Autumn Jewels: Slovenia & Croatia

One of our English-speaking chauffeurs greet you upon arrival and accompany you to the Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel (4-5*), our home base for the first 3 nights of this adventure! Once checked in, you can explore the pedestrian-friendly waterfront and shake off any jet lag from your long flights. Our hotel is in the middle of the Diocletian Palace, famously featured in the Game of Thrones as part of the City of Meereen. You’ll have all afternoon at your leisure, but we’ll gather for a group Welcome Dinner at Bajamonti, a local restaurant, walking distance from our hotel.

Meals included: D

Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure. Afternoon guided walking tour of the Diocletian Palace and Old Split. Visitors enter through the Brass Gate, the ancient Porta Meridionalis, the gateway to the harbor. After the city tour, we continue to the countryside, visiting a local family for a lunch: stuffed peppers – local dishes followed by “Soparnik” (a traditional Croatian dish. It is usually a savory pie filled with Swiss chard).

Meals included: B, L

Our private skipper(s) will pick us up at the hotel and take us on a Colnago boat for a 5-island exploration along the world-famous Dalmatian Coast. We’ll visit the most beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and explore spots we’ve surely never even heard of before. Oh, and there’s a good chance we can hang out for a bit at some cute little beach bars that are scattered throughout the islands. We’ll control the pace, so there’ll be time to hit a couple of the cute little beach bars scattered here and there… and IF the weather permits, we might even have a chance for a swim or snorkel in these sparkling waters with more than 50 shades of blue. It should be a super fun day of relaxation and island hopping!

Meals included: B

Day 4 has us heading north to beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO site). More than just a singular attraction, Plitvice’s (pronounced “PLIT-vits-uh”) waterfalls are actually the largest network of karstic lakes and waterfalls in the world! Imagine strolling beside (and over) these fish-filled lakes, the colors and clarity of which rival China’s Jiuzhaigou! We’ll gather for a late lunch at the Licka Kuca restaurant to enjoy some local dishes.

Meals included: B, L

Following an early breakfast, we’ll explore the lower lakes and see the biggest of the waterfalls before our drivers bring us to the Istria peninsula where we’ll check into sea-view rooms at the beautiful Ambassador Hotel. In the 1800s, this town became the fashionable destination for the Austrian imperial family and nobility. Explore this walkable town, meander its gardens and art walks, and find a fun place for dinner on your own this evening.

Meals included: B

Today we explore the west coast of Istria to visit Rovinj, where life started on what was once an island secured by medieval walls. We will stop at Chlavalon Estate to taste some of the FINEST OLIVE OILS in the world, then explore an ancient Roman amphitheater in the town of Pula. Next up… a fun COOKING CLASS exploring various Croatian pastas, wild asparagus, truffles, dry-cured ham, and a couple of local WINES and BRANDIES. The chef is a certified sommelier, so he’ll tell us about food and wine pairings too!

Meals included: B, L

Slovenia, here we come! We’ll take a tour of the incredible Postojna Caves to see its mind-blowing formations…and baby dragons! We’ll also make a short visit to Predjama Castle to learn about its very strange (and slightly hilarious) history! We’ll find a snack as we make our way to glorious Lake Bled! We’re staying at the 5-star Bled Rose Hotel… and Susie & Barb will be revisiting the restaurant serving the BEST pasta we’ve ever eaten. You’re free join us, or explore this tiny town to find dinner this evening.

Meals included: B, L

Following breakfast, spend the day exploring Bled on your own! This leading alpine resort boasts Slovenia’s only island! Be sure to ride or row out to the island for breathtaking views from the top of the medieval bell tower… and try your luck ringing the church’s “wishing bell.” We’ll regroup and head up to Bled Castle for a late lunch. Take in the views from there or visit the monks in the wine cellar to bottle your own wine or to learn to open a wine bottle with a sabre! The evening could be perfect for a bike ride or dinner on your own.

Meals included: B, L

We’ll get an early jump on the day today so that we can explore the seriously beautiful Vintgar Gorge… and have the place to ourselves! Meander the wooden walkways through this 1600 meter-long gorge and marvel at the turquoise waters that pour through the gorge. Its an incredible way to spend the morning. Stop for a snack, drink or light lunch at the snack bar before heading back out. The afternoon will be free… but our drivers will be available for countryside drives or to visit lake Bohinj, nearby, if anyone wishes to do so.

Meals included: B

Breakfast at your leisure. Around 11:00 we’ll drive to the capital of Slovenia (Ljubljana) for a tour of the beautiful Baroque city center. Learn about its rich history of bridges, parks, bars, poets & generals, as well as heroes and dragons! We’ll have lunch together before driving from the Capital of Slovenia to the Capital of Croatia… Zagreb! Check into one more 5-star hotel in Zagreb, then meet up with a local friend (Sandra) for a stroll through the old center and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant as a group.

Meals included: B, L, D

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out and private transfer to the Zagreb airport for your homeward flights. (NOTE: Drive time from downtown Zagreb to the airport ranges from 30-60 minutes (depending on time of day/traffic, etc.)

Meals included: B