Balkans Odyssey – Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro - 11 Days

Arrival at the Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport. You’ll be met by a WOW – Tourcan Vacations representative and taken to your hotel. Your transfer will be approx. 20 minutes (depending on traffic) and approx. 14.6 Kms.

You’ll have the remainder of the day to rest up, enjoy the highlights of this vibrant city as you prepare for your Odyssey to Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro on this 11 day tour spanning across three countries along the Adriatic coastline.

OVERNIGHT IN ZAGREB AT THE BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL ASTORIA – STANDARD ROOM:

This central hotel is only a 3-minute walk from Glavni tram station, this historic hotel is in a 1930s building and is an 11 minutes' walk from Ban Jelačić Square and 13 minutes' walk from Zagreb Cathedral.

Warm, relaxed rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus sitting areas, minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities. Some feature pull-out sofas. Room service is available.

A complimentary breakfast buffet is provided in a cozy restaurant offering all-day dining. There’s also a laid-back bar/lounge. Additional amenities include a patio area and computers for guest use. Parking and massage treatments are offered.

MEALS: D

Breakfast included at your hotel.

Tentative Timetable – 0800 – 1145

Zagreb is a great year-round vibrant city, attracting more and more visitors with its charming mix of medieval history and a trendy lineup of restaurants, bars, shops and music festivals. Zagreb is divided into Lower and Upper Town: Zrinjevac Park together with an abundance of buildings representing the typical architecture of Central Europe from the edge of 19th and 20th century.

Spend the morning discovering the capital city’s highlights on a guided walking tour including: Zagreb Upper Town, the Lotrscak Tower (where a canon goes off every day at noon), St. Mark’s Square, Parliament Building, Stone Gate, Strossmayer Promenade and more. Spend the rest of the day at leisure discovering more of Zagreb independently. Enjoy the funicular ride from Iliac Street to the Upper Town and take in some of the best views of the city from the romantic Strossmayer Promenade. The promenade runs along the remains of Zagreb’s medieval defense walls and was named after a famous 19th-century Croatian bishop and politician. This is one of Zagreb’s most popular and scenic footpaths, lined by chestnut trees and greenery, while offering expansive views of the city. Often lined with local artists, it is a good spot to buy some souvenirs to take home.

OVERNIGHT IN ZAGREB AT THE BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL ASTORIA

MEALS: B

Tentative Timetable – 0800 - 1930

Today, on your walking tour, explore the beauties of Slovenia, firstly by visiting its capital Ljubljana, the political and cultural heart of the Slovenian nation. n Ljubljana the old meets the new; it has managed to retain traces from all periods of its rich history; from the legacy of Roman Emona; through to the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau periods characterized in the house fronts and ornate doorways of the city center, the romantic bridges adorning the Ljubljanica river, the lopsided rooftops and a park reaching deep into the city center. Here eastern and western cultures met; and the Italian concept of art combined with the sculptural aesthetics of Central European cathedrals.

Lunch in a trendy restaurant in Ljubljana is included.

Then visit Bled Lake, a must-see destination in Slovenia due to its romantic scenery and being the access point for Triglav National Park, which offers numerous outdoor adventure opportunities. Visit the Bled Castle, perched atop a cliff towering 130 meters above Lake Bled and ride the pletna boat to visit a small island in the center of an emerald green mountain lake (entrance to the church optional). Return to Zabreb.

Enjoy Lunch in a trendy, local restaurant.

OVERNIGHT IN ZAGREB AT THE BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL ASTORIA

MEALS: B, L

Tentative Timetable – 0800 – 1845

Breakfast Included at your hotel.

After departing Zagreb this morning, you will visit Rastoke, a magical village which comprises of 60 wooden houses, and most of these beautiful houses straddle on the Slušnica River.

The next stop is the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park now a UNESCO HERITAGE SITE - a glorious expanse of forested hills and turquoise lakes. Within the boundaries of this heavily forested national park, 16 crystalline lakes tumble into each other via a series of waterfalls and cascades. The mineral-rich waters carve through the rock, depositing tufa in continually changing formations. It's exquisitely scenic – so much so that in 1979. Walkways and hiking trails wind around and across the water and an electric boat links the 12 upper and 4 lower lakes.

Enjoy lunch at a typical, restaurant in the Plitvice Lakes area, and then board our private bus for our journey to Zadar. (approx. time, 1hr 30min (118.5 km).

OVERNIGHT IN ZADAR AT THE BASTION HOTEL:

This upscale hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Zadar Cathedral and a 5-minute walk from the Sea organ, an experimental instrument that's played by sea waves.

The elegant rooms feature stone walls, free Wi-Fi and satellite TV, plus safes and minibars. Suites add sitting areas or living rooms.

Breakfast and parking are complimentary. Additional amenities include a Mediterranean restaurant offering terrace seating. There's also a casual lobby bar/lounge, and a spa providing saunas, a hot tub and a fitness area, as well as a variety of massage services.

MEALS: B, L, D

Breakfast Included at your hotel.

Tentative Timetable: 0930 - 1530

Enjoy a walking tour of Zadar this morning, a remarkable city of diverse history, well known for having the first Sea Organ in the world that produces sounds using only the power of wind and sea waves. Besides its shockingly long history of more than 3.000 years, Zadar is known for the most beautiful sunset in the world, as described by famous Alfred Hitchcock.

After our memorable visit in Zadar, we take a scenic 1 hr. drive to the charming town of Šibenik, the oldest Croatian self-proclaimed town on the Adriatic, located in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic coast, in a picturesque, indented bay of the river Krka, one of the most beautiful Croatian karstic rivers. Šibenik is one of the few cities in the world with two monuments listed on UNESCO's list of protected cultural heritage sites. Due to its rich cultural and historical heritage, the natural beauty of Sib Šibenik enik and its surroundings, the town has been classified as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.

OVERNIGHT IN SIBENIK AT THE HOTEL BELLEVUE, A SUPERIOR CITY HOTEL:

A 6-minute walk from the stone-built Šibenik Cathedral, this refined hotel facing the Adriatic Sea is 59 km from Split Airport.

Airy, modern rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and minibars. Some have sea views. Upgraded rooms add sitting areas. Warm suites offer living rooms, dining tables and/or terraces with whirlpool tubs.

Breakfast is complimentary. Amenities include a spa, a fitness center and an indoor pool.

MEALS: B

Breakfast included at hotel.

Tentative Timetable: 0900 – 1740

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel in Šibenik and drive approx. 2.30 hrs (140 km) to the magical city of Split. Here, we’ll spend the day exploring Croatia’s second largest city, the beautiful coastal Split. You will get to walk among the ancient monuments in the historic city core on a guided walking tour of the city that grew around the Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most imposing remains of Roman architecture in Croatia. A walk through the narrow streets and alleys unveils a vibrant mix of historic buildings and trendy coffee bars, restaurants and shops. Join the locals taking their time sipping coffee on the famous Riva waterfront and watch the boats go in and out of the harbor. Discover the ancient Split at leisure on your own. Stroll through the historic city center, get a taste of the local cuisine on the city market, rub Grugur Ninski statue’s big toe for good luck; Split has no shortage of entertainment or shopping for travelers.

Afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy lunch on your own.

My recommendation – as we have free time after our walking tour until our 4:30pm catamaran ride to Hvar, for cycling enthusiasts, we’ll have time to take an option cycling tour (approx. 20 km).

At 4:30pm, we’ll board our catamaran for an unforgettable fun-filled 1-hr catamaran tour ride to the idyllic island of Hvar.

Hvar, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, is best known as a summer resort. Highlights of this port town include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and a main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral. The island also features beaches such as Dubovica and inland lavender fields. Boat excursions serve the nearby Pakleni Islands, which have secluded beaches and coves.

OVERNIGHT IN HVAR AT THE AMFORA HVAR GRAND BEACH RESORT - OCEANVIEW ROOM WITH A BALCONY:

Open seasonally, this upscale, contemporary resort on a beach overlooks the Paklinski Islands in the Adriatic Sea. It's a 13-minute walk from Hvar Cathedral and a 15 minute walk from Hvar ferry terminal.

Modern rooms provide free Wi-Fi and flat-screens, safes and mini fridges. Upgraded rooms add balconies, some with sea views. The 1- and 2-bedroom suites have separate living rooms. Room service is available.

Breakfast is complimentary, as is parking. The 5 bars and restaurants include a refined restaurant with sea views, and an eatery by an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar. There's also a rooftop gym, and a 1927 beach club with dining & a bar.

MEALS: B

Breakfast included at hotel.

Tentative timetable – 0930 – 1630

On a full day tour today explore the beautiful island of Hvar. Walking tour of the historic center with a local guide will introduce you to this town of intricately carved Venetian architecture. The core of the old town is marked by a profusion of elegant old buildings punctuated by majestic St Stephen square. Above lies a striking fortress and on either side a seaside promenade winds around pine-fringed coves and pebbly beaches.

The other part of the tour will show you where the main lavender fields of the island are located. Here beautiful lavender fields can be seen, in bloom in late spring/early summer. After that, enjoy a tasty lunch with wine pairing in one of the most beautiful properties on the island, before returning to Hvar town

OVERNIGHT IN HVAR AT THE HOTEL AMFORA

MEALS: B, L (WITH WINE PAIRING INCLUDED)

Breakfast included at hotel.

Tentative Timetable: 0815 – 1215

Check-out from the hotel in Hvar and head toward the Hvar port for the catamaran ride from Hvar Island to Dubrovnik. Enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine on this 3-hour long journey. Upon arrival to Dubrovnik, you will be transferred to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN DUBROVNIK AT THE HOTEL VALAMAR LACROMA (DETAILS BELOW) OR THE HOTEL VALAMAR ARGOSY:

Offering views of the Elaphiti Islands, this sleek hotel on the Babin Kuk peninsula is a 6-minute walk from a beach and 6 km from the iconic Walls of Dubrovnik.

Modern rooms have Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as safes, minibars and kettles. Upgraded rooms have balconies with sea views. Suites add living rooms; some are bi-level. Polished 2-bedroom apartments feature kitchens and hot tubs. Room service is available.

Breakfast is included. There are 4 bars and 2 eateries, including a romantic restaurant with open-air dining, as well as 2 day spas, and indoor and outdoor pools. Other amenities include sports courts, a gym and a conference center.

MEALS: B

Breakfast included at your hotel.

Tentative Timetable: 0900 – 1930

Enjoy a scenic ride along the Bay of Kotor as you make your way to Perast - a small, peaceful baroque village near to Kotor. Your experience begins with a walking tour exploring this pedestrian-only village. The center of the town is an amazing sight thanks to the huge proportions of the cathedral of St. Nicholas. During your tour, you'll see numerous monuments, including the Parish Church. From Perast you will board a private motor boat for journey to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, a Baroque-style church situated on one of two islets in the Bay of Kotor. The man-made islet and its original church were built in 1452.

Continue your drive to Kotor, where a local guide will walk you around and introduce you to the rich history of the town. You will have a walk through the UNESCO protected Old town Kotor with a local guide. Take some time afterwards to get to know this charming town on your own, then hop on the bus to drive back to Dubrovnik.

OVERNIGHT IN DUBROVNIK AT THE HOTEL VALAMAR LACROMA OR ARGOSY

MEALS: B, L

Breakfast included at your hotel.

Tentative timetable: 0900 – 2100

Today you will have a chance to meet a local who will tell you about sugared almonds, which holds a special place among the many Dalmatian sweets. Uncleaned almonds coated in caramelized sugar are a filling sweet snack which is traditionally prepared for Christmas and Easter, as well as for all festive occasions to treat welcome guests.

After this little adventure, it is time to get to know the Pearl of the Adriatic. After arriving to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, step into centuries of history among the cobbled streets of the Old Town on a guided walking tour of the city. Known as the pearl of the Adriatic, this walled city is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and more recently, as a popular filming location for the likes of Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Robin Hood.

My suggestions for free time:

• A great way to scoop out the layout of the city is to take the cable car up to the summit of Mount Srdj, which looks out across the city to Adriatic and back over the mountains of Herzegovina.

• A Bike tour or e-bike tour of the Dubrovnik coastline.

Farewell dinner at an authentic, local restaurant.

OVERNIGHT IN DUBROVNIK AT THE HOTEL VALAMAR LACROMA OR ARGOSY

MEALS: B, D

Breakfast included at hotel.

After our final breakfast together, you’ll all be transferred back to Dubrovnik airport for your flight home.

MEALS: B

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