The Beauty of the Adriatic

DAY 1: DUBROVNIK [D]

Welcome to Dubrovnik, a city with roots dating back to the seventh century and one of Europe’s most well-preserved walled cities. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it blends rich history with vibrant modern life. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Along the way, we’ll take in the first glimpses of this thriving destination. This evening, our Tour Director will host an orientation, followed by a welcome dinner.

DAY 2: DUBROVNIK [B]

Today, we’ll delve into the timeless beauty of Dubrovnik, from its towering medieval walls to its charming red-roofed skyline. A guided walking tour through the historic Old Town takes us past the harbor, the Franciscan Monastery, and the elegant Baroque Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore at leisure—wander through hidden alleyways, enjoy a seaside café, or soak in the breathtaking coastal views. In the evening, an optional sunset cruise and dinner experience will be available.

Optional Activity – Cruise and Dinner:

Cruise across the water from beautiful St. James Beach around the old city walls to St. Jakov Beach, where you will enjoy 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.

DAY 3: MONTENEGRO [B]

This morning, we’ll cross the border into Montenegro, home to the stunning Bay of Kotor, Southern Europe’s deepest fjord. A scenic boat ride will take us to “Our Lady of the Rocks,” a unique islet near Perast, where sailors have contributed to the construction of a historic church over centuries. After visits to the charming towns of Perast and Kotor, we’ll return to Dubrovnik, taking a short ferry ride across the bay.

DAY 4: DUBROVNIK [B]

Enjoy a day at your own pace in Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Stroll along the historic streets, browse local markets, or relax by the sparkling sea.

Optional Activity – Full Day Tour:

Discover a charming little town of Ston with its long walls. After a short visit, drive through the picturesque landscape where you will see vineyards, many small villages and family-owned wineries before arriving in Orebic port, where you will board a ferry to Korcula. The old medieval town of Korcula is like a miniature museum, surrounded by walls and towers. Entrance included to the Abbey treasury & St. Mark Cathedral. The tour continues with a drive north where you will visit a winery for a wine tasting.

DAY 5: DUBROVNIK – SPLIT [B,D]

Today, you’ll depart Dubrovnik and continue along the spectacular Dalmatian coast, taking in amazing views of palm trees, olive groves, and idyllic fishing villages before arriving in Split. Seated between the mountains and the seas, Split is truly picturesque. Your guided tour takes you to one of the most imposing Roman ruins, the third-century palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

DAY 6: SPLIT – ZADAR – PLITVICE LAKES [B,D]

After breakfast, we set off for Trogir, a hub for artistic and cultural heritage, where scholars and painters from around the world gather. Continuing to Zadar, we’ll explore the historical center, taking in highlights such as the ancient city walls, the 16th-century Port Gate, St. Donat’s Church, the Roman Forum, and St. Anastasia’s Cathedral. If conditions allow, we’ll experience the mesmerizing “sea organ,” an interactive art and music installation powered by the waves. Later, we’ll travel inland to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, where we’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel.

DAY 7: PLITVICE LAKES – OPATIJA [B,D]

This morning, you’ll take a short scenic boat ride and a leisurely walk along the lakeshore before visiting Croatia’s oldest, largest national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plitvice Lakes National Park features a string of 16 turquoise lakes linked by 92 waterfalls, and is surrounded by densely-wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Later, you’ll drive along the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. This evening, you’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel.

DAY 8: OPATIJA [B]

Spend the day soaking up the beauty of Opatija, known for its Austro-Hungarian elegance, charming waterfront promenade, and cozy cafés. For those interested, an optional excursion to the Istrian Peninsula will offer a chance to visit some of Croatia’s most scenic coastal towns.

Optional Activity – Full Day Tour:

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, you’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.

DAY 9: OPATIJA – POSTOJNA CAVES – LAKE BLED [B,L,D]

After breakfast, journey north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Your stop at Postojna Caves includes an underground train journey to view impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Afterward, visit a family-run homestead where you’ll enjoy lunch. After lunch, you’ll continue to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps. 

DAY 10: BLED [B]

An Alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, a small town of hotels, villas, and restaurants has developed around the lake, turning Bled into a lively, all-seasons resort. Your sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore and visits the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider joining an optional excursion to the small island in the middle of Lake Bled.

Optional Activity – Afternoon Tour:

Board 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, you’ll drive to nearby Lake Bohinj, 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.

DAY 11: BLED – LJUBBLJANA – ZAGREB [B]

Today you’ll leave the mountains and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Admire the architectural legacy of city native and 20th-century architect, Joze Plecnik, acclaimed for his work rebuilding the city after a devastating earthquake in 1895. As you explore the old town, see some of the structures that survived the earthquake, as well as some of the city’s small shops and outdoor cafes. You will have time to stroll along the riverside promenade and through the open-air market before continuing to Zagreb.

DAY 12: ZAGREB [B,D]

Your morning guided tour covers the highlights of Zagreb: Upper Old Town with its monumental walls and iconic 13th-century St. Mark’s Church; colorful Jelacic Square and charming alleyways nearby; and beautiful Mirogoj Park Cemetery, which looks like an open-air art gallery. The remainder of the day is free to explore this gracious city on your own. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

DAY 13: ZAGREB DEPARTURE [B]

After breakfast, group transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Please Note: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner. MAPI Members: Optional Indian meals available upon request

Prices are land only per person based on double occupancy. Restrictions apply. For our complete terms and conditions, click here.