2010 Tours Available from April through late October. Name your own dates. This tour is only open to private parties of 4-6 persons.
Tour Highlights:
- Walk atop the 80 foot high walls of Dubrovnik
- Explore Montenegro's scenic fjords and historic Venetian towns
- Enjoy hill towns, Venetian cities and cobble stone streets of Croatia’s Italian-hued Istria region
- Soak in the charms and indulge in wine & prosciutto cellars at Slovenia’s rustic karst region
- Dive into the diverse history, architecture and cultures of Bosnia in Sarajevo and Mostar
- Take a relaxing walk around fairytale Lake Bled before catching a gondola across the lake
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Our tour begins in the capital of Slovenia, the laid-back and charming city of Ljubljana. Dinner at a rustic restaurant in the old town that’s a favorite of the locals. Cap off your first night with an evening walking tour of the historic old town. Learn about the history, architecture and people from early inception during the Roman empire, its development under under the Hapsburgs for over 800 years, and it’s tumultuous last century with Yugoslavia. Overnight in a central located 2-star hotel, less than a minute walk from the famous Preseren Square.
Day 2
Overnight: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Morning at your leisure to shop, wander and visit the large outdoor market that offers many arts, crafts, local honey and regional wines. Perhaps a walk up to the Ljubljana castle that overlooks the city or a visit to the Museum of 20th century Slovenian history to get a good introduction to this wonderful country.
Optional self-guided excursions to the old-time mining town of Idrija, known for its lace-making and mercury mine or a visit to Slovenian national hero and beloved poet France Preseren’s home town of Kranj. Or just enjoy the whole day exploring Ljubljana and it’s surroundings. Dinner in Ljubljana.
Day 3
Overnight: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Excursion to one of Slovenia’s most popular and attractive spots, Lake Bled. We’ll take stroll around this enchanting lake, followed by a gondola ride out to the lake’s small island. Admire the view onto this fairy-tale setting at the town’s castle, perched high above the lake.
Day 4
Overnight: Karst, Slovenia
Say “nasvidenje” (goodbye) to Ljubljana as we journey to the enticing Karst region filled with pretty stone houses, bold red wines and a labyrinth of underground curiosties. First up is the Predjama Castle, a 16th century castle that clings to limestone cliffs and has a rich history, including folklore about the Slovenian Robin Hood who once lived there.
Guided tour and delightful nature walk around Stanjel, the region’s most captivating hill town. A traditional home-cooked karst dinner awaits you at our pension tucked away in the village of Tomaj. The Skerlj family offers up mouth-watering prsut, pastas and fresh vegetables with a good dose of local Teran wine. Save room for their honey ice-cream.
Day 5
Overnight: Karst, Slovenia
Excursion into Croatia’s Italian-hued Istria region, famed for its beautiful countryside and tasty truffles and wine. Our first stop is the charming hill town of Groznjan. In the 1960’s it was nearly abandoned as most residents emigrated back to Italy so the Yugoslavian government turned it into an artists colony. It’s now bustling with artists galleries, handmade jewelry shops and gourmet food shops.
Afternoon in the charming seaside town of Rovinj, including a guided walking tour and a great viewpoint of the town and offshore islands atop St. Euphemia’s Church (for those willing to climb its 60m tower). At your leisure time to explore artists’ galleries, a myriad of cobblestone alleys or just sip back an espresso at one of the many boardwalk cafes. Late afternoon walking tour of Pula, Istria's port city loaded with rich history that spans over two millennia. Included is a visit to its Roman Amphitheatre, 6th largest in the world.
Day 6
Overnight: Karst, Slovenia
Carriage ride at Lipica farm, home to the famed Lipizzaner horses. Next a journey to the fascinating underground world of the Skocjan caves - this UNESCO protected site boasts the world’s largest subterranean canyon and many subterranean halls filled with beautiful limestone formations. Then a peek inside the church at the tiny village of Hrastovlje, renowned for its Dance of the Macabre frescoes.
Day 7
Overnight: Sarajevo, Bosnia
Lunch and tour of Slovenia’s medieval town of Skofja Loka before flying to Bosnia. We will have a walking tour of Sarajevo, a unique mix of Oriental and Austro-Hungarian influences. Tour focuses mostly on the old Turkish quarter (known as the Bascarsija). There’s a heavy oriental feel mixed with Austro-Hungarian buildings, scars from last decade’s war, vibrant cafes, sweet shops and very warm people that give the city an astonishing vibe. Dinner at the city’s oldest restaurant, situated in a traditional wooden house and featuring a heavenly sirnica (baked cheese pie in phyllo dough) - my personal recommendation. Overnight at central located pension.
Day 8
Overnight: Sarajevo, Bosnia
All day at your leisure to explore Sarajevo. Browse the art galleries, old Turkish quarter, master craftsmen shops and outdoor cafes while soaking in the rich history and culture.
Optional excursion to Travnik, a town that served as the Ottoman’s seat of power for many centuries. Climb around its ancient fortress, tour the house of Nobel prize-winning author Ivo Andric (”Bridge on the River Drina”) and relax by the Plava Voda (Blue Waters) to enjoy fine Turkish coffee and sweets. Or you can hop on a tram in Sarajevo and head out to nearby Ilidza Park and enjoy a nice stroll or carriage ride.
Day 9
Overnight: Sarajevo, Bosnia
Green Visions, a local eco-tourism company that offers excellent outdoor excursions and insightful cultural trips, will take us on one of their most unique excursions, a visit to the highland village of Lukomir. Not only is this the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia (1500 meters). Traditional dress, the occasional turban and fez are still worn so you will have a peek into the lifestyle traditions of the Bjelasnica highlanders that have survived since ancient times.
We will fist visit with the local villagers before heading off into the canyon to witness Peruc waterfall and the amazing Rakitinca Canyon. Lunch will be served on a high ridge over the 800meter drop into the canyon with stunning views of majestic mountains. In the late afternoon we’ll head back to Sarajevo where you’ll have free time to browse around on your own and find tonight’s eating spot.
Day 10
Overnight: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tour of Mostar, a colorful Ottoman town, famous for its 15th century stone bridge (meticulously rebuilt after the war) and a lively riverside bazar. On our way out of Bosnia, we’ll stop at Pocitelj, a hill town and now art colony whose hilltop fortress has great views over the town and the Neretva River.
Head down Croatia’s beautiful coast to the famed walled city of Dubrovnik situated on the Adriatic. Guided walking tour of the old town. Overnight at private apartments in the old town close to Rector’s Palace, the seat of the government and residence of the Prince (Rector) of the Dubrovnik Republic.
Day 11
Overnight: Dubrovnik, Croatia
All day at your leisure to explore Dubrovnik’s galleries, museums, shops and the city’s top highlight - an unforgettable walk along its 80 foot high walls. For nature over culture, escape the crowds with a quick trip to nearby Lokrum island.
Day 12
Overnight: Dubrovnik, Croatia
A very scenic drive around Montenegro’s lovely Bay of Kotor (dramatically situated below fjords) leads to the alluring Venetian town of Perast. A short tour of the maritime museum and church will be followed by a boat ride out to Our Lady of the Rocks church, situated jewel-like islands in Kotor Bay.
Lunch followed by a tour of walled town of Kotor, including the Cathedral of St. Tryphon which has survived many of the region’s earthquakes. Optional walk up 1300 steps to the fortress overlooking all of Kotor Bay.
Day 13
Overnight: Trogir, Croatia
Transfer to the small town of Trogir on the Adriatic. At your leisure time to explore the town including its 12th century St. Lawrence cathedral with its splendid portal sculptures
Late-afternoon excursion to port city of Split, founded by Roman emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century AD. In the evening, a walking tour includes the ruins of Diocletian’s palace. Tour focuses on Diocletian’s palace and its rich history, which creates a special atmosphere while lit up at night. Overnight at Villa St. Petar hotel, a 3-star boutique hotel in the heart of the old town.
Day 14
Overnight: Trogir, Croatia
Excursion to Krka National Park, a favorite nature spot and getaway amongst the locals. Trip includes a short boat ride and walks through pretty waterfalls and lakes. At leisure time back in Trogir.
End of Tour
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
For Single Supplement add 350 euro
Price Includes:
- tour leader
- local guides
- transfers
- transportation
- accommodation
- entrance fees
- tips & gratuities
- 11 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 4 lunches
A few activities listed as optional on the itinerary (i.e. sea kayaking) are not included in the price - please contact us for those costs. This information last updated Sep. 5, 2009
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Slovenia
Croatia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
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