatia has the longest coastline in Europe and over a thousand islands. It is a peaceful country with diverse cultures. The Adriatic Sea is known for its blue, clear water and numerous bays which are vital for trade and transportation.

In addition, Croatia used to be a focal point of the Ottoman Empire. To the East of the Adriatic Sea, there is also evidence of the primitive people’s existence. Croatia always welcomes tourists with its warmth and friendliness. (D)

Sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik (UNESCO site). Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It has also been a popular filming location for the HBO television series, Game of Thrones.

A feature of Dubrovnik is the walls that run almost 2 km (1.2 mi) around the city. The system of turrets and towers were intended to protect the vulnerable city in Medieval wars. Visitors will walk on the limestone-paved roads to really feel human’s greatness for building up something that is admired by succeeding generations over 700 years later.

Visit the Franciscan Monastery and Onofrio’s Fountains. (B/D)

Today we will drive across the border to the Republic of Montenegro and the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Our next stop is Perast, an old town on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Situated a few miles northwest of Kotor, Perast is known for its proximity to the Island of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks where you will be visiting on a short boat ride.

Visit Our Lady of the Rocks which dates back to the 15th century. After lunch, you will get a chance to see the towns of Risan and Kotor and enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay, the rich culture and history of the area.

The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Medieval period. It is one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea that is located on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska). Together with the overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor and its surrounding area form an impressive and picturesque Mediterranean landscape.

Overnight stay in Dubrovnik. (B/D)

Visit Ston, the second largest city in the Adriatic Sea area. Ston is also famous for its saltworks which were run by the Republic of Ragusa and the Ottoman Empire. Many visitors are particularly attracted by the gastronomic delicacies of this region so we recommend that you try some of the local dishes, including oysters. The rich selection of mussels, oysters combined with the selection of top quality wines from the regions of Dingac and Postup are to die for and will definitely satisfy your taste buds. (B/D)

Arrive in Bosnia & Herzegovina and visit Our Lady of Medjugorje (also called Queen of Peace). This is one of the must-go places for Catholic pilgrims all over the world.

On 24 June 1981, two children reported seeing a phantom of the Virgin Mary here. The following day another vision was reported, this time also by four other children. The children claim that they saw an apparition on a hill; the alleged apparition was a white form with a child in her arms. Surprised and scared, they did not approach. The next day at the same time four of the youths returned, and were later joined by the other two. For several years the six visionaries reported seeing daily apparitions from the Virgin Mary. It has been reported that Our Lady of Medjugorje has been appearing daily to three of these visionaries ever since, some say that they have stopped having daily apparitions. Since then, the children carried out a “prayer mission” – praying for the sick which was said to have been given by the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Continue the journey to Mostar, used to be the capital during the golden era of the Ottoman Empire. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers who in the Medieval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge). The Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recognizable landmarks, and is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture in the Balkans.

After the sightseeing tour, you will be transferred to Split for an overnight stay and a full day of activities in Split the following day. (B/D)

Split is a picturesque ancient town built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. You will be visiting the impressive Emperor’s Palace, a UNESCO heritage site, built in the 3rd century. The historic centre of Split is built around the remains of this Roman palace. You only need to wander around to experience it but you can also visit the excavated remains of the basement of the palace. The Roman palace is enriched with some gothic and renaissance buildings. This particular Emperor’s Palace is one the best preserved Roman palaces in the world. (B/D)

Visit Krka National Park, famous for waterfalls and sceneries as beautiful as those described in fairy tales. The scenic beauty of this place will contribute to the richness of your photo albums.

After lunch, we will visit Zadar, a city recognized as a UNESCO heritage and dates back to 1066. One of Zadar’s most important landmarks is St Donatus’ Church – a monumental round building from the 9th century in pre-Romanesque style. From here, you can take a walk on the Kalelarga street, which leads to The National Square with many inviting cafes and restaurants. (B/D)

This morning we recommend that you have your camera handy to take pictures of Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the oldest and the largest national parks. It is made up of 16 pristine lakes that are set above each other and connected with spectacular waterfalls and cascades. They are nested in a jungle-like lush environment, abundant with flora and fauna. This is one of the most visited natural wonders and national parks in Europe and because of its treasured value is designated as a natural wonder and registered and protected under UNESCO natural monuments. There is no car traffic allowed within the park’s limits so be prepared to be on foot in the area. (B/D)

Visit Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, a fascinating destination that is known as the best mixture of Eastern and Western Europe cultures. As the polit­ical, economic and cultural capital of Croatia, Zagreb is a vibrant modern city that has graciously retained the old-world charm. The sober Austro-Hungarian buildings in the town center feature elegant restaurants and fashionable boutiques along with scruffy pubs and rowdy beer halls. We will also visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Archbishop Stepinac died of protecting Jewish people from the Nazis. (B/D)

This morning embark on a walk around beautiful Lake Bled (Slovenia). This scenic walk passes some impressive villas, mostly from the beginning of the 19th century. The rest of the day is free for you to explore all that Bled and the surrounding area has to offer. Bled is named as a “paradise on Earth.”

Your next stop is Postojna Cave, a 13-mile long Karst cave system that is 377 ft deep and is known as the second largest underground cave in Europe (following the Migovec Cave System also in Slovenia). Embark on a mini-train to do some sightseeing inside the cave.

Later this afternoon, at your leisure, take your time and explore Opatija’s Austro-Hungarian grandeur. Be sure to stroll along the waterfront promenade or relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants. Opatija is probably the most elegant resort town on the entire Adriatic. It used to be the summer playground of European nobility in the 19 and 20th century. European royals and aristocrats flocked during the summer months to this little resort town that resembles Monte Carlo. Many of the hotels that were built to accommodate the European royals are now being used to accommodate thousands of tourists that visit Opatija. The hotel that we choose for you is located right by the beach, beautiful and poetic. The Mediterranean Sea is warm enough that you can swim in the evening.

Overnight stay in Opatija. (B/D)

The day is Porec a small picturesque town perched on the top of a hill in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, Croatia’s “Tuscany” country and the newest truffle capital of the world. Vineyards, orchards and olive groves are integral part of this natural tapestry that truly resembles Italian Tuscany.

After lunch, you’ll be driven to Porec, a site that is frequently visited by more tourists than any other resorts or cities in Croatia. Besides clear waters of the Adriatic, pleasant Mediterranean climate, proximity to Italy and Western Europe, Porec has some of the most monumental attractions in Croatia.

This is also the place where the largest white truffle was discovered in 1999 weighing at just under 3 lbs and recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest white truffle ever found. Mr. Zigante, the gentleman who found this “white gold” is today one of the richest men in Croatia. A meal prepared with local truffles at acclaimed Zigante Restaurant or any other eatery in this area is highly recommended.

Overnight stay in Opatija, A fashionable resort in the 19th century, it’s dotted with Habsburg-era villas. Opatija, with its temperate climate and a coastline of 12km, is where the Austro-Hungarian aristocrats chose to enjoy their luxurious lives. (B/D)

Visit one of the biggest designer outlets in Europe.

Depart from Opatija to Venice, Italy. Scientists predict that this city may be sunk into the sea in the future.
Venice is famous for its classical boat – the Gondola, with a 11-meter length and a curved top. The boat has a capacity for 2-6 people.

Embark on Gondolas to travel along the canals and gaze at the beauty of Venice while the melody of Come Back Surriento is echoing in your mind. It is interesting to note that, if you call a taxi in Venice, it would be a “water taxi” instead of one that runs on the land. Venice is the world’s only pedestrian city. The absence of cars makes this city a unique and pleasant experience for many visitors. Situated on a lagoon, the water plays a crucial role in transportation of Venetians. Whichever way you arrive, the last part of your journey will be on foot from the nearest water bus/watertaxi so be sure to put your best walking shoes on.

This city is also ideal for couples and honeymooners, and is ranked as the most romantic city in Europe. (B/D)

While in Venice, a visit to St Mark’s Basilica is a must! The church is renowned worldwide for its priceless treasures and fascinating secret places. Since Venice is your last stop, your tour guide will be sure that you get to many outdoor sights, piazzas, bridges, canals as time permits so that your memories of this particular guided tour will last a lifetime.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine Duke moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for the following 970 years, prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797, the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which it never recovered. The city was soon merged into Austria-Hungary, then ping-ponged back and forth between Austria and a nascent Italy, but Venice is still a monument to the glory days of the Renaissance, and historical culture still throbs powerfully in the old Italians’ veins.

This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was six hundred years ago, which adds to its fascinating character. Venice has changed quite a bit since 827 but the romantic charm has remained to this day. (B/D)

Depart Venice. Return to the U.S. (B)