• Guaranteed departure group travel: small, friendly group limited to 12/14 participants only!
• More than 15 included sightseeing tours & cultural experiences
• Discover the best of the “City of the thousand hearts”-the stunning Zagreb
• Visit Varazdin, the former capital town of Croatia which today is a true baroque gem
• Discover Trakoscan, the most romantic castle in Croatia
• Sample a variety of Croatia’s top-quality wines
• Get to know some of the most representative Croatian dishes, their tradition and preparation
• Take a walk through the historical city centre of Ljubljana to explore all the major sights
• Ride the funicular to reach Ljubljana Castle
• Explore the most visited European cave system-Postojna Caves
• Included regional meals: All breakfasts, 5 dinners,2 lunches (main meals include wine, mineral water, local coffee or tea only)
• Exceptional English speaking tour director, experienced to accompany you throughout your journey
• All entrances to main Croatian sites are included
• All transportation on tour, via private air-conditioned 21 seater minibus
• Included gratuity for city guides
• All transfers while overseas; baggage transfers & porterage
• City tour with local guides in 
• City taxes and service charges at all hotels and restaurants are included
• No hidden extras
• Arrival & departure:The tour will begin with transfers from Trieste airport to the hotel and end with a transfer to the airport in Dubrovnik from your hotel at scheduled times
• Early arrival/Late stay options: We recommend arriving a day or more prior to tour start.We’ll be happy to make these arrangements for you.
• Activity level: Light/Moderate
• Terms & conditions/Single supplement: (View Here) and FAQ ( View Here)
• Trip Interruption and Cancellation insurance is not included. We highly recommend Travelex-Insurance.com to protect your vacation.
• Purchase of European Travel & Health Insurance is strongly recommended.We highly recommend Travelex-Insurance.com to protect your vacation

• TRIESTE, “Grand Hotel Duchi D’Aosta” or similar (2 nights)
• ZAGREB,”Esplenade Zagreb Hotel” or similar ( 2 nights)
• LJUBLJANA,”Hotel Cubo“or similar (2 nights)
• SPLIT,”Hotel Luxe” or similar (2 nights)
• DUBROVNIK,”Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik” or similar (3 nights)

12 DAYS TRIESTE, SLOVENIA & CROATIA SMALL GROUP TOUR ITINERARY

SMALL GROUP TOUR ONLY FROM TRIESTE TO DUBROVNIK

Day 1: WELCOME TO TRIESTE

Arrive at Trieste airport and travel to the city center for a two- nights stay at an historical hotel, close to the city’s architecturally treasures. Trieste used to be a major “centre of literature, music, art, and culture” when, until the end of WW I, it was part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire; today, the city is a delightful and fascinating fusion of Italian and Eastern European architecture and atmosphere, and a magnificent window on the Adriatic Sea. In the early afternoon, a guide will shed light on the history of this fascinating city visiting sights such as the old town, the Austrian Quarter, the Lighthouse of Victory, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Cathedral and Castle, and the Mercato Coperto Market Hall. A welcome dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight in TRIESTE

Day 2: DELIGHTS OF ISTRIAN PENINSULA: ROMAN PULA & ADRIATIC CHIC ROVINJ

Discover the richness of the Istrian Peninsula with its Italian and Croatian influences. Nestling at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea,and the islands that tumble down the Kvarner gulf are some of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Europe.The ancient port city of PULA is dominated by the 1st century Roman ARENA, that stands in its centre,one of the largest surviving amphitheaters in the world.You’ll be able to go beneath the arena floor to see the actual passageways and rooms where gladiators and their foes, including wild animals, awaited their turn in combat.Afterwards,continue to the picturesque Venetian-style coastal town of ROVINJ,with its well-preserved medieval centre,quirky gallery and womantic feeling.Explore the town on your own and perhaps enjoy lunch in some of Croatia’s best restaurants. Dinner is on your own this evening.Overnight in TRIESTE

Day 3: POSTOJNA CAVE, ELEGANT LJUBLJANA & ITS CASTLE

A paradise of snow-capped peaks,turquoise rivers and Venetian-style coastline,Slovenia enriches its natural treasures with harmonious architecture,rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine.Today’s journey takes you to explore POSTOJNA CAVE, the almost 13-mile-long karst cave system where an electric train takes us deeper than is possible in any other cave in the world.Continue to the vibrant capital of Slovenia,LJUBLJANA and one of Europe’s best kept secrets. A youthful city, Ljubljana is known for its university, green spaces, Ljubljanica River which winds through the old town.Upon arrival,meet your local expert who introduces you to this quaint town,nestled gently along the banks of the river, bringing to life the works of Slovenia’s greatest architect, Joze Plecnik, the impressive City Hall,the magnificent Cathedral of St.Nicholas,the outdoor markets, and the Ljubljana CASTLE which houses an interesting multi-media historical museum.We’ll be staying for the next two nights in a charming boutique hotel. You are free to discover more of the colorful winding streets and local shops, or maybe a walk through the Tivoli Park, take a boat ride or simply watching the world goes by.Dinner is included in a local bistro boasting Slovenian cuisine with Slavic, Mediterranean, and Germanic influences.Overnight in LJUBLJANA

Day 4: GLORIOUS LAKE BLED & JULIAN ALPS

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 and the Karavanke as backdrops,BLED is Slovenia’s most popular resort town whose namesake lake is the stuff of fairytales. Bled’s beauty and its warm waters were well known to medieval pilgrims who came to pray at the island church;the place made it into print in 1689 when Janez Vajkard Valvasor described the lake’s thermal springs in “The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola”.BLED CASTLE is perched atop a steep cliff more than 100m above the lake-a medieval fortress with towers,ramparts,moat-sand a terrace offering magnificent views.The smallish 16th century Gothic chapel contains paintings of castle donor Henry II and his wife Kunigunda on either side of the main altar.The Castle houses a museum collection that traces the lake’s history from earliest times to the development of Bled as a resort in the 19th century.End the visit with a lovely ride on the lake in PLETNA, a traditional gondola.Return to Ljubljana for an afternoon at leisure. Overnight in LJUBLJANA

Day 5: HIGHLIGHTS OF ZAGREB

Art, culture, and a vibrant cafe’ scene are the keynotes of this easy-going Central European metropolis. Close in style to Vienna and Budapest, Croatia’s laid-back capital city ZAGREB is very different to the Mediterranean flavored towns of the Adriatic coast. Embark on a tour of this fascinating city that has marked the intersection of Eastern and Central Europe for more than 1000 years. Begin on the city’s central square, perpetually busy with pedestrians and passing trams. From here it is a short walk to the Neo-Gothic CATHEDRAL and then the DOLAC MARKET, one of Central Europe’s most colorful collections of fruit and veg stalls. Stroll up RADICEVA STREET to the atmospheric UPPER TOWN, a well-preserved Baroque quarter where the church of St Mark’s is a popular landmark. After time on your own for lunch, we’ll visit the CROATIAN NATIONAL THEATER, completed in 1895, a blend of Neo-Baroque and Rococo. The interior is richly decorated with works by Croatian and Viennese artists.Dinner is included in a local restaurant.Overnight in ZAGREB

Day 6: MAGICAL VARAZDIN & THE ROMANTIC TRAKOSCAN CASTLE

Today’s drive takes you to visit the nearby ZAGORJE REGION, a hilly region filled with Medieval and Renaissance fortresses and numerous Baroque castles all blending into a memorable, romantic landscape. With more than 50 castles, some with most mesmeric parks, this is one of the richest regions in the whole of Croatia! Here we will visit the charming so-called “Little Vienna” of VARAZDIN, a city of baroque, young people, music, flowers and bicycles, including the 17th century SERMAGE PALACE, displaying Croatian, international old masters and modern paintings. We conclude the visit by discovering the romantic TRAKOSCAN CASTLE, where you can enjoy the surrounding nature and a picturesque lake. A rustic lunch is included today in the heart of Zagorje paired with well-known local wines. Overnight in ZAGREB

Day 7: THE MAGIC OF WATERFALLS IN PLITVICE LAKES,UNESCO TROGIR & CHARMING SPLIT

Returning to the mainland,scenic roads wind their way over the Velebit mountain range, a dramatically dry and rocky place on its seaward side,lush and forested further east.On the far side of the Velebit’s main ridge lies the stunning UNESCO PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK, known as the “Falling lakes”, a frothing sequence of waterfalls,lakes and streams.Walkways weaver their way around the water,while trails lead into the wilder,woodland parts of the park in the surrounding hills.After time on your own for lunch,continue to the town of TROGIR, a beautiful tiny island treasure declared a UNESCO World Heritage. Trogir’s roots are Greek, not Roman like Split, and its crown jewel is the spectacular 13th Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Its daring portal, carved in 1280 is just a precursor of the wonders inside.Late afternoon,we depart for SPLIT where we spend the next two nights at a central hotel. Overnight in SPLIT

Day 8: UNESCO HERITAGE OF SPLIT-THE PALACE OF DIOCLETIAN                               

Welcome to SPLIT, one of the oldest cities in this historic region.Explore ancient Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which the emperor chose as his retirement home because of the area’s spectacular beauty. Your special tour also takes you into the mysterious passages in the lower levels of the palace’s massive structure — Game of Thrones fans will recognize this site as one of the show’s filming locations! You’ll have the balance of the day free to explore Split on your own.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Overnight in SPLIT

Day 9: MAGICAL HVAR-THE ISLAND OF SUN & WINERY VISIT

After breakfast today, we’ll spend the day exploring one of the Mediterranean’s most celebrated islands. We’ll start by taking a speedboat to the lavender-covered HVAR, one of only three European islands included in the World’s Ten Most Beautiful Islands List.Upon arrival, we’ll take a guided tour of Hvar’s Old Town, then we’ll have time to explore the island: we can enjoy the many secret beaches and coves, walk up to the medieval castle overlooking the town, walk among the lavender fields and olive groves below the castle and right outside the town’s medieval gate, spend time in a café people watching or shop for unusual jewelry, lavender and olive oil for which Hvar is famous.Then we visit a local winery for a tasting and lunch.We continue our journey south today, traveling along the scenic Dalmatian coast to the popular and beloved historic walled-city of DUBROVNIK for the last three nights at a central boutique hotel. Overnight in DUBROVNIK   

Day 10: WALKING TOUR OF DUBROVNIK’S OLD TOWN    

George Bernard Shaw was so enchanted by this beautiful city, about which he said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik”, as well as famously describes it as “the pearl of the Adriatic”.Dubrovnik is a stunning city with its amazing Old Town, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.Today we discover the city whose ancient walls have withstood both time and tide for hundreds of years. We begin with a walking tour around the city walls, whose original ramparts and bastions date to the 12^th and 13^th centuries (Dubrovnik itself was founded in the 7^th century). Then we continue through the Old City, paying a visit to the stately Baroque Cathedral (c. 1672), the Treasury, whose gilded shelves and historic relics sit behind locked wooden doors; and the Franciscan monastery with a 14^th-century pharmacy.The afternoon is free to explore on your own,allowing time to browse, getting to know better this magical city. Overnight in DUBROVNIK

Day 11: MY TIME IN DUBROVNIK & HANDS-ON-COOKING EXPERIENCE                                                                 

The morning is free to shop, explore and relax in this beautiful town. In the late afternoon, celebrate your Croatian adventure with a COOKING CLASS followed by a unique dinner sharing travel memories and toasting new friends.Learn how to prepare original traditional Dubrovnik dish Skewer on a laurel stick in an authentic stone house in Konavle countryside. Overnight stay in DUBROVNIK

Day 12: GOOD-BYE CROATIA

Morning transfers at scheduled times to Dubrovnik airport

2024 TOUR PRICE: € 4,800           SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: € 800  Currency Converter   

Prices are per person based on double room occupancy for 12 days/11 nights