|
Day 1: Arrive Zagreb
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. Regent
Esplanade, Zagreb, (D)
Day 2: Zagreb
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 Meštrović, its most famous sculptor. Come to the Lotrščak 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.
Regent Esplanade, Zagreb, (B)
Day 3: Zagreb/Ljubljana/Bled
After leisurely breakfast, we depart for Slovenia 's capital,
Ljubljana, a medieval city quietly nestled below a sprawling hill and alongside
Ljubljana Castle. Ljubljana is a 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 Prešernov 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. Hotel Toplice, Bled, (B, D)
Day 4: Bled/Postojna/Opatija
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)
Day 5: Opatija/Poreč/Rovinj/Pula
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 Poreč. It is home to the famous basilica of St. Euphrasius, a 12th
century UNESCO World Heritage site that features artwork, mosaics and stained
glass. 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! After
lunch break 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).
Day 6: Opatija/Plitvice
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 Lička Kuća 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)
Day 7: Plitvice/Zadar/Split
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. Stošia (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. 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. Le Méridien Lav, Split, (B, D)
Day 8: Split/Solin/Trogir
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.
Le Méridien Lav, Split, (B)
Day 9: Split/Hvar/Split
We will catch another glimpse of paradise as the 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 the boat and head back to Split. Le Méridien Lav,
Split, (B)
Day 10: Split/Mostar/Dubrovnik
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. Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik, (B, D)
Day 11: Dubrovnik
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 1317. 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.
Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik, (B)
Day 12: Dubrovnik/Kotor/Dubrovnik
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. Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik, (B)
Day 13: Dubrovnik/Korčula/Dubrovnik
We spend a part of this marvelous day visiting the Pelješac peninsula and the
small medieval town of Ston. For wine lovers, Pelješac is the famous kingdom of
Dingač, which is the most highly regarded of all Croatian wines. We arrive to
Korčula, that is considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and history and
tradition are apparent when you walk along the paved streets and squares of this
lovely town. The city tour includes a visit to cultural and historical
monuments, such as the Treasury of the Abbey, the City Museum, the Museum of
Icons, as well as other places of interest. 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! Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik, (B, D)
Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik
Our adventure must sadly end with your final journey to the Dubrovnik airport.
|
|
|
