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Jewels of the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia tour

Jewels of the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia

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4.9 . Excellent
99%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
14 days
From: $ 3,199 $ 229 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Explore historic Zagreb
  • Visit Lake Bled
  • Enjoy a short scenic boat ride in lakes of Plitvice Lake National Park
  • Explore Roman Ruins (Split)
  • Enjoy a guided walking tour of Old Dubrovnik
  • Visit Montenegro
  • Enjoy a sight of beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe.

Short Description

A wealth of unique history and culture mixed with luscious Mediterranean living truly sets Croatia and Slovenia apart! Experience the highlights of Zagreb, explore the shore of Lake Bled surrounded by the majestic Julian Alps, revel in the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic, observe the beautiful Bay of Kotor, among many more breathtaking features.

Style Group tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport
Start City Zagreb
End City Dubrovnik

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your fascinating journey to Croatia & Slovenia, the “Jewels of the Adriatic“, begins as you depart today on your overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Arrive Zagreb (Croatia).

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

Arrive in historic and elegant Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. You are greeted at the airport and escorted to your deluxe downtown hotel. Along the way, you’ll witness the signs of a prospering city and country. Visitors from around the world are warmly welcomed here! This evening, your tour director hosts a briefing followed by welcome dinner.

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

Morning guided tour to explore some of the highlights of gracious Zagreb. Visit the Upper Old Town and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and St. Marks Church. You’ll also visit colorful Jelacic Square and wander the surrounding narrow alleys. Proceed to the historic Mirogoj Park Cemetery, known for its opulent sculptures and arcades. The remainder of the day is free to explore this delightful city on your own and perhaps visit the impressive Mimara Museum with its unique arts and crafts collection.

Day 4: Zagreb/Ljubljana/Bled (Slovenia).

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Golf & Park Hotels

After breakfast, journey through the lush countryside and cross the nearby border to the Republic of Slovenia. Arrive in the thriving capital of Ljubljana where you’ll explore the unique architecture and admire the work of Joze Plecnik, a 20th-century architect and Ljubljana native, that made significant contribution to restoring the city that suffered from a devastating earthquake in 1895. You’ll also see some buildings that survived the earthquake and still stand in the charming historic old town. The old town is dotted with small shops and numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants. Stroll along the riverside promenade and visit the bustling and colorful open air market. This afternoon proceed to the enchanting resort town of Lake Bled, situated on the lakeshore and surrounded by the majestic Julian Alps. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Golf & Park Hotels

Start your day with a guided stroll around emerald-green Lake Bled. You’ll also visit the Bled Castle perched high on a cliff above the lake. The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration of this charming village. You may join a relaxing cruise around the lake.

Day 6: Lake Bled/Postojna Caves/Opatija (Croatia).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Bristol Hotel

Slovenia’s pastoral countryside unfolds as you depart Lake Bled today to the mysterious Postojna Caves, the second largest in Europe. Here, ride a train to view the impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Later, proceed to the fashionable Riviera town of Opatija, arriving at your seaside hotel in time for dinner.

Day 7: Opatija/Optional Istria Peninsula Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Bristol Hotel

Today is at leisure to explore Opatija’s Austro-Hungarian grandeur, stroll along the waterfront promenade or relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants. You may join a delightful optional excursion to the picturesque towns dotted along the scenic coastline and the exciting surrounding landscape.

Day 8: Opatija/Plitvice Lakes.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Jezero Hotel

Enjoy a thrilling ride today to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a string of 16 turquoise colored lakes linked by 92 waterfalls and cascades and surrounded by densely wooded mountains and lush vegetation. This afternoon enjoy a short scenic boatride and a leisurely walk along the lakeshores. Admire the awesome waterfalls and the magnificent natural beauty. Your hotel is located inside the National Park!

Day 9: Plitvice Lakes/Zadar/Split.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel or Atrium Hotel

Depart beautiful Plitvice National Park. Later, drive to Zadar, the oldest Slavic town on the Adriatic Sea and once famed cultural center. Pause here for an orientation tour that includes a visit to the Roman Forum’s ruins. Continue along the spectacular coast to Trogir, the center of artistic activities where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. Arrive in Split in time for dinner.

Day 10: Split/Dubrovnik.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Lapad Hotel

Located in the center of the Dalmatian coast and nestled between the mountains and sea, Split is a picturesque ancient town built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. On your guided tour, visit the impressive Emperor’s Palace built in the 3rd century. This afternoon, delight in a breathtaking drive along the spectacular Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic, dotted with palm trees, olive groves and idyllic fishing villages. Late this afternoon arrive in Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best preserved walled cities founded in the 7th century and now declared a World Heritage Site. Arrive at your seaside hotel.

Day 11: Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lapad Hotel

Dubrovnik is certain to enchant any visitor! Thick age-old walls surround the ancient port town. The winding cobblestone streets are filled with old red-tiled roof houses and distinctive medieval age buildings. Enjoy a guided walking tour through “Old Dubrovnik” and see the harbor, the Franciscan monastery and the stately Baroque Cathedral. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to discover the treasures of the historic old town at your own pace.

Day 12: Montenegro Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lapad Hotel

Today, drive across the border to the Republic of Montenegro and the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and learn about the rich history of the area. You’ll then take a boat ride to “Our Lady of the Rocks,” one of the two islets off the coast of Perast, a charming old town on the Bay of Kotor. The largest building on the islet is a Roman Catholic Church that was built with the help of the sailors who passed by the bay, with each sailor making their own unique contribution to the construction of the church. Later, after enjoying brief visits to Perast and Budva, return to Dubrovnik via a short ferry ride across the scenic bay.

Day 13:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Lapad Hotel

A full day at leisure to explore splendid Dubrovnik on your own, join an optional excursion or shop for local arts and crafts in the colorful local market. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant.

Day 14: Dubrovnik / USA.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lapad Hotel

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive the USA later today. 

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,199
Price Per Day: $ 229 per day
Checking price
  • Deposit Price: $ 300
  • Single Supplement: $ 549

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with SmarTours.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

1,112 SmarTours Travel Reviews & Ratings

99%
4.9 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 995
Great 111
Average 1
Disappointing 1
Terrible 4
Value
4.9
Guide
4.9
Activities
4.9
Lodging
4.9
Transportation
4.9
Meals
4.9

Jewels of the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia

Beauiful Croatia

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
This was our first Bus Tour. While we did enjopy the spots we visited, we felt that there were too many towns and not enough time in each, necessitating more time on the bus. Nevertheless the value of the tour is undeniable. The Tour director Jon, was extremely professional and he was a huge positive on the trip. The topography of Croatia was spectacular, the Sea and mountain views were gorgeous. Lake Bled, the Postojna Caves, Opatija/Plitvice Lakes, Debrovnik, the Roman Ruins, Zagreb were wonderful. The hotels were all clean and rooms were comfortable. Unfortunately my partner Barbara fell and injured her face and broke her glasses on the way to Debrovnik. Jon was extremely concerned offered to find a doctor ()which Barbara declined) but Jon took the broken glasses to an occulist who temporarliy repaired the frames. Two of our fellow travelors who were Nurses took care of Barbara after the accident.
Read more

Jewel of the Adriatic

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The magic began after a very long journey to Zagreb airport on July 12, 2018. We were greeted by Elvis! From that very moment until we said goodbye, he made our Croatian experience nothing short of SPECTACULAR! Thank you yo Smartours and Elvis for the best adventure ever! Xoxo
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Adriatic" trip was one of our best ever.

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Our recent "Jewels of the Adriatic" trip was one of our best ever. Our tour guide Valentina was to quote an old saying is "AS GOOD AS IT GETS" She is bright, delightful, knowledgeable person who went far beyond the norm to insure every minute of our tour
Read more

It was absolutely wonderful!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
This was my 19th trip with smarTours in 21 years – and it was absolutely wonderful! My first visit to the area (formerly Yugoslavia) was 41 years ago, and the beauty of the countries brought me back 14 years ago with smarTours. Our guide Rok filled our minds with the incredible history of the area – from ancient times to current. Meanwhile, we absorbed the breathtaking scenery in the care of our most capable driver Sludgen, as he navigated the winding roads through and around the mountains.Someone commented that the Dalmation Coast of Croatia was more beautiful than Italy's Amalfi Coast (or our own California coastline, for that matter). Absolutely true, because the Croatian coast is probably longer. There are 1,000 islands that parallel it, and the mountains seem to tumble into the turquoise waters below. All along the drive, from Zadar to Montenegro, communities with red-tiled rooftops dot the bays and inlets.For anyone who loves culture and history, this is the trip for you – but if you just want to absorb absolute beauty, you won't be disappointed!
Read more

One of the best vacation trips

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
One of the best vacation trips I ever had, incredible places, excelent food and not to mention great lager beer. truly recommendable

There aren't enough superlatives

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
From lakeside castles to shimmering coastline, mountains, terraced lakes, waterfalls, walled cities, Roman ruins...Croatia and Slovenia were one fabulous surprise after another! Our tour director, Elvis, guided us with humor and patience. His stories made the distant and recent histories of these countries come alive for us. This was my first experience with SmarTours, and I will definitely be coming back for more!
Read more

Details

Trip Photos (affiliate link)

Optional Activities

Afternoon kumrovec tour with dinner

Zagrebfrom approx. $61 per person, dinner included

Go back in time to gain an understanding of everyday life for peasants in this region beginning in the 20th century. We’ll tour the ethno-village at Kumrovec, also the birthplace of Marshal Tito, long-time president (1953-80) of the former Republic of Yugoslavia. You’ll have a chance to see Tito’s home, before we wind through the Zagorie hills to a farmhouse restaurant overlooking a 15th-century castle, where we’ll indulge in local specialties and wine pairings.

Afternoon excursion to Lake Bohinj & boat ride on Lake Bled

Bledfrom approx. $48 per person

All aboard a “pletna” (small boat) to the scenic island located in the middle of Lake Bled. Visit the island’s old church, which houses an impressive art collection and enjoy some free time to experience magnificent vistas. After coming back to shore, we’ll drive to nearby Lake Bohini, a resort set amidst dense woods and spectacular mountains. The trip back takes you past amazing landscapes and old Slovenian villages before returning to Lake Bled.

Full-Day Istrian Peninsula Excursion

Opatijafrom approx. $65 per person

Enjoy a delightful guided excursion to the picturesque towns that dot the sun-kissed coastline of the Istrian Peninsula. Sights include olive groves and vineyards, old villages and seaside resorts. In the port town of Pula, we’ll tour the impressive Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind in the world. In the charming resort town of Rovinj, you’ll have time to explore the narrow winding streets, small squares and Venetian-style palaces independently before returning to Opatija.

Cruise & Dinner

Dubrovnik from approx. $76 / Person, Dinner included

You’ll feel like a character out of a classic film as you skim across the water from beautiful St. James Beach around the old city walls to St. Jakov Beach, where staff will be waiting to serve a three-course dinner paired with Dalmatian wine. After dinner, you’ll be whisked back to the old city port. Includes bus transportation to/from the hotel, as well as the exhilarating motor boat ride.

Flight & Transport Inclusions

Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Accommodations

  • Night 1: International Flight: US Airways or Lufthansa Airlines & Croatia Airlines
  • Nights 2-3: Zagreb: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
  • Nights 4-5 : Bled: Golf Hotel And Bled: Park Hotel
  • Nights 6-7: Opatija: Grand Hotel Adriatic I
  • Night 8: Plitvice Lakes: Jezero Hotel
  • Night 9: Split: Radisson Blu Hotel
  • Nights 10-13: Dubrovnik: Lapad Hotel

Cancellation policy

Full Payment due 75 days before departure. Failure to make final payment on time may result in automatic cancellation of reservation and loss of deposit.

Changes to the original reservation will result in a $150 change fee per person per change. No changes allowed within 75 days of departure.

Cancellation charges per person are:

Up to 75 days before departure: $300

74-45 days before departure: $600

44-30 days before departure: $1000

29-10 days before departure: $1500

9 days or less before departure: No refund.

All cancellations must be received in writing

Trip ID#:

smartours-CS

What's excluded

  • Baggage and personal insurance
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Gratuities and optional tours
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Any items not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
  • Beverages
  • Meals other than specified in the trip itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature.

Meals Included

19 Meals: 12 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners

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