Your tour begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia,* a romantic capital city in the midst of a cultural renaissance. Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner in this fairy tale town.

This morning a local expert introduces you to beautiful Ljubljana. Nestled gently along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, the city is dotted with green parks, picturesque bridges, sidewalk cafes and a lively central market. See Prešeren Square, the impressive City Hall, Ljubljana University, and the many bridges that the city is known for, such as Dragon Bridge where this majestic symbol of the city is on full display representing courage and power. Enjoy some free time for lunch in this vibrant town. In the early afternoon, travel towards Lake Bled nestled between the Julian Alps. Visit the centerpiece of Lake Bled, Bled Island, by a traditional wooden boat. Continue the afternoon in one of the most picturesque places in Slovenia. Perhaps you’ll try the legendary Bled’s cream cake before you return to Ljubljana.

This morning, depart Ljubljana. Get to know more of Slovenia when you visit Novo Mesto, a small-town gem embraced by the Krka River and landscapes of gentle hills. View the town from a unique perspective as you drift along the famous river bend. Later, continue on a walking tour with your local guide. Enjoy your free time and lunch on your own. Continue to Croatia and the lovely seaside resort of Opatija, known as “Croatia’s Riviera.” This fashionable region was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Habsburg Monarchs. Get acquainted with this coastal town on a brief walking tour. Your evening is at leisure.

Start off your day with a leisurely spent morning. Spend the afternoon discovering the richness of the Istrian Peninsula with its’ Italian and Croatian influences. Visit a local distillery, where the owners use regional plants, fruits, and herbs to produce brandies, snacks, and other treats. Discover a picture-perfect example of a hilltop Istrian town. In the late afternoon, a delightful farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant lets you sample the regional wines and culinary delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula.

This morning, depart for Plitvice Lakes, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Inspiring scenery is one of the wonders you’ll experience at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel among the park’s dense forests and terraced lakes, where waterfalls and free-flowing cascades connect one lake to the other. Enjoy a short cruise that takes you into the heart of this natural wonder that extends over 73,000 acres. Tonight, you will stay at a hotel in the small village near the National Park.

From the forest landscapes of Plitvice Lakes travel through the Croatian countryside and stop in a traditional small village. Croatia has a long history creating high quality, artisanal prosciuttos, and this family-owned property we visit makes one of the best. After a short tour to learn how the meat is produced, enjoy a light lunch of homemade specialties. Arrive in Split, a seaside city full of Roman ruins and natural splendors. This afternoon set out on a walking tour featuring the impressive Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO), one of the most significant late Roman historical monuments built by Emperor Diocletian when he left Rome at the turn of the 4th century. Explore its Peristyle and the Cathedral of St. Dominus. This evening discover Split’s gastronomy scene while dining on your own.

This day is yours to relax and explore Split’s coastal charms independently, or you might consider an optional trip to Trogir (UNESCO). This coastal gem is renowned for its picturesque Venetian architecture, medieval walls, towering cathedrals, prominent stone houses and scenic charm. This evening, enjoy typical Dalmatian cuisine during dinner at a cozy local restaurant.

Savor stunning sea views as you travel the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the aquamarine of the Adriatic Sea. Stop in a quaint village in the Dalmatian countryside where a local family hosts you for a delicious lunch made from ingredients produced from the valley near their home. Learn about village life and listen to Croatian folk music played on the “lijerica,” a traditional instrument. Continue to Dubrovnik, a city of twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops, rich in history and charm.

Join a local guide on a tour of the “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy resides, and see Dubrovnik’s many historical sites like the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and Old Town’s famous main street, Stradun. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Ascend Mount Srd by cable car for breathtaking views of the Old City of Dubrovnik, the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, and the islands -OR- receive a ticket to access the walls that contain the old city of Dubrovnik and gain a different perspective on this remarkable place. Tonight enjoy your dinner in a local restaurant.

Spend today at leisure relaxing or independently exploring the marble streets and beautiful baroque buildings of Dubrovnik’s breathtaking Old Town. Or perhaps you’ll embark on an optional tour to the culturally rich Konavle region, where you’ll be welcomed at a family-owned vineyard to learn about their cultivation and production methods before indulging in a tasting of their wines. Then, experience lunch at a locally owned restaurant that prepares culturally rich recipes prepared in traditional ways passed down for generations.

This morning we depart Dubrovnik and travel to lovely Cavtat, a coastal resort town. After a short tour reveals its highlights, enjoy free time to grab coffee or lunch at one of its seaside cafes. Continue to the airport for a short flight** to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. A late afternoon tour highlights the best of Croatia’s capital that has marked the intersection of Eastern and Central Europe for more than 1000 years.

The day is yours to explore Zagreb however you wish! Explore old towns’ two medieval settlements, stroll the many open squares and parks, or enjoy the Dolac Market. Or perhaps you will choose to take an optional tour to Croatia’s Zagorje region with visits to historic Kumrovec and the foodie favorite of Samobor. This evening a farewell dinner in a local restaurant celebrates the end of an unforgettable trip.

Your tour comes to an end in Zagreb this morning.