This 2025 Escorted tour program is packed with memorable visits to the most worthy sites along Dalmatian coastline and inland of Croatia and then across peaceful Slovenia, righteously called Europe's Little Hidden Jewel.
Start off in UNESCO-listed Split with its ancient Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace
See historic Trogir with its Old Town on the island
Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest and Croatia's largest National park with a chain of lakes and waterfall of exceptional natural beauty.
Travel along the beautiful Bay of Kvarner to its gem town of artsy Opatija and the majestic Postojna Caves
Cross into Slovenia, internationally recognized as Europe's Little Hidden Jewel
Visit and enjoy the breathtaking views of Bled Lake amid Alpine Mountains.
Finish your journey in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, the city not short of praiseworthy highlights incl. bountiful museums, captivating architecture, entertainment events and an explosion of outdoor activities
Day-by-Day Program:
Day 1 MON ARRIVE SPLIT
You will be transferred from Split airport to your hotel. Get settled and enjoy dinner at the hotel (D)
Day 2 TUE IN SPLIT
In the morning enjoy your sightseeing tour featuring the ancient inner city of Split, the second-largest Croatian city after Zagreb. It was built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace.
The Palace is known as one of the largest Roman Palaces ever built anywhere. It has been inscribed as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Also see the remnants of Split's Roman Heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures. Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. The balance of the day is at leisure to either continue exploring city's treasures or just soak up on a beach.
Overnight in Split (B)
Optional excursion: to Jet Set spot of rich and famous - Island of Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic
Day 3 WED TO TROGIR and PLITVICE LAKES
After breakfast head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities.
Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint.
Then turn inland and travel to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around the lower lakes and waterfalls.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of natural wonders of sixteen terrace lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation (B,D)
Day 4 THU To OPATIJA, POSTOJNA & BLED
Return to the coast and travel along the scenic Bay of Kvarner to its popular resort in the town of Opatija.
After some free time, we continue north to Postojna, home to the magical corner of the Karst world, ideally located at the junction of roads leading to Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Austria.
Tour the world's most captivating cave with magnificent cave formations and diverse fauna. Take an unforgettable ride on Postojna Cave's underground train and experience a fascinating subterranean paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years. Afterwards, continue on to Bled beautifully nestled in the Julian Alps (B,D)
Day 5 FRI In BLED
An Alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was discovered by travelers in the mid-19th c. Since then, a small town of hotels, villas and restaurants has developed around the lake, turning Bled into a lively, all-seasons resort.
A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore. Also enjoy the imposing views of the Bled Castle perched on a 460 foot cliff high above the emerald-green lake.
The balance of the day is free for independent activities. Perhaps take an optional trip to the island in the middle of the lake or just enjoy the enchanting scenery (B)
Day 6 SAT To LJUBLJANA and ZAGREB
Leave the mountains and head to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. See the most significant sites of the old city center on a walking tour. Your sightseeing features the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Robba's Fountain and Baroque Town Hall. Then continue to Zagreb, a vibrant inland capital of Croatia, with loads of beautiful architecture (B,D)
Day 7 SUN In ZAGREB
This morning join an orientation tour of Zagreb located atop the hills overlooking the Sava River. The capital is widely renowned for its Austro-Hungarian architecture. As well as being an amazing blend of medieval towers, 19th c. palaces and ancient cathedrals.
Your sightseeing will feature the medieval Upper Town, known as Zagreb’s historical Gradec, the architectural masterpiece St. Mark's Church, St. Catherine's Church, the neo Gothic Cathedral famed for its two 354 ft spires, its goosebumps-inducing organ, with nearly 6,100 pipes, the Government Palace and Parliament.
The rest of the day is at leisure. To really shop local, visit one of Zagreb's open-air markets. Or sit down on a terrace, like a typical local, for rakija (schnapps) and kava (super-strength coffee) offered everywhere at all hours (B)
Day 8 MON Depart ZAGREB
After breakfast your tour ends. Transfer to airport (B)
* B-Breakfast, D-Dinner