Croatia / Slovenia - Fall 2018

Here's our trip itinerary. We've signed up for all the optional excursions, so we shall see how this goes. Our earlier trip to Greece with Gate 1 was a great trip, so we're hoping for good things again. Heading out in late October.

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Venice and Transfer to Opatija
Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel in the seaside town of Opatija. A gem on Croatia's Adriatic coast, nestled along the striking Gulf of Kvarner. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the town on your own. Perhaps take a stroll along the "Lungo Mare" seafront and enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf, sheltered by soaring mountains. Tonight, Welcome Drink and Dinner with your fellow travelers, followed by an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the journey that awaits you in Croatia and Slovenia
Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Tuesday - Full Day in Opatija
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the seaside town of Opatija, with its rich history, picturesque surroundings and gorgeous beaches, once a gathering spot for the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Alternatively, join the optional tour to the Istrian Peninsula that begins in Pula, a strategic port since the times of the ancient Romans. Afterwards, the tour continues to the resort town of Rovinj. Tonight, return to Opatija and explore the charming town with its wealth of fine seafood restaurants
Optional: Full Day Istrian Peninsula (AM)
Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Wednesday - Zadar City Tour en Route to Split
Depart today for a long drive along the dramatic Adriatic coast to Split. En route stop at the historic old town of Zadar; highlighted by ruins of a Roman forum, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes and museums. This city is a wonderful combination of beautiful Roman architecture, Habsburg elegance, and a picture-perfect seafront. View the Cathedral and St. Donat Church before driving to the UNESCO protected seaside town of Split, the second largest city in Croatia. Upon arrival, in the early evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Thursday - Depart Split, Arrive in Dubrovnik
Walk along the cobbled streets of the Old Town featuring the historic inner city with its dominating Roman influence, built around the astonishing 4th century Palace of Diocletian. This spectacular palace is the largest and best preserved Roman palace in the world, built for the Emperor Diocletian, representing a precious example of Roman architecture. See the remains of the Roman Peristyle, the unusual Cathedral of St. Domnius built in the Middle Ages, and the Temple of Jupiter, with its headless black sphinx guarding the entrance. Spend time discovering the town independently before continuing along the coast to the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik where you will have the opportunity to see the amazing views of this city known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday - Dubrovnik City Tour
Enjoy the many delights of Dubrovnik today. The city's splendid medieval ramparts are considered to be one of the most grandiose fortification monuments in Europe, and its magnificent Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walking tour of "Old Dubrovnik" highlights the city's treasures within the 800-year-old walls including the Rector's Palace, an outstanding blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and the monumental Sponza Palace, preserved with its original beauty. Under the City Bell Tower on Luza Square stands Orlando's Tower, dedicated to the knight that saved the city in the 9th century. Continue to the Dominican Monastery, whose museum is a major treasury of culture and to the Franciscan Monastery with exhibits from the world's third oldest functioning pharmacy. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps, spend time strolling along the impressive ramparts overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Saturday - Full Day in Dubrovnik
A full day at leisure to explore Dubrovnik independently. Perhaps visit the Maritime Museum in St. John's Castle, linger in the historic Old City, or, people-watch at a charming cafe. Alternatively, join the optional full day tour to Montenegro, the "Jewel of the Mediterranean" nestled on the gorgeous Adriatic coast. Drive towards the stunning Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in southern Europe. On to the charming coastal town of Perast where a short boat ride takes you to the 15th century "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on an islet in the bay. Once there, visit the Roman Catholic Church whose interior is decorated with 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th century painter from Perast. Proceed to the charming city of Kotor for a guided walking tour. View the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, Maritime Museum, numerous Palaces and Old Square and get to feel the atmosphere of this unique medieval town.* Leisure time to walk the winding cobblestone lanes of the Old City before returning along the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik. Tonight, enjoy a walk along Dubrovnik's cobbled streets; see the glowing buildings and the fortifications accented against the night sky
*Due to the new EU regulations, expect significant delays during border crossings between Croatia and Montenegro.
Optional: Full Day Montenegro Tour (AM)
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Sunday - Krka National Park, Vodice
This morning, drive north towards breathtaking Krka National Park. Admire the lake and waterways at one of Croatia's most famous sights, including Skradinski Buk Falls, Arrive this evening in Vodice, a small resort town known for its vibrancy, diversity and friendly people. Dinner tonight is at your hotel
Overnight: Vodice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Monday - Zagreb City Tour, Arrive in Bled
Spend the morning traveling inland through wooded mountains and lush vegetation to Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Zagreb. View Ban Josip Jelacic square and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Continue to the medieval section of the Upper Town with its Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark’s church and the Pope's tower. After lunch on your own, depart for the lovely city of Bled, exquisitely set amidst the Julian Alps. Bled, with its rich natural beauty ranks among the world's most beautiful alpine resorts and is also renowned for its mild, healing climate and its thermal lake waters. With its emerald-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, Bled is Slovenia's most popular resort. Tonight, an optional dinner at a charming and popular country inn in the tiny medieval town of Radovljica, highlighted by a selection of traditional Slovenian dishes and wine
Optional: Tour of Radovljica with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Tuesday - Tour Ljubljana, Return to Bled
This morning drive to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia for a city tour that includes views of the open-air market, City Hall, Robba Fountain, the Three Bridges, and the Parliament. After some time at leisure, return to Bled for a sightseeing tour, including a visit to Bled Castle, located on a cliff high above the lake. This beautiful resort lies in the heart of the Julian Alps. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Reception at your hotel with your fellow travelers
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Wednesday - Travel to Venice
Depart Bled this morning to magical Venice. There is time today to begin your exploration of this astonishing city on your own, with its gorgeous palaces, winding canals, fabulous museums and galleries. Walk the cobblestone streets and cross the endless Venetian bridges to discover this city's intimate elements. Pamper yourself tonight at one of the city's fine restaurants, or just sit at an outdoor café and sip a cappuccino or a lovely glass of Italian wine
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Thursday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the Venice airport for your departure flight
Meals: BreakfastRead more