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Day 1/2:
Depart USA/Arrive
Zagreb |
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Today begins
with the trip of
a lifetime, as
you depart
America on your
transatlantic
fight to the
beautiful
Croatian capital
of Zagreb.
Welcome to
Croatia! After a
warm greeting by
your Tour
Director, you
will be shown to
your private
coach for
transfer to the
elegant Regent
Esplanade hotel.
It is of course
one of the most
famous and most
gracious
buildings in the
city, with a
premier location
in the midst of
Zagreb's vibrant
social life.
This evening you
will join your
professional
Tour Director
and fellow tour
members at our
Welcome Cocktail
Reception. And
enjoy exquisite
dinner in the
company of a
delightfully
talented guitar
player. Hotel
Regent
Esplanade,
Zagreb, (D) |
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This morning,
Zagreb will
charm you with
its abundance of
rich cultural
heritage that
dates back to
the medieval
days. We will
stroll past
baroque-style
mansions and
baronial
residences, and
admire the
beautifully
crafted facades.
In the company
of your local
expert, we will
visit the symbol
of Zagreb, St.
Mark's church in
the Upper Town,
which houses the
remarkable works
of Ivan
Mestrovic, its
most famous
sculptor. Come
to the Lotrscak
Tower and inhale
this most
beautiful view
of the city. The
attractions here
are plentiful,
the culture,
quite
mesmerizing.
There will be
enough time for
a delicious
fresh baked
pastry and a cup
of excellent
coffee in one of
the side walk
cafes in Gornji
Grad. Or dine on
some great
home-made cheese
and wine as you
chat with
friendly locals
at Dolac, the
lively open air
market.
Enjoy lunch in
one of the many
elegant
restaurants
nestled in the
centre of
beautiful
Zrinjevac park.
After an
afternoon rest,
savor the
architectural
and art
treasures of the
Croatian
National
Theater,
followed by the
Mimara Museum,
which rivals the
finest art
galleries in the
world. Here you
will discover
the sculptures,
classic
paintings and
choice works by
Ruben,
Rembrandt, Monet
and Renoir.
Next, visit the
Museum of Arts
and Crafts which
reveals
incomparable art
from the Baroque
period through
the 20th
century.
Cocktails will
be served in one
of the town's
hippest art
galleries, and
you will have
your chance to
meet and hang
out with one of
Croatia's well
known artists.
Hotel Regent
Esplanade,
Zagreb, (B, D)
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Day 4:
Zagreb/Ljubljana/Bled |
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After leisurely
breakfast, we
depart for
Slovenia 's
capital,
Ljubljana , a
medieval city
quietly nestled
below a
sprawling hill
and alongside
Ljubjana Castle.
And yes, by the
river
Ljubljanica! No
worries about
your luggage.
Leave it behind
in your room,
and it will be
collected and
transported on
to our next
destination.
There you will
find it already
delivered to
your room before
arrival! That's
valet
service--Adriatic
Luxury Journeys
style!
Meanwhile, en
route to
Ljubljana, we
stop for lunch
consisting of
traditional
Slovenian
specialties, at
the magical
Castle in Otocec
ob Krki. Enjoy a
private
sightseeing tour
of this jewel
that rises from
the mists of the
Krka River--the
only water
castle in
Slovenia and for
thousands of
miles around.
We continue to
Ljubljana , home
to one of the
oldest
Philharmonics in
the world; and
also to numerous
theaters,
museums and art
galleries.
Stroll through
the Old Town
district and
again experience
your private
tour in the
company of a
local expert.
Explore the
baroque town
building, the
colorful
farmer's market,
and discover the
cathedral of St.
Nicholas. Walk
across Dragon
Bridge, an Art
Nouveau
masterpiece
adorned with
dragons and
symbol of
Ljubljana. Then
stroll beside
the majestic
Ljubljanica
River, to the
centrally
located
Presernov Trg.
After lunch we
continue to Lake
Bled, one of
Europe’s most
fascinating
cities. You
won't believe
the amazing
views of this
pristine Alpine
resort! But
next, we'll take
a "pletna" boat
ride to St.
Mary's Island.
And while there,
we will admire
the renowned
church that was
built into the
rock
impregnating
this small
island. Now get
your walking
shoes out! For
our energetic
guide will take
you up
ninety-nine
steps to reach
the lake’s
highest point
and to
experience other
spectacular
views. If you
still have
energy
remaining, do
not forget to
ring the
church's
"wishing bell,"
which is rumored
to bring
everyone good
luck!
Afterwards, we
will return to
our beautiful
hotel for dinner
and overnight
stay. Grand
Hotel Toplice,
Bled, (B, D)
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Day
5: Bled/Postojna/Opatija |
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Sleep in and savor the ambience of our
beautiful hotel
in Lake Bled or
choose to join
us on a walk
around the lake!
We get a
mid-morning
start for our
excursion to yet
another natural
wonder, the
underground
world of the
Postojna Caves. These caves are
filled with
spectacular
limestone
stalactites and
stalagmites
which form
pillars and take
on fantastic
shapes and form.
On a guided
walking tour
accompanied by
the local
expert, you can
almost imagine
yourself in
another world. The culmination
of this tour is
small train ride
that takes you
to the heart of
the underground
fairyland. In
the early
afternoon we
continue to
Opatija, “The
Nice of the
Adriatic”. Enjoy the
breathtaking
views of the
wonderful
Opatija Riviera,
one of the
European oldest
and most elite
summer resorts
of the
Austro-Hungarian
Empire, now
attracting many
famous names
from imperial
families,
artists,
scientists and
politicians.
Walk along the
beautiful
stretch of
elegant villas,
lush gardens and
parks or relax
in your elegant
and luxurious
“Mozart” hotel
situated in the
very heart of
Opatija. Hotel Mozart,
Opatija, (B, D)
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Day 6: Opatija/Porec/Rovinj/Pula |
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We reserve today
for a full day
of exploring the
"terra
magica"--our
Istrian
Peninsula. The
crystal clear
sea, clean
shores and
ports, lively
fishing boats
and teeming
narrow stone
streets exude
the true charm
of the
Mediterranean.
Our fist stop is
Porec. It is
home to the
famous basilica
of St.
Euphrasius, a
12th century
UNESCO World
Heritage site
that features
artwork, mosaics
and stained
glass. Next, we
continue to
beautiful
Rovinj, Istria’s
cultural mecca,
with its
fantastic
setting of
centuries-old
red-roofed
houses clustered
around the hill
of a former
island. The
monumental
baroque Church
of St. Euphemia
crowns the hill.
And far below is
the wide harbor
packed with
pleasure boats
and rimmed with
bright awning
and colorful
cafe umbrellas.
Journey through
the serene
Tuscan-like
scenery with its
rolling hills
and vineyards.
You will arrive
next at the 3000
year old town of
Pula , the heart
of the Peninsula
, which houses
the best
preserved Roman
amphitheater in
the World. There
is no more
delightful way
to savor the
Istrian
Peninsula then
to lunch at one
of the many
superb
restaurants in
the entire
region. They are
known for
exquisite
seafood
delicacies,
delectable
truffles, the
aromatic Muscat
of Monjan or the
ruby-red Teran
that once upon a
time fortified
Casanova
himself! Here we
will have the
pleasure of
meeting at least
one famous
Croatian-American
actor who has no
performed
several main
roles in films
that are
presented at the
Pula film
Festival. After
lunch there will
be enough
quality time to
work off any
extra calories
you deliciously
gained! We will
saunter along
old Pula and
discover its
many mysteries
and whispers
from the past.
Among these, is
the alluring
atmosphere of
prehistoric
times and roman
gladiatorial
combats, which
nowadays is a
unique stage for
festivals and
concerts. Our
journey through
the old city
will include the
Roman
Amphitheatre and
its underground
chambers. And
the many city
gates and walls,
Triumphal arch
of Sergians, the
Roman Forum and
mosaic, and the
Cathedral of the
Assumption of
the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Hotel Mozart,
Opatija, (B, D)
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A
very special
experience
awaits you in
Gorski Kotar and
Lika. Lovely
green landscapes
of exceptional
ecological value
reside in a
number of nature
parks, which
rise a mere
dozen feet above
the sea.
Discover
Plitvice Lakes
National Park –
the unique oasis
of rare natural
beauty. It is
one of Europe’s
most dazzling
nature reserve
parks, and was
truly created by
nature. The park
consists of 16
connecting lakes
and sport unique
cascades of
murmuring
waterfalls.
Plitvice Lakes
National Park
was recognized
and protected by
UNESCO as part
of the world’s
natural heritage
in 1979. We will
take a lively
walk along the
lakes and
breathe the
fresh mountain
air while
listening to the
captivating
sounds of
nature. Next, a
boat ride across
the largest of
the lakes, we
will experience
an unique
perspective of
nature: the lake
is rife with
crystal clear
emerald water
and fringed with
bubbly white
waterfalls! Soon
after, you will
enjoy a
traditional
dinner at Licka
Kuca consisting
of delicious
pork and lamb on
a spit. It all
promises to be a
memorable meal
and evening! Hotel Jezero,
National Park
Plitvice (B, D)
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Day 8: Plitvice/Zadar/Split |
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We will bask in
divine
inspiration from
the beauty of
the Adriatic
Coast as we stop
in the
3000-year-old
Zadar, en route
to Split. A
centuries-long
center for the
Illyrian tribe
of Liburni and
capital of
Dalmatia for
millennia, Zadar
is a city of
rich spiritual
and material
culture. And
this is well
shown from its
many reverent
walls and
numerous sacral
monuments.
Accompanied by
our professional
English-speaking
guide, we visit
the Cathedral of
St. Stosia (St.
Anastasia)
dating from 1285
A.D., where
paintings of
Carpaccio and
Palma Jr. are
exhibited. We
will also
experience the
Roman Forum and
pre-Romanesque
church of St.
Donat (dating
from 9th century
A.D.), the
massive city
gate and Square
of Wells, the
Church of St
Simon, and the
permanent
exhibition “Gold
and Silver of
Zadar.” During
this leisurely
time, we may
continue
exploring
Zadar’s many
historic
treasures, but
also remember to
shop for all
sorts of fine
local souvenirs.
Lunch will be
served at one of
Zadar's quaint
restaurants,
providing of
course
traditional
specialties and
a glass of
famous
Maraschino – the
local liqueur
made from
authentic
Maraska sour
cherry. Zadar
will indeed
forever pervade
your memory as a
true spot for
divine
inspiration! But
after lunch, we
will continue to
the Roman
Emperor’s
magnificent city
of Split. Hotel
Le Méridien Lav,
Split, (B, D)
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Day
9: Split/Solin/Trogir |
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Experience
the charm of the
southern
Mediterranean as
we arrive at
Split, the
largest city
along the
Adriatic coast.
Its beauty
captivated 4th
Century Roman
Emperor
Diocletian, who
built his palace
here. So we
begin our
sightseeing tour
of Split with a
visit to this
lofty palace.
First, we walk
the
well-preserved
ancient cellars;
for here is
where one can
truly experience
this magnificent
palace. We
continue with a
visit to the
Cathedral, which
is considered to
be one of the
oldest in the
world. The
Cathedral was
built on the
remains of an
ancient shrine.
And across the
Cathedral is the
Temple of
Jupiter, which
today is used as
a baptistery.
After lunch, we
continue on to
the charming
town of Trogir,
which is also
included in the
UNESCO list of
protected world
cultural
heritage. You
will quickly see
why it is called
a museum city by
keeping in mind
the many
artistic
repositories it
hosts. There is
the famous
portal of Trogir
cathedral and
the Renaissance
city loggia. And
let's not forget
the 1000-year
old monastery of
St. Nicholas.
Trogir is indeed
a treasure trove
of art, and also
a stage for
young tenors
from all over
the world who
come here each
year to engage
in singing
competition.
There will be
enough time for
strolling the
narrow, charming
streets of
Trogir and then
relaxing and
dining in a
local café.
Afterwards, we
return to your
deluxe
accommodations
in Split.
Hotel Le
Méridien Lav,
Split, (B, D)
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We will catch
another glimpse
of paradise as
our private boat
approaches the
amazing island
of Hvar. Having
been recently
placed on the
list of
Croatia's ten
most beautiful
islands, sunny
Hvar is, without
doubt, numbered
among the most
seductive of
Dalmatian
islands. Hvar
has the largest
island town
square on both
sides of the
Adriatic. And
one of the first
communal
theaters in
Europe, built in
1612, called the
Arsenal. There
is also the
famous “Tvrdalj”
Palace of Petar
Hektorovic, not
to be missed.
And we won't!
Here the only
question to be
answered is
whether Hvar
captivates you
more with its
indelible
history and art.
Or grabs you
with the
indelible beauty
of nature that
imbues the
island and is
enhanced with
the pure
fragrance of
lavender. Our
local expert
will guide you
along your tour
of both the town
of Hvar and
around the
entire island.
And to complete
your stunning
island
experience, we
will subject you
to sampling some
of Hvar's
delicious island
cuisine. It's
diverse
authentic tastes
and many
specialties can
be savored at
most any of the
island's local
restaurants. In
late afternoon
we board our
private boat and
head back to
Split. Hotel
Le Méridien Lav,
Split, (B, D)
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Day
11: Split/Mostar/Dubrovnik |
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Today
we take you to
experience a new
city in a new
country. En
route to
Dubrovnik, we
take you to
Mostar in Bosnia
& Herzegovina.
This is a city
of poetry and of
stone and narrow
streets. This is
the city where a
traveler from
the north feels
the first breeze
of Mediterranean
air, which is
imbued with
scents of citrus
and sea. It is
unlike the
traveler from
the south who is
destined to
reach and
experience his
first glimpse of
the continent
beyond. No
matter, the town
is exceptional
for its unique
dwellings and
proud monuments.
They have been
harmoniously
assembled over
many centuries,
thanks mainly to
favorable
geographical
conditions and
sound economic
climate. Here,
you will visit
uncommon city
sights,
including the
Old Bazaar, the
Turkish House,
and any of the
many old
Mosques. After
this guided tour
of Mostar, you
will have some
free time for a
long pleasant
stroll. It will
be among the
many old craft
shops, choice
boutiques and
antique stores.
And then time
out for lunch in
any of the many
picturesque
local
restaurants.
Villa
Argentina,
Dubrovnik, (B,
D)
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Now it's time to
take you on an
unforgettable
journey to
Dubrovnik, the
Renaissance
Jewel of the
Adriatic. It's
often been
called a classic
medieval
heartstopper.
For it is rife
with glorious
fountains,
palaces and
cathedrals. And
rich in history
and culture,
dating all the
way back to the
7th century. The
limestone bricks
of the walled
Old City shimmer
like marble in
the moonlight.
Fine detailing
and the
architecture of
its quaint
buildings
underscore an
artistic
heritage that
both enhances
and defines a
landscape of
sea, sky and
hills. It is a
playground for
those who desire
the unspoiled
fortune that is
the
Mediterranean
landscape.
Dubrovnik is
steeped in
sunshine and
bathed in mild
Mediterranean
breezes, a lush
region of coves,
forested islands
and idyllic
beaches. Visit
the beautiful
cloister at the
Franciscan
Monastery. It is
a home to one of
the world’s
oldest
pharmacies,
which has been
open since 1931.
Delight in the
artistic
treasures of the
Assumption of
the Virgin, and
visit the
Rector’s Palace,
and 14th-century
Dominican
Monastery.
Indulge in a
delectable
choice of
gourmet
restaurants and
intimate cafes,
which will
delight even the
most
discriminating
palate. Now
let's raise a
toast in
celebration, and
do so in each of
the many cozy
Dubrovnik pubs
and taverns. Or
opt for nice hot
cup of coffee
served in any of
the town’s
charming
squares. A last
stroll down the
cobblestone
streets of
Stradun awaits
us. Or we can
delight your
senses even
further along
this peaceful
retreat by
holding you
glued to more
dazzling views
of the Adriatic.
All seen from
you luxury hotel
room with a
view.
Villa Argentina,
Dubrovnik, (B,
D)
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Day
13: Dubrovnik/Montenegro |
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After
your leisurely
breakfast or
perhaps a
lilting walk on
the beach, we
take a short
drive to
Montenegro,
Europe's last
undiscovered
secrets.
Montenegro is
always an
unforgettable
experience,
whose
exceptional
natural beauty
is in
combination with
a history rich
in culture.
Enjoy the drive
around Kotor
Bay, with its
numerous small
settlements, and
let's make a
stop in the
Medieval Kotor
to soak in the
typical
Mediterranean
lifestyle. Then
we will proceed
up towards the
mountains to
visit Cetinje.
Lastly, a
friendly stroll
around in Budva,
the ancient town
and lovely
tourist resort,
is of course in
order!
Villa
Argentina,
Dubrovnik, (B,
D)
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We spend a part of this marvelous day visiting
the Pelješac
peninsula and
the small
medieval town of
Ston. For wine
lovers, Peljesac
is the famous
kingdom of
Dingac, which is
the most highly
regarded of all
Croatian wines.
Our first stop
will be at Ston,
a small medieval
town which was
one of first
towns in Europe
to be built
after a very
exacting
architectural
plan. The town
is especially
known for its
spectacular city
walls. They are
considered to be
the second
longest in all
the world.
Nearby is
another small
town, Mali Ston,
famous for its
oyster and
mussel
production. Here
you will have
the opportunity
to taste some
local
scrumptious
seafood. Next,
is the town of
Orebic, which is
popular for
visiting art
historians. But
the day would
not be complete
without a visit
to one of the
many fine wine
cellars in the
region. Then
afterwards, we
return to
Dubrovnik for
our afternoon
rest and dinner. And you
cannot but
wonder if you
have not indeed
found paradise
on earth!
Villa
Argentina,
Dubrovnik, (B,
D)
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Our adventure
must sadly end
with your final
journey to the
Dubrovnik
airport.
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