Best of Croatia and Slovenia

Embark on an off-the-beaten track discovery of Croatia. The capital city of Zagreb is your springboard to an enchanting journey through what was once a troubled region and is today a land of diverse cultures and traditions. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive.

Spend the morning exploring Zagreb with a 'Local Specialist' before travelling through romantic landscapes to the lakeside resort town of Bled, where we'll stay the next two nights.

Enjoy some free time today to connect with this enchanting setting, but not before you sail on Lake Bled's crystal-clear waters to Bled Island to view its Church of the Assumption. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your terms, or consider joining an Optional Experience to Slovenia's largest glacial lake. This evening, savour local Slovenian flavours as you 'Connect With Locals' at a traditional 'Be My Guest' dinner with a local family.

We leave the beauty of Bled behind for one of Europe's smallest capitals. Embark on an orientation tour of Ljubljana this morning, admiring its Old Town, bridges and Castle. We continue to the seaside resort of Opatija.

Seaside splendour is on the agenda today and you'll start your day in the coastal city of Pula on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. Visit Pula's 1st-century arena, with your 'Local Specialist', and learn about the city's role as a strategic location for the Romans, Ostrogoths, Venetians and the Allied Forces in World War II, before heading to the fishing port of Rovinj. Wander through the Old Town and witness its Mediterranean influences. We return to Opatija for some time on our own. See the statuesque nymph, her hand outstretched to cradle a seagull as a symbol of this region, and admire the belle-époque architecture.

The extraordinary natural beauty of Plitvice lakes centre stage today as we embark on a guided walking tour. Admire the cascade of spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear waters reflecting green, grey and blue against the lush landscapes. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Today, we visit the walled island of Trogir with a 'Local Specialist'. The stone town is connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges and will delight lovers of art, and Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. We continue our journey to Split, where we'll join a 'Local Specialist' for a sightseeing tour, which includes entry into Diocletian's Palace, built for the emperor's retirement. Spend the evening on your own, or join an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Dalmatian flavours.

Delve into centuries of heritage on this free day in Split. Consider a full-day Optional Experience to one of the Dalmatian islands. Ascend the bell tower for magnificent views of the sprawling terracotta roofs and white marble façades that edge onto the Adriatic. Or savour the city's delicious gastronomy at cafés tucked away in hidden lanes.

The terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik beckon, but not before we stop to admire the extraordinary walled city of Ston, with its dramatic views and laid-back fishing village atmosphere. 'Dive Into Culture' and visit Europe's oldest salt pans where you'll hear how salt has been harvested here since ancient times. We continue to Dubrovnik this evening.

Tread in the footsteps of Lord Byron and George Bernard Shaw, who were intoxicated by the allure of Dubrovnik. With your 'Local Specialist', you'll embark on a sightseeing tour past the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, before spending time on your own. As our journey comes to an end, join your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner.

Our time together comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Transfers are available to Dubrovnik Airport. Conditions apply.