Itinerary

1. TUE I DUBROVNIK

   Upon arrival in Croatia's Dubrovnik, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to begin exploring or perhaps stroll along the water’s edge. Later, gather for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

2. WED I DUBROVNIK

   After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a walking tour to discover the highlights of Old Dubrovnik. You’ll see the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day offers you free time to discover more of the city on your own; browse through the shops, or relax and enjoy your superbly scenic surroundings. (B)

3. THUI DUBROVNIKI MONTENEGROI DUBROVNIK

   Travel to the Republic of Montenegro. Head to the mouth of the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Enjoy a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, one of two islets off the coast of Perast. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest building on the islet with a museum attached to it. Upon return to the coast, we will stop in Perast, a charming coastal town. Visit the city of Kotor before returning to Dubrovnik. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your own way. (B)

4. FRI I DUBROVNIK I SPLIT

   Travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to Split. A sightseeing tour takes you to the historic city center, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and the beautiful Cathedral of St. Duje. (B,D)

5. SAT I SPLIT I TROGIR I PLITVICE LAKES

   After breakfast, head to Trogir, one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast and a center of artistic activities in Croatia. Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. Then, turn inland and journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park. (B,D)

6. SUN I PLITVICE LAKES

   Share in a full day to delve into spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes and delight in the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder, featuring 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. (B,D)

7. MON I PLITVICE LAKES I OPATIJA I POSTOJNA I BLED

   Returning to the coast, stop at the beautiful bay of Kvarner and its popular resort, Opatija. An orientation tour of Opatija will reveal the highlights of this former Imperial resort city. Later, drive across the border into Slovenia and to Postojna Cave, one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, continue to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps. (B,D)

8. TUE I BLED I LJUBLJANA I BLED

   An Alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore, and visits imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. Afternoon excursion to Ljubljana; the city tour takes in views of the open-air Central Market, Baroque Town Hall, Robba's Fountain, the Three Bridges, and the Parliament. Return to Bled for an overnight. (B)

9. WED I BLED I TRIESTE I VENICE

   Leaving Bled, drive south to Italy and Trieste for an orientation tour, including a visit to Miramare Castle and its lovely park. The castle, built by the Habsburg monarchy, sits on a cliff overlooking Adriatic Sea. After your visit, continue on to the romantic city of Venice. (B)

10. THU I VENICE

    A walking tour of Venice shows you the highlights: St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, Bell Tower, and Bridge of Sighs. Then visit a glassblowing factory and watch a master artisan demonstrate this traditional Venetian art. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Venice at your own pace, browse through the shops, or take an optional gondola ride. Celebrate your incomparable vacation tonight with a Farewell Dinner at a popular restaurant. (B,D)

11. FRI I VENICE TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

    Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Venice’s airport for your departure flight home. (B)