14 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Sat: Zagreb Arrival
Land in Zagreb where you will be met at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel, settle in and relax a little. You may like to do some
exploring and in the evening meet your tour director and fellow travelers for a
welcome dinner.
(D)
Day 2 - Sun: Explore Zagreb
This morning see the historic Upper Town, where many of
the buildings were restored following the devastating earthquake in 1880. See
Zagreb Cathedral with its tall spires and elaborate decorations; the ancient St.
Mark's Church with its brightly-colored tile roof; the Baroque St. Catherine's
Church; and Ban's Palace, which houses the country's presidency. Pass the
Parliament Building, known as Sabor, which is the center of Croat politics
today. The rest of the day is at leisure.
(BB)
Day 3 - Mon: Bosnia & Sarajevo
Travel south along fertile river valleys to Sarajevo,
capital of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This city reflects the
influences of a number of cultures and civilizations. The city center contains a
number of mosques and churches, reflecting the harmony in which religions
flourished. You will notice many influences of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in
wide streets and elaborate buildings. Check into your hotel where you will have
some time to relax before dinner.
(BB, D)
Day 4 - Tue: Sarajevo Touring & Mostar
On your city sightseeing tour, visit the picturesque and
lively Bas Carsija bazaar. Tour the Husrefbey Mosque, one of the city's most
beautiful. See the Olympic Stadium built for the 1984 Winter Games. Then drive
through the Neretva River Gorge to Mostar. This city was famous for its Old
Bridge, which was destroyed in 1993 but has been rebuilt faithfully. Also walk
through the old Turkish quarter before heading to Dubrovnik, located on the
Adriatic Coast. Enjoy dinner with your group this evening.
(BB,D)
Day 5 - Wed: Tour Dubrovnik
Take a walking tour to see Dubrovnik's defensive walls
and the main points of interest in and around the Square of the Loggia. View
Orlando's Column, the Clock Tower and the Sponza Palace with its Renaissance
loggia and Venetian Gothic windows above it. Visit the Rector's Palace and see
the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, dating back
to 1317. The rest of the day is at leisure.
(BB)
Day 6 - Thu: Excursion to Montenegro
Travel to the Republic of Montenegro. Head towards
the mouth of the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in
Southern Europe. See the little towns of Risan and Kotor. Then proceed to
Cetinje, once the seat of Montenegrin rulers, today a city & museum. After the
sightseeing in Cetinje, travel to the coast for a short stop in the villages of
Sveti Stefan and Budva before returning to Dubrovnik.
(BB)
Day 7 - Fri: Visit Split
Travel north along the spectacular Adriatic Coast to Split and tour the historic inner
city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, one of the best
preserved Roman ruins. See the Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of St.
Dominius, converted into a Christian church from Diocletian's mausoleum. Also
see the Peristyle, the interior courtyard of the Roman complex with slender
pillars. Spend some time on your own before joining your group for dinner.
(BB,D)
Day 8 - Sat: Trogir & Plitvice
After breakfast head to Trogir, set on a small island and joined to the
mainland by bridge. Since medieval times it has been a center of artistic
activities. Leave the Dalmatian Coast and travel to Plitvice Lakes National
Park. The Hotel Jezero enjoys a prime location with lush forests and tranquil
waters all around. Enjoy an evening stroll or take advantage of the numerous
water activities available.
(BB, D)
Day 9 - Sun: Plitvice Lakes
You have a full day to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder where
16 terraced lakes are surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush
vegetation. Take a walking tour around some of the lower lakes to see wonderful
vistas. You will have opportunities to explore further on your own or relax in
the hotel's luxurious indoor whirlpool and sauna.
(BB, D)
Day 10 - Mon: Opatija & Bled
Return to the coast and travel to
the popular resort of Opatija, favored by the Habsburgs in the 19th century.
Take an orientation tour to see the highlights of this former imperial resort.
Afterwards, continue to Bled, beautifully set in a charming location on a lake
of the same name with a romantic island in the center. It is a great region for
sports at all times of the year.
(BB, D)
Day 11 - Tue: Bled & Ljubljana Highlights
Take a sightseeing tour of Bled to
view the main features and visit the imposing Bled Castle, one of the oldest
medieval fortresses in Slovenia. As the residence of the Bishops of Bixen, the
fortress was noted in documents dating back to 1004. From the terraces there are
magnificent views over the entire area. Travel to Ljubljana to view the open-air
Central Market and the small, but renowned, Triple Bridge. Also see the Gothic
Town Hall, built in 1718, and the Baroque Robba Fountain before returning to
Bled.
(BB)
Day 12 - Wed: Postojna Caves & Venice
This morning journey south to visit Postojna
Caves. This is the longest cave system in Slovenia and was created by the Pivka
River. Even on a hot summer's day, the caves maintain an evenly cool
temperature. Tour the fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train,
which winds through fascinating limestone formations. Continue your drive
westward and cross into Italy and on to Venice.
(BB)
Day 13 - Thu: Venice Highlights
Today begin with a walking tour of Venice featuring the major highlights. Spend some
time in St. Mark's Square to admire the bell tower and façade of St. Mark's
Basilica before entering the church to see magnificent mosaics. Then tour the
Doges' Palace with its elaborate chambers and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass
blowing factory for a demonstration of this age-old trade and enjoy an afternoon
at leisure. You may like to explore further or take a gondola ride. In the
evening join your group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
(BB,D)
Day 14 - Fri: Depart Venice for U.S.
After breakfast transfer to Venice Airport for your flight back home.
(BB)
BB:Buffet Breakfast; D:Dinner