Grand Balkan and Adriatic Adventure

11/17-day Escorted Tour to Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina & Montenegro

This luxury holiday shows you a rich tapestry of history woven into incredible landscapes, telling captivating and charming tales through extraordinary architecture, ancient monuments, quaint cobbled streets and a diverse mix of cultures and influences

Tour highlights

• Taking in contrasting experiences in four countries of the new Europe; Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro
• Exploring the stately ‘Mitteleuropa’ Croatian capital of Zagreb with its fine art and buildings
• Travelling into the beautiful mountainous nation of Slovenia to stay on Lake Bled and visit Ljubljana
• Uncovering the strong Italian influences at Istria, known for its ‘la dolce vita’ lifestyle
• Heading down the Dalmatian coast to the historic Roman cities and beautiful islands around Split
• Visiting the attractive town of Mostar and cosmopolitan Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Staying in Dubrovnik, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, and taking a day trip to beautiful Montenegro

Extend Your Holiday
Eastern Europe is full of surprises and delights, and we have another in store for you on a wonderful five day extension. When your tour ends in Dubrovnik, a short drive up the coast takes you to the glorious island of Korcula; reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo. With its quaint medieval town and stunning beaches, this island is a wonderful destination. Set in a restored 18th century palace with exquisitely decorated rooms, the unique hotel we’ve lined up makes the experience even more remarkable.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Heathrow
If you’ve chosen the 17-day tour, you’ll meet your Tour Manager at the airport and relax in the executive lounge before your flight. Once you’ve settled into your hotel in historic Zagreb, you’ll join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. If you’re taking the 11-day tour option, you’ll join the group on day 7 of the tour, at Split in Croatia, and follow the same itinerary from there.
Meals: In-flight, Dinner.
Hotel: Regent Esplanade.

Day 2 Zagreb
This morning’s walking tour uncovers the tumultuous history of a warm and inviting city. The building facades show the ebb and flow of past generations, while the streets and squares reflect the mix of cultures that have shaped the city’s identity. You’ll walk from Zrinjevac, through avenues of trees and flowers to the main square of Ban Jelacic, then on to the Upper Town and its mediaeval twin settlements, Gradec and Kaptol, down cobbled streets, past mediaeval towers, the vivacious green market, old houses and churches. You’ll continue on to Lower Town, dominated by the impressive neo-baroque Croatian National Theatre. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore the charming boutiques, cafés and bookshops in the Lower Town and, while you’re in the homeland of the cravat, visit ‘Croata’ to browse the cravats, scarves and neckties.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Regent Esplanade.

Day 3 Zagreb to Lake Bled, Slovenia
En route to your boutique hotel on Lake Bled, you’ll visit two superb castles. Dating back to 1334, neo-gothic Trakoščan Castle sits on a hill, reflected in the lake below, like a true fairytale castle. Walking through the halls furnished with Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and neo-classicistic pieces, you’ll feel transported back in time. Continuing into Slovenia, you’ll stop at Otočec Castle, an extraordinary Gothic-Renaissance property set on an island in a lake. After a private wine tasting, you’ll be served lunch in the Hunter’s Room, including delicacies that blend influences from different culinary periods.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Vila Bled.

Day 4 Lake Bled
You have a free day to relax in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Bled, or take an optional tour of Bled Castle, perched atop a cliff.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Vila Bled.

Day 5 Lake Bled to Rovinj
On your journey today you’ll stop off at Ljubljana, one of the smallest and most charming European capitals whose name means ‘The Beloved’. A city tour takes in the Baroque Town Hall, Town Square, with the famous Fountain of the Tree Rivers, and a funicular ride to the top of Castle Hill to see the spectacular views. Back in the Old Town, you’ll continue across the wonderful Art Nouveau Dragon Bridge then stroll alongside the Ljubljanica River to the bustling Preseren Square. In the afternoon, you’ll continue on to Rovinj, on the Croatian peninsula of Istria, where your luxury boutique hotel sits on a charming bay.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Monte Mulini.

Day 6 Rovinj
Today you have a full day tour of the Istrian peninsula; a region known for its natural beauty and gastronomy. Travelling through the rugged interior, you’ll visit the ancient hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Narduči, where you’re invited to a private wine tasting at one of the small boutique wineries. You’ll then head to the village of Livade, one of the most important centres of truffle farming in Europe, for an extraordinary experience; truffle hunting with a local farmer and his sniffer dog. An exceptional lunch is served at the famous Zigante Restaurant, including local delicacies, cheeses, meats, wines and grappa. You’ll then return to Rovinj for a stroll down narrow streets to the magnificent Venetian-style church of St Euphemia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Monte Mulini.

Day 7 Rovinj to Split
On your way along the Adriatic coast to Split, you’ll stop in Zadar en route. Dating to the ancient Greek Empire, this attractive coastal town is known for its extraordinary artistic installations, including the Sea Organ, using a blend of human ideas and the energy of the sea to create the ‘Orchestra of Nature’. If you’ve chosen the 11-day tour, you’ll travel from Heathrow to Split, then transfer to the hotel to meet up with your Tour Manager. This evening, the whole group will meet for a drinks reception to welcome those travellers who’ve joined the tour today.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Luxe Hotel.

Day 8 Split
This morning’s tour uncovers the 1,700 year history of Split, which is possibly the only town built within a Roman Palace that is still inhabited. You’ll learn about the town’s founder, the Emperor Diocletian, discover the basement halls of the Palace, the Roman squares and the ancient Cathedral of St Domnius. As you explore the twisting streets, the waterfront promenade and the lively green market, you’ll find monuments from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras. You’ll then continue to Trogir, a treasure trove of cultural and historical monuments dating as far back as the 4th century BC. After lunch in a local traditional restaurant, you’ll explore this charming island town which is linked to the mainland by small bridges and surrounded by impressive fortress walls.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Luxe Hotel.

Day 9 Split
Today is free to either relax in Split, or take an optional tour to Brač, one of the most beautiful islands off the Dalmatian coast. Lunch is included, and you’ll see the amazing views from the top of the island.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Luxe Hotel.

Day 10 Split to Sarajevo
En route to Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, you’ll stop off in Mostar, the unofficial capital of the Herzegovina region. Your local guide will explain the town’s fascinating history dating back to the Ottoman invasion. Your walking tour of the Old Town takes in the Old Bridge, Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque, Muslibegovic House and the 16th century Ottoman Quarter, where you can browse traditional crafts and linger in atmospheric cafés.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Hotel Europe.

Day 11 Sarajevo
Your tour of Sarajevo will reveal the numerous influences that have turned this capital city into possibly the most culturally diverse in Europe. You’ll explore Baščaršija, the most famous square in Bosnia Herzegovina, the Gazi Husref Bey covered market, the Emperor's Mosque, the Marketplace Mosque, the Town Hall, the Orthodox Cathedral and the Catholic Cathedral. Along the Miljacka River you’ll see the Ottoman bridges, including the stone Latin Bridge where Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip shot Franz Ferdinand and his wife and set World War l in motion. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the National Museum, where you’ll get chance to see “The Sarajevo Haggadah”, one of five of the most important Jewish books in the world. Then, an extraordinary experience awaits as you visit the Sarajevo War Tunnel museum. The 800m tunnel under the airport runway was the best kept secret of the war in Bosnia and represents a four-year struggle against the longest city siege in history.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Hotel Europe.

Day 12 Sarajevo
You have a free day to explore this historically interesting city and soak up the laid-back ambience.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Hotel Europe.

Day 13 Sarajevo to Dubrovnik
Your journey continues back into Croatia, to Dubrovnik; the pearl of Mediterranean. On the way, you’ll stop in Ston for a seafood lunch. The town is famous for its seafood and most especially for oysters which been farmed here since Roman times. Ston was also an important military fort, protected by the longest city walls in Europe, which stretch over the hill for 5 km, protecting the whole peninsula.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Pucic Palace.

Day 14 Dubrovnik
On a walking tour of this beautiful walled city, set on the glittering Adriatic, you’ll discover a history dating over 1,000 years. Once an important maritime port and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik has always been a cultural metropolis. Historic monuments testify to its rich past and the works of artists, writers and scientists have been woven into the texture of the town. You’ll visit the Franciscan monastery of the “Order of Little Brothers” which features one of the three oldest pharmacies in Europe, then continue down to Orlando Column, the Sponza Palace and the Church of St Blasius. You’ll also discover the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, with a treasury containing originals by Tiziano and Rafaelo and many other valuable relics. You’re then free to explore Dubrovnik’s network of cobblestone streets to discover charming cafés, boutiques and local curiosities.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Pucic Palace.

Day 15 Day in Montenegro
On today’s visit to one of the world’s newest countries, you’ll travel through Boka Kotorska, the only fiord in the Mediterranean. Your first destination is the sleepy, baroque Old Town of Perast, which has a strong maritime history. You’ll then visit the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, before continuing to Budva, considered to be one of the oldest settlements in the Balkans. After admiring its 15th century ramparts, you can wander the narrow streets and little squares inside the walls, past superb monuments from different Mediterranean cultures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Pucic Palace.

Day 16 Dubrovnik
You’re free to explore at your own pace today, or take an optional boat trip along to the small island of Lokrum. This evening, meet up with your travelling companions for a farewell dinner at a seafood restaurant with one of the most beautiful views of the city walls and sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Pucic Palace.

Day 17 Arrive London
Today you’ll transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your return flight to London, via Zagreb, with an enriched understanding and appreciation of this remarkable land.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor 0161 491 7616