A Journey through present day Balkan with focus on the historical cities and the present history and tragic events of the 90s.
This trip will take you to some of the most important destinations in the Balkans and will give you an introduction to an extremely fascinating region of Europe. Enjoy the cobbled streets in medieval towns, stand in awe at some of the most iconic settings for any church in the world at Lake Bled, or join the hordes of people trying to enjoy the narrow streets of Dubrovnik, or sit back and relax at one of the many lounge bars on Hvar Island, this trip has it all.
Day 1: Venice - arrival
Arrival to Venice airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Venice – Mestre region.
Day 2: Venice - Istria tour - Opatija (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we explore the largest Croatian peninsula, Istria. Our visit to Istria includes the beautiful cities Rovinj and Porec (note that the order can be changed without notice). Overnight at the hotel in Opatija.
Istria made its way to a touristic radar due to its beautiful coast, amazing beaches and simply gorgeous inland. Istrian peninsula is located on the Northern Adriatic between Trieste and Kvarner bays. There are three rivers in Istria called Dragonja, Mirna and Raša. The biggest mountain is located on the far north of the peninsula and it is called Ucka. Today, in almost every town in Istria you will find an abundance of accommodation units that vary from hotels, tourist resorts, private apartments, camps or holiday homes. Add to that the fact that Istria has an amazing gastronomical offer it becomes clear why every year this region of Croatia breaks records tourist-wise.
Day 3: Opatija - Sibenik - Split (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure towards central Dalmatia- Sibenik town. Free time at leisure. Departure towards Split. Arrival and overnight at the hotel in Split. Šibenik is yet another astonishing example of medieval Croatia. Located on the waters edge it is almost stunningly located and the contrast of its white washed houses against the azure blue waters of the bay makes this an awesome picture. The city is full of narrow labyrinth streets that you can explore. Šibenik is also the gateway to the Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands.
Day 4: Split - Trogir - Split (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning excursion to Trogir. In the afternoon we head back to Split and tour the city with a local guide. The visit includes entrances to the Diocletian’s Palace, Split Cathedral and Jupiter Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Gorgeous Trogir (called Trau by the Venetians) is set within medieval walls on a tiny island, linked by bridges to both the mainland and to the far larger Ciovo Island. In 1997 its profuse collection of Romanesque and Renaissance buildings earned it World Heritage status. While it's easily reached on a day trip from Split, Trogir also makes a good alternative base to the big city and a relaxing place to spend a few days. On summer nights everyone gravitates to the wide seaside promenade lined with bars, cafes and yachts, leaving the knotted, mazelike marble streets gleaming mysteriously under old-fashioned streetlights. The old town has retained many intact and beautiful buildings from its age of glory between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Day 5: Split - Maskarska - Mostar (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. On our way we stop at a small coastline city of Makarska. Departure towards Herzegovina after some free time, and its most important city Mostar. Typical lunch in the old town of Mostar. Arrival and overnight at the hotel in Mostar. At dusk the light? of numerous millhouse restaurants twinkle across gushing streams, narrow Kujundžiluk bustles joyously? with trinket seller? ?nd, in between, the Balkans' most celebrated bridge forms ? majestic stone arc between med?eval towers.
Mostar is the largest city in Herzegovina, with a ?mall but thoroughly enchanting old town cent?e. Stay even longer tο enjoy memorable attractions ?n the surrounding area and to ponder the city's darker side - beyond the cobbled lanes of the attractively restored Ottoman quarter are whole blocks of bombed-out buildings, ? poignant legacy of the 1990? conflict. We stay into the evening to see it without the summer hordes οf day trippers.
Day 6: Mostar - Medjugorje - Dubrovnik (B)
After breakfast city we head for the tour of Mostar with a local guide. We will visit a typical Turkish house and, of course, see the symbol of Mostar - the old bridge. Free time for lunch after the visit (lunch by own arrangement). Departure towards Medjugorje and free time. Afterwards continuation to Dubrovnik. Arrival in Dubrovnik, check in and overnight at the hotel in Dubrovnik.
Apart from the affecting Resurrected Saviour statue and the piety of the faithful streaming ?round St James Church, there's little of beauty here and non pilgrims generally find an one-hour visit enough to get the idea. The town of Medugorje, blending honest faith and cash-in tackiness, is a Catholic pilgrimage town in the mould of Lourdes (France) or Fat?ma (Portugal) - although unlike these, ?t h?s never been officially approved ?y the Vatican.
Day 7: Dubrovnik (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel to Old town where we meet our local guide and see the most important monuments of this city known as “The Pearl of Adriatic”. We will visit the Franciscan monastery with the most ancient pharmacy in the world. The afternoon is at leisure. You may continue to explore this beautiful city on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Dubrovnik is a town in the southern Dalmatia, an absolute pearl of the coast of Adriatic. It is one of the best known towns in the whole Mediterranean due to its rich historical and cultural heritage and natural beauties that surround it. It is surrounded with famous Dubrovnik walls with many towers and old turrets. It is under the protection of no less than Unesco..
Day 8: Dubrovnik – Hvar (B) After breakfast we leave Dubrovnik and continue north towards Drvenik. We arrive to a small port where we board a ferry and cruise to Sucuraj, port on the south side of Hvar island. We continue crossing the whole island to the city of Hvar. Arrival and overnight.
Day 9: Hvar (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure or you can join an optional excursion proposed by your tour leader. Overnight at the hotel.
Hvar's inter?or hides abandoned ancient hamlet?, craggy peaks, vineyards and the lavender fields that the island is famous for. The island is well worth exploring especially the islands South Coast which has some of Hva?’s mοst beautiful and isolated coves. The northern coastal town? of Stari Grad and Jelsa are fa? more subdued and lοw-key. Rubbing shoulders with the posh yachties are hundreds of young partygoers, dancing on tables at the town's legendary beach bars. Hvar Town offers swanky hotels, elegant restaurants and ? general sense that, if yοu ?are about seeing and being seen, this is the place to b?.
Hvar is vaguely shaped like the profile of a holidaymaker reclining on a sunlounger, which ?s altogether appropriate for the sunniest spot in the country (2724 sunny hours ea?h year) and its most luxurious beach destination.
Day 10: Hvar - Zadar (B)
Embark on a ferry and cruise to Split (APROX. 01:45H). Continue towards Zadar. Arrival and city tour of Zadar with a local guide. Check in and overnight at the hotel in Zadar.
Zadar is a town with the most amazing location in northern Dalmatia. It is surrounded with several national parks and many natural beauties like Paklenica and Vrana lake in its hinterland, Telascica and Kornati in front of it. National parks Krka, Velebit and the famous Pltivice lakes are not so far from Zadar as well.
Day 11: Zadar - Plitvice - Zagreb (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we leave Zadar to visit the national park Plitvice lakes. Arrival and visit of the Park. After the visit we proceed to Zagreb, check in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Zagreb - Ljubljana (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we go to Croatian’s capital and its largest city, Zagreb. Upon arrival we meet with a local guide and do a panoramic tour by bus where we will see the most important Zagreb sites. This panoramic tour ends in the front of the Cathedral where we continue our city tour on foot. After the visit we proceed to Ljubljana. Ljubljana sightseeing. Check in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: Ljubljana – Bled – Ljubljana (B)
Transfer to Bled after breakfast at the hotel. Visit of Bled. Afternoon at leisure. You may ride the Pletna boat and visit St. Mary’s church on a little island in the middle of the lake. Return to Ljubljana. Overnight.
It is difficult or almost impossible to get a more picturesque setting in Lake Bled. Yes it is overpriced and swarming with tourists in the high season during July & August but regardless it is worth the trip regardless. With its bluish-green lake, impressive church on an isΙet, a med?eval castΙe clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke ?s backdrops, Bl?d is Slovenia's most popular resort, drawing everyone from honeymooners lured by the over-the-top romantic setting tο backpackers, who cοme for the hiking, biking, water-sports and canyoning possibilities. Lake Bled, it'? eve?y bit as lovely in real life.
Day 14: Ljubljana – Postojna – Venice Mestre (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure towards Italy. Our first stop is Postojna, where we will visit the best known cave in the world and the world’s largest karst monuments - the Postojna cave. (Kindly note that both clothing and footwear should be adapted to the constant temperature of 8-10 degrees Celsius (46-50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the whole year). Part of the tour is a cave train ride and part of it is on foot. Continue direct to Venice Mestre. Check in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Venice Mestre – departure (B)
Transfer to the airport after breakfast at the hotel.