• 11 Days
  • From $7,099
  • Airfare Included

Croatia, Slovenia & the Adriatic Coast - TPT

Tour Style:
Land
Activity Level:
Active
Highest Elevation:
Avg of 2,510 in Plitvice Lakes National Park
16 Meals:
8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Twin Cities PBS President & CEO

Sylvia Strobel

Twin Cities PBS President & CEO

Sylvia Strobel

Sylvia joined Twin Cities PBS as its 6th President & CEO in February of 2020. As the CEO of one of our nation’s foremost PBS stations, she is leading an incredible team responsible for outstanding programs like Skillsville, Hero Elementary, Almanac…

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Discover the incredible Balkans region, brimming with well-preserved medieval marvels, soaring mountain ranges, lush vineyards, and breathtaking coastal views of the Adriatic Sea. Begin with three nights in Zagreb, uncovering the city's charm with a guided walking tour amidst its picturesque streets. Travel into the nearby countryside to be immersed in the history of Trakoscan Castle and the stunning landscapes of Lake Bled, crowned by Bled Castle, before trying your hand at making traditional licitar in Radovljica and strolling the capital city of Ljubljana. Next, gaze upon gorgeous natural wonders in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Split for three nights and visit the imposing Diocletian's Palace, followed by an olive oil demonstration and tasting at beautiful Stella Croatica. Relax on a ferry ride in the Adriatic Sea to Hvar to admire the island's treasures, including the iconic Fortica Fortress. Our next exploration is Mostar, a medieval city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a stop at the famous Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and an Ottoman-era Turkish mansion. Finally, we conclude with three nights in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Wander through the ancient streets of Old Town, indulge in a Konavle wine tasting, and learn about silk production in this coastal paradise. Throughout our adventure, there’s also plenty of time at leisure to pursue personal interests!

Trip overview may vary by departure.

  • Day 1: Fly to Croatia
    Our journey begins with a flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Day 2: Arrive in Zagreb
    Upon arriving in Croatia’s capital city, we settle into our hotel for the next three nights. This evening, get to know fellow travelers over a wonderful Welcome Dinner.

    Meals Included: Dinner

  • Day 3: City Tour & Trakoscan Castle
    Savor a delicious breakfast each morning of our getaway. Our exploration of Zagreb starts with a walking tour, led by a local expert guide. Admire the Austro-Hungarian architecture, the 13th–century church in Upper Town, and the Gothic twin-spired cathedral. Then, enjoy time at leisure to shop for souvenirs or take in the charm of famous Tkalciceva street and the heart of the city, Ban Jelacic Square. Afterwards, we’re off to Lepoglava for a guided tour of one of the country’s most beautiful castles in the bucolic Zagorje Region, Trakoscan Castle. Tonight, our group gathers for dinner at the hotel.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 4: Bled Castle & Licitar Hearts
    This morning, we depart for Lake Bled within Slovenia’s picturesque Julian Alps. Embark on a guided walking tour to hear about fascinating myths before visiting medieval Bled Castle, the country’s oldest castle that sits perched on a towering cliff. Our journey continues to 14th-century Radovljica for an included lunch and a workshop to learn how to make traditional Licitar hearts, an integral part of local heritage. On the way back to our hotel, we stop in the capital city of Ljubljana for a guided walking tour and free time. Soak up its tranquil green spaces, browse museums, or stroll along the Ljubljanica River, which divides historic Old Town from the bustling commercial hub.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 5: Plitvice Lakes National Park
    We depart today for UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s largest national park. A local guide leads the way as we view lush landscapes with towering waterfalls, natural dams, and karst formations. Enjoy a three-course lunch and sights of the impressive lake system, featuring sixteen emerald-green lakes, before traveling to Split.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 6: Split & the Dalmatian Coast
    Today, we explore the stunning coastal city of Split, nestled along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Our guided tour includes sights of Roman monuments, Old Town’s ancient architecture, the gorgeous beachfront, and more. We also visit Diocletian’s Palace, built around 300 AD for the Roman emperor and spanning nearly half of Old Town. Descend into the underground chambers to see the impressive network of passageways and well-preserved remnants! Afterwards, attend an olive oil demonstration and tasting at Stella Croatica, a traditional family estate. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish in Split before our group dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 7: Hvar & Fortica Fortress
    Our morning features a relaxing ferry ride in the Adriatic Sea to Hvar, where a local guide awaits to show us this island’s best wonders. Marvel at the 13th-century walls, historic main square with the Renaissance-era cathedral, and pristine beaches as we stroll the cobbled streets. We also tour Fortica Fortress, a medieval castle perched high above the town that occupies the site of an ancient Illyrian settlement predating 500 BC. Ascend the stairs to the top of the fort for unrivaled views of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands. After an included lunch, there's time to shop or visit more landmarks before we return to our hotel on the mainland.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 8: Mostar
    We travel into Bosnia and Herzegovina today to explore the 15th-century fairytale town of Mostar, most renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Bridge, Stari Most, which spans the Neretva River. Roam the historic streets to see the bustling bazaar with handmade crafts, gaze upon the stunning rugged mountains, and visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque to climb the minaret for panoramic views. We also stop by the Muslim Quarter to tour a perfectly preserved 16th-century nobleman’s Ottoman-era Turkish mansion. Next, enjoy a delicious lunch and time for independent exploration. Tonight, we settle into our wonderful accommodations in Dubrovnik, Croatia’s crown jewel.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 9: Dubrovnik
    Enjoy soaking in all that the “Pearl of the Adriatic” has to offer today! We embark on a walking tour of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is enclosed by medieval walls. Wander along the ancient flagstones through hidden alleyways, admire the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, see Onforio’s Fountain, and more. The rest of the day is yours to kayak in the Adriatic Sea, ride a cable car to the top of Mount Srd, visit filming locations for Game of Thrones, or simply browse the charming shops.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 10: Konavle Wine & Silk
    Enjoy a leisurely morning before our visit to nearby Konavle, a whimsical town known for its rocky coastline, green valleys, watermills, small canals, and vineyards. Delight your taste buds with locally produced wine, then watch a fascinating presentation on the crucial role silk production has played in the decoration of national costumes. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish! This evening, we gather to celebrate our adventures with a Farewell Dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 11: Fly Home
    We board our flight and return home with fond memories of our time in Europe’s Western Balkans region.

What's Included

All Accommodations

  • 3 nights at Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb - Radnicka
  • 3 nights at Hotel Luxe Split
  • 3 nights at Hotel Neptun in Dubrovnik

Attractions & Highlights

  • Zagreb guided walking tour & time at leisure
  • Trakoscan Castle guided tour
  • Lake Bled guided walking tour feat. Bled Castle
  • Radovljica feat. traditional licitar workshop
  • Ljubljana guided walking tour & time at leisure
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park guided tour
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Olive oil demonstration & tasting at Stella Croatica
  • Split guided walking tour & time at leisure
  • Ferry ride in the Adriatic Sea to Hvar
  • Hvar guided walking tour feat. Fortica Fortress
  • Mostar guided walking tour feat. Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque & Ottoman-era Turkish mansion
  • Old Town Dubrovnik guided walking tour & time at leisure
  • Konavle wine tasting, silk production presentation & time at leisure

16 Excellent Meals

  • Welcome Dinner in Zagreb
  • Daily breakfast
  • Three-course lunch in Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Farewell Dinner in Konavle

Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.