Day 1, May 18
Depart Houston Bush Airport – overnight flight to Dubrovnik (DBV)
Day 2, May 19
Welcome to Dubrovnik, the most picturesque city on the Dalmatian coast and often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! We will enjoy a guided walking tour of this magnificent city known for its characteristic red roofs and old Roman streets. Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by mighty walls and fortresses that have been well preserved over the centuries. A highlight of the tour will be riding a cable car to overlook Dubrovnik and see the breath taking views of the old city and the crystal clear Adriatic Sea with its numerous islands.
Dinner and overnight Valamar Lacroma or Valamar Argosy (D)
Day 3, May 20
After breakfast, we will take a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s historic harbor to Lokrum Island, a stunning and uninhabited nature reserve situated in the Adriatic Sea. The island is a natural paradise that is dotted with fragrant lemon and orange trees and is known for its lovely botanical gardens which are home to 800 species of exotic plants. Other popular sites on the island include the ruins of a former Benedictine monastery, built in 1023, and a small “Dead Sea” that is popular for a quick swim. After lunch, we head toward the tranquil and fertile Konavle Valley, famous for its olive oil production and fine embroidery work. Our first stop will be a local winery where we will enjoy a guided tasting of 4 wines and olive oil and learn about the history of wine making and olive oil production. Dinner will be served in the authentic 400 years old Konavle house.
Overnight Valamar Lacroma or Valamar Argosy (B)(D)
Day 4, May 21
Today we will leave Croatia and cross the border into Montenegro. We will visit Budva, a well-preserved medieval walled city situated near the sandy beaches of the sparkling blue-green waters of the Adriatic. The town of Budva is 2,500 years old, which makes it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. After lunch we travel to Kotor, a city steeped in tradition and history with remarkable scenic views of the beautiful bay of Montenegro. Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is filled with medieval architecture and historic monuments. At the end of the day, we return to Dubrovnik where you can enjoy free time and dinner. Overnight Valamar Lacroma or Valamar Argosy (B) (L)
Day 5, May 22
After breakfast, we will head north and stop in the small fishing village of Ston. Known as a salt-producing town, Ston was an important military fort and its defensive walls are world famous – the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China. The salty waters surrounding Ston make it one of the best places in the world to harvest oysters and mussels. We will enjoy a short cruise to learn about cultivating oysters and mussels and then we will enjoy our catch with a glass of local wine. After lunch, we will continue to Split, the second largest city in Croatia with a mix of modern life and ancient history. We will enjoy a walking tour of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient palace built for the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD. Dinner will be on your own and overnight Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split (B) (L)
Day 6, May 23
Today will be a relaxing day of island hopping as we sail to the Adriatic Islands of Brac and Solta. There will be time for swimming and snorkeling (bring your own mask and snorkel if desired) in one of the hidden bays as well as shopping as we go ashore to the picturesque towns on the islands. Lunch will be served onboard. Dinner will be on your own and overnight Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split (B) (L)
Day 7, May 24
After breakfast, we will drive through Dalmatia Hinterland, one of Europe’s most intriguing and lesser-known regions, to visit Etnoland, a family run historical and cultural site where Dalmatian history will come alive. During our visit, we will learn about Dalmatia through powerful cultural live storytelling while enjoying fantastic Drniš “pršut” (smoked ham), home-made cheese, superb local wines and traditional “peka” traditional bread. We continue in the afternoon to Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city. Zadar’s street layout dates back to Roman times and during the Middle Ages it was the main base of the Byzantine fleet. An interesting stop will be the Sea Organ, one of the first musical pipe organs that is played by the movement of the sea. Dinner and overnight Hotel Pinija, Zadar (B) (D)
Day 8, May 25
Today we will explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the world’s most impressive national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park consists of 16 interconnecting lakes that tumble into each other, one after the other, in a series of stunning waterfalls. The color of the lake water varies from emerald green to turquoise to deep blue depending on mineral content and lighting conditions. Picturesque wooden boardwalks criss-cross the lakes, creating a fairytale-worthy environment. Dinner and overnight in Opatija – Amadria Park Hotel Agava, Opatija (B) (D)
Day 9, May 26
After breakfast, we will explore the Istrian Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Croatia located at the head of the Adriatic Sea. This area is a mix of Roman history, vineyard draped hill towns and pastel seaside villages with a whiff of Venetian flair. Our first stop will be Rovinj, which is often referred to as “Venice on a hill.” Rovinj is a scenic old town filled with cobblestone streets and alleys, colorful houses, charming town squares, art galleries, and a lively harbor full of small pleasure and fishing boats. After lunch, we will visit Pula, known for its multitude of ancient Roman buildings. We will have a guided tour of the Pula Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters and the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers entirely preserved. It was constructed between 27 BC and AD 68, and is among the world’s six largest surviving Roman arenas. Dinner and overnight in Opatija – Amadria Park Hotel Agava, Opatija (B) (D)
Day 10, May 27
Today we travel to Slovenia, famous for its beautiful landscapes, lakes and dramatic scenery. Our first stop will be Lake Bled, surrounded by the Julian Alps and one of the most picturesque spots in Slovenia. We will board a traditional “pletna” boat and cross the lake to Bled Island to visit Bled Castle, an impressive medieval castle dating back to the 11th century that is perched high above the tranquil waters of Lake Bled. After lunch, we will visit the beautiful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. We will enjoy a guided tour of the city and travel on a funicular railway to visit the Ljubljana Castle and enjoy stunning views of Ljubljana. Dinner and overnight Ljubljana – Eurostars uHotel, Ljubljana (B) (D)
Day 11, May 28
Depart to USA from Ljubljana, Slovenia
