Marvelous Adriatic

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ITINERARY

Day 1  Zagreb 

Upon your arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel in Zagreb. Time at leisure. Overnight. 

Day 2  Zagreb- Ljubljana

After breakfast, city tour of Zagreb with a local guide where you will see the main attractions featuring the Upper Town which is cozy, intimate and distinctly medieval in ambience; Church of St. Mark with its multicolored roof, the Stone Gate, Traditional market, the Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre and the main square. After free time, departure to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Upon arrival to this undiscovered gem of Europe, sightseeing tour with a local guide who will take us around the city center, Ljubljana Castle, show us Dragon Bridge, Kongres Square, Prešern Square, National Gallery, Parliament, Triple Bridge, Central Market, Old Town and other jewels that  make Ljubljana so special. Free time to explore the city. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 3 Ljubljana- Bled- Bohinj- Ljubljana

Breakfast. Today we will meet Gorenjska Region and enjoy the beautiful Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. After breakfast we will drive towards Bled and take a guided tour, including pletna ride to the island, St. Mary ́s Church and Bled castle, which is standing on the cliff above the lake and offering an unforgettable view of Bled. Short drive to Bohinj, the picturesque valley with the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. Guided tour in Bohinj, including lake ride, Savica Waterfall and Mostnica Gorge. Transfer back to Ljubljana. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 4 Ljubljana- Venice- Portoroz

After an early morning breakfast, transfer to Venice. Our city tour will include most famous Venice attractions, including Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the old, romantic city center of Venice. We will continue by boat ride, visiting the beautiful islands of Murano and Burano, which are known for glass and lace production .After a long day, transfer to Portoroz, a popular coastal city in Slovenia. Overnight at hotel. (B)

Day 5  Portoroz- Postojna- Opatija 

Breakfast. After free time , departure to the famous Postojna Caves, which is the best-known cave in the world and also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world's largest karst monuments. You will enjoy a fantastic web of tunnels, passages, galleries, halls and astonishing diversity of Karst. Following the visit, we will continue our journey to Opatija, a beautiful and famous Riviera, most known as the summer and relaxing destination to European aristocrats in the last century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 Opatija- Istria tour- Opatija

After breakfast, departure towards the Istrian peninsula, a place where natural beauty, cultural heritage, vineyards and olive groves form to be a perfect and unforgettable destination. Our first stop is Pula where we will visit the Roman amphitheater “the Pula Arena” dating back to 1st century AD.  After, the guide will take us to the cathedral of the Assumption, the temple of Augustus, Ancient gates among other sites.   After the visit we will continue our trip to the medieval town of Rovinj, characterized for its Baroque and Renaissance styles.  We will walk through the narrow and picturesque streets of the old town over the path of polished stone steps, leading up to the church of St. Euphemia, the patron of the city.  Following the visit, free time to enjoy a local lunch (own expense). Continuing our journey we will visit Porec, known for its long promenade along the beautiful coast. We will walk through the Old town passing by charming streets and buildings with a typical architecture, until reaching the Euphrasius basilica, the most notable monument of the town that dates back to 6th century AD. After free time, return to Opatija. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, D) 

Day 7 Opatija- Plitvice- Sibenik

After breakfast, departure to Plitvice lakes National Park, listed as UNESCO World’s Heritage since 1979. This nature wonder encompasses 16 lakes which are connected throughout 92 waterfalls, surrounding by rich vegetation and large forest making it a perfect habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. After the walking tour, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Following the visit, we will continue our journey to Sibenik, a popular coastal destination on the Adriatic. Overnight at hotel. (B) 

Day 8 Sibenik- Split- Makarska 

After breakfast, walking tour of the old town with a local guide visiting the most notable cultural monument listed as UNESCO Word’s heritage since year 2000, the cathedral of St. James. Also we will see featuring sites as the Gothic Church of St. Frane, the former Dukes Palace (now the Museum of the City of Sibenik) and the Town Hall. After free time, we will drive to Split, the second largest city of Croatia. Our local guide will take us to visit the Diocletian palace and its cellars, home to Roman emperor in the 3rdcentury AD. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Peristyle and Jupiter’s temple among other interesting attractions. Later on we will continue our trip to Makarska, a popular summer destination on the Dalmatian coast.  Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, D)

Day 9 Makarska- Korcula Island

Breakfast. Morning departure to Korcula Island. Along the way we will enjoy the natural beauty with breathtaking sceneries. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, D) 

Day 10 Korcula Island – Hvar Island - Korcula Island

After early morning breakfast, transfer to Korcula harbor where we will board a fast boat for the trip across to Hvar island………. After free time, return to Hvar harbor for your transfer back by fast boat to Korcula island. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 11 Korcula Island – Dubrovnik

Breakfast. Morning departure to Dubrovnik, most known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. After check in at the hotel, transfer to the Old town of Dubrovnik (listed as UNESCO World’s heritage since 1979) for a walking tour with a local guide where we will see the magnificent citadel surrounded by well-preserved stone walls which were built to protect the city and its citizen from foreign invaders. Crossing through the famous street called Stradun, we will see the Franciscan monastery, Sponza palace, Rector’s palace, the Assumption Cathedral, Onofrio’s fountains, Church of Saint Blaise and others. After the tour, free time to explore the narrow streets of the old town or have a walk around the Old port. Return back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B, D) 

Day 12 Dubrovnik- Excursion to Kotor and Budva - Dubrovnik

Breakfast. This morning we will take an excursion to Kotor and Budva, 2 of the most visited destinations in Montenegro. Driving around the Kotor bay, we will stop for a picturesque view of a small islet where the church of Our Lady of the Rocks is located. Continuing our trip we will arrive to Kotor, one of the most preserved medieval port towns, architecturally influenced by the Republic of Venice and UNESCO protected World heritage site. Visit Saint Tripun’s Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, City walls and other notable sites. Continue to Budva. Visit the ancient walls and fifteenth century seaside fortress, the landmark of the Old Town Budva. Small squares and narrow streets mark Old Town Budva where numbers of cultural events are held. This is a famous summer destination for young travelers. Return to Dubrovnik. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,D).

Day 13 Dubrovnik - Mostar – Sarajevo

Breakfast. Morning departure to Mostar, the cultural capital of Hercegovina. Upon arrival, walking tour of the Old town, a place influenced by the Ottoman Era. The guide will take us to the most remarkable symbol of the city, the Old Bridge over Neretva River – single arch stone bridge which is a monument under UNESCOs protection. We will also see the Cejvan Cehaj Mosque (the oldest mosque in Mostar), The Old Bazaar named Kujundziluk, among other main monuments.  After, free time to enjoy lunch. Continuing our journey we will drive to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 14 Sarajevo

Breakfast. Visit the Capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, city known for diverse cultural and religious atmosphere. This is where Roman and Orthodox Catholic Church along with the Islam meet and influence each other. Ottoman era architecture copes along the Austro Hapsburg one. Our local guide will show us the main sights of the Old town including the Latin bridge where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary Empire and his wife were assassinated; the old bazar Bascarsija, the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque built during the Ottoman period, Brusa Bezistan – City Museum, the Tunnel Museum, the cathedral, the Brusa Bezistan complex among other important monuments. After the tour, you will have free time for lunch and to explore further the town. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 15  Sarajevo

Breakfast. Free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

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Day 1  Zagreb 

Upon your arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel in Zagreb. In the afternoon city tour of Zagreb with a local guide where you will see the main attractions featuring the Upper Town which is cozy, intimate and distinctly medieval in ambience; Church of St. Mark with its multicolored roof, the Stone Gate, Traditional market, the Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre and the main square. After free time, transfer back to the hotel. Orientation meeting at hotel and welcome dinner. Overnight. (D)

Day 2  Zagreb - Bled- Bohinj

After breakfast, departure to Bled with guided tour, including pletna ride to the island, St. Mary ́s Church and Bled castle, which is standing on the cliff above the lake and offering an unforgettable view of Bled.

After free time for lunch and exploring on your own , we continue to the lake of Bohinj , a largest lake in Slovenia. Full dinner at a local restaurant sampling local Slovenian gourmet delicas Overnight at the hotel in Bohinj. (B, D)

Day 3 Bohinj – Ljubljana- Postojna- Opatija

After breakfast, departure to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Upon arrival to this undiscovered gem of Europe, sightseeing tour with a local guide who will take us around the city center, Ljubljana Castle, show us Dragon Bridge, Kongres Square, Prešern Square, National Gallery, Parliament, Triple Bridge, Central Market, Old Town and other jewels that make Ljubljana so special. 

We continue our journey to the famous Postojna Cave, which is the best-known cave in the world and also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world's largest karst monuments. You will enjoy a fantastic web of tunnels, passages, galleries, halls and astonishing diversity of Karst. After, free time to enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants. Following the visit, we are on a road againg continuing to our final destination today : Opatija, a beautiful and famous Riviera , most known as the summer and relaxing destination to European aristocrats in the last century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 4 Opatija- Istria Tour (Motovun, Truffle culinary experience, Rovinj , Pula) – Opatija

After breakfast departure to Istrian peninsula, a place where natural beauty, cultural heritage, vineyards and olive groves form to be a perfect and unforgettable destination. Our first stop is Grožnjan, the home of many artistic colonies and galleries, from where we continue towards the nearby Livade, a small village known in the world as the truffle center, which will delight you with its culinary offer. Our path will take us from Livade to Motovun, a typical Istrian historical town located on the top of the hill above the fertile valley of the Mirna River. We will continue our trip to the medieval town of Rovinj, characterized for its Baroque and Renaissance styles. We will walk through the narrow and picturesque streets of the old town over the path of polished stone steps, leading up to the church of St. Euphemia, the patron of the city. Following the visit, free time to enjoy a local lunch.

Our next stop is Pula where we will visit the Roman amphitheater “Pula Arena” dating back to 1st century AD. Along we will pass by the cathedral of the Assumption, the temple of Augustus, Ancient gates among other sights . After free time, return to Opatija. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,T,D)

Day 5 Opatija – Plitvice - Sibenik 

After breakfast, departure to Plitvice lakes National Park, listed as UNESCO World’s Heritage since 1979. This nature wonder encompasses 16 lakes which are connected throughout 92 waterfalls, surrounding by rich vegetation and large forest making it a perfect habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. After the walking tour, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local Pltvice Ethno restaurant. Following the visit, we will continue our journey to Sibenik area, a popular coastal destination on the Adriatic. Overnight and dinner at hotel in Sibenik. (B,L,D) 

Day 6 Sibenik- Trogir- Split- Makarska 

After breakfast, we will take a costal drive towards medieval town of Trogir. Upon arrival walking tour of the Old city town which is located on a small island connected to mainland. We will see the Cathedral of St Lawrence, the tower clock, the city hall, remains of the Old walls and other sights. Continuing to Split. After sampling local sweet donuts “Fritule” we will start walking tour of Split with a local guide where we will visit its most notable monuments: Diocletian palace, The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Peristyle and Jupiter’s temple among other interesting attractions. Then you will have free time for lunch and to explore the old town or walk around Riva (waterfront promenade).

Only one hour drive further south will bring us to our next destination and a place to stay for the might

Makarska ..a small charming picturesque Dalmatian town. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B, D)

Day 7 Makarska - Mostar

Breakfast. Morning departure to Mostar, the cultural capital of Hercegovina. On our way to Mostar we will stop in a small vllage overlooking magnificant waterfalls. After short walk we will have lunch with a gorgeous view sampling local delicacies. We continue towards Mostar. Upon arrival, walking tour of the Old town, a place influenced by the Ottoman Era. The guide will take us to the most remarkable symbol of the city, the Old Bridge over Neretva River – single arch stone bridge which is a monument under UNESCOs protection. We will also see the Cejvan Cehaj Mosque (the oldest mosque in Mostar), The Old Bazaar named Kujundziluk, among other main monuments. After, we will have local turkish cofffee and Baklava desert. Free time to enjoy the touch of Orient in South East Europe .Dinner and overnight at hotel in Mostar (B, L,T,D) 

Day 8 Mostar - Rural Herzegovina- Dubrovnik 

Today we'll take a long and scenic country drive through untouristed Herzegovina on our way to Dubrovnik. First we will make a stop in Medjugorje , one of the worldwide pilgrimage sights, Marian shrines of Europe. En route we'll discover the source of the Buna River and share coffee in the village of Blagaj before stopping in nearby Stolac to see the medieval Stećci tombstones that dot the fields and learn about the town's tumultuous past. After lunch in the unique setting of rural Herzegovina,together we'll drive through the predominantly Serbian Republika Srpska region, with a visit to Trebinje and its Gračanica monastery to learn about the Orthodox religion. We continue towards Dubrovnik.Early evening arrival. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Dubrovnik.(B,L,D)

Day 9 Dubrovnik 

Breakfast. Morning transfer  to the Old town of Dubrovnik (listed as UNESCO World’s heritage since 1979) for a walking tour with a local guide where we will see the magnificent citadel surrounded by well-preserved stone walls which were built to protect the city and its citizen from foreign invaders. Crossing through the famous street called Stradun, we will see the Franciscan monastery, Sponza palace, Rector’s palace, the Assumption Cathedral, Onofrio’s fountains, Church of Saint Blaise and others. After the tour, free time to explore the narrow streets of the old town or have a walk around the Old port. Return back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B, D) 

Day 10 Dubrovnik (Optional tour to Cavtat & Konavle valley)

Day at leisure or take the Optional excursion to Cavtat and Konavle valley where you will enjoy a morning visit to the town of Cavtat, the first inhabited settlement before the establishment of Dubrovnik town. Walk along its picturesque promenade with beautiful sightseeing of the crystal clear waters of the bay and the green surroundings.  Following this visit, drive to Konavle valley and admire the natural and cultural beauty that possesses: charming villages, fertile and rich lands, olive groves and vineyards. Continuing our visit, we will have lunch in a traditional local restaurant where you will enjoy the typical gastronomy of the region. After lunch, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Day 11  Dubrovnik 

Breakfast. Free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Day 1  Dubrovnik 

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel in Dubrovnik. Free time to refresh & meet with your guide for a Sunset Panorama Tour of Dubrovnik. Dinner and orientation meeting with your tour manager (D)

Day 2  Dubrovnik-Kotor-Budva –Ulcinj

After breakfast morning transfer to the Old town of Dubrovnik (listed as UNESCO World’s heritage since 1979) for a walking tour with a local guide where we will see the magnificent citadel surrounded by well-preserved stone walls which were built to protect the city and its citizen from foreign invaders. Crossing through the famous street called Stradun, we will see the Franciscan monastery, Sponza Palace, Rector’s palace, the Assumption Cathedral, Onofrio’s fountains, Church of Saint Blaise, and others.We continue south to Montenegro or Black Mountain .a mystical yet fascinating country, …from rugged mountains to sandy beaches , where turbulent history and diverse ethnic groups entangle . Inky waters of the Bay of Kotor are often referred to as the only Mediterranean fjord to the small squares and narrow streets of Budva that mark Old Town Budva, a popular summer destination of Montenegro. After a busy morning and many new images, this day has offered we stop for a late lunch at a local restaurant in Budva//Budva area. After lunch some free time to stroll the old town of Budva. We continue to Ulcinj, our place to stay overnight. Dinner at the hotel in Ulcinj. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Ulcinj-Shkoder-Tirana

Just cross the border into Albania and our first destination Shkodra ,known as the “capital of north Albania” it is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in the 4th century B.C. as the center of the Labeat tribe of Illyrians. Shkodra’s main tourist attraction is Rozafa Castle. Rising majestically upon a rocky hill west of the city, the outcroppings and battlements paint a blazing picture against the setting sun.

Two hours’ drive south will take us to the Albanian capital of Tirana where we will stay overnight.

Overnight Tirana (B,L,D)

Day 4  Tirana-Ardenica-Apollonia –Berat-Tirana

After Breakfast, another challenging culture-rich day is ahead of us. Today we visit Ardenica and Apollonia. Ardenica is an Orthodox monastery built in the 13th century. It is thought that it was in this idyllic place that the marriage of the Albanian national hero Scanderbeg was celebrated in the 15th century. After Ardenica we proceed to Apollonia, situated on the famous Via Egnatia. Apollonia was founded at the beginning of the 7th century BC by the Greek colonists and in Roman times, it was a large and flourishing city. We will have lunch in Apollonia.After the visit to Apollonia continue to Berat - The city is also known as “the city of thousand windows”. We continue our tour to the Castle and the Onufri museum. People are still living within the walls of the castle, just like their ancestors did. Onufri was an Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. After a long day, we return to Tirana. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Tirana (B,L,D)

Day 5 Tirana-Kruje-Podgorica

After a breakfast morning tour of Tirana. Begin with a visit to Skanderbeg Square in the city and the Clock Tower. Next to the Tower stands the Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the few religious monuments that survived the communist era regime. It is worth visiting the inside of the mosque. Our next stop is the National Museum, located in the heart of Tirana, where we learn more about the history of this ancient nation. Piramida, our next destination, is built by Enver Hoxha (Albania’s communist leader 1945 – 1985) to be a memorial to him. Nowadays is one of the most visited places by tourists in Tirana, although almost ruined. In front of Piramida, next to the Parliament building, we will visit for a while the new Bunker prototype, a symbol of the Communist Regime in Albania. After the Tirana city tour, we continue north and visit Kruja where you will experience a step back in medieval history by visiting the castle and Scanderbeg Museum. Walk in the Old Bazaar full of old shops that sell traditional handmade items

Lunch in a traditional local restaurant. After lunch, our driver will take us north to Montenegrin capital of Podgorica. Dinner and overnight in Podgorica (B,L,D)

Day 6 Podgorica- Ostrog Monastery-Piva Lake –Sarajevo

Podgorica is also the cultural center of the region. You will see the most outstanding attractions of Podgorica during the tour Stara Varos or the old town, old clock tower and the mosques in the streets are narrow and curvy, King Nikola's castle, St. George's church, Hercegovacka busy street lined with shops in the city center, Cathedral Hristovog vaskrsenja, King Nikola Monument, Montenegro's parliament, Millennium bridge built over the Moraca River. Rising on a cliff 900 m above the Zeta valley, the gleaming white Ostrog Monastery is the most important sight in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians attracting up to a million visitors per year. Our journey towards Bosnia and Sarajevo takes us through Piva Canyon and the Piva River which are undoubtedly some of the most extraordinary natural attractions of this stunning country. In case you didn’t know, the Piva River flows through the western parts of Montenegro, which are dotted with soaring mountains and magnificent forests that form breathtaking panoramas. The Piva Canyon is approximately 3,280 feet deep and is probably one of the most picturesque sites in Montenegro. We will surprise you by having today's lunch in this stunningly beautiful setting. Crossing into Bosnia and arrive Sarajevo-capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dinner and overnight Sarajevo (B,L,D)

Day 7 Sarajevo

Visit the Capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a city known for its diverse cultural and religious atmosphere. This is where the Roman and Orthodox Catholic Church along with Islam meet and influence each other. Ottoman-era architecture copes along with the Austro Hapsburg one. Our local guide will show us the main sights of the Old town including the Latin bridge where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungary Empire and his wife were assassinated; the old bazaar Bascarsija, the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque built during the Ottoman period, Brusa Bezistan – City Museum, the Tunnel Museum, the cathedral, the Brusa Bezistan complex among other important monuments. After our tour, we will indulge in some Bosnian food and deserts. Afternoon free to explore Sarajevo on your own. Dinner and overnight Sarajevo (B,L,D)

Day 8 Sarajevo-Mostar-Medjugorje-Baska Voda

Morning departure to Mostar, the cultural capital of Hercegovina .Upon arrival, a walking tour of the Old town, a place influenced by the Ottoman Era. Our local guide will take us to the most remarkable symbol of the city, the Old Bridge over Neretva River – the single arch stone bridge which is a monument under UNESCO's protection. We will also see the Cejvan Cehaj Mosque (the oldest mosque in Mostar), The Old Bazaar named Kujundziluk, among other main monuments. . After a city tour of Mostar and some free time we will take a scenic country drive through untouristed Herzegovina on our way to First we will make a stop in Medjugorje , one of the worldwide pilgrimage sights, Marian shrines of Europe.Following we will visit hidden waterfalls and have lunch in this charming setting. Driving further south –west we are crossing the border back to Croatia. Our place of residence for the next two nights is the charming little town of Baska Voda and our hotel right at the waterfront .Dinner at Hotel in Baska Voda (B,L,D)

Day 9 Baska Voda –Split-Trogir-Baska Voda

After breakfast departure towards Split. . After sampling local sweet donuts “Fritule” we will start a walking tour of Split with a local guide where we will visit its most notable monuments: Diocletian palace, The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Peristyle, and Jupiter’s temple among other interesting attractions. Then you will have free to explore the old town or walk around Riva (waterfront promenade) We continue towards Trogir. Lunch at a local restaurant in Trogir.Upon arrival walking tour of the Old city town which is located on a small island connected to the mainland. We will see the Cathedral of St Lawrence, the tower clock, the city hall, remains of the Old walls, and other sights. Some free time and return to Baska Voda( B,L,D)

Day 10 Boat trip to the island of Brac

Free Day on Leisure 

Or OptionalTour to islands of Brac & Hvar. (B, D) 

Day 11. Baska Voda –Split Airport

Breakfast. Free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Your will be informed of airport departure time by your tour director on the evening before) (B)