Since the early 1990's sweeping changes have taken place in the Balkans. The word itself means "to break apart," and that is exactly what has happened. The six regions of the former Yugoslavia are autonomous countries, each with a culture of their own and quite different from the Southern Balkans. This tour of the Western Balkans combines the fabulous sunshine and warmth of Croatia; the more diverse parts of three cultures coming together in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and absolute charm of Slovenia with its wines and Alps. In a short period of time you will celebrate the vibrant diversity of the Balkan fabric of the west.
Explore the cities, places and experiences along the way.
Meet and assist for transfer from Dubrovnik airport to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Dubrovnik (UNESCO) area. Time permitting, walk to explore the Old Town and visit the Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and one of Europe's oldest pharmacies.
Morning departure to Mostar, nestled in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, best known for its famous recently-restored Ottoman bridge, where the traveler gets a first glimpse of the continent beyond. Orientation walk with your tour guide in Mostar and free time for lunch. Depart for Sarajevo,
the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is one of the historically most interesting cities in Europe. It is here the Western and the Eastern Roman Empire split and where the people of the Orthodox East, the Ottoman South, and the Roman Catholic West came together. Sarajevo was the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated which triggered WWI. The city is both an example of the clash of civilizations and historical turbulence as well as a beacon of hope for peace and tolerance, reached through multi-cultural integration. City tour of Sarajevo upon arrival.
Dinner and overnight in Sarajevo/Sarajevo area.
Morning departure for Banja Luka, largest city in the northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Banja Luka lies on the Vrbas river and is known in the region of the Former Yugoslavia for its numerous tree- lined avenues, boulevards, gardens, and parks. Free time for lunch. Afternoon depart for Zagreb, the vastly underrated capital of Croatia with many museums, theatres, restaurants, and other interesting venues. Upon arrival, a sightseeing tour of Zagreb during which you will have the opportunity to see the fortified Upper Town, the city's historical center; St Mark's church, with its multi-colored roof; the Cathedral; the Croatian National Theatre; and the University. Dinner and overnight in Zagreb.
Morning at leisure. Afternoon departure for charming, tiny Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital where you will have a guided tour of the most significant sights of its old center: the picturesque Central open-air Market and the Three Bridges, the Baroque Town Hall and Robba's Fountain. Feel the shift to a more Alpine Austrian atmosphere in Slovenia. Dinner and overnight in Ljubljana.
Morning departure to Postojna, followed by a visit of the Postojna Cave. This 20-km long karst cave system (karst is a dry rocky limestone surface unique to the region) with its web of underground passages, galleries, and chambers is the largest cave of the "classic karst" and the most visited show cave in Europe. Karst caves run throughout the entire region of Slovenia with more than 8000 registered. The journey continues towards Opatija, the jewel of the northern Adriatic where you will have time for a nice walk on the famous Opatija promenade. Continuation to the Otocac/Plitvice lakes area. Dinner and overnight in Otocac area.
Morning departure to Plitvice National Park, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a continuation of the Karst system. Tour the 16 crystal blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades with magnificent views of the waters where every turn
leads to a breathtaking view and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty and a highlight of any trip to Croatia. Departure for Zadar on the Adriatic, where upon arrival we'll be taking you for a guided walking tour through the
Roman Forum from the 2nd century BC, passing by the 9th century pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus as well as St. Anastasia church. Departure for Split. Dinner and overnight in Split.
After breakfast, a city tour of Split that will uncover the secrets of the UNESCO protected Diocletian's Palace with its charming little streets, the Peristyle, Jupiter's Temple, and the Cathedral. The Palace was Dioclerian's retirement villa located directly on the sea. Early afternoon departure to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, city tour of this UNESCO protected pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral (no entrance to Treasury). Dinner and overnight in Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik area.
Transfer to Dubrovnik airport for departure or extend your stay in charming Croatia and explore more of the region with a visit to Montenegro or other parts of the Balkans.
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