Between Tradition and Modernity

Upon arrival in Ljubljana transfer to hotel, located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the city’s central square.

This morning starts with a tour of this picturesque capital. One of the most charming areas of the city is the Old Town where we visit the Ljubljana Cathedral whose twin towers loom over the city. Grad (Castle) is situated on a hill overlooking the river. Dating back to the Middle Ages it offers magnificent views of the city. Continuing this afternoon through the beautiful Slovenian countryside to the idyllic Lake Bled, near the Austrian and Italian borders. Here we visit Bled Castle, the former seat of the Bishops of Brixen and the oldest medieval fortress in Slovenia. There is time at leisure to stroll through the grounds. Return to Ljubljana where the evening is at leisure.

Today we drive to the city of Zagreb in Croatia. Zagreb is one of Europe’s oldest cities, yet one of the youngest European capitals. Modern Zagreb is represented in the Lower Town with its attractive theatres, shops, museums and cafés. Upon arrival in Zagreb, the tour starts with visiting the Croatian National Theatre and the Museum of Arts and Crafts. We continue with a walking tour accompanied by a local guide to the historic Upper Town. Some of the best-preserved buildings in Europe are found here together with a wealth of monuments from the past. Check in the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure in this friendly city.

On the way to Split, we shall enjoy the beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Due to their unique evolution and beauty, the Plitvice Lakes have been included in the UNESCO’s Register of World Natural Heritage. Often described as one of the greatest natural wonders of Eastern Europe, this spectacular scenic region consists of 5 miles of shimmering turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls among emerald forests and meadows of wild flowers. Our last stop before Split, Trogir (in UNESCO’s World Heritage List),
is one of the cultural centres of Dalmatia and has cultural and historic monuments dating back to ancient times. The ruins of the ancient Salona lie between Sveti Kajo and the central part of Solin. In the southern part of the old town there is a forum with a Roman theatre from the 1st century AD. Also nearby is a large three-nave early Christian church with an octagonal baptistery and the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, dating back to the end of the 2nd century AD. Check in the hotel in Split and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Morning departure for Mostar, the unique town where the East and West symbolically meet. During Turkish rule, the city was an
important trade center and the Old Bazaar Kujundziluk. which was named after the goldsmiths who crafted their wares in this
street, flourishes today. Check in the hotel in Mostar and enjoy free time before dinner in the town.

Today’s first stop on the way to Dubrovnik is Pocitelj, a medieval town, one of the most beautiful cultural and historic zones in Herzegovina. Pocitelj is a living proof of Turkish domination in this area. Out tour continues with exploring the old city of Dubrovnik, proclaimed a city museum by UNESCO. The old city is surrounded by a circuit of city walls; over a mile in length, and with a tower in each corner, they are a masterpiece of medieval and renaissance architecture.

Today’s tour passes through the region of Herceg Novi and along the coast of Europe’s most southern fjord, the Gulf of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) to the historic city of Kotor, registered in UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites. After time at leisure and lunch, we drive over the Lovcen Mountain (the Black Mountain which gives Montenegro its name ‘Crna Gora’) to Cetinje which is the former capital of Montenegro and home of Njegos. We shall also visit Budva which is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea dating back
to the 5th Century BC. Evening return to Dubrovnik.

After breakfast, we start our FD excursion for the Elaphiti islands, a picturesque archipelago in the vicinity of Dubrovnik consisting of 13 islands, islets and rocks; we visit three largest islands: Koločep, Šipan and Lopud. A short stop on the island of Koločcep, covered with a dense pine forest; its inhabitants live in a fishing village that stretches along the sandy beach. We continue to Sipan, the largest island where you disembark at the port of Sudjuradj. Later we shall continue to Lopud; dominated by its Franciscan Monastery, the island is also known for its beautiful Gjorgic-Mayneri Park. In the town of Lopud you will have time at leisure to stroll
through its winding streets, to swim off the Sunj beach or to have lunch in one of the excellent local restaurants.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.