Your Itinerary
Welcome to Croatia and the historic city of Dubrovnik situated on the country’s southern coast. Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Its ancient city walls, ramparts and bastions provide breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, while the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town offers a captivating glimpse into centuries of history.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination around 4.00pm.
At approximately 5.00pm, join your fellow travellers and tour director for brief introductions and an orientation walk before our welcome dinner.
Special Experience
Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and taste the regional cuisine at a special home-hosted dinner.
The stunning city of Dubrovnik welcomes us with stone buildings, deep green shutters and terracotta roof tiles. Today, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the Old Town, which will transport us back to a time when this city was home to notable poets, scholars and artists. Our tour will begin at the Pile Gate, and we’ll pass the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, and the majestic Sponza Palace. We’ll also stop at the Dominican Monastery, where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and stunning architecture.
Next, we’ll visit the Rector’s Palace, the residence of the head of the Republic of Dubrovnik, where we’ll learn about the city’s history of governance and how natural disasters shaped its impressive architecture. Our journey will continue with a visit to the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, which has been operating since 1317.
To cap off the day, we’ll take the cable car up Mount Srd for an unforgettable view of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. In the afternoon, you’ll have leisure time to further explore the Old Town.
Day 3 - Dubrovnik – Montenegro – Dubrovnik
After an early breakfast, we’ll set off on a breathtaking drive along the Adriatic coast, with towering cliffs and lush landscapes unfolding before us. Our destination is Montenegro, a stunning country known for its natural beauty. We’ll arrive in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town located in the Bay of Kotor. The Bay is the longest and deepest fjord in southern Europe, and the town is dotted with charming villages along its coastline.
We’ll embark on a scenic cruise through the sparkling waters of Kotor Bay. We’ll stop at the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, famous for its unique history and striking church. After the cruise, we’ll explore Kotor’s well-preserved medieval town. The town is home to impressive landmarks such as the Tryphon Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of Kotor.
Following the tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling the flavours of Montenegro. We’ll arrive back in Dubrovnik in the evening.
Day 4 - Dubrovnik – Split
After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey towards the peaceful Bacinska Jezera, one of Croatia’s hidden gems. We’ll pause here to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lakes and take in the scenic surroundings. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some memorable photos.
Next, we’ll head to the charming coastal town of Makarska, where we’ll have free time to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch. You can take a stroll along the waterfront or savour a meal at one of the local restaurants, soaking up the laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey along the breathtaking Adriatic Coast, with view that will surely leave you in awe.
Our next destination is Split, Croatia’s second-largest coastal city. Once we arrive, we’ll step back in time with a fascinating walking tour of the city. We’ll pass by Jupiter’s Temple, admire the grand Peristyle courtyard and marvel at the impressive St. Domnius Cathedral. We’ll visit Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most remarkable Roman monuments in the world. Originally built by Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD as a residence, military fortress and fortified town, the palace is now the heart of Split’s Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Our day begins with a visit to the town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town known for its medieval beauty. The town’s walls dating back to the 13th century, surround a treasure trove of Renaissance buildings and narrow cobbled streets.
As we stroll through the Old Town, we’ll explore landmarks like the stunning St. Lawrence Cathedral. Built on the site of an ancient Greek temple, the cathedral’s bell tower showcases a blend of architectural styles due to its long construction period.
Next, we’ll continue to Klis, a town perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Split and the surrounding coastline.
Special Experience
Explore a family-run olive farm and learn about their organic methods, then enjoy a delicious tasting of their olives and oils!
Upon returning to Split, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore this vibrant coastal city at your leisure.
Day 6 - Split – Plitvice – Slunj
We depart split this morning and head to the breathtaking Krka Bridge. We'll stop at Krka Skradin, a quaint town nestled at the entrance of Krka National Park. Known for its traditional stone houses, peaceful atmosphere and delicious local cuisine. It's the perfect spot to capture a quick photo of the stunning scenery around us.
Next, we'll drive along the picturesque Maslenica Bridge, a striking modern landmark that spans the Novigrad Sea, offering panoramic views of the sparkling waters and rugged coastline.
We'll arrive at Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site famous for its spectacular waterfalls and vibrant, crystal-clear lakes. Here, we'll have some free time for lunch before we dive into an afternoon walking tour of the park.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Croatia, made up of stunning forestry and sixteen cascading lakes. Renowned for their range of distinctive colours, the lakes’ water changes from azure to green, grey or blue depending on the quantity of minerals in the water and the angle of sunlight.
After our adventure through this natural wonder, we'll head to our hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 7 - Slunj – Ljubljana
Today, we bid farewell to Slunj and make our way to Postojna, a picturesque town nestled in Slovenia’s Karst region. Postojna is named after the white-tailed eagle, a majestic bird that once nested high above the town, adding to its allure. Here, we’ll venture into the extraordinary Postojna Cave, one of the world’s most remarkable underground systems.
Formed nearly 12 million years ago, the cave stretches for over 24 kilometres, and we’ll board a train to explore its vast chambers and galleries. As we wind our way through this natural wonder, we’ll be amazed by the intricate calcite formations.
Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s idyllic capital. Known for its blend of Baroque and modern architecture, Ljubljana offers a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. The city’s tree-lined streets, charming bridges, and the iconic Ljubljana Castle create an irresistible charm that has earned it a spot as one of Europe’s up-and-coming destinations.
Once in Ljubljana, we’ll take a short sightseeing tour, offering glimpses of the city’s highlights. We’ll have some free time to wander through the pretty streets, explore the local cafes, or visit one of the many museums before settling in for a relaxing evening in this delightful city.
Day 8 - Ljubljana – Bled – Ljubljana
The Julian Alps have been captivating European travellers for centuries, and today, we’ll have the pleasure of experiencing their beauty up close on a day trip to Bled. Known for its serene, sapphire-toned lake, charming villages and refreshing alpine air, Bled has a way of enchanting everyone who visits.
We’ll begin our day with a guided tour of the town, starting with a visit to the stunning Bled Castle. Perched high on a cliff above the lake, this medieval fortress, dating back to around 1011, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. As we stroll through its historic halls, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
No trip to Bled would be complete without tasting its famous local specialty – the Bled Cream Cake. With its delicate layers of puff pastry, smooth custard, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a treat you definitely won’t want to miss!
Next, we’ll continue our journey through Slovenia’s picturesque villages, making our way to Bohinj. Here, we’ll visit a local farm and learn all about the region’s dairy industry.
Special Experience
Experience a traditional butter making demonstration at a family dairy farm and enjoy a taste of the delicious dairy products.
We return to Ljubljana and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9 - Ljubljana – Novo Mesto – Zagreb
This morning, we’ll make our way to the delightful town of Novo Mesto, beautifully situated on a horse-shoe bend of the Krka River. With its peaceful atmosphere, winding cobblestone streets and intimate charm, this town invites us to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of its tranquil surroundings.
Special Experience
Take a relaxing cruise aboard Rudolf’s Raft, meandering past adorable buildings dotted along the riverbank, while enjoying local wine, delicious snacks and light music.
Next, we travel back into Croatia and to its capital city, Zagreb, nestled between the Medvednica Mountains and the Sava River. Known for its mix of medieval charm and modern elegance, Zagreb is both the cultural and economic heart of the country. Arriving in Zagreb, we’ll get acquainted with the city during free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guiding walking tour of Zagreb’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll pass by the colourful St. Mark’s Church, the Parliament and Government Palace and the stunning St. Catherine’s Church. Lastly, we’ll marvel at the impressive Zagreb Cathedral, with its twin Gothic spires dominating the city skyline.
This evening, we’ll indulge in a three-course farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia.