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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Croatia
Depart for Dubrovnik, Croatia
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Dubrovnik
Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, transfer to the hotel. You'll have the balance of the day at leisure, to rest or explore on your own. This evening at approximately 7 PM, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the fascinating journey that awaits you. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday - Explore Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik stands as one of Europe's most beautifully preserved medieval cities, surrounded by ramparts, watchtowers, and the azure Adriatic Sea. Within its walls, spend the morning exploring a treasure trove of rich history, admiring the Rector's Palace and touring the Franciscan Monastery, home to a 30,000-volume library and a 14th-century pharmacy. Enjoy stunning views of the Old Town and the Adriatic when you walk along the city's fortress wall. This 1¼ -mile stroll around Dubrovnik's perimeter offers a breathtaking perspective of red-roofed stone buildings and ancient, narrow alleys. Later, visit a local artisan to learn about the traditional craftsmanship that still thrives today. After a light lunch at a local restaurant, browse a leather and jewelry store before enjoying the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, take a short drive from Dubrovnik through the Croatian countryside to a lovely homestead, where you will be welcomed with tasty starters, such as local cheese and Dalmatian prosciutto. Enjoy the lush surroundings while savoring a traditional meal consisting of time-honored dishes, carefully prepared with fresh ingredients from the farm
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Full Day in Dubrovnik
Today is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik on your own or join the optional full day tour to Montenegro, the "Jewel of the Mediterranean" nestled on the gorgeous Adriatic coast. Drive towards the stunning Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. On to the charming coastal town of Perast where a short boat ride takes you to the 15th century "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on an islet in the bay. Once there, visit the Roman Catholic Church whose interior is decorated with 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th-century painter from Perast. Proceed to the charming city of Kotor for a guided walking tour. View the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, Maritime Museum, numerous Palaces, and Old Square and get to feel the atmosphere of this unique medieval town, before enjoying the scenic drive back to Dubrovnik.* Tonight, perhaps enjoy a walk along Dubrovnik's cobbled streets and see the glowing buildings and the fortifications accented against the night sky
*Due to the new EU regulations, expect significant delays during border crossings between Croatia and Montenegro.
Optional: Full Day Montenegro Tour (AM)
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday - Ferry to Korcula
After breakfast, take the ferry to the lovely Dalmatian Island of Korcula, birthplace of the legendary explorer Marco Polo. Arrive in time for lunch, then walk to its Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, with stunning Adriatic views. The rest of the day is free to discover this pretty island town on your own. Your Tour Manager can point out a dinner spot where you can try local seafood specialties
Overnight: Korcula Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Tuesday - Ferry to Hvar
This morning, travel back to Korcula town and sail by ferry to the mainland. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ston, drive north along the beautiful Adriatic coast to the small town of Drvenik. Board a ferry to the island of Hvar, and drive through this so-called ‘island of the sun’, up to the main town. With its dramatic landscape, rocky shores, lavender fields, and pristine beaches, you'll quickly understand why Hvar is rated as one of the world's Top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Dinner is on your own tonight
Overnight: Hvar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Wednesday - Explore Hvar
This morning, take a sightseeing tour of Hvar and view the oldest public theatre in Europe, the Franciscan Monastery and much more. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the treasures of Hvar on your own. Perhaps you'll relax on one of the island's beautiful beaches or board a boat to the Pakleni Islands, just off Hvar's coast, where secluded coves make for fine snorkeling and swimming. Or indulge in a spa treatment at the hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant
Overnight: Hvar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Ferry to Split & Discover Diocletian's Palace
Today, ferry back to the mainland to explore Split, Croatia's grand 1,700-year-old city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a walking tour, marvel at its rich culture and Renaissance and Gothic architecture. At the heart of its waterfront is Diocletian's Palace, the 3rd-century "retirement home" intended for the Roman Emperor of the same name. Admire its lovely peristyle courtyard, Cathedral of St. Domnius, and Roman temples. Many of the palace's structures were built with the gleaming white marble quarried from the nearby island of Brac. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday - Browse Morning Market, Tour Plitvice Lakes & Transfer to Istrian Peninsula
Greet the day among Croatian vendors setting up shop at Split's lively market. Find locally grown fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and wines here, as well as clothing, bags, and trinkets. Perusing these stalls is a great way to strike up a conversation with the locals. Later, drive to the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These 16 terraced lakes descend 300 feet in 4 miles down a wooded hillside via a series of waterfalls. After time to explore, continue to the seaside town of Opatija, beautifully sheltered between the Gulf of Kvarner and Ucka Mountain on the dramatic Istrian Peninsula. Tonight, have dinner together at the hotel
*This a very active day with a walk down to the Plitvice Lakes, that requires good walking shoes
Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Full Day in Opatija
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the seaside town of Opatija, with its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and gorgeous beaches, once a gathering spot for the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Alternatively, join the optional tour to the Istrian Peninsula that begins in Pula, a strategic port since the times of the ancient Romans with entrance to the amphitheater, the sixth largest of its kind to be preserved in the world today. Afterward, the tour continues to the resort town of Rovinj where you will spend free time exploring the old town and its narrow lanes before returning to Opatija
Optional: Full Day Istrian Peninsula (AM)
Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Sunday - Tour Ljubljana, Slovenia
Cross into Slovenia this morning and stop for a tour of its capital, Ljubljana. View its vast open-air market; the Baroque Venetian inspired City Hall; Robba Fountain, inspired by Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain in Rome; the Triple Bridge, which connects the old and new cities; and the Parliament. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Monday - Visit Bled Island & Countryside Drive to Bohinj
This morning, travel to Bled, situated on the pristine shores of Lake Bled in the spectacular Julian Alps. Explore Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. Continue your day on Bled's spellbinding lake aboard a Pletna, a traditional rowing boat. The destination is the tiny island that adds such charm to this vista. The island's church is home to a wonderful art collection. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, drive through gorgeous landscapes and typical Slovenian villages to Bohinj, an alpine resort town nestled amidst dense woodlands. A stop at the Sheppard Museum gives a farm-fresh taste of locally produced cheese. Return to Ljubljana in time for dinner on your own
Overnight: Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13, Tuesday - Explore Venice
Transfer to Venice this morning, once the center of an empire that oversaw the entire Adriatic. Upon arrival, travel by boat to your hotel. After lunch on your own, enjoy a walking tour of Piazza San Marco, with time to visit the Basilica and view the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and Campanile (bell tower). This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Italy
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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